The island of Koh Phi Phi is a beautiful place. It is easy to see why so many travellers flock to this small striking pair of islands with their steep rocky crags and white sandy beaches. Over the years however, Koh Phi Phi has become more and more commercialised and developed covering over much of the islands natural beauty. Once a tropical haven filled with coconut palms, Koh Phi Phi is a bustling hive of activity with hotels, markets, restaurants and bars pressed together along the beachside. Despite this there is still much of the natural beauty to be found here in the further more secluded areas of the island.
BEACHES
There are a few hidden beach gems on Koh Phi Phi, closer to the main tourist zone is Long Beach. Here you will find a white stretch of beach with aqua blue water against the rocky backdrop of Phi Phi Don’s crescent curving body. This beach is away from the crowds but still walking distance from Ton Sai Bay. Next would be Laem Tong Beach, this beautiful beach is further north and is quite a walk from the main tourist area, so unless you are staying at one of the nearby hotels you can catch a long tail boat to get here. Loh Dalum Bay is the crescent bay on the other side of where the boast come in to drop you at the island, this beach is not perfect fro swimming and the tide goes out at certain times of the day. Loo Moo Dee is small private beach a short walk form Long Beach and worthwhile if you would like a more secluded swim. Beaches nearby are Monkey Beach accessible by a Longtail boat, and the famous Maya Bay from the film ‘The Beach’. This stunning beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Unfortunately over the year it has become slightly overrun by tourists and as of 2018 has been closed for regeneration and conservation. You can access the bay however no one is allowed on the beach itself.
WHAT TO DO
There are many activities to engage in on this island. One popular one is, island hoping. You can book island-hoping tours at local ticket booths in town and along the beach. Some popular itineraries are Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island and Maya Bay. You can snorkel at Shark Point or on your island hoping tour. Or walk through the markets on the main strip near Ton Sai Bay or watch some of the fire displays of a night time along the beach. You can also access various massage on the beach options, which are now quite regulated and the therapists are generally well trained. There are a few hikes through the island one to the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint, a vantage point where you can take photos looking down at the famous crescent shape of Ton Sai Bay. This hike takes about 20-25 minutes up concrete steep steps, just follow the signs heading west from Ton Sai Village.
WHERE TO STAY
Not travelling as a backpacker I prefer some more comfortable facilities and peace and quite although the options for luxury on this island are limited. So a few choices would be Zeavola, which is quite isolated but on a pristine beach and includes private bungalows on the sand. Or Phi Phi The Beach Resort it is in an excellent location and offers great views from your room. The beach here is one of the best, although it is recommended to book one of the deluxe villas for a room with a view of the ocean. Another option might be Phi Phi Island Village.
HOW TO GET HERE
During the busier months you can one of the regular book private speedboats that go to the island. Also, depending on you accommodation booked, some hotels offer transfers. Alternatively, there is a ferry that leaves at regular times throughout the day from Rassada pier. You can catch a taxi to the pier and buy a ferry ticket on site. Make sure you check the departure timetable before booking your taxi. The ferry across to the island takes about 1.5 hours to reach Koh Phi Phi, there is water and snacks available for purchase on board. Once you reach the pier at Koh Phi Phi, there should be staff holding up a sign to your hotel if it is not near the main Ton Sai Bay area, your hotel should provide a longtail boat to take you beyond the pier
