Koh Phi Phi, although touristy, is a truly stunning location and worthy of an overnight stay, with great hotels and dining options. The scene is mixed, but you are there for the views.
Phi Phi is a stunning archipelago, located in the Andaman Sea between Krabi and Phuket.The two best-known islands in this gorgeous six-island, 42sqkm ensemble are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, the latter being uninhabited but a hugely popular day tour destination because of Maya Bay – the location of the 1999 shooting of The Beach and Viking Cave. Phi Phi’s four other smaller islands are Bamboo and Mosquito islands along with Kho Bida Nok and Kho Bida Nai. Transportation on Phi Phi Don is restricted to bicycles and motorized land transportation only exists at some of the larger resorts to deliver laundry and to haul heavy items. Only one of the six islands, Phi Phi Don, is populated.
The islands rank as some of the most naturally beautiful in the world. Despite a rapid growth in tourism, the surrounding waters are still home to a huge amount of coral and sea life. The island’s sandy beaches, the caves and tropical forest-covered limestone mountains remain wonderful sights. The Phi Phi Islands are known as the kingdom of undersea flowers, with many tourists traveling to dive to see various kinds of fish, colorful flowers and beautiful coral reefs. It is easy to see why Phi Phi is one of the most popular destinations in Southern of Thailand.
Long-tail boats are readily available for hire from Ton Sai Bay pier and are a great way to explore.
Phi Phi Don is a party town, quite mixed, but very open. Beyond the town, the area is very romantic.
The Phi Phi Islands are reached easily by ferry or speedboat from either Phuket or Krabi. It is possible to take a day trip from either Phuket or Krabi, but it is worth staying for a couple of nights at one of the hotels or resorts that have sprung up on Phi Phi Don in recent years.
The ferry takes approximately 2 hours from Phuket.
Possible travel itineraries include:
Phuket & Phi Phi. Combining the gay nightlife and gay beach in Phuket with a visit to the islands. Take a day trip to the islands or stay for a few days before returning to Phuket.
Phuket to Phi Phi to Krabi. Visit Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands, but then continue your journey on by ferry to Krabi, or vice versa. This is a great option if you have the time and don’t want to be in one place for too long.
Ton Sai Bay
Ton Sai Bay is the main tourist area on Phi Phi Don. The bay and stretch of land connects the north and south of the island, and you will find a great selection of bars, restaurants, hotels and the ferry pier.
Getting to Phi Phi Islands
Ferry from Phuket
Fly to Phuket International Airport. Take a taxi to either Rassada Pier on the south coast of Phuket (about 30 km/50 minutes). Ferries depart 3-4 times a day and take around 2 hours.
Ferry from Krabi
Fly to Krabi Airport. Take a taxi to Krabi Town. Ferries depart 5-6 times a day and take around 2 hours.You can book ferry tickets in advance online at Phuketferry.com
Day-Trip Speedboats from Phuket
Day-trip speedboat tours are sold everywhere in Phuket, particularly Patong. These usually include transfers from your hotel to the pier, stops at various different bays, snorkels and a buffet lunch. Speedboats typically take 20-30 passengers and are not particularly comfortable. Upmarket operators take less than 20 passengers. Shop around for the best deal. The speedboat crossing can be quite bumpy. Crossing time is about 45 minutes.
Exploring Phi Phi Islands
Long-tail boats are readily available for hire from Ton Sai Bay pier and are a great way to explore the calm, coral-filled bays and inlets that are great for swimming and snorkelling. There are no cars on the island and just a few motorcycles. Everything is transported by foot, in a wheelbarrow or by boat.
When to Visit
As with most beach destinations in Thailand, the best time for gay travellers to visit the islands is outside of peak school holiday periods, during the non-monsoon months of October through April.
5 Star Readers Choice
A 10-acre tropical retreat on the northern tip of Phi Phi Island, Zeavola Resort offers spacious accommodations resting on white sands. The resort features an outdoor pool and a spa.
