Phi Phi island is a fabulous looking tropical gropu of islands. The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. Superb coral beds at Hin Pae off Had Yao, provide some of the best snorkelling in Thailand, and a great chance to see black tip sharks feeding early in the morning. The 2004 tsunami hit Phi Phi Don hard and much of the central area to the west and north of the pier was devastated and still remains so. We do not recommend you stay in the centre of Phi Phi as some parts of the area are under reconstruction and noisy from the rebuilding work. We recommend you stay outside the centre of Tonsai Village on the eastern and southern side of the island, where the beaches remain clean and uncrowded and most resorts, restaurants and bars are now open and thriving again.
There are 2 very hot periods of weather on Phi Phi Island, the first between April and May when the average temperatures range from 30 to 36ºC and only the occasional tropical thunderstorm brings relief from the heat. It is also very hot between September and October but the frequent rainfall has a wonderful cooling effect. Tourist High Season is from November to April. However, it’s best to avoid December and January if possible, as this is Peak Season, when accommodation can be hard to find and is expensive, particularly around Christmas and New Year, and Phi Phi’s dive sites are very crowded. Whether you are coming to Thailand for diving or not, we recommend you try to come from February to April. There are less tourists here, accommodation is much better value-for-money, the weather is at its best, and the seas their calmest. The dive sites around Koh Phi Phi, Hin Daeng and Koh Ha are less crowded, and it’s your optimum time to see something special, as it’s whale shark and manta ray season.
For around 3000 Bhat travellers can purchase a 6-hour long-tailed boat tour, an excursion designed to take parties of four around the entirety of the blissful island. Tours make stops at Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island, Monkey Bay, Maya Bay and Tonsai Village for a few hours of shopping and swimming, and first-rate snorkelling gear is often provided. Set sail at sunset if you can, as a view of the orange sun hitting the water, viewed from a long-tailed boat, is spectacular. More details on Phi Phi island tours.
Maya Bay is another wonderful beach, and has been a huge tourist attraction for Koh Phi Phi for years. The beach itself is mainly accessed by boats which can be caught for a reasonable. The shore of the bay was altered due to the movie, ‘The Beach’, in the 90’s and was changed considerably. However, despite a large lawsuit that ensued after the time of the land developments, the beach remains to be as gorgeous as ever, if not more- surrounded by steep cliffs and green vegetation. The water itself is safe, shallow and crystal clear. Another perfect spot for relaxing, snorkeling and swimming the bay. Cliff jumping in some area’s is also a popular activity, and a great source of fun. Maya Bay is one of the places Koh Phi Phi offers that you would be stupid not to visit.
One of the best things about traveling in Thailand is its food. Good old pad thai, glorious tom yum and massaman curries. I could go on and on (trust me, I could) but the bottom line is, attending a cooking class is one of the best souvenirs you can take home with you after visiting Thailand. Koh Phi Phi has a few cooking classes which are worth trying so definitely give it a go when on the island. Not only will it add variety to your usual sightseeing filled day but will also be a great cultural experience.
You can go for a day trip to Bamboo Island and spend the day basking in the sun and enjoying the beauty of the beach, or if you like snorkeling, you can book a tour to the Hin Klang coral reef. Located between Bamboo Island and Laem Tong Beach in the north of Phi Phi Don, the Hin Klang coral reef is an excellent place to dive in and appreciate the submarine beauty of Thailand. On the same day, go explore explore the wonders of the sea and enjoy the beautiful marine environment of Ko Yung island, also known as Mosquito Island, one of the best places for diving in Koh Phi Phi.