Arrival | Koh Phi Phi
Arrival on Koh Phi Phi. First Day…
Koh Phi Phi is a small group of stunning islands in the Andaman Sea, located between Phuket and Krabi on Thailand’s southern coast. World-famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, Phi Phi has become a bucket-list destination for beach lovers, divers, and backpackers alike. The two main islands are Phi Phi Don, which is inhabited and home to all accommodations, and Phi Phi Leh, an uninhabited, protected island best known for Maya Bay—the iconic beach featured in The Beach (2000), starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Despite its popularity, much of Koh Phi Phi’s natural beauty still feels wild and untamed. Boats bob in emerald bays, towering cliffs plunge into the sea, and coral reefs teem with colorful fish and reef sharks. Phi Phi Don is lively and compact, with no cars—just narrow walking paths, beach bars, restaurants, and markets that keep the atmosphere buzzing day and night. For those seeking adventure, the island offers exceptional snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as hiking up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint, which rewards visitors with sweeping views over the twin bays of Ton Sai and Loh Dalum.
Koh Phi Phi was heavily damaged by the 2004 tsunami but has since been rebuilt, balancing tourism with ongoing conservation efforts. Maya Bay, once overwhelmed by tourists, was temporarily closed for several years to allow its fragile ecosystem to recover—and has since reopened with new regulations to preserve its coral reefs and marine life.
Whether you’re relaxing on longtail boat rides, partying under the stars, or diving into some of Thailand’s clearest waters, Koh Phi Phi offers a magical mix of nature, energy, and island charm. It’s best visited during the dry season from November to April, when seas are calm and skies are clear.
