What to pack for Phi Phi

The essentials

• Dry bag (10–20 l): for phones, passports and cameras on longtails and speedboats.
• Reef-safe sunscreen: without oxybenzone and octinoxate. It is expensive on the island.
• Water shoes or sturdy sandals: for rocky entries, coral sand and the jungle paths.
• Refillable water bottle: refill stations in the village save money and plastic.
• Hat and sunglasses: boat trips offer little shade.
• Small torch or headlamp: for walking back from beaches after dark.
• Basic first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic for coral cuts, rehydration salts, motion-sickness tablets.
• Insect repellent: especially for evenings and the rainy season.

Clothes

• Swimwear, two sets so one can dry.
• Light shirt and shorts or a sarong for walking through the village.
• A long-sleeved rash guard or UV shirt for snorkelling.
• One light rain jacket from May to November.
• Comfortable shoes with grip for the Viewpoint and hiking trails.

Luggage tips

A backpack or soft bag is far easier than a large hard-shell suitcase. Porters will cart heavy bags from the pier, but on the remote beaches you may have to carry everything across sand or wade to a longtail. Many hotels in Phuket and Krabi will store excess luggage for a few days.

Leave at home

• Drones, unless you have registered them in Thailand; flying in the national park needs a permit.
• Single-use plastic: bags, straws, small toiletries.
• Expensive jewellery.
• Formal clothes; even the best resorts are relaxed.