Phi Phi Islands: My Guide to Top Hotels & Things to Do
TRAVEL
The Phi Phi Islands are famous for a reason. The limestone cliffs rising straight out of turquoise water, hidden bays, and jungle-backed beaches make them one of the most spectacular places I’ve visited in Thailand. When I first visited Phi Phi, I was ticking off all the main attractions, and honestly, they really are worth seeing: Maya Bay, the viewpoints, and the surrounding islands are real highlights.
When I returned for a second time, I still enjoyed all those same highlights, but I also appreciated having time to slow down. Phi Phi is compact enough that you can explore the main sights without constantly rushing from one place to another, leaving plenty of time to simply swim, relax on the beach, wander around, and enjoy the island at a slower pace.
I’ve put together this Phi Phi Islands guide to cover the places and experiences I’d actually make time for, from the best beaches and viewpoints to snorkeling, boat trips, and where I’d stay. Whether you’re visiting for a couple of days or using Phi Phi as part of a longer Thailand trip, there’s plenty to explore beyond the main tourist areas.
Quick Answer: Phi Phi's Best Beaches and Things to Do
Best luxury hotel in Phi Phi – OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort on Laem Tong Beach
Best beach in Phi Phi – Long Beach for clear water, beautiful views, and a more relaxed atmosphere
Best viewpoint – Phi Phi Viewpoint for those classic views over Tonsai and Loh Dalum bays
Best natural attraction – Maya Bay, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise water
Best place for swimming and snorkeling – Pileh Lagoon, where the calm, clear water is surrounded by towering cliffs
Best area for nightlife – Tonsai Village, where you’ll find the biggest choice of bars, restaurants, and evening entertainment
Where to Stay in Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi is a small island, but the different areas have noticeably different vibes. Tonsai Village is the liveliest and most convenient for restaurants, shops, and nightlife, while Loh Dalum puts you close to the beach and within easy walking distance of the main village. If you prefer somewhere quieter, Long Beach and the northern coast of Phi Phi Don offer a more relaxed setting away from the crowds. Here are my hotel picks for all budgets in the Phi Phi Islands.
Luxury – OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort
OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort is one of the best hotels in Phi Phi, especially if you want a quieter and more relaxing stay. It’s tucked away on Laem Tong Beach, on the northern coast of Phi Phi Don, and I mean, just look at the color of that water! You get a beautiful beachfront setting without being in the middle of Tonsai’s busy nightlife. The spacious villas, swimming pools, spa, and beachfront dining are just wow.
Luxury to Mid-range – Phi Phi Coco Beach Resort
For something closer to Tonsai while still having that proper resort feel, Phi Phi Coco Beach Resort is one I’d consider. I really like the setting on Loh Dalum Beach, with tropical gardens, cute bamboo bungalows, and a pool overlooking the beach. You can spend the day swimming, relaxing by the pool, or grabbing a massage, then walk into Tonsai in around 10 minutes when you want restaurants, shops, or a bit more atmosphere. It gives you the best of both worlds without feeling like you’re staying right in the middle of the busy village.
Budget – Ivory Phi Phi Island
If you want to keep things affordable and stay right in the center of Phi Phi, Ivory Phi Phi Island is a good option. I’d pick it for the location alone as you’re within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, the pier, and the beaches, so you don’t need to worry about getting around. It’s a simple place to stay, but if you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring the island rather than sitting at your hotel, it makes a lot of sense.
Best Things to Do in Phi Phi Islands
Visit Maya Bay
Maya Bay is easily the most famous spot in the Phi Phi Islands, thanks to its dramatic setting and appearance in The Beach. The towering limestone cliffs surrounding the bright turquoise water make it easy to understand why it became so iconic.
The bay can get extremely busy, so timing makes a big difference. If you’re taking a boat tour, I’d aim for an early departure when possible. Keep in mind that Maya Bay can also close temporarily during certain periods for environmental recovery, so check the current conditions before your trip.
Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint
The Phi Phi Viewpoint is one of the best places to see the shape of the island from above. The climb is relatively short but quite steep in places, and you’ll need to pay an entrance fee.
I’d go either early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the strongest heat. Once you reach the viewpoint, you get that classic view of the two curved bays separated by the narrow strip of land that makes Phi Phi so recognizable. Bring water; you’ll appreciate it on the way back down.
Take a Longtail Boat Around the Islands
One of my favorite ways to experience Phi Phi is from the water. Rather than spending the whole day around Tonsai and Loh Dalum, take a longtail boat out to explore the smaller islands and quieter bays. Depending on your route, you can visit places such as Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and snorkeling spots around the surrounding islands.
