how to visit phi phi island from phuket

How to get from Phuket to Phi Phi: Complete Guide

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: January 8, 2024

Categories TOURS , THAILAND

Phi Phi is created from six islands (two main and four smaller) in Thailand, also known as Koh Phi Phi, which became quite famous in the year 2000 due to Hollywood movie, The Beach, being filmed there. Oozing with pristine golden sand beaches, refreshing crystal clear waters and amazing natural landscape formations, this tropical paradise is located close by to Phuket, making it ideal to visit from there. There is so much to do on and around the islands such as snorkelling, boat trips, hiking and a vibrant nightlife. If this is making you ready to start planning your trip from Phuket to Phi Phi, the best way to book your ferry is via 12Go .

Table of Contents

HOW TO GET FROM PHUKET TO PHI PHI

This article is going to delve into the details around the journey from Phuket to Phi Phi , giving you all of the information you will need to know ahead of booking your trip. There is one main form of transport that will take you from one island to the other and this is by a ferry, however, beforehand there are some options available to take you from your accommodation in Phuket to the ferry departure station with either a van or taxi. All ferries depart Phuket from Rassada Pier and arrive at Phi Phi into either Laem Tong Beach or TonSai Pier with the ticket price costing between $18-$75 per person.

One of the most convenient ways to book your ticket for travelling from Phuket to Phi Phi is via 12Go . Here you will be able to see all the options available and know that you are purchasing your ticket through a reliable source that also offers assistance if you may need to make any changes.

BEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR TICKET FROM PHUKET TO PHI PHI

Too excited to read this blog, and ready to go ahead and book your ferry ticket from Phuket to Phi Phi? Then head over to 12Go where you can find all the available journeys, times and pricing for each trip. This is the best platform to purchase your ticket via as it includes all the details you will need to know around your commute from one island to the other.

If you want to learn a bit more about how to take the ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi, the most affordable and fastest commute available , key points you will need to know before boarding the ferry, how to get to your departure stations in Phuket, plus top tips for when you get to Phi Phi, then carry on ready this article.

Before I further explain more information around the travel options available for getting from Phuket to Phi Phi, these are some key points you will want to know…

Most affordable ferry option The cheapest ferry available from Phuket to Phi Phi is with the travel operator Chureang Travel, costing only $18 per person. This ferry departs Rassada Pier each morning at 11am and takes 2 hours in commute time, arriving to Ton Sai Pier in Phuket at 1pm.

Quickest ferry option For the fastest ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi , you will want to book the 9.30am or 10.30am route from Rassada Pier to Ton Sai Pier with the travel operator Phi Phi Kanichta, as the speedboat ferry service only takes 50 minutes in commute time.

Arrival time at Rassada Pier in Phuket There are 8 travel operators running ferries from Phuket to Phi Phi daily. The latest check in time for all of these options is 30 minutes before the departure time of the ferry you have booked. I suggest you arrive at the departure station at least 2 hours prior to ensure that you have everything in order before boarding and to avoid having to wait in long queues.

Luggage allowance on the ferry Ferries allow up to 20-30 kg of luggage on board per person, with some travel operators stating the exact dimensions that this can be. To make sure you have all the correct information around luggage allowance, please check the guidelines before booking your ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi.

Entrance fee for Phi Phi When arriving from Phuket to Phi Phi by ferry there is a 20THB entrance fee for the island.

Booking a combined transfer with ferry tickets The benefits of booking a combined transfer via van or taxi with the ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi is that you will get picked up directly from or nearby your accommodation in Phuket and be taken to Rassada Pier with guarantee of not missing your connection.

Booking a transfer without combined ticket If you are looking to book a private transfer before catching your ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi, but don’t want to purchase the combined ticket , you can book via this link on Klook .

HOW TO GET TO YOUR DEPARTURE STATION IN PHUKET

To make the commute from your accommodation in Phuket ahead of boarding your ferry to Phi Phi, you have several options. The most convenient way is to book a combined ticket with a van or taxi transfer included before the ferry. However, if you do not want this option there are a few public transport routes available via

• Local buses
• Motorbike taxis

If you are interested in booking the combined ticket from Phuket to Phi Phi , these are the options you can choose from…

Van and ferry The cost of this journey is between $23 and $62, with over 15 operating per day, taking from 2 hours up to 4 hours in commute time. You can book these to pick you up from several locations across Phuket. You can compare travel times and costs for this route from Phuket to Phi Phi via 12Go .

