The Phi Phi Islands have become one of the top tourist attractions of Thailand only in recent years, especially since the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo Di Caprio was filmed there. Phi Phi Leh is the smaller island. Here is "Maya Bay" - the beach where many scenes of the film were filmed. The 2004 tsunami destroyed large parts of the island, many hotels and buildings were washed away and nature was damaged. About 1,500 people died here. It took some time for Phi Phi to recover after this disaster. In the meantime, all the hotels have been rebuilt, but in the same questionable construction as before the tsunami - and even more houses were built in direct proximity to the beach. The number of tourists has risen sharply after the tsunami here. Many guests are only day visitors; between 10am and 3pm, Tonsai Village and Maya Bay are very crowded. In the evening, more peace returns and you can make a relaxed island tour. The hotel capacity is quickly exhausted especially in the high season and you should book in advance, if you want to stay a few days. The sensitive ecosystem of the islands is not really suitable for the mass tourism that takes place here: there is only a small sewage treatment plant for wastewater and garbage has to be transported away with the supply vessels. Koh Phi Phis scenery is breathtaking and definitely one of the most beautiful spots on earth.

In the year 2017 was again talked about a possible closure of "The Beach" (Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh). In several Thai media (Bangkok Post, Phuket Gazette et al.) And in the German newspaper Der Farang, articles with concrete plans to close the island from July to September 2017 were published in April 2017. In 2017 nothing happened. In the beginning of 2018 once again concrete plans of a closure during low season were published. During the high season more than 5,000 tourists visit the islands and the world famous Maya Bay. Already in the years before, the National Park Authority had tried to reduce the number of visitors by collecting a visitor's fee. Meanwhile, a general limitation of visitor numbers is discussed! The National Park Authority is now negotiating with the tour operators. So it remains to be seen whether the temporary closure will be decided, so that the corals and the underwater world can finally recover here!

We know Phi Phi from before the tsunami and visited the island many times. At that time, the island was a natural idyll with quiet, palm-fringed beaches. Only in Tonsai Village was there a bit of nightlife. Also on Phi Phi Leh were only a few visitors. This time we would like to wish for the islands back! However, you can spend a very nice holiday here today, it is just much hectic and busy than before!

On Phi Phi Don are mainly idyllic small bungalow resorts and isolated some larger hotels and guesthouses. In Tonsai Village and the neighboring Loh Dalum Beach, most of the life takes place. Here is extensively celebrated until late at night. At the other beach sections it is much quieter in the evening.

Koh Phi Phi leaves in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi. So there are many possibilities by boat or ferry to travel to the island.

Hotel transfer on Koh Phi Phi:
If you have booked a hotel in advance, you will be picked up on request at the pier. The luggage can be driven with a luggage trolly over the island. Depending on the beach on which the hotel is located, there is also a ride on the longtail boat. This also saves you from having to walk your luggage through the narrow streets of Ton Sai Village.

Airport transfer (Phuket) to Rassada Pier:
The airport transfer is regulated in Phuket. For about 780 bath / car you can get from the airport Phuket in about 40 minutes (depending on traffic) to the Rassada Pier. There are no price negotiations with the taxi drivers because the taxi tickets are still issued in the airport building, just before the exit, and the fixed price is charged depending on the destination. There you will receive a receipt and can then board the booked taxi or minibus / van.

A rental car or scooter makes little sense, because on Koh Phi Phi drive no motorized vehicles.

Arrival from Bangkok:

• Arriving from Bangkok by plane is possible with either Bangkok Airways or another local airline (PB Air, Thai AirAsia, NokAir, Thai Airways, etc.).
• The journey by land is e.g. Possible from Bangkok to Phuket or Krabi with the so-called "VIP Bus" or "Aircon Bus" and takes between 13 and 16 hours depending on traffic. Due to the air conditioning, it gets really cold in the buses. It is best to take a warm sweater or jacket with you for the ride. There are 3 different buses at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok:
  

1. Standard buses (orange) with approx. 75-80 seats (280 THB = approx. 7.- EUR) (the bus stops in different locations)
2. Aircon buses (blue) with approx. 40 seats (600 TBH = approx. 15.- EUR)
3. VIP buses (inscription "VIP Bus 999") with approx. 24 seats (895 THB = approx. 25.- EUR)

Arrival from Koh Samui / Koh Phangan / Koh Tao:
Here it is advisable to book a ticket in one of the small travel agencies that are found everywhere in the tourist centers. The travel price includes a pick-up service directly from the hotel. The mini bus continues to the pier and from there by boat / ferry to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani, take the minibus to the Rassada Pier in Phuket. From the pier, take the ferry to Koh Phi Phi.

Arrival from mainland Tailand (for example Krabi, Khao Lak, Pattaya, Hua Hin):
Again, you can book the pick-up service directly from the hotel again. With the mini bus it goes on to the respective bus station and from there with the VIP bus to the Rassada Pier in Phuket. From the pier, take the ferry to Koh Phi Phi.

