Feb. 2018
Just so you have an idea about where the Phi Phi Islands are, here is a map. As you can see, there is basically an upside down "U" on the southern end of Thailand where the Andaman Sea is surrounded by Krabi on the East and Phuket on the West and within that area, is dotted with the Phi Phi Islands.
The most famous of those islands is Koh Phi Phi because this is where The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed.
And you can see why. The water is as blue-green, clear and perfect as it comes. The temperature equally warm and perfect. And there are limestone cliffs jutting out on every side making it one of the most unique and scenic places in the world.
However, as is evidence by all those long tails behind us, because that movie "got the word out", it is also super crowded. There are several Phi Phi islands and lots of "Phi Phi island excursions" you can book. Our friend who lives in Thailand told us that each time you book, you have a slightly different itinerary. They stop at different islands. And one time they may let you get out and explore and snorkel at a particular island, while the next time you go, they just show that area to you without getting off the boat and then take you to another place to swim or snorkel or explore. HOWEVER, this is the one and only place that is a guaranteed "stop and stay" on any of the tours and as a result, it's packed!
Cost: We paid 1200 baht (the excursion was 900 baht, but then there is a 300 baht National Park fee/person. Some excursions include this and others don't, so pay attention to that when booking). You can book this from many hotels in Krabi and Phuket and can also book through the kiosk travel desks that are dotted up and down the "main street" along Ao Nang Beach. 1200 baht at the current exchange rate of 31 baht/$1 = ~$38/person.
Verdict: If you would have asked me to rate this after visiting just Koh Phi Phi ("The Beach" island), I would have said No because it was just too crowded to really enjoy and experience the serenity of how I'm sure this island is supposed to be experienced. However, after visiting several of the other surrounding Phi Phi islands that were less crowded and going snorkeling and swimming and feeling the powdery white perfect sand, I'm going to say Yes. If you can somehow dodge the crowds. Maybe get a private boat to take you to the less touristy areas, there's nothing else like it in the world.
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