Taxi and ferry There are usually up to 9 options available to take this combined ticket route from Phuket to Phi Phi . This journey can take between 2 hours and 3 hours 10 minutes in travel time, costing from $28 up to $77, meaning it has both affordable and the most expensive ticket to purchase for this trip.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKET FROM PHUKET TO PHI PHI

The most convenient way to book your ticket from Phuket to Phi Phi is via 12Go . Before you search for the most suited journey to you, consider the time you were either thinking of departing from Phuket by, or arriving at Phi Phi for. This is then going to give you a base idea for which route you will want to purchase a ticket for. Other things to consider are your travel commute budget, the amount of luggage you have, and how you will get to Rassada Pier in Phuket for your ferry to Phi Phi.

On the 12Go site, you will be able to compare all of the options available, with or without transfer prior to the ferry, alongside their departure and arrival times, distance to commute and the finer details you will need to understand before purchasing and boarding.

SCHEDULE AND PRICE FROM PHUKET TO PHI PHI

The earliest ferry to depart from Phuket to Phi Phi is at 8.30am with the latest being 3.30pm, and over 20 running per day, after that there are no more in operation. The cheapest priced ferry ticket is $18, with the most expensive costing $75. See all available options via 12Go .

There are approximately 25 available combined ticket options if you would like to include a transfer from your accommodation on Phuket to the pier prior to boarding your ferry. The prices for these cost between $22 and $77, with the earliest running from 6.20am and the last one at 2pm. To check out these options, have a look via 12Go .

HOW TO GET TO YOUR FINAL DESTINATION IN PHI PHI

On the islands of Phi Phi there isn’t any wheeled transportation available other than a few bicycles or scooters to rent. The only options to get around is by foot or tailboat, which is their version of a taxi. Certain accommodation bookings on the island include a service that will pick your luggage up on your arrival and take it to where you are staying, if this isn’t included in your booking just make sure you don’t have got too far to go or too much to carry.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PHI PHI

If you are wanting to soak up the best weather on your trip to Phi Phi, then the months you will want to plan your visit is from November through till April. During these months the weather is more pleasant and there is less rainfall.

However, if you are looking to visit when there are less people with more affordable accommodation options, then low season would suit you. This is from May through to and including October.

HOW LONG TO SPEND ON PHI PHI

How long you stay on Phi Phi really depends on how much you want to do. Visiting here for two days will allow you to explore around several of the main tropical sites it has to offer, but if you are looking to add in more activities such as snorkelling, diving, hiking and boat trips, 4-5 days is recommended. You will fall in love with this paradise, so you want to make sure you don’t leave too soon before you are ready to.

MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN PHI PHI

Adventure along the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint This hike provides you with some of the best and most breathtaking views that these islands have to show off. There are three main viewpoints along the trail overlooking the vibrant landscape of Phi Phi. You will have to pay an entry fee for these viewpoints but don’t let that put you off from soaking up these awe-inspiring moments.

Take a boat tour During this activity you will be able to admire many highlights of Phi Phi, such as the famous Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and more! If you book a speedboat tour you will see more sites in a shorter space of time, however, if you are looking for a more relaxed experience make sure to book a sunset tour.

Dive into the underwater world Phi Phi has so much to see within its turquoise crystal clear waters. They have an epic array of marine life as well as beautiful coral and reef spectaculars to witness. Some main diving spots to explore are King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef and Shark Point. You also have the opportunity to learn the basics of scuba diving through one of the courses on offer with certain dive centres.

Dance at an island party To let loose after a fun filled day discovering the beauty of Phi Phi check out one of the well known island parties such as, Ibiza Pool Party or Princess Pool Party. These can go on all through the night until morning and sometimes continue during the day, with live DJs and most of the time free entry.

Catch a sunset No trip would be complete to these gorgeous islands without seeing a wonderful sunset. Watch as the sky is set on fire with the electrifying colours from the sun as it goes down. This is a fantastic way to end one of your days, if not all, during your visit to Phi Phi.

