We HATED Phi Phi Islands 15 Years Ago... So We Gave Them a Second Chance!

Thailand’s most famous island… ruined? That’s what we’d heard before coming back to Koh Phi Phi in 2026 — and honestly, we didn’t know what to expect. When you picture Thailand, you probably imagine crystal clear water, longtail boats, and untouched beaches. But arriving in Phi Phi… the reality is a bit more complicated. In this video, we return to Koh Phi Phi years after our first visits to see what’s changed — and whether the soul of this iconic island still exists beneath the chaos. This is our first 24 hours on the island: first impressions, finding a place to stay away from the crowds, and trying to figure out what Phi Phi really feels like today. And if we’re honest… we’re still not totally sure what to make of it... it’s not as simple as people say. 🎥 Watch Part 2 next: https://youtu.be/SpsI15ChBkE We go deeper — diving, early trips to Maya Bay, and experiencing a very different side of Phi Phi. 📍 Location: Koh Phi Phi, Thailand If you’ve ever wondered what Koh Phi Phi is REALLY like in 2026 — this is the honest reality. 🐠 Subscribe for weekly tropical travel stories: https://www.youtube.com/@Aaron.and.Cassie?sub_confirmation=1 #phiphi #thailandtravel #travelvlog Thanks for watching — we hope our videos help you plan your next dive or underwater travel adventure. 🌊 Watch more diving adventures: • Quick Top 5 Travel Guides → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL57efFcPIEJdcg3Lh8eAo52WXk3zClqps • Diving Thailand: Stories & Adventures → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL57efFcPIEJe386XTTBnDytym9mIAazim&si=b8ypqQ_EvIZSCSkx 🐠 Subscribe for weekly tropical travel stories: https://www.youtube.com/@Aaron.and.Cassie?sub_confirmation=1 📩 Get our best travel & dive tips: https://aaron-and-cassie.kit.com/sign-up ☕ Support our channel: https://buymeacoffee.com/aaron.and.cassie 🔗 Travel & Gear Links Our Camera - https://www.insta360.com/sal/x5?utm_source=AffiliateCenter&utm_medium=copylink&utm_term=INRSG695RBU Our Dive Insurance: https://www.daneurope.org/en/buy-dive-insurance#!/partnerCode=729130 Our Travel Insurance (Nomads & Expats): https://safetywing.com/ambassador/refer/26235483 Our Music – Try Free: https://share.epidemicsound.com/g5vv83 00:00 Thailand’s “Paradise”… Really? 00:10 Phi Phi in 2026 – First Impressions 00:26 Why We Came Back (After Hating It) 01:24 Arriving in Koh Phi Phi 02:02 First Shock – Is This Phi Phi? 02:40 What Happened to Phi Phi? (Tsunami & Rebuild) 03:05 The Climb to Our Room (Worth It?) 04:02 Our Escape from the Chaos 04:52 First Thoughts on the Island 05:45 Paradise or Disneyland? 06:42 Phi Phi at Night (First Taste of the Chaos) 07:33 Our Honest First Impression 08:00 Early Morning in Phi Phi 08:30 Heading Out Diving 09:00 Scuba Diving in Koh Phi Phi 09:32 Is Phi Phi Diving Worth It? (Koh Phi Phi Diving Review) 11:42 Back on Land – What We Found Underwater 12:42 Coral Damage vs Marine Life 13:48 Night Two – The Chaos Returns 14:39 Still Not Sure… 14:49 What’s Coming Next (Part 2)