A private longtail boat gives you more flexibility with timing, which I prefer if you want to avoid simply following the same schedule as every other tour.
Swim in Pileh Lagoon
Pileh Lagoon is surrounded by enormous limestone cliffs and has incredibly clear, bright-blue water. The scenery alone makes it worth visiting, but swimming here is what makes the experience. It’s usually included on Phi Phi boat tours, although how long you stay depends on the tour and how busy the lagoon is.
Snorkel Around Phi Phi
You don’t need to be a diver to enjoy the marine life around Phi Phi. There are plenty of snorkeling tours around the islands, with clear water and colorful fish close to shore in some areas. If snorkeling is high on your list, I’d choose a tour that specifically gives you enough time in the water rather than one that tries to squeeze too many stops into a single day.
Spend Time at Loh Dalum Beach
Loh Dalum is the long beach on the opposite side of the island from Tonsai Pier. It’s particularly beautiful when the tide is lower, with the limestone cliffs creating a dramatic backdrop. This is also where you’ll find more of Phi Phi’s nightlife, beach bars, and casual restaurants, so the atmosphere changes quite a bit from day to night.
Explore Tonsai Village
Tonsai is where most of the action happens. It’s busy, touristy, and definitely not the quietest part of Phi Phi, but I still think it’s worth exploring. You’ll find restaurants, cafés, tour operators, shops, massage places, and plenty of places to arrange boat trips. Because the island is compact, you can easily walk around and get a feel for the area.
How Long Do You Need in Phi Phi?
I’d recommend spending at least two nights if you want to experience Phi Phi properly rather than simply arriving on a day trip.
One full day gives you enough time to explore the main viewpoints, beaches, and village, while another day allows you to take a boat trip around the islands. If you mainly want to relax at a resort and explore at a slower pace, three or four nights would give you more breathing room.
Best Time to Visit Phi Phi Islands
The dry season, roughly from November to April, generally offers the best conditions for boat trips, snorkeling, and beach days, with calmer seas and less rainfall.
The wetter months can still be enjoyable, and you’ll generally see fewer visitors and lower prices, but boat trips can be more affected by weather conditions. If island-hopping is the main reason you’re visiting, I’d keep the season in mind when planning your trip.
Practical Tips for Visiting Phi Phi
Bring cash: Some smaller restaurants, shops, and local businesses may prefer cash.
Bring a dry bag: It’s useful for boat trips, especially when taking a longtail boat.
Get an eSIM: Having mobile data makes it much easier to use maps, check boat information, and stay connected.
Get travel insurance: It’s worth having in case something unexpected comes up.
Start early: Popular spots such as Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon can become very busy later in the morning.
Don’t underestimate the sun: Boat trips can mean several hours in direct sunlight, so bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Phi Phi Travel Guide FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Phi Phi?
Tonsai Village is the most convenient area for restaurants, shops, and nightlife, and Phi Phi Harbour View Hotel is a good hotel option here. Loh Dalum is close to the beach and main village, with Phi Phi Coco Beach Resort offering a more resort-style stay.
Is Phi Phi worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you enjoy beautiful beaches, limestone cliffs, snorkeling, and island trips. It can get busy, but staying a few nights lets you experience Phi Phi when the day-trip crowds have left.
How many days do you need in Phi Phi?
I’d recommend spending 2–3 nights in Phi Phi. This gives you enough time to see the main attractions, relax on the beaches, and take a boat trip without feeling rushed.
What are the best things to do in Phi Phi?
Some of the highlights include visiting Maya Bay, hiking to Phi Phi Viewpoint, exploring Pileh Lagoon, snorkeling, taking a longtail boat trip, and relaxing on the island’s beaches.
Can you visit Phi Phi as a day trip?
Yes, but I’d recommend staying overnight if you have the time. A day trip can cover some of the main sights, but staying a few nights gives you more time to explore and enjoy the island without rushing.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Phi Phi travel guide has helped you get a better idea of where to stay in Phi Phi, and the best things to do while you’re there. Phi Phi is definitely touristy, but I still think it deserves a place on a Thailand itinerary. The scenery is genuinely spectacular, and once you get away from the busiest areas, it’s possible to experience a much quieter side of the islands.
For me, the best way to visit is to stay for a couple of nights rather than coming only for a day trip. That gives you time to explore the viewpoints, spend time on the beaches, get out on the water, and enjoy Phi Phi before and after the biggest crowds arrive. I hope you have an amazing time in Phi Phi and enjoy the island as much as I did!