SOLO TRAVEL TO PHI PHI ISLAND IN 2023

My first trip to Koh Phi Phi. I first heard about this special island from my friends and family but when I booked my tickets to Krabi, I decided to arm myself with all the information that YouTube could provide me with. But despite scrolling through endless blogs and vlogs, nothing could have prepared me for the stunning visual beauty of the crystalline ocean waters.

I boarded my ferry from Ao Nang and noticed how, as we sailed away from the Ao Nang coast, the water gradually turned from emerald green to turquoise blue. After nearly two hours aboard, we pulled up to the Tonsai Pier at Koh Phi Phi Don. The waves of the Andaman Sea gently kiss the sandy white shoreline of the island. The brilliant blue of the ocean matched the bright sky. A good omen for the rest of my trip.

CHECKING IN AT BODEGA HOSTEL KOH PHI PHI

I had booked myself a bed at the new Bodega Hostel on the island, so after de-boarding I made my way there on foot. Because of how small the island is, it is quite easy to walk everywhere. Bodega was less than 10 minutes away from the pier, which was a relief because the sun was really beating down hard at this point. When I reached Bodega I was welcomed by the enthusiastic hostel manager Kay-Dee. Thanks to the bubbly, positive social environment at the hostel, I quickly made friends with my roomies. Even though it was just about noon, the party at Bodega had already begun. The music was turned up and everyone had a cold beer in their hands, and a broad smile on their face. Good vibes only.

YUMMY FOOD ON KOH PHI PHI DON

After a quick shower, I pulled on my shorts, slipped on my flip-flops and oversized hat. Voila! I was fitted out in full island style, and ready to blend into the crowd. I stepped out and strolled over to the marketplace, just a few minutes down the road from Bodega. The island was buzzing. I found myself at a table at Garlic Restaurant, a highly recommended spot for the best Thai grub. Tofu Massaman curry with wild rice was my lunch. The food was fresh, hot and delicious. I devoured every morsel. Once I was fed, I was ready for the day.

HIKING TO THE FAMOUS KOH PHI PHI VIEWPOINT

One of the most popular activities to do on Koh Phi Phi Don is to hike up to the viewpoint where you have a panoramic view of the island. I roped in Nicole, my enthusiastic and friendly roommate at Bodega and we set out. We puffed and panted as we made our way up. The trail is mostly made of steps, and there was a swarm of tourists who, like us, were chasing the sunset. All in all, it was a pretty sweaty ordeal. Luckily, we weren’t the only ones out of breath. Phew, self-confidence restored.

The ticket here was only 30 Baht, making it an amazing yet inexpensive experience to have on the island. The skyline was stunning, and we joined the cameraphone-wielding tourists around us to capture the perfect blue sky and the dipping golden sun. We even captured a small forest lizard sunning itself on a cactus. Cute.

We climbed further up to the second viewpoint, which had a large wooden deck and a small café with a rooftop. After buying a fresh pressed orange juice, the café allowed us onto their rooftop which was the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset without the crowd of tourists that sat below. Nicole and I spent the next hour watching the glowing sun melt into the horizon, swapping stories and laughs, before we trekked back down to get some dinner.

All in all, my first day on Koh Phi Phi Don was a wonderful success. It was everything I was told about it, and much more. The friendly island vibes kept me there for the next few days, and I never missed the opportunity to catch another sunset on the island.