Phi Phi Islands: Ultimate Guide & 15 Things To Do

The Phi Phi Islands are a small group of islands located between Phuket and Krabi, famous for their turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and crazy nightlife. They’ve become one of Thailand’s top travel destinations, drawing especially young backpackers.

Just like many other tourists, I first heard about them through the movie The Beach and dreamed of visiting the secluded Maya Bay ever since. When I finally made it there, it wasn’t exactly what I expected.

Still, exploring Phi Phi gave me great memories: beautiful snorkeling spots, stunning viewpoints, and evenings by the beach that made the trip worthwhile. I visited during my trip as a solo traveler and found it to be a good spot to meet new people.

In this guide, I’ll cover how to get to the Phi Phi Islands, the best things to do, where to stay, when to visit, and some honest tips from my own trip.

Where are Phi Phi Islands?

The Phi Phi Islands are located in the Andaman Sea, in southern Thailand. They belong to Krabi Province and sit about halfway between Phuket and the Krabi mainland.

• From Phuket: around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by ferry or speedboat.
• From Krabi Town/Ao Nang: about 1–1.5 hours by boat.
• From Koh Lanta: roughly 1 hour by speedboat.

📍 View the location on Google Maps.

How to get there

The Phi Phi Islands are only accessible by boat — there’s no airport on the islands — so you’ll need to travel from either Phuket or Krabi.

From Phuket:
Boats depart daily from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town. The ferry is the budget-friendly option, taking around 2 hours, while a speedboat gets you there in about 1 hour. Most transfers can be booked through 12Go or local agencies, and hotel pickup is often included.

From Krabi:
If you’re staying in Ao Nang or Krabi Town, ferries and speedboats depart regularly from Ao Nang Pier or Klong Jilad Pier. The ferry ride takes around 90 minutes, and the speedboat is slightly faster. Again, tickets are easy to book via 12Go.

From Railay:
If you’re already in Railay, you’re in luck — you can catch a speedboat directly to Phi Phi from the East Railay floating pier. The ride is short, around 1 hour, making it the most convenient option if you’re staying in Railay before visiting Phi Phi.

No matter where you’re coming from, I recommend booking your tickets online through 12Go. It’s reliable, prices are transparent, and cancellations are easy if your plans change. Plus, we have good experience with their customer support.

What to Expect

The Phi Phi Islands are actually made up of two main islands: Koh Phi Phi Don, where all the hotels, restaurants, and nightlife are, and Koh Phi Phi Leh, which is uninhabited and home to stunning spots like Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon.

As soon as I arrived at Ton Sai Pier, I was stunned — the water was so clear and such a deep shade of turquoise that it almost didn’t look real. For a moment, I completely understood why these islands are on so many travelers’ bucket lists.

But that first “wow” quickly faded once I stepped away from the pier. The main area is busy and overdeveloped, with a McDonald’s, Burger King, and endless souvenir stalls all selling the same trinkets.

It’s loud, chaotic, and full of backpackers and party-goers, with music pouring out of bars until late at night (or early morning).

That said, the natural beauty of Phi Phi is undeniable. The limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and soft white beaches are just as breathtaking as the photos — you just need to get on a boat to truly appreciate it.

Many of the most iconic spots, like Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, or Pileh Lagoon, are not located on Phi Phi Don itself, so a boat trip is a must if you want to experience the best of the islands.

Is it worth it?

For me, the answer is yes — absolutely. Even with the crowds and the over-the-top party vibe in the main area, the Phi Phi Islands are still worth visiting at least once in your life.

If you’re not into the backpacker or party scene, though, I’d recommend either staying in a more secluded area (I’ll share my suggestions below) or visiting on a day trip from Krabi or Phuket instead.

That way, you can experience the islands’ beauty without the full-on chaos of Ton Sai Village at night.

Things to do in Phi Phi Islands

1. Explore the beaches

The beaches on the Phi Phi Islands are unreal — white sand, turquoise water, and those limestone cliffs that make every corner look like a postcard. Each beach has its own vibe, so it’s worth checking out a few during your stay.

• Loh Dalum Bay – Quiet and relaxed during the day but completely transforms at night with beach bars, parties, and fire shows. If you’re into nightlife, this is where the action happens.
• Love Beach & Viking Beach – Both are about a 25-minute walk from the center. They’re quieter spots to escape the crowds, but keep in mind the water can get very shallow at low tide, so swimming isn’t always the best.
• Long Beach – A favorite for many visitors. It’s a 30-minute jungle walk or a quick boat ride from the main area and offers clear water, great swimming, and some of the best snorkeling right off the shore.
• Loh Moo Dee Beach – A quieter, less crowded spot. Great for snorkeling. Avoid the low tide for the best experience. Sunbeds are available for 100 THB, and a boat taxi costs 200 THB.
• Nui Beach – Only accessible by boat, but worth the trip if you’re after a little adventure, fewer crowds, and amazing snorkelling.

