Ultimate Koh Phi Phi Itinerary for 3 Days
Are you planning to visit Koh Phi Phi and are unsure what to do? This complete itinerary for 3 days in Koh Phi Phi will answer all your questions!
I’ve included everything you need to know for your first visit to Koh Phi Phi, how to get there, the best things to do on the island, the lively nightlife, where to stay and many restaurant recommendations too!
The Phi Phi Islands are composed of six islands, the largest being Koh Phi Phi Don, a small island comprised of bars, hotels, restaurants, shops, and viewpoints, with locals inhabiting the island.
If you’re reading this and debating whether you should visit Koh Phi Phi for a day trip or stay on the island, I highly recommend you stay there.
A day trip to Koh Phi Phi will feel rushed, and you’ll miss the experience of staying on this beautiful remote island!
How to Get to Koh Phi Phi
First, let’s discuss how to get to Koh Phi Phi. There are two places you can reach Koh Phi Phi from.
Phuket and Krabi, each place has its various ports where you can depart from taking a ferry or speedboat to Koh Phi Phi.
Something you should know before coming is that there’s a 20 Baht environmental fee to enter the island as you arrive at Koh Phi Phi. Make sure you have some cash with you.
From Phuket
To get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi, you must go to the Rassada Pier in Phuket
Travel Time: 2 hours by Ferry – 1 hour by Speedboat
Ticket to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket – Choose Ferry or Speedboat
Cost: 500 Baht ($15 to 20 US) / Prices vary between companies and seasonal time of year
From Krabi
To get to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi, go to Klong Jilad Pier or Nopparat Thara Pier.
Whichever pier is closer to your location in Krabi, also make sure to purchase a ticket with a departure from the correct pier.
Tickets to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi – Choose Ferry or Speedboat
Time: 2 hours by Ferry – 1 hour by Speedboat
Cost: 500 Baht ($15 to 20 US) / Prices vary between companies and seasonal time of year
Koh Phi Phi Itinerary for 2 or 3 Days Overview
- Day 1: Arrival, Lunch, Island Exploration, Dinner, & Sunset at Loh Dalum Beach
- Day 2: Morning Tour to Maya Bay Tour, Afternoon Beach Day, & Nightmarket/Party
- Day 3: Hike Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints, Drinks at a Phi Phi Don Cafe & Departure
Day 1 in Koh Phi Phi:
As you arrive at Koh Phi Phi, first things first, walking over to your hotel from the main pier and settling in.
Once you’ve settled in at your hotel, it’s time to enjoy some lunch on the island. I’ve included some of the best restaurants for lunch further down in the itinerary.
Afterward, it’s time to explore your surroundings in Koh Phi Phi! Depending on the time you arrive on the island, you may have more time to explore.
Ferries come to Koh Phi Phi from the early morning to early evening. I recommend you come in the afternoon an hour before your check-in for your hotel, and see if they’ll let you in early!
Island Exploration
You’re visiting an island in the middle of the Andaman Sea in Thailand, what else would you rather do than first explore your surroundings?
Take a walk and explore the charming winding roads in Koh Phi Phi, observe how locals live on the island, and wander around!
It’s tiny island, you can walk most of it in around 30+ minutes, only around 5,000 people live on Koh Phi Phi. However, take your time, with Koh Phi Phi’s unique location, there’s plenty to notice within the island.
Many shops on the island sell all sorts of items, from clothing, swimwear, and small souvenirs to take you home with you. You’ll run into many bars, cafes, and restaurants if you want to stop and take a break!
Dinner
After exploring the island for the afternoon and you’ve rested at a cafe or perhaps got a few drinks at a bar.
It’s time to enjoy a nice dinner in Koh Phi Phi. Because the island sees tourists from all over the world, you will find all sorts of cuisine types, from Italian to Arabic, Mexican, and many local Thai restaurants.
So, no matter the type of cuisine you’re craving, you should be able to find it in Koh Phi Phi despite the island’s small size!
I’ve included a list of the best restaurants in Koh Phi Phi below in this itinerary, take your restaurant pick!
