Thailand is an amazing destination offering something exciting for travelers of all ages. Regardless of whether you are stopping by there for just a week or it’s a long-term stay, you can never get enough of the Land of Smiles. The islands here are famous for its serene beaches, water sports and laid-back vibe.
Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi
When compared to other tropical areas, Thailand is budget-friendly and island hopping is a great way to explore this country. Among the 34 islands in Thailand, Koh Phangan and Koh Phi Phi are popular picks of tourists. Situated on either side of Malay Peninsula, both these islands are unique in their own ways.
Koh Phangan is widely known for its Half Moon and Full Moon parties attracting thousands of people. Koh Phi Phi is a land of idyllic seascapes (Remember the unspeakably gorgeous Maya bay from Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach?).
Options of travel
Since both these islands are separated by the Malay Peninsula, at first glance commuting between these two places seems complicated. It involves more than just hopping on a ferry. Though the duration of travel takes about half of the day, don’t miss the experience.
Bus-Ferry: Book a Bus-Ferry combo bus ticket from Koh Phangan to Koh Phi Phi.
- A 2.5-hour bus or min-van ride to the pier
- An 8-hour ferry ride takes you to Koh Phi Phi.
Though 10.5 hours may sound like a lot, it consumes almost the same time as flying and you can enjoy great views. Since you are booking combined tickets, any delays during the course of the journey aren’t a cause of concern. The ticket prices are economical too. Check out ticket prices and schedules at Bookaway. The website provides reliable information for travelers.
Flight
- You’ll have to take a ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui island
- The ferry arrives at The Buddha Pier
- A short walk takes you to Samui International Airport
- Take a flight to Krabi
- A ferry at Krabi takes you to Koh Phi Phi
Both these islands don’t have airports and flying isn’t recommended. Moreover, you don’t get to save time either whilst still ending up spending more. You’ll also have to time the travel in such a way the flight timings align with the ferry timings. If not, you’ll end up wasting an overnight stay in any of the stops.
Getting around at Koh Phi Phi
1Beaches
Ofcourse, the beach tops the list. Soft sands, clear seas, picturesque – That’s how any Koh Phi Phi visitor would describe its beaches.
Regardless of whether you want to party hard at the beachside or just laze around somewhere serene, there’s a beach for everyone. Party lovers can head to beaches with fire shows, booming bass lines and bright lights.
2Scenery
Witness nature at its best at Koh Phi Phi and no it’s not only about the beaches. There are limestone karsts and lush green forests. Check out the viewpoints for mind-blowing panoramic views. Though you may have to hike a bit to reach certain viewpoints, it is totally worth it.
3Economical
Visiting exotic destinations don’t always have to be pricey. Though there are cheaper alternatives in Thailand, Koh Phi Phi is still less expensive in terms of both accommodation and food. You can spend the rest of your saved money on spas and water sports.
4Parties
There are many who specifically come here to experience the mad party scene. There are a number of bars playing loud electronic music featuring live performances, live Muay Thai fights and sporting events.
5Versatility in accommodation
Are you a backpacker looking for a small hostel stay and looking to meet other travelers? Are you someone who wants something finer with pools? There are accommodation facilities to suit every budget and reference.
6Fun activities
There is diving, rock climbing, snorkeling, kayaking, cruising, bird watching, deep-sea fishing and what not to ignite the water-lover and adventure-lover in you. The clear water adds up to the charm and makes the experience more enjoyable.
7Food
Sorting out food can be an annoyance for some travelers. Since the island attracts a vast number of tourists, the food options are plentiful and diverse. You can find Indian, Italian and Middle Eastern food apart from some cool cafes and bakeries.
Weather at Koh Phi Phi
The weather here is one of the factors that makes this island people’s favorite. Located just 40km away from Phuket, it has a similar climate. The average temperature ranges between 24 and 32 degrees. December is the coolest month and February is the driest month.
- Winter: The humidity is the lowest during November to March with an average temperature of 28 degrees accompanied by cool winds. These months are the best time to visit Koh Phi Phi. January sees peak crowds and hotel accommodations are costlier when compared to other months. Book well in advance.
- Peak summer: April and May are the hottest months with temperatures ranging between 27 and 36 degrees. Humidity is quite high and heavy thundershowers are a common occurrence during these months. Those on a budget can strike good deals during the summer season.
- Monsoon: Continuous rains are experienced during September and October. You can expect sunny days and heavy downpours during the night. Though these are not the ideal months for water activities, tourists can still explore the island, try massages and street food. The island is less packed.
- Summer: Locals prefer the climate between June and August. There are heavy brief showers and plenty of sunshine between those showers. The island is lightly packed and prices drop.
Your Koh Phi Phi trip is guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories and experiences. Isn’t that what a traveler is constantly looking for? As per Islander, few places on the planet are like Koh Phi Phi.
