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 .

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.

Related Articles

• Phi Islands – An Ultimate Guide
• The best food and nightlife in Phi Phi Islands
• The best beaches in Koh Phi Phi
• Koh Samui Beach bars – The best of the best 
• Koh Samui – The best Restaurants and Nightlife
• Thailand information you should know – climate, budget, visas
• The best Activities to do it Phuket
• The best beaches in Phuket
• How to avoid getting sick on holiday – exotic diseases
• Responsible tourism and ethical travel
• Thailand Packing Guide
• Short funny travel stories – How I crashed my scooter in Thailand
• How to avoid getting sick on Holiday
• How to choose the perfect travel agent 

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So you booked your holidays to Phuket. Hooray! If you are a food lover like me, I am sure you are wondering; what are the best restaurants in Phuket? In this article, I will be listing my favorite best restaurants in Phuket and the recommendations of Phuket Nightlife! There is such an endless choice of food in Phuket that it can get overwhelming! As a result, it is not always easy to figure out the best places to eat.

So if you are looking for finger-licking good food and drinks in Phuket, read on!

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at our disclaimer here.

Dinner Attire!

Phuket Nightlife – Top Bars and Nightclubs

Party with Ladyboys in their element at Simons Cabaret Show

If you can’t beat em’ join ’em – Bangla Road Phuket

Thailand local Delicacies – Scorpions on a stick!

Illuzion Nightclub

Z1MPLEX Mixology Laboratory

Best Restaurants in Phuket – Amazing Culinary experiences

Have the steak of you lives at Sams Steakhouse and Grill

best restaurants in Phuket -Best Steak in Phuket

Quip Sky Bar

Dine like a Royal at Mom Tris Kitchen

best restaurants in Phuket -Mom Tris Fine Dining

Sample gourmet Italian Cuisine at the La Gritta Restaurant

best restaurants in Phuket – Italian Food

Bambot Kitchen and Bar

best restaurants in Phuket – European Food

Unbeatable Seafood and local Delicacies at Kan Eang

Genuine Thai Food with Authentically low Thai Prices

Suay

best restaurants in Phuket – Thai Food Medley

Raya

Western Food Done Right at the EAT Bar and Grill Phuket

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants In Phuket

best restaurants in Phuket, colorful vegan bowl

The Vegan Table

Eat Greens Cafe

best restaurants in Phuket, vegan food

Atsumi Raw Cafe

Thai Street food

street food vendor preparing vegetables

Thai Street Food

But as street food goes, I do have some advice

• Observe. Take your time to choose the right vendor. If there is no line – leave. If there are only tourists ordering- leave! Find a vendor that has a long queue of both tourists and locals. Observe them for 5 minutes, how they cook and clean their station and things like: Are there any flies sitting on cooked food? Did the cook wipe their nose?If so, get out pronto and your belly will thank you.
• Watch your food being cooked. Avoid bigger vendors that will bring cooked food from the back. That food might have been sitting there for hours!Choose one where you can see them cook right in front of your eyes.

Thai Street Food – The Gorgeous Noodles

Avoid Drinks containing water and Ice

• Aka – smoothies ( i know better now). We do not have the antibodies for that!
• Only eat fruits and veg that can be peeled in front of your eyes

My recommended Street Food Carts in Phuket

• Wok Street Food
• Kitti Duck Noodle

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Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at our disclaimer here.

Phuket is a busy island with dozens of activities and things to keep you busy for the duration of your trip! Here, I am covering the top of the creme; the kind of activities that should be in anyone’s ”Things to do in Phuket”! There are separate articles about what to eat in Phuket, as well as the best beaches In Phuket so make sure you read up on those too!

Bathe with elephants at the Elephant Retirement Park Phuket

In a country that is sadly considered to have one of the highest rates of animal exploitation and abuse in the world, the Elephant Retirement Park Phuket is a breath of fresh air. It provides hope that things are finally starting to change for the better.

In this Sanctuary, you can feed, bathe and play with the elephants in their natural habitat – the great outdoors. The elephants are all rescues from various difficult and abusive backgrounds. They are tamed, gentle friendly animals that will simply take your breath away!

What does the Elephant Retirement Park Phuket Offer?

You will find out their story, the kind of foods they like and their different temperaments and characters. You get to bottle feed the baby elephants, give them a freshwater bath with a hose and feed them! Then, you walk with them through the jungle and of course, take a mud bath with them!

