Thailand’s iconic tropical paradise known for turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant marine life:
The Phi Phi archipelago (pronounced “Pee-Pee”) consists of 6 islands, with Phi Phi Don (the largest, inhabited) and Phi Phi Leh (uninhabited, home to Maya Bay) being the most famous.
From Phuket: Speedboat (1–1.5 hours, ~1,500–2,000 THB) or ferry (2 hours, ~600 THB).
From Krabi: Speedboat (45 mins–1 hour, ~1,200–1,500 THB) or ferry (1.5–2 hours, ~400–500 THB).
From Ao Nang/Railay: Join a day tour (includes snorkeling stops).
Tip: Book round-trip tickets online for discounts.
Why Go? Famous from The Beach movie (Leonardo DiCaprio), reopened after coral restoration.
Tips:
Arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds.
No swimming allowed (only viewing from the beach).
Why Go? Wild monkeys roam the shore—great for photos but keep distance (they bite!).
Tip: Bring a zoom lens; avoid feeding them.
Why Go? Ancient cave with bird’s nests (used for soup) and prehistoric paintings.
Tip: Boats can’t enter, but you can view from outside.
Why Go? Stunning emerald lagoon surrounded by cliffs—perfect for swimming and kayaking.
Tip: Best visited at high tide for the brightest colors.
Why Go? Panoramic views of the twin bays (Tonsai Bay & Loh Dalum Bay).
Hike: 20–30 mins from Tonsai Village (~30 THB entry). Best at sunrise/sunset.
Why Go? Pristine white-sand beach with snorkeling spots (part of day tours).
Tip: Bring your own snorkel gear to avoid rentals.
✔ Snorkeling/Diving – At Shark Point (blacktip reef sharks) and Hin Klang (vibrant coral).
✔ Kayaking – Explore hidden coves around Phi Phi Leh.
✔ Boat Tours – Book a private longtail (~2,500 THB/4 hours) or join a sunset cruise.
✔ Beach Parties – Slinky Bar (Tonsai Beach) for fire shows and buckets.
Local Eats: Try pad thai, mango sticky rice, and fresh seafood at Tonsai Village.
Budget: Only Noodles (delicious stir-fried noodles).
Splurge: Zeavola Resort (beachfront fine dining).
Nightlife: Carlito’s Bar (reggea vibes) or Ibiza Pool Party (daytime DJs).
Luxury: Zeavola Resort (private beach) or Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort.
Mid-Range: Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort (stunning views).
Budget: Blanco Hostel (social vibe) or PP Princess Resort (affordable bungalows).
Tip: Avoid noisy areas near Tonsai Pier if you want peace.
Cash Only: ATMs charge high fees—bring enough THB.
Eco-Conscious: Avoid single-use plastics (reefs are fragile).
Protect Belongings: Monkeys and pickpockets target tourists.
Avoid Peak Crowds: Visit May–Oct (low season) for fewer people.
Day Trip vs. Overnight: Staying 1–2 nights lets you enjoy Phi Phi after day-trippers leave.
Departure Points: Krabi Town Pier (Chaofa Pier) or Ao Nang Pier.
Duration: ~1.5–2 hours.
Cost: ~400–600 THB (one way), ~800–1,000 THB (round trip).
Schedule:
From Krabi Town: 2–3 daily departures (usually 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 3:00 PM).
From Ao Nang: Fewer options, often via longtail or speedboat.
Booking: Buy tickets online (12Go.Asia, Klook) or at the pier.
Duration: ~45–60 minutes.
Cost: ~800–1,200 THB (one way).
Best For: Day trips or travelers short on time.
Cost: ~8,000–15,000 THB (for groups of 8–12 people).
Best For: Families or groups wanting flexibility.
Departure Points: Rassada Pier (Phuket Town).
Duration: ~2 hours.
Cost: ~600–800 THB (one way), ~1,200–1,500 THB (round trip).
Schedule: 3–4 daily departures (8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM).
Duration: ~1 hour.
Cost: ~1,500–2,000 THB (one way).
Includes: Round-trip transfer, snorkeling, lunch, Maya Bay visit.
Cost: ~1,500–2,500 THB (book via Viator, Klook, or local agencies).
From Koh Lanta: ~1-hour speedboat (~1,200–1,500 THB) or 2-hour ferry (~400–600 THB).
From Railay Beach: Take a longtail to Ao Nang, then ferry to Phi Phi.
Drops at: Tonsai Pier (main pier in Phi Phi Don).
Next Steps: Walk to your hotel (no cars/bikes on the island—only walking or longtail taxis).
✔ Book in advance during peak season (Nov–Apr).
✔ Ferry vs. Speedboat: Ferries are slower but more stable (better for seasickness).
✔ Day Trips Possible: But staying overnight lets you enjoy Phi Phi without crowds.
✔ Pack Light: No vehicles = carry your luggage to hotels.
Why? Famous from the movie The Beach (Leonardo DiCaprio), this stunning bay reopened in 2022 with eco-protection rules.
Tips:
Go early (7–9 AM) to avoid crowds.
No swimming allowed—only viewing from the boardwalk.
Book a sunrise tour for a magical experience.
Why? Pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters with colorful coral reefs.
Best spots:
Shark Point (blacktip reef sharks!).
Mosquito Island (vibrant marine life).
Why? Breathtaking 360° views of both sides of the island.
Tips:
Hike takes 20–30 mins (steep but worth it).
Best time: Sunrise or sunset (avoid midday heat).