Sunset at Loh Dalum Beach
Time to experience your first sunset in Koh Phi Phi and there’s no better place to do just that than at Loh Dalum Beach.
In the evening, many locals and tourists gather to watch the sunset views as it comes down along the bay with the sea in the distance. You’ll spot large limestones on both sides of Loh Dalum Beach, making for a unique sunset view experience!
Sit back, relax and enjoy a drink at one of the many beach bars as you take in the susnet. If you’d prefer to do your own thing, buy snacks and drinks from 711 and picnic on the beach!
During the day, the beach is full of tourists swimming, lounging around, and relaxing, you can also rent a kayak or paddleboard on the beach.
Nightmarket
There isn’t an official night market in Koh Phi Phi, but the area I’ll suggest to you on the island is similar to the many night markets in Thailand.
You’ll spot a few street food vendors selling foods, desserts and just steps aways there are vendors selling souveniers and other goods.
After sunset, come stop by and check it out, or if you’d prefer, continue your night at a beach bar in Loh Dalum Beach!
Day 2 in Koh Phi Phi:
The second day starts early, and I hope you’re ready with plenty of action-packed adventures.
Many visit Koh Phi Phi to experience and see its many tower-high limestones, the famous Maya Bay Beach, Pi Leh Lagoon, and much more. On day two, you’ll be doing just that!
Early in the morning, you’ll attend the famous tour, that way you can beat some of the afternoon crowds. After a morning of adventuring, you’ll spend the day relaxing at one of the beaches on the island.
Once you’ve freshened up at your hotel after the beach and enjoyed a nice dinner, head out to experience the Koh Phi Phi nightlife at one of the many bars and beach clubs.
Maya Bay Beach, Pi Leh Lagoon & More
It’s time to experience what most of us come to Koh Phi Phi for, the island’s many famous attractions including Maya Bay Beach, Pi Leh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, and others!
Below I’ve mentioned a morning tour, you can do an afternoon tour but I’d recommend you don’t, Maya Bay Beach get very crowded with tourists in the afternoon from Phuket and Krabi.
To experience and get to these many famous attractions you have three options, you can take a tour along with other passengers on a speedboat or longtail boat. Another option is a private tour on a traditional Thai longtail boat.
Speedboats despite being fast are more comfortable for passengers as the boats have more room onboard and overall it’s a smoother ride to the many attractions.
Longtail boats have their appeal, as they’re traditionally Thai and look beautiful, however for those who do get seasick, you may want to reconsider because of the bumpy ride.
Determine which of the three options would be best for you and others you’re visiting with!
Remember, a morning tour won’t nearly be as crowded as the afternoon, and I’d imagine you’d like to take a few pictures!
Afternoon Beach Day
After an action-packed morning exploring some of Thailand’s most beautiful tropical nature, it’s time to spend the afternoon relaxing on one of the best beaches in Koh Phi Phi Don, Long Beach.
Known for it’s incredibly soft white sand, vibrant turquoise blue waters and relaxing atmosphere, Long Beach is the best beach in Koh Phi Phi. It’s an excellent snorkeling spot for those who want to explore the marine life. You’ll also find a few hotels, restaurants, and bars at the beach.
However, you can’t walk to this beach on foot in Koh Phi Phi, and you must take a quick longtail boat taxi to the beach. Walk over to this small beach area, and you’ll spot many boats, speak to them and be on your way to Long Beach!
A longtail boat taxi usually cost around 200 Baht per person, sometimes the driver will wait for other passengers to fill up the boat before leaving.
For other beaches in Koh Phi Phi to consider visiting, but you must take a longtail boat taxi to these as well:
- Laemtong Beach
- Loh Moo Dee Beach
- Nui Beach
If you don’t want to take a longtail boat taxi to one of Koh Phi Phi’s better beaches, you can spend the day at Loh Dalum Beach or this small Phi Phi Beach shoreline.
If you visit Koh Phi Phi during the off-season months from May through October, some beaches are inaccessible because of the low tide, and longtail boat taxis can’t get there.
