What to Do in Koh Phi Phi to Avoid the Crowds

Koh Phi Phi has a bad rap for being just a party island. However, it is much more than that if you only have a few days to spend on a Thai island. After spending two weekends there, I have found a few gems to avoid the crowds.

Koh Phi Phi Island, Thailand (Pronounced pee-pee Thailand)

I have been to Koh Phi Phi in Krabi Thailand twice. During my first visit, I was determined to party like a rockstar, so I stayed in a hostel and went to every party under the sun. Post-pandemic, I returned and enjoyed a few relaxing days on the same island.

Unfortunately, many of the bars closed after the pandemic. That is not to say that it does not have a party scene, it does, but mostly on the beach only.

They also added chairs to sit and watch the fire shows which for me, takes away the ability to meet and converse with strangers. With that said, my second visit felt more like a vacation and not a wild party every night.

If you truly want to avoid crowds, aim to visit Koh Phi Phi at the end of the rainy season. The last week of October to mid-November is when the volume of tourists increases. It will stay busy until the end of March.

Here is what to do in Koh Phi Phi to avoid the crowds during the start of the busy season.

Map of Koh Phi Phi

Tip #1: Stay on the southeast side of the island

Approximately a 15-minute walk from the Ton Sai Pier, there is one of the best hotels in Koh Phi Phi called the Phi Phi Villa Resort. The rooms are individual bungalows and they are huge! Inside the bungalow is a small sofa and desk.

The resort pool was also quiet and you could walk to the beach from the resort (it was across a small street). They provide lounge chairs and towels for the beach as well.

Tip #2: Visit the Phi Phi Viewpoints early in the morning

Since people come to party late at night on Koh Phi Phi, they tend to wake up later than most. If you want to beat the crowds at the viewpoints, try to go before 11 am.

Both times I went before 11 am and I was almost alone at all three viewpoints. Make sure you wear sneakers as it it a steep staircase to get to the viewpoints.

Tip #3: Opt for a Thai massage on the beach

There are only a few streets on Koh Phi Phi and since they are narrow, they tend to get crowded after 4 pm.

Instead of going to one of the Tha massage parlors in the center of town, get one off the beaten path. The one across from the Phi Phi resort is called Phi Phi Villa Thai Massage.

Tip #4: Dine earlier than normal

Restaurants do not get busy until after 6 pm. Eat dinner at 5 pm to beat the crowds, and then head to the beach to watch the fire shows which start anywhere from 7 – 8 pm

If you are looking for a modern restaurant then check out ACQUA restaurant. The food was really good and they had live music.

Don’t want to have a sit-down dinner? Try multiple local dishes at the Food Market. The donuts from Sister Donut were so good! and there is a fried chicken stand around the corner from there (no name) but you can smell it from a mile away!

Tip #5: Watch a fire show away from the crowds

The area where most of the fire shows take place is northeast of the Pier. There are several hostels in this area so if you want to see a large, crowded show, go there. Look for Ibiza on the map above.

To avoid the crowds, watch the fire show at Hippies Bar instead.

Venues that will be crowded no matter what night you choose to go:

• Ibiza Pool Party – Day and night pool parties
• Reggae Bar – this is where the Muay Thai fighting is
• Dubliner Irish Bar – plays most American and European games

Doing Laundry in Koh Phi Phi

Random, I know but you would be surprised at how many people ask about this. There is a laundry mat called P.P Bubble Wash. They have both washers and dryers. I have yet to find laundry at any of the Koh Phi Phi hotels.

There is an employee who can give you change and detergent. It is around the corner from the Dubliner Irish Pub so you can watch a game while waiting for your laundry to be done.

Getting to Koh Phi Phi

There are several ways to get to the island. I have found that staying in Ao Nang for one night, reduces the stress of travel but you can make the trip all in one day from the Airport to the island also.

You can also opt to stay in Krabi Town for a night. If you do find yourself there, here is a list of 21 things to do there as I lived there for a month.

• Arrive at Krabi Airport
• Travel to Ao Nang to either stay the night OR get a ferry to the island. Uber works but it will be faster to use the taxi service at the airport.
• If you choose to stay in Ao Nang, most hostels/ resorts will offer a transfer service for a fee from the airport. It is about a 45-minute drive (with traffic) to Ao Nang center.
• The same day you arrive or the next morning (depending on your preference), ask your accommodations to call you for a ride to the ferry.
• Waiting at the ferry can take up to an hour before you are allowed to board.
• There are two options for the ferry, “fast” or slow. The fast ferry is an open-air speed boat. So if you do not want to be windy for 60 minutes, opt for the “slow” ferry which has bathrooms and snacks. The “slow” ferry is about 1.5 hours.
• The island has no cars, so once you arrive you will walk to your accommodations. There will be people to help you carry your bags at the pier dock.

Final Thoughts

Kho Phi Phi is the perfect island for a replacement getaway for a few days. You can avoid the party people if you want to, or join them, it’s all up to you. Hopefully, my Koh Phi Phi Tips will help you avoid the crowds.

Heading north after the islands? Check out my Chiang Mai Guide and my 4 day Bangkok Itinerary to help you get acclimated.

Traveling Tips for Thailand

Is it safe to travel in Thailand alone?

Yes! I have never felt unsafe in Thailand. You can follow the same rules in many countries, don’t walk alone at night and keep your belongings close to you but overall I have never had an issue.

How many days in Thailand is enough?

This all depends on what you want to see. Do you want to spend your time in a city, in the woods, or on the beach?

What should I pack for my Thailand itinerary?

Some essentials for traveling Thailand include light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes for walking (you know I love my on-cloud sneakers), sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

What should I wear when visiting Temples?

Comfortable sneakers, long pants or a skirt for women, a scarf to cover your shoulders, and a water bottle are some of the necessary items to pack.

Is it worth going to Thailand for 10 days?

Yes, shorten your time in Bangkok and pick either the North (Chiang Mai) or the South (beaches) to visit.

Are there any cultural etiquette tips I should know?

Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes before entering homes or sacred places, and show respect.

Where can I buy groceries in Thailand?

Everywhere! There are Western-like grocery stores all over the country that sell local and international items. Use this guide to read a nutrition label in Thailand.

Is it safe to explore Thailand at night?

While it’s generally safe, stay in well-lit areas, avoid dark alleys, and be mindful of your belongings.

Can I drink the tap water in Thailand?

No, bring your reusable water bottle to keep the water cold, and stop at 7-11 to get bottled water. You can buy large bottles for under $1 USD each.

How much money do I need for Thailand?

That all depends on how much you want to spend. You can easily spend less than $50 a day with accommodations and food if you stay in hostels and eat at food stalls. Or you can splurge on a fancy hotel, go to the spa, and dine at fancy restaurants.

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