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What to expect when visiting Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a stunning group of islands off Thailand’s south coast. It’s quite famous too, because of Leonardo DiCaprio and his movie “The Beach.” This was filmed on Maya Beach, which you can find on one of the main islands — Koh Phi Phi Leh.

That means it can be quite touristy in Koh Phi Phi . But if you don’t mind that, you’ll be rewarded with turquoise waters, breathtaking beaches , an underwater world teeming with marine life, and viewpoints that will take your breath away.

2 ways to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi

Where to stay in koh phi phi.

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Koh Phi Phi at the bottom of this page.

Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Ferry (Ton Sai Pier)

The only way to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is by ferry. If you book a speed boat ferry, the journey from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi will take around 1 hour. Meanwhile, the larger ferries normally take around 2 hours.

When travelling during the monsoon season (July to October), it’s best to take a large ferry for safety. In case the waves are too rough on the day of your trip, smaller speedboats may not be allowed to sail.

Because most travellers stay around Ton Sai Pier – in the south of Koh Phi Phi – we will first focus on ferries arriving at Ton Sai Pier.

The good news is that there are plenty of trips offered by a number of ferry companies departing daily from various piers in Phuket. The not-so-good news is that it doesn’t make it easy to decide which ferry to book. They depart from different ferry ports in Phuket.

Some ferry services include minivan transfer to the port and others don’t.

We suggest buying your ferry ticket from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi in advance online to save some money. Purchasing one at the pier tends to be more expensive. You can also buy a ferry ticket from your hotel or local tour operators.

Upon arriving at Koh Phi Phi, all travellers are required to pay a fee of 20 THB ($0.50) per person. These funds are used to keep the island clean and to cover waste management costs.

Check Available Ferry Tickets

Ferries departing from Rassada Pier

Most boats heading from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi depart from Rassada Pier . The pier is only a 20-minute drive away from Phuket town centre.

Thanks to its close proximity, you can easily arrange your own transport to Rassada Pier if you stay in Phuket town. You can either go by songthaew, shared minivan, or taxi. Booking a Grab taxi from Phuket town to Rassada pier starts at 310 THB ($8.40).

If you’re not staying in Phuket Town, we recommend booking a ferry ticket that includes pick-up in the area you are staying. We’ve provided a list of pick-up areas for each ferry company below the schedule.

Other piers in Phuket

Aside from Rassada Pier, there are a few ferry companies that depart from Chean Vanich Pier, Bang Rong Pier, and Sea Angel Pier. Some ferries also used to depart from Yamu Pier before the pandemic.

Ferry schedules to Tonsai Pier (including pick-up)

Included pick-up areas:.

• Phi Phi Cruiser: Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong, Phuket Town or Naiyang Beach
• Chureang Travel and Tour: Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong, Phuket Town or Nakalay Beach, Tri Trang beach, Sirey or Kamala Beach
• P.P. Sabai Marin: Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong or Phuket Town
• Seatran Travel and Tour: Phuket Airport

If you prefer to go with private transportation to the ferry port, you can also book one of the tickets shared below. These tickets don’t include pick-up. Ferry departure is from Rassada Pier.

Ferry schedules to Tonsai Pier (without pick-up service)

All-inclusive tours to koh phi phi.

Another option you have is to book an all-inclusive tour. Tours usually include transport (single or round trip), food, island fees, and the use of equipment for water activities.

Rates start from 1,600 THB ($43) when you book a day tour from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi with Klook.

Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Ferry (Laem Tong Pier)

If you are staying in the north of Koh Phi Phi, you are better off booking a ferry to Laem Tong Pier .

There are 2 ferry operators which go from Phuket to Laem Tong Beach Pier: Andaman Wave and Phi Phi Logistic. They also depart from Rassada Pier, but they don’t include hotel pick-up.

The speedboats of Phi Phi Logistic and Tour and Andaman Wave can get you to the island in 1.5 hours. The larger Andaman Wave ferry takes a bit longer, but it provides a calmer ferry crossing compared to the speedboats.

If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend booking the Andaman Wave ferry and having motion-sickness pills ready in case you need them.

Ferry schedules from Rassada Pier to Laem Tong Beach Pier

Phi Phi Logistic offers only one type of seating, which is a quite luxurious one. The Andaman Wave ferry, on the other hand, offers different seatings with varying costs.

