Phi Phi Islands Travel Guide: Everything you need to know

The Phi Phi islands! Turquoise waters, white sand, tropical vegetation, and summer there, whilst winter is here. These were some of the tempting facts that led us to this destination. We wanted a unique experience in an exotic place, a little more unusual and far away than most destinations. It was our honeymoon trip. Below is all the necessary information for your first visit to the Phi Phi Islands.

General Information

• Population around 2,500 inhabitants.

• Tourism increased after the release of the movie “The Beach”. As it increased, the coral reefs were destroyed. As a result, Maya Bay beach, which was the location for most of the movie’s scenes, was closed in 2018 to allow coral to regenerate.

• The Phi Phi Islands are under the jurisdiction of the Krabi district.

• Check how to get a visa for Thailand on iVisa.com.

• On 26 December 2004, an earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale triggered a tsunami with deadly waves up to 3 meters high, causing extensive damage to the Phi Phi Islands. It took over a year to rebuild the infrastructure, which had been destroyed. Today, in various parts of the island, you will find warning signs along paths that guide you to safety in the event of a tsunami.

• These islands are facing a serious environmental problem due to rising tourism. Of course, it is forbidden to take corals with you, whether they are dead or alive. There is a 5-year prison sentence or a fine you have to pay.

Read our complete Thailand travel guide

Before you go — Visa & TDAC requirements

Visa (EU): 60 days visa-free since July 2024. No visa application needed.

TDAC — Thailand Digital Arrival Card: Mandatory for all visitors from May 1, 2025. Free to complete, apply at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before arrival. Takes only a few minutes.

How to Get to the Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are accessible by boat only because there is no airport. The two main departure points are Phuket and Krabi.

From Phuket → Phi Phi (most popular route): Depart from Rassada Pier, Phuket Town.

• Ferry: 450–550 THB one-way, ~2 hours
• Speedboat: faster but more expensive
• Departures: approximately 08:30–15:00 daily (last ferry ~15:00)
• ⚠️ National park fee not included in ferry ticket, you will pay 400 THB separately on arrival

From Krabi → Phi Phi: Depart from Klong Jilad Pier, ~4km from Krabi Town.

• Journey: ~1–2 hours by ferry or speedboat
• Ideal if flying into Krabi airport

From Bangkok → Phi Phi (how to get from Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands): Bangkok has no direct ferry to Phi Phi. Best options:

• Fly Bangkok → Phuket (~1.5 hours) + ferry to Phi Phi
• Fly Bangkok → Krabi (~1.5 hours) + ferry to Phi Phi
• Compare flights on Skyscanner

💡 Extra Tips:

• No cars or motorbikes on Phi Phi, everything is on foot once you arrive

• Book ferry tickets in advance during high season (Nov–Apr)

• Morning departures have calmer seas

• Arrive at pier 45–60 minutes early in peak season

Phi Phi Islands entry fees

The Phi Phi Islands are part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Entry fees are collected separately from ferry tickets:

Important: One national park ticket covers Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and Pileh Lagoon for up to 3 days. If your tour includes the fee, you don’t pay it again separately. If taking a ferry independently, bring cash, because a fee is collected at the entrance to Maya Bay or Bamboo Island.

Best things to do in the Phi Phi Islands

On every trip, we walk all day long. Both to see the sights and to experience firsthand the full adventure and energy of the place we’re visiting. On this trip, which was actually our honeymoon, we had decided not to run around all day. Therefore, we managed to combine quite a lot of lying about on the beaches, enjoying our cocktails whilst simultaneously having some unforgettable experiences and adventures. Here are some of the exploits we had below.

The most touristic beaches of the island Ko Phi Phi are either on this central island or the closest ones to it. The most well-known ones on the central island are:

Long Beach

The easiest way to reach this beach is from the island center. You can book a longboat or a water taxi, which will get you there in a few minutes. We, however, took the second option: to walk along the beautiful path along the coastline through the jungle.

