Thailand's Most Photogenic Islands
The Phi Phi Islands sit in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and the Strait of Malacca. Made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach, these limestone karst islands deliver turquoise water, white sand, and dramatic cliffs that look almost impossibly beautiful. A day trip from Phuket is the most popular way to visit, and with proper planning you can avoid the worst crowds while still seeing everything.
Getting There from Phuket
Speedboat tours depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town or Royal Phuket Marina. The ride takes 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the boat. Longtail boats take about 90 minutes and are cheaper but rougher. Ferry services take 2 hours and are the most affordable option at $15 to $20 one way. Most day trips include hotel pickup from Phuket beaches, making logistics effortless for travelers staying anywhere on the island.
What to See and Do
Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh reopened in 2022 with strict visitor limits to protect its recovering coral ecosystem. Arrival before 10 AM or after 2 PM avoids peak crowds. Pileh Lagoon offers sheltered swimming in impossibly clear emerald water surrounded by towering limestone walls. Viking Cave displays ancient cliff paintings and is viewable from boats. Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don has wild macaques, though feeding them is now prohibited. Snorkeling at Shark Point reveals blacktip reef sharks in shallow water.
Choosing the Right Tour
Speedboat tours cover more islands in less time and cost $60 to $90 including lunch and snorkeling equipment. Longtail boat tours are slower but more intimate, costing $40 to $60. Private speedboat charters for groups of 6 to 10 run $400 to $600 for the full day. Sunrise tours departing at 5 AM reach Maya Bay before the crowds and offer the best photography conditions. Sunset tours include dinner on Phi Phi Don with views of the karst skyline turning gold.
Snorkeling and Diving
Phi Phi's underwater world is surprisingly rich. Coral gardens at Bamboo Island support hundreds of tropical fish species. Anemone Reef between Phi Phi and Phuket is a submerged pinnacle teeming with leopard sharks and barracuda. For certified divers, the King Cruiser wreck at 12 to 32 meters depth is a fascinating artificial reef. Day trip snorkeling is included in most tours, but serious snorkelers should request stops at Bamboo Island specifically.
When to Go
The best months are November through April when seas are calm and visibility reaches 20 to 30 meters. May through October brings monsoon swells that can make speedboat rides uncomfortable and occasionally cancel tours entirely. December and January are peak season with the highest prices and biggest crowds. February and March offer the sweet spot of great weather and slightly thinner crowds. Water temperature stays at 28 to 30 degrees Celsius year-round.
Q: How long is the boat ride from Phuket to Phi Phi?
A: Speedboats take 45 minutes to 1 hour. Ferries take about 2 hours. Both depart from Rassada Pier.
Q: Can you stay overnight on Phi Phi?
A: Yes. Phi Phi Don has hotels ranging from $20 backpacker rooms to $300 luxury resorts. No cars exist on the island.
Q: Is Maya Bay still worth visiting?
A: Absolutely. The coral has recovered beautifully since the closure, and visitor limits keep it far less crowded than before.
Q: Do I need to know how to swim for a Phi Phi tour?
A: Life jackets are provided for snorkeling. Non-swimmers can enjoy the scenery from the boat at each stop.
Q: How much does a Phi Phi day trip cost?
A: Group speedboat tours run $60 to $90 per person including lunch, snorkeling gear, and hotel transfers.
Recommended Thailand Tours and Experiences
Thailand offers everything from bustling Bangkok temples to serene island escapes. Smart travellers book tours in advance to skip the touts and get English-speaking guides with a great selection of.
Recommended Experiences
Here are some top-rated experiences you can book in advance to make the most of your trip:
Frequently Asked Questions
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What things cost in Thailand
Live HolidaySG prices for the experiences in this guide, so you can sanity-check a budget before you commit.
| Experience | Where | From price |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Cabaret Phuket : Priority 1st-3nd on the 1st-Floor | Phuket | From S$28.11 |
| (Free eSIM) Full day Pattaya beach with Halal Set Lunch and ro... | Pattaya Beach | From S$92.43 |
| (Free eSIM) Half Day City Temples & Grand Palace with Halal Bu... | Bangkok | From S$49.57 |
| RIB ROOM & BAR Steakhouse The Landmark Bangkok Michelin Guide | Bangkok | From S$71.53 |
| Saffron Cruise by Banyan Tree | Bangkok | From S$109.15 |
| Saneh Jaan (One Michelin star) | Bangkok | From S$38.22 |
| Siam India Asiatique the Riverfront | Bangkok | From S$15.94 |
| Stock.Room at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok | Bangkok | From S$24.59 |