Different seating for Andaman Wave Ferry

Tickets come in different classes depending on the floor location inside the ferry:

• Standard (2nd) class : Bottom level of the ferry – 660 THB ($17.80)
• First Class : 2nd level of the ferry – 900 THB ($24)
• VIP Class : Top level of the ferry and passengers have access to the deck – 1,140 THB ($31)

Our favourite places to stay in Koh Phi Phi

Phi Phi Sunset Bay Resort - Mid Range

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life, then book a room at Phi Phi Sunset Bay. Situated away from the main town, surrounded by forest, this hotel truly allows you to relax.

And when you want to go back to the action, it’s only a short walk away. Plus they offer a longboat service to and from Ton Sai Pier, so no need to worry about your baggage. The staff here will do anything they can to make your stay unforgettable!

• Surrounded by nature
• Private balcony
• On-site Thai restaurant
• Free longboat service

Private bungalows start from $35 per night.

Check Available Rooms

P2 Wood Loft - Treating Yourself

Staying at P2 Wood Loft, you get all of the perks of staying on a paradise island, without having to compromise on comfort. After relaxing at the beach all day, you’ll only have to walk 200 metres to get back to your air-conditioned and luxurious room.

The hotel boasts a super modern design, with everything feeling brand new. The beds are exceptionally comfortable and huge! P2 Wood Loft is a luxury hotel, without the price tag.

• 200 metres from the beach
• Modern and clean rooms
• Air conditioning
• Friendly staff

Private rooms start from $64 per night.

Phi Phi Villa Resort - Treating Yourself

Phi Phi Villa Resort is one of the most popular places to stay on Koh Phi Phi. People can’t resist the large outdoor swimming pool, prime beach location and onsite gym. The place is the epitome of luxury.

The bungalows and villas are spacious, comfortable and come with a private terrace. The location is great, close to a lot of restaurants and only a 15-minute walk from the pier.

• Refreshing swimming pool
• Right on the beach
• Amazing staff
• Delicious free breakfast

Bungalows start at $87 per night.

Frequently Asked Questions about Phuket to Koh Phi Phi

Should i visit koh phi phi or krabi.

Both destinations are popular choices for travellers looking for sun and sand. Koh Phi Phi is an island group in the Andaman Sea with lots of gorgeous islands and fine beaches surrounded by clear blue water.

At night, the central area of Koh Phi Phi Don turns into a party haven for backpackers with parties going on till sunrise. The northern part of Koh Phi Phi Don (around Laem Tong Pier) is more secluded and lets you enjoy the more tranquil side of Koh Phi Phi.

Krabi is a perfect balance of the two. Along the coastline, you’ll find stunning beaches bordered by high limestone cliffs. You can visit several of these beaches without having to leave the mainland, but you can also book a boat trip to explore nearby islands or more remote beaches. For more stunning views, you can hike up a mountain or a hill and see Krabi in all its beauty.

What are the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi?

Boat tour: Koh Phi Phi is not just one island, but an archipelago of six islands. Therefore, a boat tour is recommended to explore them all — most especially the breathtaking Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh. This white beach backdropped by a lush jungle is a sight to behold.

Diving and snorkelling: You’ll find here beautiful coral reefs and different kinds of fish. Some of the most popular diving sites are Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nok.

Rock climbing: There are plenty of cliff options available on Koh Phi Phi — all of which will reward you with amazing views of nature.

Party at the beach: Koh Phi Phi is known for its vibrant nightlife. Head to the beach at Koh Phi Phi Don for live music and fire shows.

For more information, check out our Ultimate Travel Guide for Koh Phi Phi .

When is the best time to visit Koh Phi Phi?

Rounding it up.

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi . If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

Koh Phi Phi Travel Guides

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Routes from Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok

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Most popular routes in Thailand

• Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• Bangkok to Phuket
• Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
• Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
• Koh Samui to Koh Tao
• Phuket to Krabi
• Phuket to Surat Thani

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Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.

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Beach Guides , Thailand , Tips & Inspo · August 26, 2022

How to Get From Phuket to Koh Phi Phi in 2024

Wondering how to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi? Then this post is 100% for you.

Located in  Krabi Province , the Phi Phi archipelago is home to some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands and a huge must on any Phuket itinerary. Floating in the Andaman Sea, the cluster of islands with Ko Phi Phi Don as its main hub is a hot spot for beachgoers, island hoppers, and scuba and snorkeling fans. 