Entry fee: 30 THB.
Why? Playful wild monkeys and soft sand—but keep your distance (they bite!).
Warning: Don’t bring food or shiny objects.
Why? Phi Phi’s famous beach parties with fire shows, buckets, and DJs.
Best bars:
Slinky Beach Bar (fire dancers).
Ibiza Pool Party (daytime rave).
Why? Viking Cave has ancient paintings, while Shark Point offers reef sharks & leopard sharks.
Best for: Advanced divers, but snorkelers can see marine life too.
Why? Quieter than Tonsai, with powdery sand & great snorkeling.
How to get there:
Longtail boat (~200 THB/person).
Kayak (~300 THB/hour).
Why? Stunning views of the islands bathed in golden light.
Options:
Private longtail (~1,500 THB for 2 hours).
Group sunset tour (includes cocktails).
Where? PP Cookery School (learn to make pad thai, curry, and mango sticky rice).
Why? Fresh seafood, coconut pancakes, and cheap souvenirs.
Must-try: Grilled lobster, banana roti, and mango smoothies.
Walking (main areas are pedestrian-only).
Longtail boats (~200–500 THB for short trips).
Kayak/Paddleboard rentals (~200–300 THB/hour).
✔ Book tours in advance (Maya Bay now limits visitors).
✔ Bring cash (ATMs charge high fees).
✔ Protect the reefs (use reef-safe sunscreen).
✔ Avoid plastic (Phi Phi is fighting pollution).
From Phuket: Speedboat (45 mins, ~1,500 THB) or ferry (2 hours, ~600 THB)
From Krabi: Speedboat (1 hour, ~1,200 THB) or ferry (1.5 hours, ~400 THB)
From Railay: Longtail + ferry combo (~1.5 hours, ~800 THB)
Pro Tip: Book round-trip tickets online in advance during high season (Nov-Apr)
Maya Bay (The Beach)
Opens at 6:30 AM – arrive early to beat crowds
New rules: No swimming, max 1-hour stay
Alternative: Book a sunrise tour before boats arrive
Viewpoint Hike
3 viewpoints (10-20 min hike from Tonsai)
Best time: Sunrise or sunset (bring water)
Fee: 30 THB
Monkey Beach
Morning visits = more active monkeys
Don’t touch/feed them (bites happen!)
Bamboo Island
Pristine white sand, great snorkeling
250 THB national park fee
Snorkeling Tour (~1,500 THB): Shark Point, Hin Klang, Mosquito Island
Private Longtail (~2,500 THB/day): Custom itinerary
Diving: 2-dive trips ~3,500 THB (see leopard sharks!)
Kayaking: Rentals ~300 THB/hour
Local Eats: Pad Thai Shop (cheap), Papaya Restaurant (Thai)
Seafood: Unni’s (beachfront), Only Noodle (hidden gem)
Nightlife: Slinky Beach Bar (fire shows), Reggae Bar (muay thai fights)
Warning: Beachfront places charge 2-3x more!
Budget: Blanco Beach Bar (bungalows), Rock Backpacker
Mid-range: Phi Phi Paradise, PP Erawan Palms
Luxury: Zeavola Resort (private beach)
Key Tip: Book beachfront if you want ocean views
Cash is king – ATMs charge 220 THB fee
No cars – Walking or boats only
Protect valuables – Monkeys and theft happen
Tide awareness – Some beaches disappear
Eco note: Avoid tours that feed fish
Dry season (Nov-Apr) = calm seas
Avoid July-Oct if possible (rough seas)
Quieter months: May/Jun/Nov
Early bird wins: First boat to Maya Bay
4-island tour vs private boat (worth the splurge)
Bring: Dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen
Weather: Sunny, low humidity, calm seas (perfect for snorkeling & boat trips).
Temperatures: 25–32°C (77–90°F).
Pros:
Ideal for beaches, diving, and island-hopping.
Great underwater visibility (best for snorkeling & scuba diving).
Vibrant nightlife (especially in December–January).
Cons:
Peak tourist season (book ferries/accommodation early).
Higher prices for hotels and tours.
Weather: Mix of sun and brief showers (mostly short downpours).
Pros:
Fewer crowds & lower prices.
Lush green landscapes.
Cons:
Some boat tours may cancel due to rough seas.
Weather: Heavy rain, rough seas, higher humidity.
Pros:
Cheapest accommodation & tours.
Almost empty beaches.
Cons:
Ferries & tours often canceled due to storms.
Poor visibility for diving/snorkeling.
Many bars/restaurants close.
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | Sunny, cool breeze | Very busy | Beach lovers, diving, parties |
| Mar–Apr | Hot, dry | Busy | Snorkeling, photography |
| May | Occasional showers | Moderate | Budget travelers |
| Jun–Sep | Rainy, rough seas | Quiet | Solitude, low prices |
| Oct | Transitional (some rain) | Fewer crowds | Relaxed vibe |
Early Morning (7–9 AM): Beat crowds at Maya Bay (opens at 6:30 AM).
Late Afternoon (4–6 PM): Sunset views at Phi Phi Viewpoint.
Avoid Midday (11 AM–3 PM): Hottest & most crowded.
✔ Book ferries early in peak season (speedboats sell out fast).
✔ Stay overnight to enjoy Phi Phi without day-trippers.
✔ Check marine park closures (Maya Bay sometimes shuts for conservation).
Best for Diving? → December–April (clear waters, whale sharks possible!).
Best for Parties? → December–March (Full Moon parties & beach bars).