23 Pros and Cons of Visiting Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

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Koh Phi Phi in Thailand is most famous for its huge parties and paradise-like scenery. 

But, you might have also heard that it’s an overrated tourist trap and better to be avoided.

Well, after spending a week there, I completely disagree, it offers much more than crowds and parties.

It’s a place full of hiking trails and hidden beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Sure, there are downsides like noise and overdevelopment, but on Koh Phi Phi you can still find authentic experiences.

Let’s look deeper into all the pros and cons of visiting Koh Phi Phi to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your travel list!

Snorkeling spot near Koh Phi Phi, boats and limestone cliffs in the distance

Quick summary of all Pros and Cons:

FeaturePros (Reasons to Visit)Cons (Things to Consider)
AtmosphereVibrant energy, world-famous nightlife, and incredible fire shows.Can feel overcrowded, overdeveloped, and “touristy” in central areas.
NatureStunning limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden mangrove forests.Noise pollution from parties and high boat traffic in popular bays.
BeachesWide variety – from lively party beaches to totally secluded, quiet coves.Some remote beaches (like Loh Lana) suffer from washed-up trash.
ActivitiesEpic hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and world-class diving/snorkeling.Maya Bay can feel like a “tourist trap” due to massive crowds.
LogisticsHighly walkable (no need for car/scooters) and well connected to Phuket and Krabi.Reaching the quietest spots requires steep jungle treks or taxi boat.
CultureAuthentic local morning market and Urak Lawoi community.Authentic culture is often hidden behind the massive “party” facade.
AccessibilityMost amenities (ATMs, 7-Eleven, clinics) are easy to find in Tonsai Village.Amenities are very sparse in the remote northern parts.
WildlifeChance to see blacktip reef sharks, monitor lizards, and diverse marine life.Jellyfish are common at certain times of the year.
Work/LifeSurprisingly good mobile signal and reliable Wi-Fi for digital nomads.It might be difficult to find a spacious and affordable place for a long term stay.

Pros of Visiting Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

1. Beautiful and Easily Accessible Beaches

Beaches on Koh Phi Phi Don have soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters.

The island is very walkable, making most beaches easy to access. They’re perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Popular beaches come with amenities like chair rentals, public toilets, massage parlors, and restaurants.

Even if crowded (with people and boats) you’ll always find a spot for yourself. 

  • In the evening, lively beaches, like Loh Dalum Beach and Tonsai Beach, get busy with parties, live music and fire shows.
  • Long Beach, with shark point, is a beloved destination for snorkeling.
  • Viking Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, while still being walkable from the Tonsai Village.

If you are looking for a place away from the crowds and closer to nature, Koh Phi Phi Don is also a home to many secluded beaches worth exploring. 

The most remote beaches include:

  • Loh Moo Dee Beach
  • Loh Lana Bay
  • Laem Tong Beach
  • Wang Long Bay

These spots require hiking or renting a boat to reach.

Koh Phi Phi people on a sandy beach and under the tree, and mountains in the distance

2. Vibrant Party Scene

Nightlife and huge parties are what Koh Phi Phi Don is most famous for.

Village, the island’s central hub, is home to countless bars that get loud with live music, pool parties, and sports screenings.

The attractions on Koh Phi Phi seem endless.

  • You can buy a bucket of drinks at almost every corner, grab a snack in the middle of the night, find a huge party or even take part in a boxing match.
  • For pool parties and clubbing, head to the Loh Dalum Beach. Many hostels host themed parties a few times a week.
  • You’ll also find numerous beach clubs with live music and entertainment for tourists, like famous fire shows.

Koh Phi Phi Don is indeed your typical lively party island. You’ll always find something to do in the evening and never be bored!

3. Walkability

One of the biggest advantages of Koh Phi Phi Don is its walkability.

  • The main street in Tonsai Village, where you will find all the bars and restaurants, is designed exclusively for walking.
  • Even if you stay farther from the center, you can reach the nearest beach in 15 minutes, without needing a scooter or taxi.
  • Convenient stores like 7-Eleven, ATMs, and laundry places are easily accessible.
  • You won’t need transportation on Koh Phi Phi Don unless you stay in one of the island’s remote parts.

If you decide to stay at Loh Ba Kao Bay or Laem Tong Beach, you’ll need a boat to reach your hotel (or prepare for a long hike!)

4. Great Hiking Trails

Koh Phi Phi Don is (surprisingly) a great place for hiking.

While many people come here for the parties or day trip to Maya Bay, you can easily find numerous hiking trails to escape the crowds.

