Guide to Thailand Phi Phi Islands: Koh Phi Phi in Phuket

Located in the Andaman Sea in southern Thailand, Phi Phi Islands are an easily accessible island-hopping destination.

The island consists of two parts: Koh Phi Phi Don is the main tourist area, while Koh Phi Phi Leh focuses on pure natural scenery, including the famous Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave. The following practical guides on transportation, best experiences, and island-hopping arrangements will help you clearly plan your trip to Thailand.

Location of Phi Phi Islands

Why Visit Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands are worth a visit. Just a 1.5-hour boat ride from Phuket, it's a convenient and worthwhile day trip or overnight island-hopping option.

The movie "The Beach," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed in Maya Bay. You'll see Thailand's iconic island scenery: emerald green waters, towering limestone cliffs, and crescent-shaped bays surrounded by white sand.

What's more, the island is small, car-free, but offers a relaxed pace of life, plenty of activities, and various islands nearby. You can go snorkeling on different islands, hike to a viewpoint at sunrise, and catch a Muay Thai match at a beach bar.

Swimming in the Pileh Lagoon

Where Are Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands have no airport. The only way to get there is by boat. Approximately 4 ferries depart daily for Koh Phi Phi Don, arriving at its 2 main piers. The last ferry usually leaves between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM.

From Phuket: You'll board from Rassada Pier in Phuket (1.5 hours from the airport), and it takes about 2 hours by ferry or 1 hour by speedboat.

From Krabi: Depart from Klong Jirad Pier in Krabi (45 minutes from the airport). The ferry takes 1.5-2 hours, while the speedboat takes 30-45 minutes.

Best Time to Visit Phi Phi Islands

November to April is the best time to visit Phi Phi Islands. The weather is stable, and the sea is calm, with small waves and visibility reaching 10-30 meters, ideal for snorkeling and diving. However, it is also the peak season with higher prices, so advance booking is recommended.

The weather from May to October is more variable accompanied by brief afternoon thunderstorms. The transitional month like May or October offers fewer tourists and more affordable prices. Tourists who are prone to seasickness avoid the rougher months of July to September, since the sea can be quite rough.

Phi Phi Islands Day Trip or Overnight Stay

For most visitors, day trips are the most popular choice, which cover Phi Phi Islands' highlights, including snorkeling, Maya Bay sightseeing, Viking Caves visit, and Monkey Beach exploration.

If time allows, staying overnight provides a more immersive experience. However, it means packing again and changing hotels, which can make your itinerary rushed and affect your travel experience.

Day Trip to Phi Phi Islands

Here is a classic one-day tour of Phi Phi Islands that you can refer to, covering the must-do experiences. According to the weather and sea conditions on that day, the specific sequence and time may be adjusted.

Between 7:30 and 8:30 AM, the driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you to the pier. You will set off by speedboat around 9:00 AM. The first stop will be Maya Bay on Kho Phi Phi Leh. Then, go to Monkey Beach on Kho Phi Phi Don. You can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach.

After a meal, start your afternoon itinerary to Bamboo Island, which is suitable for further relaxation, sunbathing or playing in the water for a while. You will return around 3:30 PM and get back to the pier in Phuket at about 4:30 PM. Then the driver will take you back to the hotel.

Below, you can check the specific activities.

Koh Phi Phi Don Exploration

Your visits include Monkey Beach, Tonsai Bay, and free time within the village. Tonsai Bay is the pier and commercial center of the main island, Koh Phi Phi Don. It features restaurants, souvenir stalls, small supermarkets, and massage parlors, perfect for lunch, buying souvenirs, or simply relaxing.

Monkey Beach is known for its wild macaques and white beaches. These monkeys are unafraid of people and will occasionally approach you for food. So keep your belongings safe and avoid feeding them.