Whether you are visiting Phi Phi Island for a day or plan on soaking up the vibes over a longer period, one of the first things you’re probably trying to figure out is how to get there. While it can be a mission to get to some of Krabi’s dreamy islands , getting from Phuket to Phi Phi is actually surprisingly easy. And in this guide, I’ll share exactly how to get to Koh Phi Phi so that you can choose the best transport option for you.

Read along to find your best transport options from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi!  

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Before You Go to Phi Phi

Before heading out to the Phi Phi Islands, here are a few tips to help you plan a seamless trip.

• Read my guide on the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi and this Thailand Packing List if you’re unsure what to bring along on your trip. You’ll want to travel as light as possible as one can only access most hotels on foot or by long-tail boat. It’s also a good idea to check your boat operator’s luggage allowances in advance.
• If you suffer from seasickness, I strongly suggest taking some medication at least 30 minutes before your boat ride. At Rassada Pier, our operator had motion sickness tablets on the counter, which were free to take. 
• While Koh Phi Phi is not particularly huge, it’s one of the most famous places in Thailand . As a result, rooms fill up quickly. Book your dreamy island accommodation at least a few weeks in advance, and check out my top hotel picks below. 
• You’ll need to pay a 20 Baht (p/p) fee upon arrival at Koh Phi Ph i, so make sure you have change handy. The money goes towards waste management and aids efforts to keep the island clean. 
• If you’ve just arrived in Phuket and want to head straight to Koh Phi Phi, you can book a transfer & ferry directly from Phuket Airport. There are several tour operator booths near the baggage claim area selling tickets, but you can also book tickets or check schedules online via 12GoAsia .

Getting from Phuket to Phi Phi

The distance from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is only about 46km, and dozens of speedboat and ferry operators offer smooth transport between the two islands. Here’s what you need to know about each transport option.

Taking a Speedboat from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi

The fastest and easiest way to get to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket is by speedboat . The speedboat takes just under 1 hour and the ride is comfortable. 

The most popular port to sail from in Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is Rassada Pier on the southeast coast of Phuket Island. The harbor is roughly a 15-minute drive from Phuket Old Town and less than 45 minutes from other popular areas like Kata, Karon, and Patong. 

Several speedboat operators sail between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi daily, with Andaman Wave Master and Bundhaya being popular options. Prices are fixed, so it doesn’t matter which speedboat company you use. The first speed boat to Koh Phi Phi departs at 8:30 am, and you’ll need to be at the port at least 30 minutes in advance. 

Booking the Speedboat

Unless you want the added stress of getting to the pier by yourself, it’s important to  book a fast boat that includes a hotel pick-up and drop-off   in Phuket . It will save you a lot of hassle as all the logistics will be sorted for you. Generally, a one-way ticket to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket costs 750 Baht , and a return ticket costs 1500 Baht. 

It will be wise to book a return ticket as the boats back to Phuket fill up quickly. If you’re not sure of your return date, you can also buy an open ticket, meaning you can return whenever you like. Just go to the Koh Phi Phi pier a bit earlier on the day you want to leave to ensure the staff gets your name on the departure list.

Another thing to know is that even though the boats sail at a specific time, it’s best to mentally prep yourself for a much earlier pick-up time as the van will be filled with other passengers from different locations and hotels. Pick-up usually starts at least 1-1.5 hours before the boat leaves.

Before you book your tickets though, it’s important to know which pier you need to sail to in Koh Phi Phi. There are two piers on Ko Phi Phi Don; Tonsai and Laem Tong Beach Pier . Tonsai is the main pier in Koh Phi Phi, and it’s close to all the shops and tons of hotels, whereas Laem Tong Pier is located in the north of the island away from all the hustle and bustle.

Alternative Sailing Ports in Phuket

Bang rong pier  .

If you’re staying in the north of Phuket, you could consider taking a boat from Bang Rong Pier. However, the journey takes considerably longer (about 3 hours), and there’s only one boat daily at 9:30 am. Check ferry tickets . 

Taking the ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi

If you’re trying to save a few bucks and don’t mind a slightly longer journey, an alternative way to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is by  ferry .

