Phi Phi Island Hopping- The best islands to visit

Tia — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:31:23 +0000

Longtail Boats – A Thai Staple

Phi Phi Island Hopping – the ultimate experience! Imagine yourself on a classic Thai longtail boat cruising the pristine waters, and limestone cliffs and hopping from one spectacular island to the next. In Phi Phi, this is reality. You can take a boat tour and do it in a day, or rent a private boat and take your time exploring the wonders God left so generously in Thailand. However you choose to do it though, Phi Phi island hopping is a must. In this guide, I explain where to go, and how to get there, along with some unexpected truths, you probably didn’t expect to hear! Ready for wanderlust?

Without further delay, let’s start exploring the islands you can (and should) visit on your exploring adventures on the Islands!

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Phi Phi Island Hopping – Monkey Beach

Did you know monkeys can swim?! Well after Indonesia I knew they are clever as hell. I also knew they are prone to stealing your sunglasses but Phi Phi taught me more. Monkeys can swim! Throw a banana and watch them dive underwater peel/stuff it in their mouth in the blink of an eye. I came prepared and had the time of my life feeding those cheeky little babies! A visit to Monkey Beach is a MUST .

Monkey Beach

Bamboo Island

This small heart-shaped island has a strip of white sand that goes around its entire perimeter! There is thick tropical vegetation growing in the middle of it which gives it the name of Bamboo island. So gorgeous!

Mosquito Island

A perfect hot spot for all snorkeling and water sports fans! This island would be packed with tourists… if it wasn’t for the hundreds of mosquitoes! Thankfully they come out after sunset, sucking the life out of you while you run for dear life.

Tip: As you may have already guessed…mosquito repellent is a must!

Viking Cave

Located at the base of a huge cliff in Phi Phi Leh, you will find the Viking Caves. The cave got its name from the paintings inside the cave, made by stranded sailors and Vikings. I actually saw people living there – inside the actual cliff, right in the middle of the ocean. That just blew my mind! I had a million questions – do they have electricity? How do they cook? Where do they sleep? What is their protection from the elements? Mr. Liang didn’t any answers for me – I think i overwhelmed the poor man with too many English questions!

Maya Bay

A bay of little beaches – Most of them only visible in low tide! The main beach is 200m long with soft sand, colorful corals and exotic fish in crystal clear waters. WELL…APPARENTLY.

Because we couldn’t ACTUALLY visit… as Maya bay (the little spot of paradise where Leonardo Di Caprio filmed ‘’The Beach’’ ) has officially been declared off-limits.

This is because it has been so damaged by the huge number of irresponsible tourists it receives. Therefore the government has decided (as of 2018) to close it to the public in order to help nature restore itself. Most of the coral life has been wiped out, and rubbish now litters the once crystal clear waters. In early 2020, Thai Officials released a statement that the world-famous beach is to remain closed for a further two years until mid-2021 at least. It is so sad and downright disgraceful- the human race truly destroys everything it touches! Read my Responsible tourism and ethical travel guide to help you with easy tips to travel ethically and help save the planet!

Kho Khai Nok – Ideal for a longer visit

No Phi Phi island hopping would be complete, without a visit to Kho Khai Nok! This place is famous for the Instagram worthy beach photos and incredible views! Here, the 12 exotic species of fish that are so accustomed to humans they swim right by your feet. Kho Khai Nok has a Caribbean feel to it, it almost transported me back to Belize! Definitely try and spend some time there, it’s blissful!

Phi Phi Island Hopping Koh Yao Yai

Located midway Phuket and Krabi, this island is quite popular among tourists. Here, you will find sandy beaches, coral-rich waters, fishing villages, and several dive sites. Loh Jark beach has a pier for boats to land on so you can get off and explore the island on foot. Enjoy fresh Grilled prawns on the edge of the water, and if you are a diver, go on and book a tour, or snorkel your way to Koh Yao Yai heaven! I recommend spending some time on the island which might not be possible with a group boat cruise. If you have your own boat rental, you are the master of your time, so you can decide how long to spend there!

Costs – Phi Phi island Hopping

Phi Phi islands are crawling with a vast choice of tours to choose from! There are also sightseeing tours, and several others I prefer not to mention. You see, I am big on ethical tourism and firmly against animal cruelty. As for the island hopping, You can choose a long tail boat, a big boat or a private boat. I took a long tail boat on a full day island hopping tour and it cost me 400 baht. (1 euro is 38 baht). So 10 euros for a full day of feeding monkeys, exploring caves and beaches and lunch on the boat included!! #winner

Tips for the best fun, health, and safety

Make sure you pack some bananas to feed the monkeys!
Your mosquito repellant is an obvious MUST. If you are prone to bites, go for the strong stuff – mosquitos in Thailand are not playing around – This strong, 100% natural, Deet free repellant is excellent!
Sunblock – you will be so busy having fun, you won’t realize you are burning! If you have sun allergies like me, try this Piz Buin Sun Allergy sunblock – I discovered it 3 years ago and I haven’t had a breakout since! We don’t get the sun allergy range in Cyprus, but you can get it in my link online!
If you get seasick, instead of pills try these nausea wristbands! The waves can get pretty major!
Dry Bag. The boat will get wet, 100%. Carry as little as possible with you and make sure you keep it dry and safe in good quality, waterproof dry bags.

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