Some popular, scenic trails, starting in Tonsai Village include:

5. Epic Viewpoints

If you are not a fan of long hikes, Koh Phi Phi Don has also some of the best viewpoints in the area, that are easy to reach.

From Tonsai Village you can easily find stairs leading to 3 viewpoints:

  • The hike consists of steep stairs and paved paths through a beautiful garden (you can meet a few cats there too).
  • Although climbing for 30 minutes in hot weather can be challenging, the panoramic view of Tonsai and Loh Dalum bays is definitely worth it.
  • The entrance fee to the viewpoints is 50 baht (1.6 USD), and there are snack bars at the top. You can relax, enjoy the scenery, and take some lovely pictures.

Obviously, Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi Leh offers the most stunning scenery, but walking along the coast on Koh Phi Phi Don reveals beautiful spots with turquoise water, that are far less crowded.

Koh Phi Phi viewpoint, buildings and mountains in the distance

6. Well Connected to Other Places

Ao Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don is always busy with boats and ferries, making it easy to find connections to popular destinations in the area.

  • Direct ferries are available to Koh Lanta, Phuket, Krabi Town, and Ao Nang.
  • You can easily choose between a ferry or a speedboat.

This allows you to stay flexible without needing to book transportation far in advance.

Koh Phi Phi’s accessibility is a significant advantage if you are wanting to explore multiple destinations in Southern Thailand without extensive planning and complicated logistics.

7. Variety of Day Trips 

There are countless day trips you can book on Koh Phi Phi and plan an unforgettable stay:

  • Most trips include visits to Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach – with various options for different swimming and snorkeling spots.
  • Other popular day trips include visits to Bamboo Island, known for its pristine beaches and clear waters.
  • Farther tours inlcude James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay, or a visit to Ao Nang.
  • For more adventurous experience choose swimming with bioluminescent plankton.
  • You can also book shorter, yet stunning, sunrise and sunset boat trips.

Most organized trips include snorkeling gear, light snacks, and sometimes lunch.

8. Many Diving Centers

Koh Phi Phi Don is a great hub for divers, offering numerous diving centers where you can get your PADI license:

  • For beginners, discovery dives are available to start your scuba diving journey.
  • Many diving centers are offering morning, evening, and full-day trips.
  • The waters around Koh Phi Phi are home to diverse marine life with good visibility.
  • The best dive sites include Bida Nok, Bida Nai, and the King Cruiser Wreck.

9. Great Snorkeling Spots

If you’re not into diving, there are also many snorkeling spots on Koh Phi Phi and around the neighboring islands.

The clear waters and diverse marine life make snorkeling a must-do activity when visiting Phi Phi islands.

It’s actually hard to find a trip that doesn’t include snorkeling, and there are many options available:

  • It’s worth checking a few places and negotiating the price. 
  • Even if you’re new to snorkeling, guided tours will help you navigate the coral reefs and ensure safety in the water.
  • All trips usually include equipment, water, and some snacks.
How To Access Snorkeling Spot
Off Beach Long Beach (with Shark Point)
Nui Beach
Boat Tour Pileh Lagoon
Malong Bay
Bamboo Island
Koh Phi Phi clear blue sea, people in the water, boats and mountains in the distance

10. Kayaking in the Mangrove Forest

Mangrove forests are not what Koh Phi Phi Don is known for, but they are present on the island:

  • You can easily rent a kayak to explore this natural wonder up close. 
  • It’s not a very popular activity, as you need to get to the Loh Ba Kao Bay, which is accessible via jungle hike or a boat ride.
  • The quickest way to get there from the Tonsai pier is by taking a boat. 
  • Once you arrive at Loh Ba Kao Bay, head to the northern part of the beach, where you’ll find a river and kayak rental.
  • While kayaking through the mangroves you can spot monitor lizards living in this area (I saw two just walking in the village next to the forest).

You can find similar places in other popular destinations like Koh Lanta and Krabi Town, but if you’ve never been to a mangrove forest, you should definitely visit this place.

It’s a peaceful, yet adventurous experience where you can see unique wildlife and ecosystems up close.

11. Urak Lawoi Community

Koh Phi Phi Don is one of the places on the Andaman coast where the Urak Lawoi, an indigenous Thai sea tribe, was resettled.

Their village is located near the Laem Tong Beach. 

If you visit Koh Phi Phi Don, try to support the Urak Lawoi tribe by:

  • using their services (boat taxi)
  • buying their handmade crafts
  • taking a guided fishing tour led by them

Supporting their local businesses contributes positively to their community.

This not only helps preserve their culture and traditions but also provides you with a more authentic and enriching experience on Koh Phi Phi.

Learning about the Urak Lawoi’s history and their way of life offers a deeper understanding of the island beyond its tourist attractions.