In Long Beach, you will find the softest and whitest sand. Crystal clear turquoise waters and absolute peace, since it is one of the most tranquil beaches. There you will have the opportunity to go snorkeling and discover the colorful fish on the sea bottom.

Bonus Tip: There are many possibilities that you might see small sharks from 40 cm up to 1 meter long if you swim alongside the coral reef. During the day, when there are many boats on the beach, it is difficult to spot them. They are most likely to be seen before 9 am or after 5 pm, if that is your aim.

Read about the place we chose for our accommodation in the Phi Phi Islands

Tonsai Bay

This is the beach in the island’s central part. For us, this beach wasn’t the best choice, since it also serves as the island’s harbor. The consequences were many tourists, a lot of noise, and an unclean environment.

Loh Dalum

This is a central beach. You have easy access from the central market (150 meters away), and despite being so close to the central tourist area, it is surprisingly quiet.

The distant beaches for which you must rent a boat or book a tour are:

Monkey Beach

A small beach 150 meters in the southwest of the island with lush vegetation, which creates a very conducive environment for monkeys. This beach is not accessible by land. Our transportation took 15 minutes by Longboat, departing from Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi.

For us, it was a long-awaited experience, as monkeys are our favorite animals. We had prepared some small snacks with which to feed them. As soon as we descended from the Longboat, we saw them coming towards us. We managed to see two baby monkeys and took quite a lot of photos with them. Their visits lasted as long as our snacks. Once they finished all the crackers, they looked at us indifferently and went on to the next tourists. You must take extra precautions for your personal belongings. Monkeys are excellent pickpockets and will go through your bags and pockets in no time, taking your belongings up to the treetops. These animals are considered to be wild, especially during the mating period. Their behavior can become very aggressive, so you must be very careful.

Throughout the island, there are warning signs (which we hadn’t noticed beforehand) that tourists shouldn’t give food to the monkeys. The reason is that they become spoiled and then are too lazy to hunt for their food, which is provided by the forest.  

One sad sight was the polluted beach littered with plastic bottles and other trash. The monkeys living amongst this. We saw a baby monkey picking up a plastic water bottle and nibbling at it. For this reason, please make sure that when you are leaving Monkey Beach, or any other beach, that you have taken all your odds and ends with you and that you haven’t left something behind which might be harmful to the animals or the environment.

Another option for the more daring tourists is to visit Monkey Beach by kayak. The route takes 45 minutes with strong rowing ability, but it can be rather tiring if you are visiting the islands to relax.

Bamboo Island

This is a remote island with sparkling white sand encircling its perimeter and crystal-clear waters. Its beauty is astonishing, and you will have an extraordinary, exotic experience. As this is one of the most touristic islands, we suggest you go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the island isn’t inundated with tourists. Usually, the tours with many people do not stay long on the island, and so no one strays far. So, if you find yourself there surrounded by many people, it would be a good idea to walk as far away as possible from the disembarkation area so that you may enjoy this exotic island undisturbed.

Viking Caves

The famous and impressive Viking Caves are located in the northeast of the island, beneath a high cliff. You can rent a longtail boat from the Tonsai harbor, or you can include it in the beach tour, which goes around the island.

However, since 2009, tourists have not been allowed to enter the caves, and boats have not been allowed to approach. For this reason, we didn’t include this beach on our tour, as we considered it futile to pass by without entering the caves.

The history of these caves is very interesting. They have earned their name from the drawings on the cave walls by Scandinavian sailors. It is said that during a terrible storm, these sailors found shelter in the caves and during their stay, created impressive drawings on the cave walls. The storm destroyed their ships, and while waiting for help, they survived by eating the birds in the caves. 

Mosquito Island

This island has impressive and interesting spots for scuba diving and snorkeling. It has obtained its name from swarms of mosquitoes and other insects, which are more pronounced in the evening hours. We strongly suggest that you bring along an insect repeller to avoid getting bitten.

