The Phi Phi Islands are the most famous day trip from Phuket, and for good reason. Sheer limestone cliffs drop straight into turquoise water, the lagoons glow green, and Maya Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in Asia. This guide explains how the islands fit together, how to get there from Phuket, when to go, what the rules are at Maya Bay today and how to plan a day that is worth the early start.
The Phi Phi Islands at a glance
Phi Phi is a small group of islands in the Andaman Sea, southeast of Phuket and southwest of Krabi. They belong to Krabi province and sit inside a marine national park (Hat Noppharat Thara and Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park). Two islands matter most for visitors:
- Phi Phi Don is the larger, inhabited island. Its narrow sandy middle holds Tonsai village, the ferry pier, hotels, restaurants and the famous viewpoint over two curved bays. Monkey Beach is on its coast.
- Phi Phi Leh is smaller and uninhabited. It is almost all cliff, with Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay and Viking Cave around its edges.
Smaller islands nearby, such as Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island, are often added on longer itineraries. The Khai Islands sit on the way from Phuket and make an easy first swim stop.
How to get to Phi Phi from Phuket
Speedboat day tour
Most day visitors go by speedboat from a pier on Phuket's east coast. The crossing usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour each way, depending on the sea and the route. A speedboat is the only practical way to see Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave and Monkey Beach in one day, because those spots are spread around both islands. Rides can be bumpy when the wind picks up, so they are not recommended for pregnant guests or anyone with back problems.
Ferry
Large passenger ferries run from Rassada Pier near Phuket Town to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. The trip takes roughly two hours. The ferry is a good choice if you want to stay overnight, but it only takes you to Phi Phi Don. To see Phi Phi Leh you would still need a longtail boat or a speedboat once you arrive. Our Rassada Pier guide and ferry vs speedboat comparison go into detail.
Private speedboat
A private speedboat charter lets you set the order of stops and leave before or after the main tour groups. It costs more than a shared seat but is worth considering for families and small groups.
Best time to visit
The dry season, roughly November to April, brings the calmest seas and the clearest water. December to March is the busiest period. From May to October the southwest monsoon can bring wind, swell and rain showers. Many tours still run in this season, but some days are cancelled for safety and the crossing is rougher. If a tour is cancelled because of weather, the operator will usually offer a new date or a refund. Our rainy season guide explains what to expect.
Maya Bay closures
Maya Bay was closed from June 2018 to January 2022 so the reef and beach could recover. Since reopening, the national park has closed it for about two months in most low seasons (in recent years around August and September), and it can close at short notice for weather or conservation reasons. Always check the current status close to your travel date. When Maya Bay is closed, tours visit the other Phi Phi highlights and view the bay entrance from the boat where allowed.
What to see and do
Maya Bay
Maya Bay became world famous after the film The Beach (2000). Today the rules are strict and the bay looks healthier for it:
- Boats may not enter the bay. They moor at a floating pier in Loh Samah Bay on the other side of Phi Phi Leh.
- You walk a short boardwalk trail through the island to the beach.
- Swimming is not allowed. You can walk on the beach and paddle at the edge.
- Visits are time limited and the number of visitors is capped.
Look into the shallows: blacktip reef sharks returned to the bay during the closure and are often seen close to shore. They are shy and harmless when left alone. Read more in Maya Bay rules and can you swim at Maya Bay.
Pileh Lagoon
Pileh Lagoon is an almost enclosed inlet on the east side of Phi Phi Leh, ringed by cliffs. Speedboats drift in and guests swim or paddle from the boat. The water is usually calm and a vivid green. It is the best swim of the day for many people.
Viking Cave
Viking Cave is a large cave in the cliffs of Phi Phi Leh. It is used to harvest edible swiftlet nests and visitors cannot go inside, but you can see the bamboo ladders and scaffolding from the boat. Boats slow down here for photos.
Monkey Beach
A small beach on Phi Phi Don where long-tailed macaques come down to the sand. They are wild animals. Do not feed or touch them, keep food and plastic bags out of sight and give them space. See our Monkey Beach guide.
Snorkeling
Reef fish are easy to see in the clear water around Phi Phi Leh and Loh Samah Bay. Your guide chooses the spot on the day. Life jackets are provided, so weaker swimmers can float and still enjoy it.
Phi Phi Don viewpoint
If you stay overnight, the hike to the viewpoint above Tonsai village gives the classic view over the twin bays. It is a steep walk of about 20 to 30 minutes and is best in the early morning or late afternoon. Day trips normally do not include it.
How a Phi Phi day trip works
Our Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island speedboat tour is a typical example. It starts with hotel pickup and a light breakfast at the pier, then:
- A first swim at Khai Nai Island on the way out.
- Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don.
- Lunch at a beachfront restaurant on Phi Phi Don.
- Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon, with swimming, snorkeling and a turn on a stand-up paddle board.
- Loh Samah Bay and the walk to Maya Bay.
- Return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel.
The order can change with the tide, weather and park time slots. The national park fee is included in the price of this tour. If you book elsewhere, check whether the fee is included or paid on the day.
Practical tips
- National park fee: Phi Phi is a national park, so an entrance fee applies to every visitor. Some tours include it (ours does), others collect it on the day in cash. Our national park fees guide lists current rates.
- Bring: swimwear under your clothes, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag for your phone and some cash for drinks and extras. See what to bring on an island tour.
- Seasickness: sit near the back of the speedboat where the ride is smoother and take tablets before you leave if you are prone to it.
- Passport: carry a copy or a photo of your passport. Our guide on passports for island tours explains why.
- Footwear: sandals that can get wet are useful at the piers and on the Maya Bay trail.
- Expectations: Phi Phi is popular. You will share Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay with other boats, especially in high season.
Respect the reef and wildlife
The reefs around Phi Phi are recovering, and small habits make a real difference:
- Never stand on or touch coral. Float with your life jacket if you need a rest.
- Do not feed fish or monkeys.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen or wear a rash guard. Thailand bans sunscreens with certain chemicals, such as oxybenzone, in marine national parks.
- Take every bit of rubbish back to the boat.
- Keep your distance from sharks and turtles and never chase them.
Is one day enough?
A speedboat day trip covers the main sights of both islands and suits most visitors. If you want sunrise at the viewpoint, a quiet evening in Tonsai or time on the beaches of Phi Phi Don, stay a night or two and arrive by ferry. We look at both options in is one day on Phi Phi enough and the complete guide to Phi Phi from Phuket.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the boat ride from Phuket to Phi Phi?
By speedboat it usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour each way. The ferry from Rassada Pier takes about two hours.
Can you swim at Maya Bay?
No. Swimming is not allowed at Maya Bay. You can walk on the beach and paddle at the water's edge. Pileh Lagoon and the snorkeling stops are where you swim.
Is Maya Bay open all year?
No. It usually closes for about two months in the low season, in recent years around August and September, and it can close at short notice for weather. Check the current status before you travel.
Is the national park fee included?
It depends on the tour. Our Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour includes it. On other tours it may be paid in cash on the day, so ask before you book.
Is the Phi Phi trip suitable for children?
Yes, for most families. Children should wear life jackets in the water, and the speedboat ride can be bumpy, so it is not recommended for pregnant guests or anyone with back problems.