12. Thai Boxing for Tourists

One of the most unique and popular experiences on Koh Phi Phi Don is watching Muay Thai fights combined with amateur – tourists fighting each other – matches.

Here’s how it works:

  • You go to a Reggae Bar, which has a ring inside (arrive early to get a good spot).
  • You only have to buy one drink to hang out as long as you like.
  • It starts with Thai fighters facing off for three rounds. It’s fast-paced and athletic, backed by the traditional music and ceremonies.
  • After the professional fight (which is probably staged, but still enjoyable), volunteers are asked to enter the ring.
  • Everyone who fights gets one free bucket of drinks, win or lose.
  • As the night goes on, more people volunteer, and the fights become more entertaining.
  • Girls fight each other, men fight each other, and a judge ensures the fights are safe.

This is an interesting alternative to clubs or busy beach bars.

Participating in or just watching these matches can be a memorable part of your visit to Koh Phi Phi.

Boxing match at Koh Phi Phi, tourist fighting, Thai judge watching the fight, audience in the distance

13. Diversity of Dining Options

Koh Phi Phi Don offers a great variety of restaurants.

While there are many Thai places with authentic local cuisine, you can also find restaurants serving Indian, Japanese, and Italian dishes.

The diversity is impressive for such a small island.

Prices can vary, with some restaurants being more expensive than typical Thai eateries.

Even on a budget, you can find incredible food across Koh Phi Phi Don:

  • Morning Market: Your go-to for the cheapest, most authentic street food on the island.
  • Back-Alley Gems: For the real deal, follow the locals to the spots hidden in narrow side streets.
  • Fruit Stalls: Best for grabbing a cheap, fresh-cut mango or pineapple while you explore.
  • Convenience Stores: Perfect for quick, classic Thai snacks between adventures.

Some places accept card payments, but it’s always better to have some cash, especially in smaller, local places.

14. Good Remote Work Conditions

The infrastructure on Koh Phi Phi Don is well developed for digital nomads and remote workers, looking for spending time in a tropical destination.

  • Tonsai Village and its surrounding area have decent data coverage.
  • Even while hiking in the jungle, I didn’t have problems with mobile reception.
  • The Wi-Fi in our hotel was also reliable.
  • You’ll also find cozy cafes and restaurants offering free Wi-Fi, making it easy to find a comfortable spot to work.
  • There are many accommodation options available on Koh Phi Phi Don, with different price ranges.

I actually expected it to be much harder to find an affordable room to work in, and was pleasantly surprised.

We booked hotel rooms the same day we arrived and they weren’t the most spacious, but conveniently located.

With some more planning, you can certainly get a better deal.

Cons of Visiting Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

15. Crowds

Crowds are common on both Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh.

  • The busiest places are Maya Bay and Tonsai Village, especially area near the pier.
  • Restaurants can get quite crowded, and you might need to spend some time finding the best spot to eat.
  • The small streets of Tonsai Village are full of tourists, many of whom are only visiting Koh Phi Phi on a day trip. 
  • The only time it gets calmer is early in the morning.

If you’re looking for a quieter place, you will need to venture outside the main village and popular beaches.

16. Loud Parties

Finding a peaceful spot to relax in the evening might be challenging in Tonsai Village and near the popular beaches.

Parties make the island lively but also very loud.

  • Consider staying in more remote bungalows if you’re looking for a calm area.

Personally, I didn’t have a problem with the noise. Our hotel were a bit farther from the tourist center, yet within walking distance.

For those who enjoy nightlife, the vibrant atmosphere is a plus, but for others, it might be a bit overwhelming.

Koh Phi Phi crowds at the viewpoint, buildings and mountains in the distance

17. Pollution

Koh Phi Phi Don, being quite developed with many buildings and ongoing construction, faces some pollution problems.

  • On some smaller roads, you might find smelly rivers, as we did near our accommodation, showing the island’s issue with sewage disposal.
  • Littering is also common. Although not very disturbing, you might see it in less popular places.
  • The island’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with the influx of tourists, leading to issues with waste management and pollution.

Although efforts are being made to improve this, it’s something to be aware of. 

18. Some Parts of the Island are Hard to Access

If you decide to stay in places like Laem Tong Beach or Loh Ba Kao Bay, you will need to take a boat to get there. 

  • Although hiking is possible (and scenic), it would take a lot of time and energy.
  • You definitely won’t be able to do it every day both ways, just to visit the town (unless you love to exercise)
  • It might not be easy to return to a secluded beach in the middle of the night. 

Before booking accommodation on Koh Phi Phi Don, make sure to check the location.

