The Phi Phi Islands in Thailand are a slice of tropical heaven that have earned their place on countless bucket lists. Famous for their turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant nightlife, these islands are small in size but big on charm. Whether you’re a beach bum, adventure seeker, or party enthusiast, Phi Phi packs enough punch to make every moment count. With just two days, you can enjoy the best this paradise has to offer—and maybe snap that perfect Instagram shot to prove it.
Note: We spent a total of three weeks island hopping across Southern Thailand, prioritizing relaxation and free beach activities over adventurous excursions and partying. However, there’s still some of that (we were in Koh Phangan for Songkran/New Year’s after all), but if you’re more into the landscapes and the food, this is the right blog for you.
Are you island hopping too? Check out our blog, How to Spend 3 Weeks in Southern Thailand (coming soon!).
Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, or the Philippines!
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you.
TLDR 🫣
Phi Phi is a small but stunning Thai island paradise, known for its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, vibrant nightlife, and unforgettable adventures.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint, relax at Loh Dalum Bay, and enjoy a beachside fire show with a cocktail in hand.
Day 2: Ko Phi Phi Leh & Maya Bay snorkeling tour, featuring stops at Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and a magical plankton snorkeling experience under the stars.
Pro Tips:
- Book your snorkeling tour in person on the island to snag the best deal (we highly recommend “Phi Phi Wonderful Tour”).
- Stay hydrated and bring reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling to protect the marine life.
- Pack light, comfy clothes—it’s hot and walkable!
Top Awards:
- Best Experience: Swimming with glowing bioluminescent plankton during nighttime snorkeling.
- Best Eats: The delicious buffet lunch included in the snorkeling tour.
- Best "Bang For Your Buck" Hotel: Panmanee Hotel—clean, central, and comfy despite being pricey.
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase).
HOW TO GET AROUND PHI PHI
Good news: You won’t need a car, a scooter, or even a bike to get around Phi Phi. In fact, the main island (Phi Phi Don) is completely walkable. Picture a tropical village with no roads—just sandy pathways lined with beachwear shops, dive centers, and bars. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a laid-back postcard. If you’re venturing out to Phi Phi Leh or other nearby spots, long-tail boats are the go-to mode of transport. They’re charming, efficient, and perfect for island-hopping. Just don’t forget to haggle a bit for the best price—a little bargaining goes a long way.
WHERE TO STAY IN PHI PHI
Looking for a place to stay? Phi Phi is tiny and expensive, so prepare for some sticker shock. We stayed at the Panmanee Hotel, which set us back $104.19 CAD per night—easily one of the most expensive places we booked during our Southern Thailand adventure. Was it worth it? Totally. Clean, comfortable, and centrally located, Panmanee made our Phi Phi stay hassle-free. Pro tip: Book early, especially during peak season, because accommodations on this small island fill up faster than a beachside fire show.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint
Start your day with a little adventure (and sweat). The hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint is steep but totally doable—and the panoramic views at the top will blow your mind. Pro tip: Go early to avoid the heat and beat the crowds. We went for sunset (so much later in the day and it was packed)! Heads up: There’s an admission fee. It cost ฿100.00 for two people. Once you’ve soaked up the views (and caught your breath), reward yourself with a refreshing smoothie or some mango sticky rice from the stalls near the base. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on Loh Dalum Bay or exploring the charming village vibes.
In the evening, head to the beach for one of Phi Phi’s iconic fire shows. Picture expert performers twirling flaming batons against a backdrop of crashing waves. It’s thrilling, Instagram-worthy, and pairs perfectly with a cocktail from one of the many beach bars.
Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a good spot, and don’t be shy about ordering a bucket drink—it’s a Phi Phi classic.
Day 2: Ko Phi Phi Leh & Maya Bay Snorkeling Tour
We booked a shared snorkeling tour the day before, right on the island. Booking in person gave us a chance to compare prices and find something that fit our schedule. We also met the loveliest sales woman – honest, patient, and really knowledgeable. We don’t have her name or number, but she was at “Phi Phi Wonderful Tour”. We’re not sponsored and fully recommend this tour. The tour cost ฿2,800.00 for two people and included a delicious buffet lunch. Honestly, for everything it covered, it felt like a solid deal.
The day started at the pier, where we gathered with our group and waited for everything to be organized. After a quick rundown of the itinerary, we were guided to our speedboat. Once aboard, the excitement kicked in as we sped off to our first destination.
Our first stop was Monkey Beach, where wild monkeys roam free. From the comfort of the boat, we watched them climbing trees, scurrying along the sand, and even taking a swim. They were entertaining, but we were glad we didn’t have snacks with us—they’re known to snag anything edible from tourists! Personally, this was the part of the tour that upset us the most and it’s no fault of the tour operator or crew! It’s the obnoxious tourists trying to pet the monkeys. Please just give them their space and respect that we’re visitors in their homes.
Next up was Viking Cave, a fascinating spot with striking rock formations. The guide explained its history as a site for harvesting swiftlet bird nests, prized in Chinese cuisine. While we didn’t go inside, the sheer size and structure of the cave were impressive enough to make the stop worthwhile. The stunning emerald green waters that surround this area were absolutely breathtaking.
Then came the highlight of the tour: Maya Bay. Famous for its role in The Beach, this iconic location had been closed for years to allow the ecosystem to recover from over-tourism. It recently reopened, and let me tell you, it’s pristine now. Picture powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and cliffs rising dramatically around the bay—it’s postcard perfection. While swimming here is still prohibited to protect the delicate marine environment, we couldn’t resist dipping our toes in the water and soaking up the surreal views.
After Maya Bay, we cruised to Bamboo Island. This heart-shaped island felt like a slice of heaven, with its soft white sand and aquamarine waters. We had plenty of time here to swim, sunbathe, or simply lay back and let the serenity of the place sink in.
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we made our way to our final and most unique experience: nighttime plankton snorkeling. We anchored the boat and waited for the sky to turn pitch black, then dove into the water to witness something straight out of a nature documentary. The bioluminescent plankton lit up with every movement, creating a magical, glowing effect. It was like swimming through a sea of stars. Unfortunately, it was too dark to get any good photos of these plankton in the water. This unforgettable moment was the perfect way to end an adventure-filled day.
By the time we returned to the pier, we were exhausted but exhilarated. The tour had been worth every baht—great value, stunning destinations, and memories we’ll treasure forever. If you’re visiting Phi Phi, this tour is an absolute must!
After your tour, grab a late dinner back on Phi Phi Don and soak up the island’s chill vibes. If you’ve got time, pop into one of the many shops for a souvenir or two before ending your whirlwind trip.
Phi Phi may be small, but it’s the kind of place that leaves a big impression. Two days is just enough to taste its magic, but we guarantee you’ll already be planning your return as soon as you leave.
TOTAL COST for 2 Days in Phi Phi (Approximate CAD for 2 people):
Accommodations for 2 nights: $208
Activities (Day 2’s tour + tips): $110
Food: $40
Transportation: $37
Souvenirs (we did not shopping here, leaving that for other islands): $0
TOTAL: $396 (Roughly $99 per person, per day) – our most expensive island in Southern Thailand
FINAL THOUGHTS
Phi Phi might be small, but it’s jam-packed with adventure, stunning scenery, and memories you won’t forget. Just prepare your wallet, your legs (hello, stairs!), and your liver for two action-packed days. Have fun, and don’t forget to snap a photo or ten!
Feel free to ask us questions in the comments! Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, or the Philippines!
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