Also, the Khao Lak - Phuket and Krabi - Phuket routes are also served by public buses. Here the fare is much cheaper, but is stopped at many stops. The bus stops at the bus terminal in Phuket Town. From here it is best to continue with a TukTuk or taxi to the Rassada Pier. From the pier, take the ferry to Koh Phi Phi.

Viewpoints:
The main island of Phi Phi Don has two viewpoints, both located on the same hill. It is best to visit them in the morning between 7.30 am and 10.30 am Then it is not so hot and the water in the bays has the highest level. In addition, the sea shimmers in the morning in a bright turquoise.
Viewpoint 1 is accessible via the Tonsai Village. Here the viewpoint is signposted. Over 300 steps leads to a small drinks shop with fantastic views. The ascent takes about 20 minutes.
Viewpoint 2 is the photo hotspot and is very well visited especially at sunset. The viewpoint is also accessible via Tonsai Village, 186 meters above sea level. The ascent is the extension of the way from Viewpoint 1 and takes another 10 minutes - but the gorgeous view of Loh Dalum Bay, Tonsai Village and Tonsai Bay is well worth the effort.
Wang Long Cave on Phi Phi Leh can only be reached by long tail boat through a narrow driveway. There is a mini beach with crystal clear water that invites you to snorkel.
Viking Cave is a formerly inhabited cave of sea nomads. Here, swallows nests are harvested and everywhere in the rocks are narrow wooden walkways.
Probably the most beautiful place on Phi Phi Leh is the Phi-Leh Bay and the Phi-Leh Wall. The small neighboring island of Phi Phi Don is a nature reserve. The scenery is breathtaking when you go by boat into the turquoise bay. In the lagoon you can swim and snorkel wonderfully.
Located on rugged rocks is the Loh Samah Bay. Here there is crystal clear water and a small, secluded bay.
Maya Bay is probably the most famous spot on Phi Phi Leh. Unfortunately, the bay is now very crowded. If you want to go ashore, you must pay an entrance fee of 150 THB. To avoid the big tourist bustle, it is best to plan a visit in the morning before 10.00 o'clock or in the afternoon from 15.00 o'clock.
The Sharkpoint is also located on Phi Phi Leh. This is a hotspot for divers and for snorkeling. With a little luck you can also see whale sharks here.
At Coral Garden you can also go diving and snorkelling. Here is a small coral reef with numerous colorful fish.

Also for the dive areas around Phi Phi is that these were partially destroyed by the tsunami, ocean warming and mass tourism. The reefs are dying because of the coral bleaching triggered by the ocean warming. There are also more jellyfish.

Loh Dalum Bay is a beautiful beach with fine white sand during the day and you can relax here in peace. In the evening, the beach and adjoining Tonsai Village are transformed into an exuberant party zone. Along the beach there are many bars and small restaurants, where in the dark fire shows (Poi Performances) are performed. On the edge of Loh Dalum Bay, a small idyll emerged shortly after the tsunami: The Sunflower Beachbar & Boathouse Hotel. The bar is very relaxed and hippie / Thai style. The hotel in the form of a boat was opened at the end of 2016.
The Tonsai Bay is less suitable for relaxing, since this is the pier of the island. In addition to the large excursion boats and the ships of the diving schools here also numerous speed boats and longtails. At the western end there is also a quiet section with a resort and few visitors.
Tonsai Bay is bordered by Laem Hin Beach. Here are some hotels and you can easily reach everything on foot via the Tonsai Village.
East of Tonsai Bay lies Long Beach. Here it is much quieter than at the 3 aforementioned beaches. The way on foot is possible, but it still offers to go with a longtail boat. The water is very clear here and the beach and the accommodations invite you to chill out.
At the back of Long Beach is Loh Mood Dee Bay. The small dream beach can be reached on foot from Long Beach.
It is even quieter on the neighboring Rantee Beach. This beach can only be reached by water taxi and there are only 3 resorts. If you are looking for peace and idyllic beach, here is his paradise!
A little further north is the Phak Nam Bay. The beach is gorgeous, the chalets are chilly - all in all a paradise on earth. The Phak Nam Bay can be reached either on foot or by water taxi.
The neighboring beach Loh Bagao Bay is one of the larger beaches of the island. The beach is very quiet and can only be reached by longtail. In addition to luxury accommodation, you will also find cozy accommodation for backpackers.
Phi Phi's northernmost beach is Laem Tong Beach and can only be reached by longtail boat. The beach is far away from the main beaches and quiet. The accommodations are in the upscale price range.
The Loh Lanna Bay is virtually untouched. On the one hand because of its location, as the beach can be reached either by foot from Loh Bagao Bay or by long tail boat. But worth a visit, as the beach is beautiful.
The small Nui Bay can be reached by long-tail boat. Upstream rocks invite you to snorkel here.
Monkey Bay is located west of Loh Dalum Bay and can only be reached by water taxi. As the name implies, monkeys live here on the beach, who like to be feeded by the visitors. Therefore, the beach is also a tourist attraction and well visited.