Maya Bay — The beach, the rules & what to expect

Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh is one of the world’s most famous bays, made globally iconic by the 2000 film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting:

Maya Bay reopened in January 2022 after a 4-year closure (2018–2022) for environmental restoration following severe coral reef damage caused by mass tourism, but it is closed every year from September 1 to October 30 for ecosystem recovery.

Current rules (strictly enforced):

• No swimming inside the bay, only knee-deep walking at the shoreline
• No boats inside the bay, vessels anchor outside, visitors walk in via the floating pier
• Limited visitors per day to prevent overcrowding
• ~1 hour maximum per group
• No taking sand, stones, or shells
• No feeding fish or disturbing marine life

National park fee: 400 THB adults / 200 THB children — covers the full visit

💡 Tips:

• Go early, sunrise tours from Phuket or Phi Phi Don reach Maya Bay before the crowds
• Most tours include the park fee, but confirm before booking
• The bay is still spectacular despite the rules, don’t let restrictions put you off

Browse Phi Phi Islands tours including Maya Bay on GetYourGuide.

Scuba Diving

For those who love the ocean, the boat tour is quite satisfying, but why not take this experience to the next level? We are referring to scuba diving. This experience is a must to see the ocean depths. You will explore the coral reefs and swim amongst colorful fish. You will be surprised at how many colors there are and how strange and different the fish are in this sea. During our dive, we saw a sea turtle, many fish resembling the protagonists of “Nemo”, corals, trumpetfish, barracudas, an enormous jellyfish, and much more. There were schools of fish swimming around us so dense that we couldn’t even see each other.

A simple dive in the sea park with special professionals costs around 2500 baht, whilst you could also combine it with the well-known shipwreck KledGeaw at a package cost of 3100 baht. Furthermore, in order to enter the sea park, you have to pay an extra price of 400 baht per person. Just make sure to book your dive on a windless day so the ocean floor is clear. You should also try to dive in a less-frequented area because intense activity disrupts sea life and fish hide.

*Prices are indicative of the period when we visited the islands and may have changed.

Αs far as the central island Ko Phi Phi goes, we have the following experiences and activities to recommend:

Thai Massage

One thing the Thai are very well known for is their massage. It’s impossible not to try it as the island is full of shops that offer it. If enduring discomfort isn’t your cup of tea, do not try Thai Massage, as it can be quite uncomfortable. Just choose a relaxing massage with a beautiful essential oil. The prices are quite reasonable, so if your first choice does not satisfy you, try another shop. The shops offer a huge variety.

View Point

If you like walking and want to try something different beyond the island’s relaxation, it is a good idea to go. The view is especially rewarding if you visit during sunset. The route you have to follow is from the  Reggae Bar towards Loh Dalum Bay. From there, you will see signs guiding you towards Viewpoint.

There are 3 Viewpoints, each one with its own unique view. For us, the best choice was ViewPoint 2, from which we could best see the shape of the island, which forms an H, and from which we enjoyed the sunset. Do not forget to bring water with you or buy some before starting the path. Also, take insect repellent to avoid being bitten.

The route isn’t at all difficult since the path and stairs have all been pedestrianized, and there are many congenial stops. As soon as you reach ViewPoint, you will be asked to pay a 30-baht ticket to continue.

If you miss the signs (like we did), ask a local for the fastest route so you don’t mess up (like we did). In our case, we didn’t notice the signs and ended up taking the longest path, a half-hour walk through the jungle accompanied by humidity, heat, and mosquitoes!!

Reggae Βar

This is a legendary bar on the island, with the Muay Thai arena as its special feature. In this shop, you may have a drink or some food, watch a match of national martial arts, or even participate in a match.