Party Time
After you’ve washed up from the beach and gone for dinner, it’s time to experience the nightlife in Koh Phi Phi!
The partying in Koh Phi Phi is one of many reasons the island is famous among tourists. Many solo travelers frequent Koh Phi Phi, so if you’re traveling alone, you’ll meet many when partying!
If you want to experience a long night out, head to Ibiza Pool Party, where the party goes into the early morning hours. Also, Slinky Bar and Stones Bar are fun beach parties that are also a good time.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more chill night out, many bars offer drinks with board games, billiards, and more. After that, you can always follow your night up with a few Muay Thai fights at the local stadium!
Day 3 in Koh Phi Phi:
It’s your last day in Koh Phi Phi as you travel to the next destination. The third day will be relaxing, but your morning will involve a fun adventure to the top of the island!
After your morning hike, take it easy around the island while waiting for your ferry departure and enjoy a drink at the best cafe on the island. Remember to show up 30 minutes before your ferry departure.
Hike Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint 1,2 & 3
If you’ve spent some time looking at images of Koh Phi Phi online, you’ll more than likely seen the shot from the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint feauturing entire island.
This fun 30-minute hike to the top of the island is a great way to spend your morning or later afternoon and a memorable way to go home with the best photos of the island. It does cost 40 Baht to do the hike, make sure you bring some cash with you.
It’s not a challenging hike, and it’s well worth experiencing the viewpoints in Koh Phi Phi.
Once you’ve reached the top, you will see mesmerizing views of Koh Phi Phi, both bays connecting to the island and large limestones in the background. The pictures don’t do it justice, and it’s much more beautiful in person.
You can do the hike in the morning or afternoon, it’s up to you, however earlier is better to avoid the hotter sun. Also, it gets busier at the viewpoint in the afternoon.
Drinks at Phi Phi Don Cafe
After completing the beautiful viewpoints hike, it’s time to sit back and relax at one of Koh Phi Phi’s best cafes, offering exceptional island views!
Phi Phi Don Cafe and Restaurant has the best views of the main pier, beach shoreline with all the longtail boats and towering limestones that make up the main island.
Sit back, order a drink, maybe some lunch, I highly recommend the coconuts here they’re huge and worth it!
Keep track of the time so you know when to leave and can walk over to the main pier to catch your ferry.
Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi
Below, you’ll find excellent accommodations on the island, from budget-friendly hostels to resorts and boutique hotels. No matter your budget, Koh Phi Phi is accommodating to all.
Overall the island is tiny so you can easily walk to and from your hotel with ease, restaurants, bars, cafes, everything is conveniently nearby.
There are accommodations on the island that offer quieter stays along Long Beach and north of the island, but if you stay there, you’ll need to take a longtail boat taxi whenever you want to do something.
Zeavola Resort / A luxurious 5 Star resort offering a secluded, quiet atmosphere located north of the island, away from the central part.
Phi Phi Coco Resort / 4 Star Beach Resort is located by the main port, a beautiful hotel, and conveniently located.
Phi Phi Anita Resort / 3 Star resort located in the heart of the island, nearby bars, restaurants, and only a 10 minute walk to the main pier.
Ibiza House / 3 Star hotel famous for its infamous pool parties by the beach.
The party lasts till early morning at this hotel, so consider another hotel if you prefer a quieter one.
Blanco Beach Bar / Popular hostel with a beachfront pool facing the sea. And at night, the place turns into a fun, lively beach bar.
The Pier 519 / A boutique-style hostel is centrally located and ideal for those not looking to be around too much partying
Best Restaurants in Koh Phi Phi
Garlic 1992: A humble local Thai restaurant that’s been open since 1992, family-owned/operated. The food was delicious here, it was well-priced, and their cocktails were massive
Phi Phi Don Cafe & Restaurant: This cafe/restaurant has the best view of the bay on the island. Their menu is extensive, and they serve cocktails throughout the whole day
Thai Duck Noodle Soup: Located right in the night market, the friendly man who owns this shop always has awesome music, serving several various classic duck Thai dishes
Atom Resto: Locally owned Italian restaurant serving both Italian and Thai food, an excellent choice for those craving pasta
Only Noodles: This small hidden restaurant on the corner of a street serves delicious cheap pad-thai in several ways, a perfect place for a quick, affordable lunch
Best Time to Visit Koh Phi Phi
The best time to visit Koh Phi Phi to experience the island for all it offers is during the dry season, from November through April. During this time its warm enough for the beach, humidity levels are low and chances of rain are unlikely.