2. Hike to the Viewpoints

No trip to Phi Phi is complete without hiking up to the island’s famous viewpoints. There are three of them — simply called Viewpoint 1, 2, and 3 — and each is a bit higher, offering a slightly different perspective of the island’s iconic twin bays.

The trail starts near the center of Ton Sai Village, and while the climb is steep in some parts, it’s short and very doable if you take your time.

I hiked up in the late afternoon, and the views just got better with every step. By the time I reached the top, the sight of turquoise water framed by limestone cliffs was nothing short of breathtaking.

If you can, go early in the morning for a quieter experience or close to sunset for those magical golden-hour colors — just be ready to share the view with many other travelers.

3. Go Snorkeling

Snorkeling around the Phi Phi Islands is an experience you shouldn’t skip. The water is unbelievably clear, and I loved that even before I dipped my mask in, I could see colorful coral and fish beneath the surface.

Some spots are easy to reach just by walking around the island, like Long Beach and the nearby Shark Point. Others, like Bamboo Island, Nui Beach, and the waters just outside Maya Bay, require a boat ride — but they’re absolutely worth it.

During my trip, I joined a boat tour that stopped at several snorkeling spots, each with its own vibe. My favorite was definitely Shark Point, with healthy coral and schools of colorful fish — even though I wasn’t lucky enough to spot the reef sharks that day.

You can rent gear from shops in Ton Sai Village or ask your hotel, but I’d recommend bringing your own for comfort and cleanliness. In my case, I used the gear provided during the boat tour.

4. Go scuba diving or get PADI-certified

If you’ve ever thought about trying scuba diving, Phi Phi is one of the best places to do it. The visibility is incredible, the dive sites are close by, and the marine life is just as impressive as you’d imagine.

Even if you’re a complete beginner, there are plenty of dive shops that offer introductory dives or PADI certification courses. The instructors are professional and friendly, which makes the whole experience safe and fun.

For certified divers, there are tons of great spots to explore — from colorful coral gardens to deeper sites where you might spot reef sharks, turtles, or even seahorses if you’re lucky.

We recommend joining The Adventure Club, which is THE BEST diving school on the island. This Morning Dive Tour includes two dives at different sites with a snorkeling break and lunch in between.

5. Rent a kayak end explore hidden coves

One of my favorite ways to explore Phi Phi was by renting a kayak and paddling along the coastline.

There are a few rental stands along Loh Dalum Bay, but I highly recommend going with Ronny. His equipment is solid, and the rental always includes a life jacket. He even has dry bags available, which is super handy, and his prices are really fair.

Paddling around gives you the chance to discover hidden coves and smaller beaches that most people never see. Depending on the tide and your energy, you can make it out to Monkey Beach or even over toward Nui Beach for some snorkeling.

6. Party till the morning

If you’re here for the nightlife, Phi Phi definitely delivers. Most of the action happens around Loh Dalum Bay and in the center of Ton Sai Village, where bars and beach clubs line the shore.

Buckets (yes, the famous Thai party buckets) are everywhere, and the energy is high every night of the week.

What I loved about the parties here is that they’re not just about music and dancing — there’s always something going on. I saw fire shows where volunteers jumped in to be part of the tricks, slacklines, and even a limbo game with free shots after passing.

If you want to level it up, don’t miss the Ibiza Pool Party — it’s wild, with music blasting and people dancing in and out of the pool. And for something different, there’s even a party boat, where you can spend the day cruising, swimming, and partying.

As a solo traveler, I found Phi Phi’s party scene incredible for meeting people. It’s exciting, fun, and honestly a little shocking at times.

When I checked into Swee Dee Hostel, I actually had to sign a form saying I understood it was a party hostel and that it would be loud until morning. They weren’t kidding, the whole room was vibrating from the noise — bring earplugs if you’re planning to sleep!

7. Cruise on Pirate Boat with a party

If you’re looking for something a bit different — part boat tour, part floating party — the Pirate Boat cruise around Phi Phi is one of the most talked-about experiences on the islands.

It’s a full-day trip that combines exploring some of the best spots around Phi Phi, like Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Monkey Beach, with time for snorkeling, kayaking, or just relaxing on deck.