An experience I will never forget – getting close to these gentle giants and creating lifetime memories! All this, while practicing responsible tourism and staying FAR away from animal exploitation and abuse.

Hands down, the best money I spent in Phuket! An experience you simply cannot miss and my personal No1 in the list of top things to do in Phuket. 

Cost: 2.600 THB Duration: 8:30-12:00 or 1:00-4:30    

Master your cooking skills with a Thai cooking class

Do you think you know Thai food? Well, think again, because Thai food overseas – like other popular cuisines – is completely different in its original place!

Thai cooking classes are hugely popular and a wonderful activity to do on a rainy day! Also when you’ve perhaps had enough of the scorching sun and intense shopping marathons!

Recommended Thai Cooking Class

One cooking class I particularly recommend is the Kata Thai Cooking Class. An authentic yet fun Thai cooking experience you will love to do with friends, family or significant other.  They will take you on a market tour to buy ingredients, explain each item and teach you everything from scratch including how to make your own curry paste!

You get to choose 4 traditional Tha dishes each to cook. These include a soup, a rice dish, a curry, and a dessert

Bonus fact: You get to eat what you’ve cooked too!

Top Tip: Make sure you are hungry. Very, very hungry..

Cost 2,300 THB (To check out Thai Currency please click here )

Duration: Half a day    

Feast your eyes and bellies at Fantasea Phuket

Fantasea Phuket is an extravagant show, housed in a theme park in Phuket that reminds you of a small Disneyland.

The show itself ‘’Fantasea Of a Kingdom’’ is the longest-running show in Asia. The story is based on Thai culture and traditional myths and customs.

It features aerial stunts, special effects and acrobatics, animal performances, stunts, and 4-dimensional effects. Its comprised of 11 scenes and features 44 elephants, 6 buffaloes, 400 birds, 40 goats and a handful of chickens!

You can walk along the beautiful gardens and indulge in some shopping. There is also a first-class dinner – either at the Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant or the luxurious Suriyamas Seafood Buffet.  I dined at the Kinnaree Buffet and the food was wonderful, I literally ate till I couldn’t physically breath!

Cost: 2150 THB to 3200 THB depending on the choice of seats and Restaurant options. All tickets include the Show, Dinner and hotel transfer.

Duration: 6pm-11pm  

Swim with Leopard sharks

Although I don’t have my diving certificate yet, Phuket Dive Tours is considered the best and most reputable company for diving.

The two most popular dive sites are the Shark Point and the Anemone Reef. Both are suitable for elementary and experienced divers! There are high chances of seeing leopard sharks and Whale Sharks along with a plethora of fishes and corals.

Diving has been something I have feared for a long time, but traveling has changed all that for me! It’s broadened my mind so much I have now booked my diving course in early 2019. I cannot wait to put it to use in my next Travel Destination!

Cost: 3.000-4.000 THB

Duration: Full day  

Enlighten yourself at the Big Buddha

High in the hills of Nakkerd, visible from all over the islands, lies the mammoth statue of the 45 ft Big Buddha.

Yes its tourist, but you know what? Anyone entering a foreign land is considered a tourist – so I don’t really agree with avoiding all ”tourist” destinations. I mean, they became popular for a reason so why should I avoid seeing it if it’s worth it? And it is.

So, Big Buddha Phuket is touristy and busy, but a must-see for its sheer size alone! And of course, the gorgeous views (and photos) of Kata Bay and Karon’s perfect sands. Take a moment to take in your surroundings and reconnect with your spirit.

The Big Buddha’s origins are a beautiful story! The story of a prince who gave up a life of privilege and luxury to become a monk, and achieve the highest knowledge of truth. Buddhism is a fascinating religion and one I plan of studying a lot more in my future trips to Asia.

Fee: Free

Duration: 1-3 hours  

Observe thousands of monkeys at Monkey Hill

Toh Sae Hill commonly known as Monkey Hill is a beautiful hill in Phuket Town. What makes it special is that its home to over 300 monkeys- particularly macaques.

The monkeys roam the hill free in their natural environment. Visiting the Monkey Hill is a dream come true for nature and photography lovers! You will see beautiful views of the monkeys and surrounding jungle; but also from the hill- the highest hill in Phuket!

