Phi Phi Islands
Iconic Thai islands with dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and white-sand beaches, offering breathtaking natural beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid the peak crowds
Phi Phi Islands
Best Time
Avoid the peak crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Thai islands with dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and white-sand beaches, offering breathtaking natural beauty.
"This place is paradise, don't listen to people saying it's overcrowded, just come and see for yourself!"
Stay Overnight for Peace
Don't just day trip! Staying overnight lets you explore quieter beaches and enjoy the islands after day-trippers leave.
Embrace the Longtail Boat
Iconic and essential for island hopping. Negotiate prices for private tours or join group trips for a classic Phi Phi experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Maya Bay
Koh Phi Phi Leh
The iconic "The Beach" filming location, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Access may be restricted at times.

Pileh Lagoon
Koh Phi Phi Leh
A breathtakingly beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded by towering limestone karsts, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Phi Phi Viewpoints
Koh Phi Phi Don
Hike up for panoramic vistas of the islands' iconic twin bays and turquoise waters. Best visited at sunrise or sunset.
Long Beach
Koh Phi Phi Don
A serene stretch of white sand, offering a more tranquil escape from the main town's bustle. Ideal for relaxation and sunset views.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Island Hopping Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Stay Overnight for Peace
Don't just day trip! Staying overnight lets you explore quieter beaches and enjoy the islands after day-trippers leave.
Embrace the Longtail Boat
Iconic and essential for island hopping. Negotiate prices for private tours or join group trips for a classic Phi Phi experience.
Walk to Quieter Spots
The main town can be crowded, but a 20-25 minute walk leads to beautiful, less-visited beaches like Viking or Long Beach.
Sunscreen is a Must!
The Thai sun is strong. Always wear high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself while exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
Stay Overnight for Peace
Don't just day trip! Staying overnight lets you explore quieter beaches and enjoy the islands after day-trippers leave.
Embrace the Longtail Boat
Iconic and essential for island hopping. Negotiate prices for private tours or join group trips for a classic Phi Phi experience.
Walk to Quieter Spots
The main town can be crowded, but a 20-25 minute walk leads to beautiful, less-visited beaches like Viking or Long Beach.
Sunscreen is a Must!
The Thai sun is strong. Always wear high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself while exploring.
Book Accommodation Wisely
Consider areas like Long Beach or the east coast for more peaceful stays away from the main pier's hustle.
Dramamine for Seasickness
If you're prone to motion sickness, pack medication for boat rides, especially for longer island-hopping tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Phi Phi Islands are celebrated for their unparalleled natural beauty, with stunning lagoons, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches that truly feel like paradise. Visitors often rave about the vibrant turquoise waters and the iconic Maya Bay. However, many also note that the islands can be overwhelmingly crowded, especially during peak hours, detracting from the serene experience.
"Phi Phi Island in Thailand definitely deserves 5/5! The island is breathtaking with crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, and stunning cliffs. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the vibrant marine life. The scenery is like a paradise, especially at Maya Bay and the viewpoint. The atmosphere is lively yet still offers peaceful spots to relax. People are friendly and the food is great too. An unforgettable destination — truly a must-visit in Thailand!"
Quoc Viet Tran
"Phi Phi Island is one of the most stunning places I have ever visited. The crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and towering limestone cliffs make the scenery truly unforgettable. Snorkeling is amazing, with colorful fish and corals all around. The island has a calm yet lively atmosphere, perfect for relaxing by the beach or enjoying boat trips. It’s a destination that leaves lasting memories and makes every visit worthwhile."
Mohammad Helal Hossain
"Have a quick stop here for lunch. The island is quite huge and there are a lot of restaurants, cafes, convenient stores and hotels available here. There are a lot of people staying here too. The view is nice, the beach is beautiful. It is also a stop point for those who are on the phi phi island snorkeling trip. I had a lunch here and it was superb. It was super busy during lunch time."
Hafizun Mushtafa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Phi Phi Islands from Phuket is by taking a ferry or a speedboat. Ferries are generally cheaper and take about 2 hours, while speedboats are faster but more expensive. You can book tickets in advance or at the pier.
Longtail boats are the quintessential way to explore the Phi Phi Islands. You can hire them for private tours to visit specific spots like Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon, or use them for shorter trips between beaches on Koh Phi Phi Don.