If you plan to stay close to nightlife activities or only have 24 hour to explore Koh Phi Phi, ensure your accommodation is located near Tonsai Village.

19. Jelly Fish on the Beaches

The most popular beach near Tonsai Village on Koh Phi Phi Don was unfortunately full of jellyfish, both on land and in the sea.

Although jellyfish float and it’s hard to predict where you will see them, we encountered them in huge numbers during our stay in early February.

  • Stay safe and don’t swim in water full of jellyfish.
  • Jellyfish stings can be painful and potentially dangerous, so always check with locals or tour guides about current conditions before swimming.
  • If you’re traveling during jellyfish season, consider wearing protective swimwear or sticking to areas known to be free of these creatures.

20. Beaches Get Busy with Boats

Although convenient for visiting nearby places like Phuket, Koh Lanta, and Krabi Town, longtail boats moored by the beaches on Koh Phi Phi can be a disadvantage when you want to swim.

If you prefer quieter beaches, head to more secluded places like Viking Beach, Loh Lana Bay, or Loh Moo Dee Beach.

Koh Phi Phi sandy Long beach and 4 long tailed boats, blue sea and cliffs in the distance

21. Sometimes Feels Gentrified and Overdeveloped

The main tourist area of Koh Phi Phi Don, Tonsai Village, is very busy and overdeveloped compared to other Thai islands.

Many aspects make the island feel less authentic.

Especially since Koh Phi Phi is marketed as a tiny paradise island with picturesque Maya Bay. 

  • One of the most criticized aspects is the McDonald’s located next to Tonsai Pier.
  • The island has also many construction sites
  • It also hosts a party every night during high season, making it feel more like a popular resort than a serene paradise.

Personally, McDonald’s or part places didn’t bother me much.

I avoided the area near the pier and ventured to the outskirts, local villages, and jungle trails.

And before coming there I already knew it was a party island, so honestly, I was prepared for much worse.

22. It’s More Expensive Than Other Islands

As for the cost of travel, being a top tourist spot, Koh Phi Phi is more expensive than other islands.

Although we didn’t struggle to find accommodation, the rooms were small for the price we paid.

Koh Phi Phi also offers a great diversity of bars and restaurants.

  • Some are really nice, but more western-style and less local, making them unfortunately more expensive too.
  • Even the famous McDonald’s isn’t very cheap.
  • As the island is heavily focused on parties, getting a drink in a busy bar will be more expensive too.

To save money, head to small, local bars and restaurants, preferably well-hidden in the small streets or located further from the center.

23. Maya Bay Feels Like a Tourist Trap

Famous Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh, where the movie “The Beach” was filmed, is an extremely crowded destination.

Even if you go there early in the morning or late in the evening, you’ll still be surrounded by many other tourists.

  • Although the place is stunning, the whole experience is simply walking on the beach and taking photos, along dozens other tourists.
  • Not to mention the stop at Monkey Beach, which felt disturbingly unethical and something I wish I hadn’t supported.

It really wasn’t a highlight of the month, that I spent in Thailand and more of a checkbox to cross and never come back.

It definitely didn’t feel like an authentic experience, overshadowed by the crowds and the sense of a forced must-see attraction.

View of the Koh Phi Phi Leh Maya Bay, tourists on the beach, clear, blue sea and huge limestone cliffs in the distance

Final thoughts about visiting Koh Phi Phi

I’m not someone who will bash Koh Phi Phi for its overdevelopment and crowds of tourists. As a tourist, I’m aware I’m part of the problem.

But I spent a week on the island and honestly enjoyed my stay.

I loved how walkable it was and how easy it was to find a secluded beach, or go on a hike

Visiting Maya Bay was probably the biggest disappointment for me, as it’s hyped so much there.

Still, I would visit Koh Phi Phi again for its stunning beaches, turquoise water, vibrant nightlife, and nearby nature spots.

FAQs about Visiting Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Getting There & Getting Around

You can reach the Phi Phi Islands by ferry or speedboat from Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Lanta.

The main arrival point on Koh Phi Phi Don is Tonsai Pier.

On the northern part of the island there’s Laem Tong Pier – less popular and provides access to remote resorts.

You will need to pay a 20 baht (0.60 USD) entry fee when arriving at Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don.

To get to Koh Phi Phi Leh you need to pay 400 baht (13 USD) National Park entrance fee.

Yes, many day trips are available from Phuket, Koh Lanta, and Krabi Town.

Transportation options on Koh Phi Phi anre quite limited.

Althought area near Tonsai Village and the pier is very walkable, to get to the remote parts of the island, you will need to get a boat or prepare for a long hike.

The islands offer a range of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury resorts.

  • The center of Tonsai Village is rather loud and busy.
  • Places like Laem Tong Beach or Loh Ba Kao Bay are much calmer – but harder to access without getting on a boat

Planning Your Visit

The best time to visit Koh Phi Phi is between mid-October and May, when the weather is dry and the sea is calm.

This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds.

While it is possible, the weather can be unpredictable with heavy rains and rough seas.

Ferry lines won’t be operating as often as during the high season.

The islands have a tropical climate with hot and humid weather all year-round.

  • During dry season, the weather is extremely hot, so it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Monsoon season can bring heavy rains and tough sea conditions.

A stay of 3-4 days should be enough to explore Koh Phi Phi’s main attractions.

If you’re into diving or want to spend more time relaxing on the beach, you might want to extend your stay.

Pack light, breathable clothing, hat, sunglasses, swimsuits, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, flip-flops and covered shoes if you plan hiking. 

Check my Southern Thailand packing list for more details.

Things To Do

Popular activities include: snorkeling, scuba diving, visiting Maya Bay, enjoying the nightlife, hiking in the jungle, visiting Phi Phi Viewpoints, and kayaking.

The most popular beaches on Koh Phi Phi Don are Tonsai Pier Beach, Long Beach, and Loh Dalum Bay.

Calmer and more secluded beaches include Viking Beach, Loh Lana Bay, Nui Beach and Loh Moo Dee Beach.

Maya Bay is open during the high season from October 1st to June 30th.

Check official information before visiting.

Great snorkeling spots include Loh Samah Bay, Hin Klang, and Bamboo Island, where you can see diverse marine life.

Yes, there are many shops offering rental equipment for snorkeling and diving, and centers organizing trips that provide all the necessary equipment.

The best diving spots near Koh Phi Phi include Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Hin Phae, and King Cruiser Wreck.

Yes, renting kayaks and paddleboards is a popular activity on Koh Phi Phi.

You can explore the coastline, nearby smaller islands, and the mangrove forest near Loh Ba Kao Bay.

Koh Phi Phi Don is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, beach clubs, pool parties, live music, and fire shows near Tonsai Village.

Most attractions, like Maya Bay, are open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Visitors can experience traditional Thai cultural elements such as Muay Thai kickboxing matches, Thai cooking classes, and visit the Urak Lawoi tribe village near Laem Tong Beach.

No, rock climbing is not allowed on Phi Phi islands.

Yes, Koh Phi Phi Don is home to many tattoo studios, especially for getting a bamboo tattoo.

Yes, you will find many affordable massage parlors on Koh Phi Phi Don.

Practical Tips, Health & Safety

Phi Phi Islands are quite popular and can get very crowded, especially during the high season.

The busiest areas are Tonsai Village on Koh Phi Phi Don and Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh.

However, more secluded places can be found on Koh Phi Phi Don.

Koh Phi Phi is generally safe for tourists.

However, like any popular tourist destination, it’s important to be mindful of your belongings.

Koh Phi Phi is more expensive compared to other Thai islands.

However, budget options are also available if you explore and plan accordingly.

Prices can vary; you can find more expensive restaurants as well as many cheap and tasty dining options and street food.

Yes, it’s safe to swim on Koh Phi Phi Don, but be cautious of jellyfish, especially during certain times of the year.

Swimming in Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh is not allowed.

Yes, there is a general hospital and small private clinics on Koh Phi Phi Don.

Yes, there are several ATMs on Koh Phi Phi Don. Carry cash as many places do not accept cards.

Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and some larger restaurants, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments.

4G/5G internet is available, and most accommodations and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.

Data coverage will be weaker in more remote areas.

No, it’s not safe to drink tap water in Koh Phi Phi. Stick to bottled water.

Tourists tend to wear beachwear everywhere, but local people won’t wear it often as the island is inhabited mainly by a Muslim population.

Try to limit beach wear to swimming pools and beaches. 

Yes, there are many activities and accommodations suitable for families.

Choose quieter areas for a more family-friendly atmosphere.

You can see rich marine life when snorkeling or diving, monkeys, monitor lizards in the mangrove forest, and diverse bird species.

You can find fresh seafood and a variety of cuisines including authentic Thai dishes, as well as Italian, Indian, Japanese, and some international fast food chains.

Yes, there are tsunami hazard zones and evacuation routes marked on the islands.

Read My Other Posts about Koh Phi Phi:

Beata is an expert in authentic, adventure-filled and culture-rich travel.
With years of exploring hidden gems across diverse countries her mission is to help you uncover unique, budget-friendly experiences that connect you with nature and local cultures.

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