As the sun sets, the trip turns into a lively party with music, drinks, and an unbeatable views.

8. Fight in a Muay Thai match

This is one of the more unusual — and slightly bizarre — activities you can try in Phi Phi. At Reggae Bar, tourists actually get the chance to hop into the ring and fight each other in a lighthearted Muay Thai match.

When I went with a group from my hostel, the whole thing felt more fun than serious. The fights weren’t aggressive at all — more like friendly sparring matches with lots of cheering and laughing from the crowd.

The best part? The winner walked away with a free bucket (I’m not sure if that’s still the same, though).

It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re looking for something different, it’s worth stopping by for a drink and a laugh.

10. Maya Bay

Maya Bay is easily the most famous spot in the Phi Phi Islands — thanks to The Beach movie — but it’s also a reminder of the effects of overtourism. The bay was completely closed from 2018 until 2022 to allow the coral and marine life to recover.

When I visited, the beach was still closed, so we couldn’t step onto the sand or even come close. Instead, our boat anchored farther out in the bay, and we jumped in for a deep-water snorkeling session.

Even this way, it was breathtaking — the towering limestone cliffs all around and the clear, turquoise water which looked exactly like the photos. If you wish to visit now, prepare for a lot of people. To avoid crowds, you need to be at the beach before 7:00.

The entrance fee is usually included in the tour price or can be paid upon entrance to the Hat Noppharat Thara National Park.

Most important restriction to keep in mind:

• Maya Bay is completely closed for two months each year, in 2025 the closure lasts from 1st August until 1st October.
• No swimming is allowed. You can only enter the water up to knee depth.
• The maximum duration of a visit is limited to one hour.
• Boats must anchor on the other side of the bay.
• No drones are allowed in the national park AT ALL.

11. Pileh Lagoon

If there’s one place around the Phi Phi Islands that completely blew me away, it’s Pileh Lagoon. It’s a bay almost entirely enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, with just a narrow passage where boats enter and leave.

Passing through that channel felt like stepping into another world. The water here was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in my life — so turquoise and clear that it almost felt like we were floating in the air.

The boats anchor in the center of the lagoon, where the water turns a deep, dark blue and is too deep to see the bottom.

Snorkeling isn’t really a thing here, but honestly, it didn’t matter. Jumping off the boat and swimming in that warm, crystal-clear water was unreal. I even swam to the edge of the bay where it gets shallower, stood with the cliffs towering over me, and just took in the views.

It can get busy, but the beauty of this spot easily makes it worth the stop — it was my absolute favorite part of the boat trip.

12. Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island is a popular stop on almost every boat trip around Phi Phi, so don’t expect to have it to yourself. There were plenty of boats anchored when we arrived, and the beach was busy, but I have to admit — it’s easy to see why.

The sand is powdery white, the water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming, and there’s even a good amount of shade under the trees if you want to escape the sun for a bit.

It’s also a great snorkeling spot, with colorful reefs just a short swim from shore.

Bamboo Island is part of a national park, which means there’s an entrance fee — currently 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Based on my research, it seems to be part of the same park as Maya Bay, meaning the fee should technically cover both. The Maya Bay fee was already included in my tour price, but when we docked at Bamboo Island, our guide asked everyone to pay 400 THB in cash.

To be honest, I’m still not sure if this was a legitimate fee or just a way to make some extra money from tourists. It felt like a bit much for a short stop, so a few of us — myself included — decided to skip paying and just stayed on the boat while others went ashore.

13. Monkey Beach

Monkey Beach is just a small stretch of sand tucked under the jungle and cliffs.. As the name suggests, the beach is home to lots of monkeys, who spend their time running around the sand, climbing trees, and sometimes even swimming in the sea.

On my boat tour, this was our first stop of the day, which turned out to be a great decision — we managed to escape the crowds and shared the beach with only a few other boats.

Some people in my group didn’t feel comfortable getting too close and stayed on the boat, but a few of us decided to walk along the beach for a closer look.

The monkeys were surprisingly calm during my visit. One even jumped onto my shoulder and just sat there for a bit — definitely a funny and unexpected moment. It was also really fun to watch a few of them jump into the water from the cliffs and swim around like little pros.

One thing I can’t stress enough: don’t feed the monkeys or bring food onto the beach. They can get aggressive if they see or smell food, and it’s safer (and more respectful) to just observe them from a distance.

14. Viking Cave

Viking Cave is one of those stops where you don’t actually go inside — boats just pause in front of the entrance so you can take a look. Even so, it’s a fascinating spot with a really unique story.