No, there are no direct flights to Phi Phi Islands. You'll need to fly into a nearby airport like Phuket (HKT) or Krabi (KBV) and then take a ferry or speedboat to the islands.
The ferry journey from Krabi to Phi Phi Islands typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Speedboats are quicker, usually around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Yes, public ferries are available from Phuket and Krabi. These are the most budget-friendly options for reaching Phi Phi Islands.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Maya Bay often has an entrance fee, and access can be restricted or managed to protect the environment. It's best to check current regulations and book tours that include entry if available.
The islands themselves are accessible at all times, but specific attractions like Maya Bay may have designated visiting hours or be closed for conservation. Boat tours operate during daylight hours.
Yes, there is typically a national park fee for visiting certain areas within the Phi Phi Islands, especially for Maya Bay and other protected marine zones.
Day trip tours from Phuket or Krabi can range from $30 to $100+ USD per person, depending on the inclusions (speedboat vs. longtail, lunch, snorkeling gear). Private longtail boat hires are more expensive.
Yes, you can often book boat tours upon arrival in Phi Phi, Phuket, or Krabi. However, booking in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure your spot and potentially better prices.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, hiking to viewpoints, relaxing on beaches like Long Beach, and exploring the vibrant main town.
Many find Phi Phi Islands stunningly beautiful, a true paradise with clear waters and dramatic cliffs. However, it can be very crowded, especially during peak hours. Staying overnight or visiting less popular spots can enhance the experience.
Besides Maya Bay, consider Long Beach for its tranquility, Loh Dalum Bay for its lively atmosphere, and the smaller coves accessible by longtail boat for a more secluded feel.
Yes, the main areas of Phi Phi Island can get extremely crowded, particularly during the day with tour groups. Early mornings and evenings offer a more peaceful experience.
The Reggae Bar is a popular spot on Phi Phi Don known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and Muay Thai boxing matches where tourists can participate.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a wide range of Thai cuisine, from street food stalls to beachfront restaurants. Seafood is a specialty, and international options are also available.
Yes, most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests, especially for classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, green curry, and fried rice, often made with tofu or vegetables.
Dining options near Long Beach are generally more relaxed and less crowded than in the main town. You'll find beachfront restaurants and smaller eateries offering local and international dishes.
Look for local street food stalls and smaller eateries away from the main tourist strips. They often offer delicious and affordable Thai meals.
Prices can vary. Eating in the main town or at beachfront resorts will be more expensive than finding local eateries or street food stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints on Koh Phi Phi Don offer iconic panoramic shots. Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and the dramatic limestone cliffs are also incredibly photogenic.
Early morning light provides softer illumination and fewer crowds for stunning photos. Sunset also offers beautiful colors over the bays.
Drone usage may be restricted in national parks and certain areas to protect wildlife and maintain the natural environment. Always check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and cliffs. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for underwater shots and boat trips.
Consider hiring a private longtail boat for unique perspectives from the water, or hike to less-visited viewpoints for a different angle.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Islands: Transport & Tours
When considering tours, be aware of the different options. Day trips from Phuket or Krabi are popular but can mean a very crowded experience. Some travelers suggest that staying overnight on Phi Phi allows for a more relaxed exploration, as you can visit popular spots early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the day-trippers have left. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, private longtail boat hires offer the freedom to customize your itinerary and discover hidden gems at your own pace.
The Phi Phi Experience: Crowds vs. Serenity
To truly appreciate the tranquility of Phi Phi, consider strategies to avoid the crowds. Early morning visits to popular sites like Maya Bay or the viewpoints are highly recommended. Alternatively, staying overnight on Koh Phi Phi Don can offer a more peaceful experience, allowing you to explore the islands after the day-trippers depart. Travelers also suggest that simply walking a short distance from the main town can lead to quieter, more serene beaches like Long Beach or Viking Beach. By planning your visit strategically, you can find moments of serenity amidst the popular allure of Phi Phi.
Accommodation Options on Phi Phi
Some unique stays include bungalows on secluded parts of the island, which can offer a cozy and private experience, sometimes even including boat transfers and breakfast. When booking, it's worth noting that some areas might be more remote, so check the accessibility and included services. For instance, some resorts offer complimentary kayaks and snorkeling gear, adding value to your stay. Researching specific locations like Saii Resort in the north has also been highlighted as providing an amazing experience for some visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit