Hey everyone, Pinky here! I’m finally sitting down to write about my incredible experience in Krabi, specifically my time exploring the stunning Phi Phi Island. This trip was everything I dreamed of and more – crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Let me take you through my journey, including all the practical tips you’ll need if you’re planning your own visit to Phi Phi Island.
Getting There: From Hong Kong to Krabi
My journey started from Hong Kong with a flight to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where I caught a connecting flight to Krabi International Airport. By the time I arrived, it was already 7:30 PM, and darkness had settled over the region.
For our first night, we stayed at the SEABASS Hotel, a budget-friendly option that offered good value for money. The room was clean and comfortable – exactly what we needed after a long day of travel and it was just a night at Krabi. Sometimes you don’t need luxury; you just need a decent place to rest before the real adventure begins.
A Surprise Dinner Discovery
Hungry and tired, we wandered into a restaurant directly in front of our hotel called Din & Dao Eatery Garden. And honestly? It was love at first bite. I ordered Khao Soi (creamy coconut curry noodle soup) and Pad Kra Pao (stir-fried basil with pork and rice), and both were absolutely incredible. I’d rate this restaurant a solid 9/10. The flavors were authentic, the portions generous, and the vibe was wonderfully local. Just a heads-up – bring cash because they don’t accept cards. This meal was the perfect introduction to Thai cuisine and set the tone for the culinary adventures ahead.
The Journey to Phi Phi Island: Learn from My Mistake
The next morning, we headed to the pier for our transfer to the famous Phi Phi Island. Here’s where I made a rookie mistake that cost us precious time. We went to Klong Jilad Ferry Pier and took a normal boat without checking the options properly. Big mistake! The journey took almost 2.5 hours, rocking and rolling across the waves. It was exhausting and ate into our first day on the island.
Learn from my experience: always take the speed boat. Yes, it costs a bit more, but it only takes about 1 hour to reach Phi Phi Island. Those 90 minutes you save are worth every extra baht – you’ll arrive fresher and have more time to actually enjoy paradise.
Arriving at Phi Phi The Beach Resort
Our home for three nights was the beautiful Phi Phi The Beach Resort, located on the serene Long Beach. The journey from the main pier to the resort is an adventure in itself. After arriving at Ton Sai Pier, guests need to take a 10-minute ride on a long-tail boat to reach the resort. The first boat ride upon arrival and the checkout boat ride are complimentary – a nice touch!
Important Note: The hotel operates a taxi boat service from their tour desk on the beach, but it depends on weather conditions. Here’s their pricing structure:
From 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM: 100 Baht per person (one way)
From 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: 150 Baht per person (one way)
If you want to explore the main town area around Ton Sai Pier, keep these boat times and costs in mind. We paid 200 Baht to go to town one evening, and 300 Baht to return after 6:30 PM – a bit steep but necessary since that was the only way back.
Day 1: The 6-Hour Island Hopping Tour
On our first full day at Phi Phi Island, we booked a 6-hour tour through the hotel’s tour desk, and honestly, this was the best decision. The six-hour duration was perfect – long enough to see multiple spots but not so long that we felt completely exhausted (well, maybe a little tired by the end).
Our tour took us to:
Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai): This place is pure magic. The water here is shallow and crystal-clear, with a beautiful turquoise color that looks almost unreal. Snorkeling here was incredible – the waters are teeming with marine life, and yes, we spotted clownfish hiding in their anemones! Finding Nemo became a real-life adventure.
Maya Bay: Made famous by the movie “The Beach,” Maya Bay is stunning even with the crowds. The limestone cliffs rising dramatically from emerald waters create a landscape that photos simply cannot capture. You have to see it to believe it.
Two Snorkeling Spots: The tour included stops at two different snorkeling locations around Phi Phi Island. Each spot offered different marine life and coral formations, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. By the end of the six hours, I was pleasantly tired – the good kind of tired that comes from a day well spent in the sun and sea.
Day 2: Back to Maya Bay for Content
I’ll be honest – I’m a content creator at heart. So on day two, I convinced everyone to return to Maya Bay. Why? Because I wanted better photos and videos for my Instagram, of course! The lighting was perfect, and I captured some beautiful shots that I’ll treasure forever.
After satisfying my content cravings, we went snorkeling again at Maya Bay and then headed to Shark Point. The name sounds scary, but don’t worry – the sharks here are small, harmless reef sharks that mind their own business. We also explored Wang Long Bay, a beautiful spot with calm waters and stunning scenery. Every corner of Phi Phi Island reveals something new and beautiful.
Day 3: Snorkeling Right at Long Beach
Our final full day was the most relaxed. We discovered that you don’t even need a boat tour to experience amazing snorkeling at Phi Phi Island. Right in front of our resort at Long Beach, the water is teeming with fish. We grabbed our masks and snorkels and spent hours floating in the warm water, watching colorful fish dart around us. It was peaceful, free, and absolutely wonderful.
That evening, we took a long-tail boat to the town area near Ton Sai Pier to explore. The boat cost 200 Baht going there (before 6 PM) and 300 Baht returning (after 6:30 PM). We had a late lunch at Garlic 1992 Restaurant, but honestly? The food wasn’t great, especially compared to the delicious meals we’d been enjoying at Phi Phi The Beach Resort’s own restaurant. The resort’s food was consistently good – fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced. Stick to the resort restaurant; you won’t regret it.
Booking Your Return: A Crucial Tip
When it’s time to leave Phi Phi Island, head to Ton Sai Pier and look for the Ton Sai Boat Service – it’s one of the first few shops you’ll see. I’ve included a photo reference below. Make sure you specifically ask for the fast boat and check the departure and arrival times. Confirm that the journey duration is approximately 1 hour. Don’t make my mistake of ending up on a slow boat again!
Final Thoughts on Phi Phi Island
Spending three nights at Phi Phi Island was the highlight of my Thailand trip. The island offers the perfect balance of natural beauty, adventure activities, and relaxation. Whether you’re snorkeling at Bamboo Island, capturing content at Maya Bay, or simply floating in the calm waters of Long Beach, Phi Phi Island delivers unforgettable experiences.
The key takeaways from my trip:
Take the fast boat – always
Bring cash for local restaurants like Din & Dao
Book tours through your hotel’s tour desk for convenience or online
Don’t bother with town restaurants; the resort food is better
Budget for long-tail boat transfers (100-300 Baht depending on time)
I hope this detailed guide helps you plan your own adventure to this slice of paradise. Have you been to Phi Phi Island? Share your experiences in the comments below!