Phi Phi: The Islands That DiCaprio Ruined (But They're Still Beautiful)
The Phi Phi Islands are that Thai postcard you've seen a million times: emerald water, sheer jungle-covered cliffs, and longtail boats on white sand. After "The Beach" in 2000, crowds poured in, and the islands forever stopped being a secret paradise. But you know what? They're still incredibly beautiful.
The archipelago consists of six islands: Phi Phi Don — the only inhabited one, with hotels and bars, and Phi Phi Leh — uninhabited, home to the famous Maya Bay. Most tourists come for a day trip from Phuket or Krabi, but the real magic begins in the evening when day-trippers leave.
How to Get There from Phuket
Boats depart from Rassada Pier, 10 min from Phuket Town. Ferry: departures at 08:30, 11:00, 13:30, 15:00. Travel time ~2 hours. Cost: 450 baht one-way, 900 round-trip. Speedboat: every 30 min, 50-60 minutes, 700-800 baht. Morning departures recommended — calmer seas.
Entrance Fee
National park fee: 400 baht adults, 200 baht children. Not included in ferry/tour prices.
Where to Stay
Tonsai — main village, ferries arrive here. Loud, cheap, parties. Guesthouses from 500-800 baht. Long Beach — quieter, more expensive, good snorkeling. Laem Tong — north, luxury resorts, only by boat. No bikes or cars on the island — walking only.
Maya Bay
Reopened but with restrictions: no swimming, only viewing from boat/pier. Still stunningly beautiful. Access via tour or hired longtail. Tours from Phuket: 1,500-2,500 baht including lunch and snorkeling.
Snorkeling & Diving
Best spots: Shark Point — small reef sharks, Pileh Lagoon — incredible water color, Monkey Beach — monkeys (careful, they steal), Bamboo Island — white sand, excellent reef. PADI certification: 12,000-15,000 baht. 2 dives: 3,500-4,500 baht.
When to Go
Nov–Jan — ideal, dry, calm. Feb–Apr — still good, hotter. May–Oct — monsoon, some ferries cancel, prices drop 50%.
Day Trip or Overnight?
Recommendation: at least 1-2 nights. Evening Phi Phi — fire shows, sunsets, stars — is a different experience.
Tips
Bring cash — ATM fees high. Motion sickness pills. Waterproof bag for phone. Don't feed monkeys.
