Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands, located in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi, are one of Thailand’s most famous island destinations.

The Phi Phi Islands, located in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi, are one of Thailand’s most famous island destinations. Known for their towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, these islands attract travelers from around the world. The archipelago consists of six islands, with the two main ones being Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh.

Phi Phi Don – The Heart of the Islands

Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited island in the Phi Phi archipelago. It serves as the main hub for tourists, featuring beachfront resorts, restaurants, nightlife, and adventure activities. Despite its growing popularity, there are still many hidden spots where visitors can enjoy the island’s natural beauty away from the crowds.

Top Attractions & Activities in Phi Phi Don

Tonsai Bay & Loh Dalum Beach – The island’s main areas, offering restaurants, bars, and vibrant beach parties that last until sunrise.
Phi Phi Viewpoint – A must-visit for breathtaking panoramic views of the twin bays, perfect for sunrise or sunset photography.
Long Beach – A quieter beach with soft white sand and crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
Monkey Beach – A small hidden cove where monkeys roam freely, a great spot for kayaking and wildlife spotting.
Diving & Snorkeling – The island is home to some of Thailand’s best dive sites, including Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and Hin Klang, where you can encounter colorful coral reefs, leopard sharks, and sea turtles.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding – A great way to explore hidden lagoons, caves, and rock formations around the island.
Nightlife & Beach Parties – Phi Phi Don is famous for its fire shows, beach bars, and lively party scene, especially at Slinky Bar and Ibiza Beach Club.

Despite its lively atmosphere, Phi Phi Don also offers luxury resorts and quiet retreats for those looking to relax away from the crowds.

Phi Phi Leh – The Jewel of the Andaman

Located just 1.5 kilometers south of Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh is a stunning uninhabited island, part of a protected marine park. Known for its towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and thriving coral reefs, this island is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Must-See Spots on Phi Phi Leh

Maya Bay – One of the most famous beaches in the world, made popular by the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. After a temporary closure for environmental restoration, Maya Bay has reopened with strict conservation measures, ensuring that visitors can enjoy its beauty sustainably.
Pileh Lagoon – A breathtaking emerald-green lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Viking Cave – A fascinating site with ancient cave paintings, known for its role in Thailand’s traditional bird’s nest harvesting industry.
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving – The waters around Phi Phi Leh are home to stunning coral reefs, clownfish, reef sharks, and manta rays, making it an ideal diving spot.

Since Phi Phi Leh is a protected area, there are no hotels or restaurants, and visitors can only explore the island on day trips from Phi Phi Don, Phuket, or Krabi.

Other Nearby Islands & Activities

Beyond Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, the Phi Phi Islands archipelago includes several smaller islands, each offering unique attractions and experiences.

Bamboo Island (Koh Phai) – A hidden paradise with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for a quiet beach day and snorkeling.
Mosquito Island (Koh Yung) – A lesser-known spot with some of the best snorkeling and diving sites, where visitors can find colorful coral reefs and exotic fish.
Hin Klang Reef – A fantastic open-sea snorkeling site, home to vibrant coral gardens and an abundance of marine life.
Shark Point – One of the best dive sites near Phi Phi, where divers have the chance to swim alongside leopard sharks and blacktip reef sharks.
Phi Phi Island Hopping Tours – A popular activity where travelers can visit multiple islands in a single day via speedboat or longtail boat. Many tours include stops at secret beaches, caves, and snorkeling spots.

How to Get There & Best Time to Visit

The Phi Phi Islands are accessible by ferry or speedboat from Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. Depending on your departure point and choice of transport, travel time ranges from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

How to Get to Phi Phi Islands

From Phuket:
- Speedboat: 45-60 minutes
- Ferry: 1.5-2 hours
From Krabi:
- Speedboat: 45 minutes
- Ferry: 1.5 hours
From Koh Lanta:
- Speedboat: 30-45 minutes
- Ferry: 1.5 hours

Once on Phi Phi Don, local longtail boats, kayaks, and private speedboats are available to explore nearby islands.

Best Time to Visit

November to April – The dry season, with clear skies, calm seas, and warm temperatures. This is the best time for beach activities, diving, and snorkeling.
May to October – The monsoon season, with occasional rain showers and rough seas. However, it is still a great time to visit with fewer crowds and lower prices.

Why Visit Phi Phi Islands?

The Phi Phi Islands are one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations, attracting visitors with their stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Whether you’re a backpacker, honeymooner, or adventure seeker, Phi Phi offers something for everyone.