Phi Phi Island Hotels

Fast becoming the only reason many tourists now touch down in Phuket (which is sooo passé, don’tcha know?), Phi Phi’s beaches, such as Loh Dalum and Maya Bay, are recognised as some of the most beautiful in the world. And the bodies sprawled about the place make for some hot, hot sightseeing!

But there’s more to Phi Phi than sun, sand and sexy people. Explore Tonsai Village to see how the locals live and then venture out to Bamboo Island atop a long-tail or speedboat. Aye-aye, Captain!

Oh, and don’t forget to come home!

Phi Phi Island's Top 10

Phi Phi Island History

• Maya Bay - This beautiful Phi Phi locale is a favourite because of its use in several films.
• Phai Island - Go to this nearby, uninhabited island to get a taste of the history of Phi Phi Island.
• Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival - The Sea Gypsies of Phi Phi Island still maintain this ancient ritual.
• Bang Sanga-Au - A historic town famous for its ancient Chinese-style houses.
• Phang Nga Bay - Site where the first settlers of Phi Phi Island arrived in the early 20th century.

Phi Phi Art & Culture

• Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival - This November festival kicks off the tourist season.
• Chak Phra Festival - This ancient island festival includes a parade of Buddhist monuments.
• Laanta Lanta Festival - Held in the Old Town of nearby Ko Lanta.
• Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month - This traditional Buddhist ceremony involves making merit.
• Phi Phi Art Gallery - This small Phi Phi Island gallery features works from regional artists.

Phi Phi Shopping

• D’s Books - One of the best spots to buy used and new books.
• Kun Va - For those looking for beach accessories or sarongs.
• Pakaran - This used bookstore is a bit small, but offers a good selection of magazines.
• P.P. Marijuana - Although strangely named, this store is a popular place for jewellery.
• Same Same Guitar Shop - Rent a guitar or buy a new one in this Phi Phi Island shop.

Gay & Lesbian Phi Phi

• Suntrips - A gay-friendly bar on Phi Phi Island that offers great cocktails.
• Zeavola - This gay-friendly hotel offers all the modern amenities.
• Chunut House Resort - This hotel is a great place to meet people on Phi Phi Island.
• Hotel P.P. Erawan - One of the most popular gay-friendly hotels on the Island.
• Phuket Gay Festival – This February festival attracts gays and lesbians from everywhere.

Phi Phi Island Events

March brings with it the Laanta Lanta Festival held in Ko Lanta. Partake in games, performances, shows and enjoy the tastes of the area.

The Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival is held annually in November to celebrate… you! There are competitions, cultural shows and heaps of fun held in honour of the tourist season.

Sat Duean Sip Festival is held during the 10th Lunar Month. Food offerings are made across the island as part of this Buddhist festival.

October celebrates the Chak Phra Festival,where Buddha images are placed on boats and pulled along the river.

Loi Ruea Chao Le Festival rolls around in the sixth and 11th months of the lunar calendar. A religious rite is performed by the sea gypsies of Ko Lanta.

When To Go

There are two seasons in Phi Phi Island:

The Hot Season occurs between January and April. There is little (or no) rainfall and temperatures of around 25° to 32°C (77°-89°F).

The Rainy Season is aptly named – it rains. Temperatures are still high, but heavy rain falls for short periods.

December to February is the busiest time for tourists, while it’s a little calmer around March and April.

Getting Around

Reconstruction is still under way after the devastation of the 2004 tsunami. As a result, there are no roads on Phi Phi, so walking is your best bet.

If you want to travel out to a remote beach you can do so by long-tail or speedboat. Super fun and not too expensive at around 4,000 to 6,500 baht for six hours on a speedboat, or 900 baht for three hours or 1,800 baht for the whole day chartering a long-tail.

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