Phi Phi IslandsTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Drink sealed bottled water; tap water is not for drinking.
• Choose busy kitchens with fast turnover, especially for seafood, chicken, and rice dishes.
• Beachfront ice is usually commercial, but avoid weak-looking stalls during power cuts.
• After heavy rain, skip raw salads from casual counters unless the place looks meticulous.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Photograph jet skis, scooters, and kayaks before use; damage disputes are common.
• Agree boat prices, route, waiting time, and return point before boarding.
• Do not swim across boat lanes near Tonsai or Loh Dalum.
• Late-night beach parties attract petty theft; carry only one card and limited cash.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Wear a shirt away from the beach; locals notice sloppy village behavior.
• Remove shoes when entering private guesthouses, small shops, or spa rooms if others do.
• Keep voices low around family-run restaurants and pier offices.
• Do not touch anyone on the head, even jokingly.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is appreciated, not mandatory.
• Round up small restaurant bills or leave 20-50 THB for attentive service.
• For private longtail boat trips, tip 100-300 THB if the captain handles timing and safety well.
• Do not overtip to compensate for unclear pricing; negotiate cleanly first.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Maya Bay access is controlled and may close seasonally for conservation.
• Drones require permits and are not casual beach toys here.
• Alcohol on boats is a bad idea when the sea is changing; captains may refuse risky passengers.
• Do not remove coral, shells, or marine life from protected areas.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Use reef safe sunscreen and reapply after longtail rides.
• Mosquitoes are worse after rain and near vegetation; carry repellent at dusk.
• Bring motion sickness tablets if taking speedboats in monsoon months.
• Cuts from coral or limestone should be cleaned quickly; infections develop fast in tropical humidity.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.