Dry Season in Koh Phi Phi: November to April
Monsoon/Rainy Season in Koh Phi Phi: May to October
If you visit during the off-season months from May to October, you may experience some sunny days, but be prepared for some cloud and rainy days.
Also, humidity levels are much higher during the rainy season, which may be uncomfortable for some.
Another essential aspect is the more aggressive currents in the sea during the off-season months from May through October. Tours to popular attractions like Maya Bay Beach, Monkey Island, and others sometimes get canceled for the day because of the aggressive current in the sea.
Tips for Visiting Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is one of those places where, if you know a few tips, it will make your visit much smoother. Here are a few tips you should know before visiting the island!
- Bring cash with you, there are ATMs but sometimes they’re down, some restaurants accept cards, but not all.
- You must take your luggage to your hotel from the pier. Some luxury hotels offer a transport service where employees pick up your luggage from the pier.
- Consider bringing a dry bag, when you arrive at beaches and islands, sometimes you’ll need to go in the water, these types of bags ensure your things don’t get wet.
- Fast drying towels are excellent for excursions in Thailand, they help keep you dry but dry fast so you can put them back into your bag!
- Make sure you experience a drink bucket, they’re buckets sold with a variety of alcohol, it’s a Thailand party thing!
- Ferries leave on time, so make sure you arrive 30 minutes before departure and check in with staff.
Koh Phi Phi Itinerary for 3 Days — Final Thoughts
There you have it, that sums up your perfect 3 day itinerary for Koh Phi Phi. If you’re debating visiting, there’s no reason not to visit and stay on the island, Koh Phi Phi is worth visiting!
It’s a unique experience, visiting such a remote island in the centre of the Andaman Sea. The nature on and around the island is just mesmerizing, and overall, Koh Phi Phi is a bucket-list destination!
Once you’ve visited Koh Phi Phi, consider visiting Railay, another tropical-rich destination in Krabi with a more laid-back vibe!
How many days should you spend in Koh Phi Phi?
Ideally its best to spend at least two to three days in Koh Phi Phi. There are stunning beaches here, and the island’s attractions alone take a day to visit. This will also allow you some time to explore the main island.
How to spend 3 days in Phi Phi?
Experience the famous Maya Bay Beach Tour as you explore the famous beach, Pi Leh Lagoon, and much more. Hike to the famous viewpoints on the island. Explore the island’s surroundings and visit its many beaches. And last but not least, experience the nightlife in Koh Phi Phi!
Is it worth it to stay in Koh Phi Phi?
Yes, that way you can experience the main island Koh Phi Phi Don to its fullest and you’ll be able to take your time as you explore it’s surroundings.
Is Koh Phi Phi expensive?
No it’s not, the cost to visit Koh Phi Phi is similar to other destinations in Krabi, the average daily spend is $67 US. This accounts for all travelers, if you budget yourself it’s far cheaper!
Subscribe to Travel Hiatus!
Receive updates on my latest posts, insider travel tips & the best destination guides to your inbox!
[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]
Happy & Safe Travels
Planning Checklist
- Find the best Hotels/Resorts
- Book a Vacation Home Rental
- Book a fun Tour in the Place you’re visiting
- Find the best Hostels
- Find/Buy the Cheapest Flights
- Get Travel Insurance when traveling
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links shared in this article might be affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, we will earn a small commission for any sales generated through this article and/or this website.
We recommend products/services we’ve either used or researched thoroughly – Thank you for supporting me so we can continue to share helpful travel content!