The monkeys are not aggressive at all but they do love to steal! Nevertheless, you should not leave children unattended at any point.

Top Monkey Hill Tip

For a different experience, arrive at the entrance of Monkey Hill (a short walk from Phuket City Hall) instead of the top, where everyone else goes. Then Hike the 2 km distance to the top through the entire area. During your walk, you will also witness roosters and pigs roaming the streets. Choose to go between 4-6 pm when the road is closed off to motor vehicles. Ideally, aim to get to the top of the hill for the spectacular sunset views! , Once there, you can catch a glimpse of the Big Buddha and the Nakkerd hills of Central Phuket.,

On your way out, be sure to stop at the shrine of the holy spirits of Toh Sae Dam, Toe Sae Kaow and Toh Sae Dang. The shrine is located at the bottom of the hill. This is where locals go to pray for lucky lottery numbers!

You never know, luck might be on your side!

Explore Breathtaking Beaches

Phuket doesn’t disappoint on beaches and natural beauty! You will be spoiled for choice and hard pushed to choose a favorite! The Top Beaches in Phuket, are waiting for you to discover!

All you gotta do is figure out how to squeeze them all in!

Feel at peace at the Shrine of the Serene Light

The shrine of the Serene light is a small Chinese temple – that until recently was one of the best-kept secrets of Phuket.

Tucked away in busy Phuket Town, this shrine used to only be accessible by a small back alley! Sadly this all changed up in 2003 where the entrance was widened and the Shrine was opened to the public. Originally build back in 1891 by the descendants of the powerful Than Luan Jae Family; it is modest in size but extravagant in architecture and appearance. Inside, you will find a plethora of beautiful Si Yin Gui Murals, burning candles and incense. You will also offerings of fresh fruit, statues, and religious idols. It’s such a beautiful place to find serenity in the chaos of Phuket! Perfect to recollect and take time for peace and quiet.

Fee – Free

Duration: 1-2 hours  

Take a boat ride to Phi Phi Islands

If I am honest, Phi Phi is not the kind of place you should visit for a single day. It is so breathtakingly beautiful (although massively affected by irresponsible tourism) . You should really give it a good 2-3 days at the very list.

These Islands will blow your minds, provided you have the perfect Phi Phi Islands Ultimate Guide to follow!

Cost: Varies on tour, whether you stay overnight etcetera. You can reach Phi Phi from Phuket in under 3 hours via ferry or speedboat. Click here for tickets and timetable

Duration: Full day or ideally 3-4 days at the minimum!  

Help out dogs in need at the Soi Dog Foundation

What a beautiful thing it is, to be able to help others in need! And especially animals that have no voice to speak for themselves

The Soi Dog Foundation was founded back in 2003 as is sustained entirely by private donations. Its goal is to help the overwhelming amount of stray dogs and cats that roam the streets of Thailand. It has so far neutered over a quarter of a million animals and provides food, shelter, and medical care.  

Spend some meaningful days volunteering at the shelter. I guarantee you that your heart will be filled with so much love and warmth! Volunteers are asked to walk the dogs and cats and help integrate them into a future loving forever home. This is done by helping them trust humans, learn to walk on a leash and get used to being indoors. A wonderful way to contribute towards this great cause!  

Fee- Free

Duration: Up to you!  

Escape Phuket and land in idyllic Koh Samui

Do you have a bit of time to spend in Thailand? If so then dividing your time in between different Islands is something I highly recommend!

A couple of days in chaotic and vibrant Bangkok…then a good 4-5 days in Phi Phi Islands, ! Finally a short trip to Krabi and of course my absolute favorite Thailand destination. The utterly gorgeous Island of Koh Samui. I spent 10 glorious days here and cannot wait to return for more!

There is so much to see, do and enjoy in Koh Samui that I guarantee you will fall in love!  All these destinations can be reached from Phuket via ferry, bus, or flights.  

Bangkok Air is the main provides of these small flights. 

Cost: Varies!

Duration: 4-5 days (or a lifetime!!)  

Fall in love with the views at Karon View Point

There is something so special about Viewpoints. The view so often leaves you breathless and makes you feel rather small in the grand scheme of things!

Phuket has various Viewpoints scattered around the island – all beautiful in their own way. Do you want to see endless ocean views? Lush green surroundings? The beautiful Beaches Phuket is so famous for? Then Karon Viewpoint is the one for you!

For more info on Karon View Point and lots of pictures, content check out this awesome guide!

Top Karon View Point Tips

To avoid the crowds and get the best sunset views, arrive early to take your pictures from the top. Then, take the road next to the view point all the way downhill. Make a stop at this little restaurant called ‘’Heaven’’, and go straight for the balcony! Sit comfortably order a drink or two and watch the most beautiful uninterrupted sunset in Phuket!  

Fee: Free Duration: 1-2 Hours  

Volunteer at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center

In yet another tragic case of animal exploitation, more than 3,000 gibbons are killed every year in Thailand by poachers.

This rehabilitation project was set up to help nurse the sick and surviving gibbons back to full health. The aim is to be able to release them back in the wild

Volunteers get to do admin work, fix things around the center and feed the animals. A beautiful and gentle way to meet these beautiful animals up close! Whilst, of course, taking no part in any exploitation or unethical tourism acts  

Fee- Free

Duration: Up to you!  

Some words of advice about Phuket and Thailand in general.

Animal exploitation and abuse are rampant throughout the region. Seeing photos of people doing elephant trekking, taking pictures with chained tigers or stressed out Capuchin monkeys is heartbreaking.

I understand that these magnificent animals are mesmerizing. I also know that you often don’t think you are contributing to this abuse- but you are! We all are!

  By visiting such places you are actually paying for the animal exploitation to continue. Wild animals are not our pets or friends.

Elephants were not born to play football! Monkeys were not born to be chained by their neck! Crocodiles were not born to be prodded with a stick! Tigers were also certainly not born to be drugged up and toothless in a windowless room for all their lives. If it’s one thing I hope you take away from this article is this… Resist the urge. Be a grown-up. Teach your children that this is NOT OKAY. 

Please stop booking any such excursions to make sure that these companies close for good! No more animal abuse !!

 Related Articles

Thailand at a glance – Information on weather, visas, currency, etc.

Phuket Restaurant and Nightlife Guide – The Best Places to Eat, Drink and Party

The Best Beaches In Phuket- Enchanting Phuket – Breathtaking beaches you must visit.

The Ultimate Guide To Phi Phi Islands – Everything you need for your dream holiday

The Ultimate Guide to Koh Samui – A detailed mega guide to the island of Samui

Tropical Diseases and Vaccinations – A guide for safe travels to Thailand    

Responsible Travel -tips to travel ethically and save our planet 

Short travel Stories – How I crashed my scooter in Thailand

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Much Love and Happy Thai Smiles  

Tia  xoxo

The post Top Things to Do in Phuket For the Best Holidays Ever appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

Best Beaches in Phuket! Below, in no order of importance are the Best beaches in Phuket. Deserted and paradisical, or exotic and cosmopolitan, there’s a beach here for every occasion!

Lost in Paradise

PHUKET

Get a taste of the millionaire lifestyle at Surin Beach

Surin Beach Top Tip

Best Beaches in Phuket – Surin Beach

Live out your shipwrecked fantasy at Laem Gign Beach The ”forbidden” beach mentioned above!

Best Beaches in Phuket – Laem Gign

Create memories forever in the dreamy Nai Harn Beach

Food in Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach

Fall in Love with Ya Nui beach

Ya Nui Beach

Uncover the elusive Ao Sane Hidden Gem beach

Ao Sane Beach

Discover Thai Paradise in Kata Noi Beach

Best Beaches in Phuket – Kata Noi Beach

Mix with the locals at Kamala Beach

Kamala Beach

Discover Exclusivity at Freedom Beach

Be a happy tourist at Patong Beach

Not the most exclusive, but no post on Phuket can be complete without a mention to the iconic Patong Beach. This 2.5 km beach, is relatively busy all over, and if you are a tourist in Phuket, you will find yourself there at some point! Home to a lot of restaurants, shops, and hotels, and Phuket’s finest nightlife scene, Patong beach is a place you will never get bored in. A fun beach with a lively and busy atmosphere, tons of activities, and of course convenience for days when you simply don’t want to do much. We all deserve a lazy day on the beach, especially one that is mere footsteps from some of the busiest hotels in Phuket! Tip: Patong, as with most of Phuket, is best enjoyed in Thailand’s dry season. The beaches can get pretty rough during the monsoon!

Patong Beach

Visit Paradise Beach, whose name says it all!

Paradise Beach

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