The ferry leaves every day from Rassada Pier and takes 2 hours to Tonsai Pier and 3 hours to Laem Tong Beach Pier. 

Similar to the speedboat, there are a couple of different companies, like Andaman Wave Master and Phi Phi Cruiser . The ferries have varying time schedules, so the easiest way to find the right time slot for you is to check on the 12GoAsia website. It’s super easy to browse the site and you can easily book tickets online to guarantee your seat. 

Of course, if you prefer not to book online, you can also buy tickets directly through any tour company in Phuket. Phuket is littered with tourist info booths, so you won’t have trouble finding one. 

A one-way ferry ticket (std class) with hotel transfer from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi costs 600 Baht per person and 500 Baht without a pick-up.

Joining a Day Tour to Koh Phi Phi

If you’re pressed for time, another great way to visit Koh Phi Phi is on an  organized day tour from Phuket . 

There are oodles of different packages, but most of them include stops at must-visit sights like Maya Bay, Pi Leh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Monkey Bay, where you can snorkel, relax on the beach, or just enjoy the views. Some options include visiting Khai Islands, and some tours even go as far as Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island (Ko Yung). 

Here are some popular day tours from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi: 

• Phi Phi and Maya Bay Tour with Lunch from Phuket
• Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Khai, or Bamboo Island Snorkeling Day Trip from Phuket
• Maya Bay, Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

If you opt for a day trip, check if the price includes a hotel pick-up and the Phi Phi National Park ( 200 Baht per person).  

Where to Stay on Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island has a whole host of accommodation options for all kinds of travelers – from cheap hostels to beautiful hotels and luxe resorts. 

The most convenient place to stay is in or near Tonsai Village. That way, you’ll be within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, bars, and the main pier. Also, you won’t need to charter a water taxi (long-tail boat) if you want to go to “town.” Here are my top picks: 

• Chaokoh Phi Phi  is a great mid-range resort, mere steps from Tonsai Pier, the beach, shops, and eateries. With spacious rooms and a lovely pool, it’s the perfect base for travelers looking to be close to all the action but not in the thick of the party crowd. Book a room with a balcony so you can watch the sunrise with a cuppa every morning in your PJs!  Check rates and availability  here on Agoda. 
• If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, book one of PP Princess Resort ‘s dreamy villas overlooking Loh Dalum Beach. This gorgeous 4-star resort is only 230m from Tonsai Pier and offers everything from standard rooms to private pool villas. Check rates and availability here on Agoda. 

Still need more choice? Search for the best hotel deals in Koh Phi Phi on Agoda. 

Traveling from Phuket to Phi Phi in Conclusion

So there you have it – the best ways to get to Phi Phi from Phuket! Each option has its perks, but after reading this guide, I hope you’ve found the right transport option for you! 

If you found this guide on how to get to Phi Phi Island useful, please pin it to your favorite Thailand travel board!

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July 4, 2023 at

Thank you for this extensive and useful information. Just a quick question, I heard that sometimes the weather is bad but the speed boat company still goes out and many tourists got motion sickness and even injury from the boat ride. Is this true? And if so then when is the best time of the year to take the boat ride from Phuket to Phi Phi in order to avoid the temperamental weather. I’d really appreciate a reply. Thanks again.

July 7, 2023 at

Hey Pong, getting seasick is defo a possibility. Just make sure you take some motion sickness tablets about 30 minutes before you get on the boat. Some operators will even have this at the check in counter (it’s free). The boast will get cancelled in really bad weather, yes. If you’re worried about the weather, just try and avoid the rainy season. I’ve taking the boat in April and in August and never had any issues. Hope that helps!

November 21, 2023 at

Thanks a lot for details! We plan to drive till harbour and book day trip direct from harbour? Is that possible and will the price make difference without hotel pickup? Will i have options to choose if i dont opt online?

November 22, 2023 at

Hey Prabeen, I always book my tickets online, via my accommodation or at one of the tourist booths as that is the most stress-free option for me. I doubt there will be a huge difference in price, but it will be best to check (or compare) this directly with the boat operator you’d like to use.

December 6, 2023 at

Hello, thanks for the detailed information. My flight into Phuket lands at 17.40 but looking at the various boat schedules the last boat leaves Rassada Pier at 15.00. Is there any other way of getting from Phuket to Phi Phi? Thanks in advance

December 11, 2023 at

Hey Mark, you can only get to Koh Phi Phi by ferry. Your best bet is to stay overnight in Phuket and catch one of the early ferries the next morning.

