Thailand Photo Diary : Koh Phi Phi + Tips for the Island

If you guys follow me on Instagram or Facebook you probably saw that I was in Thailand the couple of last weeks. I can’t wait to show you the purpose of this journey but I am waiting for some pictures of the trip so I will start with the second part of my journey, my stay at Phi Phi Island.

So first of all I always said that I will never go to Phi Phi Island because I saw pictures on the internet and it looked so crowded. But luckily I have friends who travel a lot through South East Asia and most of them told me Phi Phi is the nicest Island in Thailand so I decided to give it a try and see for myself. Those same friends told me as well how to choose my hotel and which beach to go to etc. I am really thankful for their advice because you can have an amazing time on Phi Phi but you can also have the worst time.

Thailand is very often associated with mass tourism and Phi Phi Island has this reputation as well. But at the end it’s up to you to make the best out of it.
Even though it is a very small Island, the island has two faces. A very crowded and loud one, and a very relaxing paradise one. As I said, even if it is a very small Island it is very easy to miss both parts. I had the chance to see and enjoy both sides, thanks to the recommendations that were given to me. If any of you are planning to go to Phi Phi Island or want to know more, I will share some tips with you (I will also do a ‘What to wear on Phi Phi Island’ in a next article).

My recommendations for Phi Phi Island to have a great time:

Hotel :
I would suggest to stay 3 nights. Book a hotel that is not on Ton Say Bay or Loh Dalum Bay, preferably a hotel in the hills. It’s a bit of walk to the island center but the way is really cool

Day time

- Beach visits : still avoid Loh Dalum Beach (too crowded), go to Long Beach instead

- Book a very early (we went at 7AM to avoid the mass of tourists coming for a day trip) trip to Maya Bay, Lo Sama Bay and Pi Ley Lagoon. Maya Bay is nice but I would not stay there too long since Lo Sama Bay and Pi Ley has much more to offer if you like snorkeling.
If you book a private tour (I would suggest to do so, it’s worth the time and money), you will be asked if you would like to go to Monkey Island or the Shark Point. Definitely go to the shark point and skip Monkey Island.

- Early morning or at the end of the afternoon when it is not too hot walk up the hills to the View Point.

Nigh time :
-Take a tour to go swim with the plankton (I didn’t do it but would definitely do it if I go back to Phi Phi one day) T

- Finally go to Loh Dalum Bay, buy a bucket and watch the fire show or dance a bit on the beach. (I know it’s cliché but come on, when in Rome…)

– Go watch a Thai Boxing match!

If you are still hesitating whether to go or not, I would say it like this. When you’re in France for the first time, you know France is a beautiful country and there is plenty to see but what do you want to see first? Probably Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Do you regret it after? I don’t think so. Well it’s the same with Phi Phi, you won’t regret it if you follow my suggestions! It’s perfect for a start.