Cruise to Koh Phi Phi Leh

Viking Cave, Koh Phi Phi Leh

Kho Phi Phi Leh, adjacent to the Kho Phi Phi Don, is a core destination for island hopping cruises. Although overnight stays are not possible, you will see famous sights in the entire island. One of the most renowned is Maya Bay, surrounded on three sides by limestone cliffs hundreds of meters high, with a crescent-shaped beach. Due to ecological conservation, boats cannot currently dock, but you can admire it from within the bay. Nearby, the green Pileh Lagoon allows you to swim and snorkel.

Another must-see is Viking Cave, with ancient murals on its walls and remaining an important site for swiftlet nest harvesting. The boats will make brief stops for you to view from the outside. You may even see workers collecting bird's nests.

Snorkeling & Diving at Nearby Islands

Snorkeling trips around Phi Phi Islands typically include Khai Island, Maiton Net Island, and Bamboo Island. You can choice one based on your itinerary and personal preferences, or plan a day trip to enjoy all.

Bamboo Island boasts green waters, abundant corals and fish, and a beach for relaxation. It is located to the north of Kho Phi Phi Don, which means that you will spend some energy on commuting. Maiton Net Island offers opportunities to see turtles or reef sharks. Khai Island is characterized by shallower waters and denser fish populations, which is suitable for children and beginners.

Khai Island

Overnight Stay in Phi Phi Islands

In addition to the highlights above, those who want to stay overnight here, can also enjoy more activities.

Hiking up to the Viewpoint of the Entire Bay

On Kho Phi Phi Don, hiking to the viewpoints offers panoramic views of the entire bay. At sunrise or sunset, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at the summit while overlooking the unique isthmus shape and the beaches.

By the way, visit during high tide to see the turquoise waters. And wear comfortable shoes. The climb isn't too difficult, but some sections are quite steep.

Watch a Muay Thai Match at Reggae Bar

At Tonsai Bay, you can watch an official Muay Thai match in the Reggae Bar. The bar opens at 6:00 PM, but matches usually don't start until after 9:00 PM. Entry is granted simply by purchasing a drink. You even have the chance to participate in friendly matches, with everyone receiving a free keg of beer and a commemorative medal. Arrive early to secure a good spot in the front row.

Where to Stay in Phi Phi Islands

The main island, Koh Phi Phi Don, is the only place offering accommodation. Compared to staying in Phuket and Krabi, the accommodation options and facilities here are limited and generally more expensive.

Long Beach is the most recommended accommodation area, which is close to island hub Tonsai Bay, but is less noisy. If you prefer more privacy, the northern part offers luxury resorts with a quiet atmosphere.

By the way, there are no cars on the island, so people mainly get around by walking or taking long-tail boats. Most resorts and hotels also provide luggage handling and boat transfers from the pier. If you are staying in the northern part of the island, traveling by boat to Laemtong Beach is usually more convenient.

More Tips for Visiting Phi Phi Islands

Packing Guide: To protect the ecosystem, bring coral-friendly sunscreen labeled "Reef Safe". Also, pack light to reduce fatigue. Water shoes, a waterproof bag, and a quick-drying towel are quite useful for island hopping and snorkeling.

Drinking Water Safety: Drinking and even brushing your teeth is best done with bottled water, because tap water on Phi Phi Islands is not suitable for direct drinking.

Ship Type Suggestion: If you are prone to seasickness, choose a stable ferry over a speedboat. Speedboats are faster, but are not recommended for the elderly, children under 3 years old, pregnant women, or people with high blood pressure or heart conditions.

Note the Closure Time of Maya Bay: It is temporarily closed from August 1st to September 30th each year for marine ecological restoration, and usually reopens on October 1st. Remember to check the opening time in advance to avoid any impact on your travel plans.

Phi Phi Islands Journey With Odynovo

Boat schedules, hotels, and island hopping tours to Phi Phi Islands are highly dependent on the season. The information provided in this article is for reference only. If you're still confused, feel free to contact us for advice tailored to your specific needs.