Limestone cliffs and turquoise bays, two hours by boat
Photo: Evan Krause · Unsplash License · source
Why go
The Phi Phi Islands rise from the Andaman Sea about 50 km from Phuket and are part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island, with hotels, restaurants and Tonsai Village, while Phi Phi Leh holds Maya Bay and reefs that are good for snorkelling and diving. Smaller islands such as Koh Yung, Bamboo Island and Koh Pida complete a scene of cliffs and turquoise water.
Most people come for a day, but a night on Phi Phi Don gives you the islands once the day boats leave. Phi Phi Leh gained fame as a location for the film The Beach, and the beauty is real, which also means the crowds are. Go in the dry season, from November to April, when the water is clearer and the sea calmer, and treat the park rules as part of the trip.
Gallery
Photo: Evan Krause · Unsplash License · source
Photo: Mulberry Digital · Unsplash License · source
Photo: Humphrey M · Unsplash License · source
Photo: Spenser Sembrat · Unsplash License · source
Photo: Yannick Apollon · Unsplash License · source
Highlights
Phi Phi Don is the largest island and the only inhabited one, with hotels and restaurants and no private cars. Ferries arrive at Tonsai Pier, beside Tonsai Village, known for its beach bars, restaurants and a maze of small shops. Smaller beaches around the island suit couples, families and budget travellers alike.
The classic photograph of the island, with the two bays on either side of the narrow sandy neck, is taken from the viewpoint above Tonsai. The national park notes that the trail crosses private land, where a fee of 20 baht is charged, and that a detour of about 3 km avoids it. Wear proper shoes, carry water and allow time for the climb.
Maya Bay has clear aquamarine water, limestone cliffs and a white sand beach, and was a filming location for a Hollywood movie. The national park says the bay is closed to visitors from 1 August to 30 September every year. Check the current rules for the bay before you plan your visit, because access can change.
Snorkelling and diving day trips are among the top attractions, and the waters hold marine life that includes leopard sharks. The national park says the water is clearer and calmer from about November or December to May. If you dive, confirm that your instructor is fully accredited, and follow the guide's instructions around the reefs.
Practical information
Mu Ko Phi Phi, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81210. Usual departure from Phuket: Rassada Pier, Phuket Town
See on mapThe national park lists daily hours of 8am to 4:30pm. Maya Bay closes to visitors every year from 1 August to 30 September. Boats can be cancelled in bad weather, mostly in the rainy season from May to October.
National park fee: 200 baht for foreign adults and 100 baht for children aged 3 to 14 (Thai citizens 40 and 20 baht); foreign scuba divers pay 200 baht more. The Phi Phi Don viewpoint trail crosses private land and charges about 20 baht. Ferry fares are set by each operator.
Checked in November 2026. Hours and fees can change: check on the day before you go.
Getting there
Rassada Pier is by car or taxi about 10–15 minutes from Phuket Old Town. The public ferry from there to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don takes about 2 hours.
By car or taxi, about 40–50 minutes from Patong to Rassada Pier, then the ferry.
By car or taxi, about 45–55 minutes from Phuket International Airport to Rassada Pier, then the ferry.
Departure pier for the public ferry from Phuket: Rassada Pier, which arrives at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. Wikipedia notes that ferries, speedboats and long-tail boats also run from Krabi and from other Phuket ports. The national park says the islands are about 50 km from Phuket. Boats may be cancelled in rough seas from May to October, so confirm the day before. Check the park's rules for Maya Bay and note that camping is not allowed on any island except Phi Phi Don, where only hotel stays are available.
Insider tips
The national park says diving and snorkelling are best from about November or December to May, when the water is clearer and calmer. Boats may run less often or be cancelled in bad weather in the rainy season.
A single night turns a rushed day trip into a proper visit, with the viewpoint at a quiet hour and the beaches after the day boats leave. Book rooms in advance around Christmas and New Year.
The national park says Maya Bay is closed to visitors from 1 August to 30 September every year. Confirm the rules for the bay before you plan the day, and keep to the park's instructions once there.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand asks visitors to respect Thai dress customs: women should not go topless on the beach, and men should not walk around shirtless away from the beach.
Nearby
From the Phuket City Guide, each with its own Holiplanet page. Straight-line distances.
Hotel · 44.9 km
Boutique hotel in a Sino-Portuguese colonial building in Phuket Old Town
View hotel →Hotel · 45.0 km
Design hostel on Dibuk Road in Phuket Old Town with an outdoor pool
View hotel →Hotel · 45.2 km
Design-minded B&B in Phuket Town with sketch-art rooms
View hotel →Hotel · 45.2 km
Heritage boutique hotel in a 1927 Sino-Portuguese building on Phang-Nga Road
View hotel →All hotels on the Phuket map → All things to do on the map →
Questions
The public ferry leaves Rassada Pier in Phuket Town and arrives at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don after about two hours. Wikipedia adds that ferries, speedboats and long-tail boats also run from Krabi and other Phuket ports. Check the current timetable with the operator.
The national park lists 200 baht for foreign adults and 100 baht for children aged 3–14, with 40 and 20 baht for Thai citizens. Foreign scuba divers pay an extra 200 baht. The page gives daily opening hours of 08:00–16:30.
The national park says Maya Bay is closed to visitors between 1 August and 30 September every year. Wikipedia records that it was closed from June 2018 and reopened on 1 January 2022. Check the current rules for the bay before you go.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand gives November to April as the best season, with milder weather and less rain. The national park adds that the rainy season runs from May to December and that boats may be cancelled in bad weather.
Yes. Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island, with hotels, restaurants and Tonsai Village. The national park says camping is not allowed on any island, and that on Phi Phi Don only hotel stays are available. Book ahead around Christmas and New Year.
