Phi Phi Itinerary: The Perfect 2–3 Days in Koh Phi Phi
Planning a Phi Phi itinerary can feel a little overwhelming, especially when you realise just how much there is to do across the Phi Phi Islands. From iconic spots like Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon to laid-back beach days and lively nightlife, this really is one of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand.
We spent a few days exploring Koh Phi Phi Don, the main island, and it quickly became one of our favourite stops during our time in Thailand. Whether you’re visiting as part of a longer trip from Phuket or Krabi, or squeezing it into a shorter island itinerary, this guide will help you make the most of your time.
After experiencing everything from snorkelling trips and sunset hikes to beach days and fire shows, we’ve pulled together what we think is the perfect 2–3 day Phi Phi itinerary.
Map of This Phi Phi Itinerary
To help you plan your days in Koh Phi Phi, we’ve created a map with all the key spots included in this guide.
Having everything mapped makes it much easier to plan your day trips, hikes and beach time without wasting precious time on the island.
How Many Days in Koh Phi Phi?
For most people, 2–3 days in Koh Phi Phi is the perfect amount of time.
- 1 day: Only enough for a quick day trip, often from Phuket.
- 2 days: See highlights + one day tour
- 3 days: Best balance of exploring and relaxing
We personally spent three days here as a couple, and it felt like the ideal amount of time to experience everything without rushing and getting to experience a bit of island life!
Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi
Most travellers stay on Koh Phi Phi Don, the only inhabited island.
- Tonsai Area: Close to Tonsai Pier, nightlife and restaurants
- Loh Dalum Beach: Best for parties and beach vibes
- Phi Phi Island Village / Beach Resort areas: Quieter, more relaxed
If you’re after a more peaceful stay, look at places near Phi Phi Island Village or a quieter beach resort away from the main strip. The whole of Phi Phi is very walkable, so don’t worry too much about where you stay in terms of location! We stayed at the Indigo Hotel, and thought the location was ideal! That being said, we weren’t too worried about outside noise, and we were on a backpackers’ budget.
$ Budget/hostel: Ibiza House Phi Phi
$$ Mid-range: Phi Phi Indigo Hotel
$$$ Luxury option: Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort
Day 1: Arrival, Beach Time & Sunset Viewpoint
Arrive at Tonsai Pier
Your Phi Phi itinerary starts as soon as you step off the boat at Tonsai Pier.
This is the main hub of the island, and from here you can walk to most hotels. One of the best things about Koh Phi Phi Don is that there are no cars, which gives it that laid-back island feel straight away.
Explore the Island & Markets
After checking into your hotel, spend some time wandering through the small streets and markets.
We loved:
- Browsing local shops
- Trying different street food
- Picking up snacks for the beach
Chill at Loh Dalum Beach
Head over to Loh Dalum Beach, one of the most popular beaches on the island.
It’s the perfect spot to:
- Relax after travelling
- Go for a swim
- Grab a drink and ease into island life
Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint
One of the must do things in Koh Phi Phi is the hike up to the viewpoint.
It takes around 20–30 minutes, but the view at the top is 100% worth it. You’ll get that iconic shot overlooking both sides of the island — easily one of the most beautiful views in Thailand.
We went up for sunset, which made it even more special.
Evening: Fire Shows & Nightlife
In the evening, head back to Loh Dalum Beach where the nightlife really comes alive.
You’ll find:
- Fire shows on the beach
- Bars and music
- A lively backpacker atmosphere
Day 2: Phi Phi Islands Day Tour
This is the highlight of any Phi Phi island itinerary.
We booked a snorkelling day tour, and it ended up being one of the best experiences of our entire Thailand trip.
What’s Included in a Day Tour?
Most tours visit:
- Maya Bay
- Pileh Lagoon
- Monkey Beach
- Bamboo Island
- Other snorkelling spots
You can choose between:
- Longtail boats (more traditional)
- Speedboats (faster, bigger groups)
Maya Bay
Probably the most famous spot in the Phi Phi Islands and one of the most famous spots in Thailand, Maya Bay is absolutely stunning.
Even with the crowds, it’s still one of those places that lives up to the hype.
Pileh Lagoon
This was one of our personal favourites.
The water here is unbelievably clear, surrounded by towering cliffs — it almost doesn’t feel real. Definitely one of the most beautiful places we visited.
Monkey Beach
As the name suggests, you’ll spot monkeys here.
Just be careful with your belongings — they’re known for being a little cheeky.
Bamboo Island
Think white sand, turquoise water and proper tropical island vibes.
This is one of the best spots to just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Snorkelling
We had some great snorkelling spots included in our day trip, with loads of fish and clear water.
Evening: Dinner & Drinks
After a full day out, spend your evening grabbing some food and relaxing. The island has such a huge array of restaurants, we even wrote a full post on the best places to eat in Koh Phi Phi!
Day 3: Beach, Nui Beach & Departure
Relaxed Beach Morning
After a busy day exploring, take your final morning slow. Grab a coffee, head to the beach and just enjoy the island.
Visit Nui Beach
If you have time before leaving, head to Nui Beach, one of the quieter and more scenic beaches on the island. We got a long-tail boat to drop us off there, just make sure you get picked up before the tide comes in too far, or you might have a bit of a swim back to the boat!
Departure from Tonsai Pier
Head back to Tonsai Pier for your onward journey to Phuket, Krabi or your next destination. Check out our post on how to get around Thailand for tips on booking your boat trips!
Tips for Visiting Koh Phi Phi
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds
- Bring cash (ATMs are limited)
- Stay hydrated – it gets hot
- Book tours in advance during peak season (especially in February). Our favourite online places to book tours in Thailand are Klook, GetYourGuide and Viator; however there are tourist desks scattered around the island where you can book directly.
Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, absolutely!
It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand for a reason and should be on everyone’s Thailand bucket list! Between the beaches, boat trips, nightlife and scenery, it offers a bit of everything.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Phi Phi Itinerary
This Phi Phi itinerary is designed to give you the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation and island life.
Whether you’re exploring Maya Bay, snorkelling in crystal clear water, hiking to viewpoints or just enjoying the beach, Koh Phi Phi Don is a destination that really delivers.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, this is one place you won’t want to miss. We spent two months backpacking around Thailand, so if you are planning an adventure, check out some more of our posts.
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