Koh Phi Phi is an absolute must of Thailand. It’s most well known for being the gateway to Maya Bay. My top reason to visit Koh Phi Phi though, is the color of the sea. I’ve never seen such a beautiful range of turquoises and greens in the sea water all within the same area. Most people complain that it’s too touristy and so busy that it’s not worth going. If you go in late April like I did, I assure you that you won’t have that problem. In fact I was a bit like, where’s everyone at?

See below my bucket list items for the island of Koh Phi Phi, plus transport and accommodation tips!

VISITING KOH PHI PHI: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / The only way to get to Koh Phi Phi is by ferry or speedboat, as there are no airports on the island. You can catch ferries from Krabi, Phuket, or other nearby islands. Once on the island, no cars are allowed, so you’ll get around by walking or using longtail boats. Pre-book your ferry tickets here.

Tours / There are countless tours across Koh Phi Phi but these are the most popular ones:
Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay with Snorkeling
7 Island Tour by Longtail Boat
From Phuket: Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands: Premium Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch
Avoid The Crowds Speedboat to Maya Bay at Sunrise
Speedboat Day Trip with Shark Snorkeling

Stay / Although it’s a tiny island there are a few hotels in Koh Phi Phi to choose from, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

Zeavola Resort $$$
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort $$$
Phi Phi The Beach Resort $$
Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort $$
ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort $$
Casa Maya House $

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Thailand, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!) – here’s some eSIM options for Thailand.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Koh Tao was my favourite island in Thailand. I loved all of them, but Koh Tao has a perfect size, beautiful beaches, outstanding diving and snorkeling, as well as the perfect amount of partying – there is some but it’s not at the crazy annoying level. These are my favourite things to do in the island.

Do a diving course

This is probably the number one reason people come to Koh Tao, and that’s because Koh Tao has a the perfect combination: amazing snorkel, and really low prices. So a lot of people will come here just to do the PADI Certification. I didn’t do mine because I had already done it somewhere else, but I’ve heard Ocean Sound is good.

After a great time in the town of Pai in North Thailand, it was time to go explore the Andaman Sea, so my friend and photographer Sofia and myself decided to head to Ko Phi Phi. It was a long travel day, we were picked up at our hotel in Pai at 9:30 and after a 4 hour bus and a plane we got into Krabi Airport at around 18:00.

From Krabi Airport to Krabi Town

I tried to research online what the best and cheapest way from Krabi Airport into Krabi Town, and it just wasn’t clear enough so here it goes after having lived it myself. Krabi Airport is around 14km away from Krabi Town. Taxis have a fixed fee of 500 baht – so expensive! However there is a cheaper, and fast enough option to Krabi Town: the shuttle bus. It’s 90 baht per person, and it takes you to your hotel. You just need to wait for little bit until the bus gets full, once there you tell the organiser which hotel you are going to. The bus drives into town, it stops in a tour agency and then a songthaew takes you to your hotel. I think overall it takes around 30 to 40 mins door to door.

So many people told me they didn’t like Bangkok. Ok, I do find everywhere I go worthwhile and interesting, I can’t lie. There are very few places where I’d be like, don’t go. But Bangkok? I absolutely loved it! I found it interesting, clean and not as chaotic as many people put it. I spent approximately four days there and enjoyed every second. It’s a big city, that has everything big cities have: great cafes & restaurants from all cuisines and for all dietary restrictions, culture, art, nightlife, amazing shopping, markets, etc. Team that up with gorgeous temples, cheap mango shakes – or well – cheap everything and you have good times guaranteed. These are the most exciting things to do in Bangkok.