In our case, we visited this shop for two nights. The first night was to get to know the place and the goings-on there, and the second was for Stratos to participate in a boxing match. After a display by professional Muay Thai athletes, the shop staff go around the tables, encouraging clients to have a match together, with the necessary protective gear. Hence, Stratos appeared the second night, determined to go to the arena (where he was duly beaten). I’m sure he’ll never forget that night! And the excuse was that he had eaten too many shrimps and half an hour earlier, ice cream!! The positive outcome of the evening was that we won a bucket containing a bottle of alcohol.

Nightlife

Wander around the narrow streets, enjoy your drink at a bar, and live the island’s nightlife. The main Nightlife attraction, without a doubt, on the Phi Phi Islands is Loh Dalum Bay. During the night, it transforms from a long, tranquil beach into a huge beach party along its entire stretch. Shops such as Slinky Bar offer spectacular fire shows, professional acrobatics, and a variety of games, including Libo. People can participate in most of these activities, and in some cases, they are rewarded with shots of alcohol. The prices are pretty low. Throughout the island, you will see people carrying a small bucket with the drink of their choice inside.

Excursion to Phuket

We refer to Phuket because this was the destination we enjoyed. It was close by, and the boat tickets were cheap. Alternatively, there are many other little islands which you can escape to for a couple of days. Check for more information concerning routes and prices from Phi Phi to Phuket.

Read our Phuket travel guide

Where to eat

Whoever has tried Thai food has surely tried their lightly cooked dishes with a strong, spicy flavor. These colorful dishes have their devoted followers, and on the Phi Phi Islands, you can try these authentic flavors.

On the whole, their cuisine is seafood-based, as most locals are fishermen. As you roam around the island, you will see stalls and vendors selling seafood. We suggest you stay away from those stalls, as their products are left out in the sun all day, and you could get food poisoning.

Below we list a few places where we enjoyed cheap, tasty food:

TomYam: A small, family shop, which has obtained its name from the dish itself. Here you will find traditional food at very low prices.

La Mamita: Strong Thai cuisine in a beautiful environment with low prices and very helpful service. It had been recommended for its Italian cuisine, but they also have Thai food.

Garlic 1992: Do not be fooled by the plastic tables and chairs, as it is one of the most renowned island restaurants. It has very tasty food, and it is always packed.

Banana Rooftop Bar: We recommend this place for a drink, with a beautiful view and music.

Where to stay in the Phi Phi Islands

Almost all accommodation is on Phi Phi Don, the larger, inhabited island. Phi Phi Leh has no accommodation.

Tonsai Village: The main hub around the pier. Most restaurants, bars, shops, and budget accommodation. Lively and convenient. Best for social travelers, nightlife, and easy access to boats.

Loh Dalum Bay: The famous beach party bay. Excellent for nightlife, the strip comes alive at night with fire shows and beach bars. Best for party atmosphere.

Long Beach (Hat Yao): Quieter beach on the south side of Phi Phi Don. Clearer water, less crowded. 10–15 minutes by long-tail from Tonsai. Best for couples, and for those seeking a quieter experience.

Laem Tong: Northern tip of Phi Phi Don. Remote, upscale resorts only, no road connection. Arrive by speedboat directly at the beach. Best for luxury and maximum seclusion.

Accommodation costs (approximate):

• Budget guesthouses: 500–1,200 THB/night
• Mid-range bungalows/hotels: 1,200–3,000 THB/night
• Luxury beach resorts: 4,000–12,000+ THB/night

Browse all Phi Phi Islands accommodation on Booking.com.

When to go

The High-Season on the Phi Phi islands is from November to April. It is the best season to visit, as far as the climate goes. During this period, humidity is at its lowest, and the average temperature is 28°C, which is conducive to enjoying the beaches and water sports. However, during this period, hotel and restaurant prices are also at their highest. In the remaining months, it is very likely you will come during the monsoon, which will ruin your excursion.

