I have to confess, I am myself guilty of many first-timer mistakes I committed when I came to Thailand years ago. Now I can make life easier for you and give you some useful “I wish I knew then” tips, when coming to Phi Phi Island and generally to Thailand.
10 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN COMING TO KOH PHI PHI:
- Don’t wear the wrong clothes
- Don’t overpack
- Explore the island
- Don’t assume everything is cheap
- Don’t feed and pet the monkeys
- Keep your drinking under control
- Don’t choose a crapy boat trip
- Don’t buy souvenirs from teeth and shells
- Don’t support animal abuse
- Don’t underestimate the sun
1. WHAT (NOT) TO WEAR
Phi Phi Island has a very chilled vibe and the dress code on the island is very relaxed as opposed to staying on the mainland.
It’s acceptable to walk around in swimsuit, bikinis, and shorts during the day. It is not acceptable to sunbathe topless on any of the beaches as the island has a large Muslim community. It’s also frowned upon to sit in the restaurant shirtless, especially in the evening time.
Be aware of the no shoe policy in most of the shops, hospital, some of the restaurants and hotels. When you see a pile of shoes outside, you know what to do.
Tip: remember when visiting any Buddhist memorials, temples and also entering any official buildings, you must wear appropriate clothes. There is nothing worst then seeing clueless tourists wearing tank tops and hot pants to a temple…if you want to save yourself an embarrassment or get refused entry, make sure you pack one top or shirt with long sleeves, and a long skirt or pants.
2. OVERPACKING
As mentioned above, Phi Phi Island has a very relaxed and informal mood. Koh Phi Phi is essentially a small village of fishermen and local gypsies. You will spend most of your days here in bikinis and swimsuits so don’t go crazy when packing.
Save your high heels, evening gowns and hair straighteners for your trip to Paris. You will most likely end up walking around barefoot, wearing “I love Phi Phi” T-shirt.
3. EXPLORE
There is nothing more annoying for me, then listening to tourists complaining about the island being too busy.
There is plenty of stunning quiet places in walking distance from the main town and secluded bungalows on private beaches. Don’t just stay on the first stretch of sand you stumble upon, go and explore the island, DO YOUR RESEARCH and book accommodation away from the main strip if you want your peace and tranquility. Don’t book 400THB a night hostel room, in the middle of the town, and come crying on my shoulder…just saying.
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH PHI PHI?
My pick of the best hotels in Phi Phi Island in all price categories.
4. ASSUMING EVERYTHING IS CHEAP
OK, so it’s not the 90’s anymore so don’t expect the prices will be the same as 30 years ago. Thailand is one of most popular holiday destination and for a good reason. Compare to other destinations such as Europe, the Caribbean or Mexico, Thailand is still very affordable.
Have some perspective when coming here for holidays and don’t haggle with shop owners over 100 baht. For you, it’s only a change but for them, it’s an important part of their daily income.
5. PETTING WILD MONKEYS
The monkeys here are very cute and fascinating and also wild animals so if you don’t want to end up in a clinic having your rabies vaccination ministered, just observe from distance and watch other people getting attacked.
Respect the signs and don’t feed the monkeys. You would be essentially harming them and altering their natural behavior. If they rely on food given to them by humans they stop hunting and also come to the town. That can end up tragic for them as there are many exposed electric lines.
6. KNOWING WHAT YOU DRINK
Phi Phi is popular for its nightlife and beach parties and with that comes the cheap booze and buckets. It’s all fun and games till the morning after when you wake up with no memories of the night before and one big hangover.
I try to stay away from the buckets and rather pay a bit more for a decent drink or stick to a beer. Do the same if you wish to have some holiday memories to take home.
7. DON’S CHOOSE A CRAPPY BOAT TRIP
I’ve heard and read hundreds of awful reviews from tourists about their bad tour experience. When booking your trip, speak to someone who actually knows what they are talking about.
Make sure you arrange your services with a licensed agency, such as our office visatravelphiphi. Look out for the TAT license sign, that way you don’t need to worry about any cancelations, problems with refunds and your travel insurance will cover you in case there are any problems.
There are hundreds of travel shops all over Phi Phi village, but trust me, the cheapest is usually the worst. I always say “it’s worth paying a little bit more and have the best experience possible”, rather than saving 200 baht and have another bad review to write.
8. SOUVENIRES
When buying souvenirs, please make sure you don’t purchase any items made of seashells, coral, shark teeth etc., these are all forbidden to export, these items will get confiscated and you can get one hefty fine. Same goes for collecting shells and stones on the beach and bringing them home. I know it is tempting to bring a little shell to your mum but let’s just try to preserve the nature and leave it where it belongs.
Also, not many people know, that it’s illegal to import any pictures, paintings, and posters of Buddha images, or Buddha statues without a special permit. Of course, the shop sellers won’t tell you this, but you can get in big trouble trying to bring these items home as Thai people take these rules very seriously.
MORE ABOUT SOUVENIRS AND THAI CULTURE HERE: What (Not) To Do In Thailand
9. ANIMAL “SANCUARIES”
This point does not really concern Phi Phi, but anyone coming to Thailand should know this. PLEASE do not support any of the business such as elephant rides, tiger “sanctuaries”, dolphin shoes, ZOOs etc. unless you want to participate in animal cruelty. If you really want to see elephants, do your research and find a real SANCTUARY where they take care of retired and rescued animals.
Here is my list of Ethical Elephants Sanctuaries in Thailand. But, please also do your own research to make sure you are supporting the right establishment.
10. SUN-KISSED NOT TRIPLE BAKED
Keep a permanent layer of factor 50 all over your body and face unless you want to look like a freshly cooked lobster. Sometimes it takes 20 minutes of midday sun to ruin the rest of your holidays.