The cave is home to swiftlet birds, whose nests are made from hardened saliva. These nests are carefully harvested by locals and sold as the main ingredient for the famous bird’s nest soup, a delicacy in many parts of Asia.

Believe it or not, a single kilo of these nests can sell for up to $2,500. Because of their value, the cave is heavily guarded during harvesting season, sometimes even with armed security.

When we passed by, we only saw a few locals inside and the bamboo scaffolding they use to climb up and reach the nests — it honestly looked like such a dangerous job.

15. Swim with Bioluminiscent plankton

Swimming with bioluminescent plankton was one of the most magical parts of my Phi Phi trip — even though it wasn’t originally in the plan.

After watching the sunset out at sea, our guide asked if anyone wanted to stay out longer and wait for it to get dark to see the glowing plankton. Some people decided to head back, but I stayed with a small group of others, and we’re so glad we did.

Once it was fully dark, the boat took us to a quiet spot near Monkey Beach, and we slipped into the water. Tiny blue specks glowed around us with every movement — it was beautiful, almost surreal.

hThat night, the glow wasn’t super bright, but it was still such a special moment. Floating there in the dark water, watching it sparkle with every kick or splash, is something I won’t forget anytime soon.

Recommended tours

From Phuket: This speedboat day tour is well-organized, with friendly English-speaking guides and the option for a hotel pickup, which makes the start of the day hassle-free. It includes a buffet lunch, fresh fruit, and even a Magnum ice cream.

From Krabi: Starting in Krabi or Ao Nang? This speedboat tour is a solid option with a buffet-style lunch and visits to all the major highlights. It’s quick, convenient, and has great reviews for its balance between sightseeing, relaxation, and time in the water.

From Phi Phi: Already staying on Phi Phi? The “Avoid the Crowds” sunrise tour is the one to book. Yes, it’s an early start, but it’s totally worth it to see Maya Bay before the waves of tourists arrive.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Phi Phi Islands is during the dry season from November to April. You’ll get plenty of sunshine, calm seas, and ideal conditions for boat trips, snorkeling, and exploring the islands.

May to October is the rainy season. You can still visit, but expect occasional heavy showers, rough seas, and possible cancellations of boat tours. On the bright side, it’s less crowded and hotels are cheaper.

If you’re into nightlife, plan around the Full Moon Party on nearby islands — Phi Phi is popular with young backpackers looking for parties, fire shows, and beach bars. Just note that during these times, it gets extra busy and lively.

Where to stay

Ton Sai & Loh Dalum Bay – Right in the heart of the action with easy access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Perfect if you want to be in the center of everything, but expect noise well into the night.

🏨 Recommended stays: Sweed Dee Hostel (low budget), Summer Sea (mid budget), CoCo Beach Resort (luxury stay)

Eastern End of the Island – A bit quieter with a more relaxed vibe and great views, especially if you don’t mind a short uphill walk. It’s also more budget-friendly compared to beachfront options.

🏨 Recommended Stays: The View Hostel (low budget), Hangover Chill & Hill Hostel (low budget), Villa Resort (mid-range)

Long Beach – About a 25-minute jungle walk (or a short water taxi ride) from the center. It’s more expensive than staying near Ton Sai but offers a more private and peaceful atmosphere with amazing snorkeling.

🏨 Recommended Stays: The Beach Resort, Paradise Pearl Bungalow, Viking Nature Resort

Secluded Beaches – Ideal if you’re looking for peace and quiet. These resorts feel like a private escape, but keep in mind you’ll need to rely on water taxis for everything, which can get expensive since there are no roads on the island.

🏨 Recommended Stays: Relax Beach Resort (mid-range), Natural Resort (mid-range), OUTRIGGER Island Resort (luxury), SAii Island Village (luxury)

Other places to visit nearby

Krabi – A perfect base for island hopping, exploring limestone cliffs, and wandering through local night markets. It’s more relaxed than Phi Phi but still full of things to do. My favorite attraction was the Tiger Cave Temple.

Railay Beach – Just a short boat ride from Krabi, Railay is known for its towering cliffs, hidden lagoons, and laid-back vibe. It’s also one of the best spots in Thailand for rock climbing, and it’s home to the beautiful Phra Nang Beach.

Hong Islands – Great for a day trip if you’re after crystal-clear lagoons, soft white sand, and some of the best snorkeling near Krabi.

Phuket – Bigger, busier, and more developed, Phuket offers great nightlife, shopping, and beaches. It’s also a hub for flights, making it a convenient next stop if you’re continuing your travels around Thailand.

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