Useful Sites & Apps

In the last few years, we have been traveling and have singled out some applications we use on every trip. We have chosen them over others for their validity, ease of use, and the variety of options they offer. Below, we describe in detail what these are and their characteristics.

Booking.com

Booking.com is a popular online booking platform for accommodations worldwide. With a vast selection of hotels, apartments, villas, and more, Booking.com makes it easy for travelers to find and book their ideal stay in just a few clicks. The site’s user-friendly interface and extensive filtering options make it easy to narrow search results by specific preferences, such as price, location, amenities, and more. As a result, Booking.com has become a go-to destination for travelers looking for hassle-free booking options. With competitive pricing and a loyalty program that rewards repeat bookings, Booking.com is a top choice for travelers seeking great deals and a seamless booking experience. For available hotels and prices, check on Booking.com.

Air Bnb

With over 1 million properties worldwide. Ideal for a low-budget stay, even in expensive areas. Furthermore, because you stay in people’s villas, houses, or flats, you are made to feel more at home by the host of each destination and the homely surroundings.

Hotels.com

Hotels.com is a leading provider of hotel accommodation worldwide, offering booking services through its own network of localized websites. Once you reach 10 nights, you’ll have a free night, which you can apply at checkout. You can earn multiple free nights by continuing to book with Hotels.com, though. The platform gives travelers one of the widest selections of accommodation on the net, including both independent and major chain hotels as well as self-catering in over hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. The company offers a one-stop shopping source for hotel pricing, amenities, and availability. Find the best deals on Hotels.com.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby.

Omio.com

Omio is a leading travel platform that helps you easily plan and book your trips. With a comprehensive network of trains, buses, and flights across Europe and beyond, Omio allows you to compare and choose the best travel options for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or an extended vacation, Omio’s user-friendly interface and competitive prices make it easy to create unforgettable travel experiences. Check available routes on Omio.com.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is an online marketplace for booking travel activities and experiences. With a wide variety of tours, activities, and attractions available in destinations around the world, GetYourGuide makes it easy to find and book unique experiences for your next trip. From city sightseeing tours and food and wine tastings to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, GetYourGuide has something for every type of traveler. With a user-friendly website and mobile app, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, GetYourGuide is a top choice for travelers seeking memorable and authentic experiences. Book your activities for Phi Phi islands on GetYourGuide.

Hotel Tonight

Here you will find last-minute discounts on vacancies from hotels. This is an amazingly simple app, and it doesn’t take long to book a room. You may search in each town for sights and maps. Furthermore, you can check the reviews and photos of other travelers in order to be sure about the reliability of each hotel. It also has a 24/7 customer service. If you’re stuck somewhere and you need a room desperately, this is the perfect app for you.

City Maps 2Go

Maps for traveling, hiking, mountain cycling, and many other activities. A necessary app for every adventure, activity, or touring abroad. You may only download one map per country, whereas it was possible to download two in the past. For an additional map, you need to pay.

You can mark all the places of interest on the map you have downloaded. Whether they are sights, shops, or restaurants, you can use the directions guide to get there. The great advantage of this app is that you don’t need to have an internet connection, although it might get stuck a few times. Nevertheless, it is quite a reliable and useful app.

EXTRA TIP

Once you have marked all the places you want to visit before your trip, you can also book your accommodation accordingly. This way, you can be sure you’ll be staying somewhere close to all places of interest.

iVisa.com

iVisa.com is an online platform that helps travelers obtain electronic visas (eVisas) and other travel documents quickly and easily. With an extensive database of travel requirements for over 200 countries and a user-friendly application process, iVisa.com makes it simple for travelers to apply for and obtain the necessary documents for their trips. Whether you’re planning a vacation, business trip, or other travel experience, iVisa.com can help you navigate the complexities of travel documentation with ease. More information on the necessary travel documents, depending on your nationality and destination, can be found on iVisa.com.

Phi Phi Islands FAQ — Everything you need to know