Phi Phi Islands
Sandy beaches, bays with clear waters & towering limestone cliffs
Pictured on many postcards with its sandy beaches, bays with crystal clear waters and towering limestone cliffs, the Phi Phi islands are among Thailand’s most famous destinations. Part of Krabi province, the islands are located in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi and can only be reached by boat.
With Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, the Phi Phi islands rank among Thailand’s most popular locations for snorkeling and scuba diving.
A comfortable way to discover the islands is to book a private or join tour from Phuket.
Marine National Park
The islands are part of the Had Nopparat Thara - Koh Phi Phi Marine National Park. The clear waters, abundant marine life and corals make the islands a major destination for divers looking to explore the underwater world of the Andaman Sea.
The Phi Phi islands with their palm tree fringed beaches, crystal clear waters and steep limestone cliffs became known after the movie “The beach”. Since then the islands have seen a dramatic increase in visitors, which has had a negative impact on marine life and corals in the area.
Koh Phi Phi Don & Koh Phi Phi Leh
Phi Phi consists of Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Phi Phi Leh and several small rocky islands.
Koh Phi Phi Don
There are two small villages on Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest and only inhabited island. Ban Tonsai village is packed with hotels, guest houses, shops, bars and restaurants. Most ferries to the islands arrive in Tonsai bay. There are no cars on the island, people get around on foot, bicycle or longtail boat.
In 2004 the island was hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami that did very substantial damage. Koh Phi Phi Don has been completely rebuild since then.
Koh Phi Phi Leh
Koh Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited. The island draws great numbers of daytrippers to its famous beach Maya bay, where the movie “The beach” was filmed. The islands are best visited during the dry season from December to April.
Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket by Simba Sea Trips
- Breakfast at Simba Sea Trips
- Departure from Phuket by speedboat
- Be one of the first to arrive at famous Maya Bay
- Stop at Pileh Lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs (dependent on tide)
- Watch the long-tailed macaques of Monkey Beach from the boat
- Pass by Viking Cave where the birds’ nests are
- Go snorkeling and admire the underwater world
- Second snorkeling location at Nui Beach
- Enjoy Thai lunch at a seaside restaurant
- Relax at Bamboo Island
- Guide, hotel transfers, breakfast & lunch
- Duration approximately 8 hours
To do & see Phi Phi Islands
The islands offer outdoor activities as relaxing on the beach, diving, snorkeling, rock climbing and sea kayaking.
Maya bay
With its sandy beach, jungle and steep limestone cliffs Maya bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh is Phi Phi’s most famous beach. It is the location where the movie “The beach” was filmed. The clear waters and coral reefs attract many snorkelers. Since the island is part of a Marine National Park, there is no accommodation.
Maya Bay is easily reached by longtail boat from Koh Phi Phi Don. A National Park entrance fee of 200 Baht is charged. The beach is very popular and can get very overcrowded with package tours from Phuket.
As of January 1st 2022, Maya Bay is open again for tourists. The bay had been closed since mid 2018 to allow the ecosystem and the coral reefs to recover from the effects of mass tourism.
Bamboo island
A small island in a very picturesque setting surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters, Bamboo island’s white sandy beach is a great place for relaxation and snorkeling. Bamboo island is a short boat trip away from Koh Phi Phi Don. During high season the beach can get very crowded.
Diving & snorkeling
The Phi Phi islands attract divers from all over the world wanting the explore the amazing underwater world of the Had Nopparat - Koh Phi Phi Marine National Park. Many species of tropical colorful fish, muranas, turtles and harmless leopard sharks can be observed swimming between the corals at sites as Anemone reef, Koh Haa and King Cruiser shipwreck.
Half day or full day snorkeling or scuba diving trips can be booked online. Many dive shops on Koh Phi Phi Don offer beginner courses and several day PADI open water courses.
Rock climbing
The beautiful natural environment, steep limestone cliffs and spectacular views make the Phi Phi islands among the most attractive places for rock climbing in Thailand.
The main climbing area is the Tonsai tower at the end of Tonsai beach. Climbers will find several dozen routes of varying difficulty on the 150 meters high limestone cliffs with splendid views of the island and the sea. Other climbing routes include the Ao Ling wall near Tonsai tower and the Hin Tak wall, where climbers can try several routes with lots of monkeys along the way.
Climbers can rent equipment and hire a guide from one of the climbing shops on Koh Phi Phi Don. Courses can be booked from half a day to several days for beginner to experienced.
Phi Phi Don viewpoint
A fairly steep hike leads to the viewpoint on Koh Phi Phi Don, nearly 200 meters above sea level. From the top visitors will be rewarded with stunning views of Koh Phi Phi Don and the Had Nopparat - Koh Phi Phi Marine National Park. Best time to go is early morning or late afternoon avoiding the mid day heat. Admission is 20 Thai Baht per person.
Get to the Phi Phi Islands by ferry boat from Phuket
- Arrival and departure piers
- Check tickets, fares & timetable
Getting to the Phi Phi Islands
The only way to get to the islands is by ferry to Koh Phi Phi Don.
Air
There is no airport on the islands. The nearest airports are Phuket and Krabi.
Ferry
Phi Phi is most easily reached from Phuket and Krabi town. Several ferry companies offer transfer with boats of varying sizes and age. The main pier at Phi Phi is Tonsai pier at Koh Phi Phi Don. Several ferry companies also stop at Laem Tong. Ferries depart from Rassada pier in Phuket and Khlong Jilad pier, a few kilometers South of Krabi town. During the rainy season boats are less frequent and can be cancelled if weather conditions do not permit safe travel.
Check Phi Phi Islands ferry for prices, schedules and departure and arrival piers.
Buy tickets online
Tickets for ferries can be bought online at the 12Go website.
Attractions in Phuket:
Attractions in Phuket
Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch
- Speedboat trip to Bamboo Island
- Snorkel at Bamboo Island
- Lunch at Koh Phi Phi Don
- Watch the wild monkeys at Monkey Beach from the speedboat
- Pass by Viking Cave
- Snorkel in Pileh Lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs
- Visit the famous Maya Bay
- Guide, lunch & hotel transfers
- Duration approximately 8 hours