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Visiting the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket or Krabi in Southern Thailand

The beautiful Phi Phi Islands are stunning and often included on adventures in Thailand. In fact, I’d say that visiting the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket or Krabi is one of the best things to do in the whole of South East Asia. For many people, it is one of the main reasons to go Thailand.

Undoubtedly, the islands are stunning. They are home to some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches and impossibly clear waters. Days spent in the Phi Phi islands are picture-perfect paradise. Silky soft white sand and huge karst limestone rocks rise from the turquoise waters. If you’ve seen the film ‘The Beach’ with Leonardo diCaprio, you’ll recognise this area. It’s certainly one of the reasons these islands have become so popular.

To visit the Phi Phi Islands, you have two main options. You can either visit as a day tour from one of the neighbouring larger towns (Phuket or Krabi). Or you can travel on the ferry to the islands and spend a few days there. I’ve done both options over the past few years and it really comes down to a personal preference, and time.

So in this guide, I’ll share some of the options on offer for visiting the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket or Krabi, whether as a day trip or few a couple of nights. I’ll cover options for getting there, potential day trip companies and places to stay, so you can make an informed decision for your trip.

Where are the Phi Phi Islands?

The Phi Phi Islands are located in the Andaman Sea on the western side of Southern Thailand. The main points of access are Phuket and Krabi, both of which are similar distances from the Phi Phi Islands (approx 46km). You can fly in on regular daily flights from Bangkok and other destinations in South East Asia into both these places. You can even fly to these places on airlines such as Emirates from Dubai, meaning you can miss out Bangkok entirely, if you want.

However, from Phuket or Krabi, there are no flights, so the only way to arrive is by water.

Why go to the Phi Phi Islands?

As mentioned, you have two main options.

You can either visit as a day trip, or for several nights. When I first visited the Phi Phi Islands in 2010, all the accommodation options were pretty poor and basic (although great as a backpacker). If I went now (in my late 20s), there’s not a chance you’d find me sleeping some of those places today. However, several beautiful hotels have opened covering all budgets.

In fact. the Phi Phi Islands has had a real tidy up. Back in 2010, I found the main island Koh Phi Phi Don to be covered in litter, particularly the beach nearest town. It was filthy. There was also a lot of construction work going on, due to a rebuild following the 2004 tsunami – you may remember the Phi Phi islands was one of the worst hit areas.

Today, the islands have been restored to their former beauty, and are better than ever. Eco-friendly initiatives have been implemented across the islands, meaning the water is far cleaner and the beaches have little to no litter. It’s far better.

Further, Koh Phi Phi used to be an absolute must-visit on any backpacker’s itinerary in South East Asia. Before other places in Thailand were ‘discovered’, Koh Phi Phi received the majority of the tourists. The infrastructure was buckling under the weight, and bars and hotels were being built in very rushed conditions to meet the demand of tourists. Whilst it was a lot of fun, it attracted an irrespsonsible kind of tourist and all kinds of accidents were happening.

But things have really changed. There are now so many other beautiful beach destinations to visit from Phuket and Krabi that it has really relieved the pressures on Koh Phi Phi.

The overall quality of everything has now improved. It’s back to being the stunning island paradise it once was.

Visit the Phi Phi Islands as a day trip or stay for a few nights?

If you visit for the day from Phuket or Krabi, you can still spend time on some of the most beautiful islands but obviously, for far shorter. It’s possible to see the main sites such as Maya Bay and other stunning beaches and coves, but you wouldn’t visit Koh Phi Phi Don, the main island.

If you stay for several nights, you’d still need to join an organised boat tour in order to visit some of the scenic spots in the Phi Phi Islands. But you would have the luxury of spending several days relaxing at one of the well-priced hotels.

Visiting the Phi Phi Islands for the day from Phuket is probably the better option if you’re short on time. It’s one less extra transfer/movement, which means less risk of inclement weather and therefore cancellations. However, the cost of a day trip from Phuket or Krabi can be quite steep.

On the other hand, doing a day tour to some of the scenic spots around the Phi Phi Islands from a hotel already located there does mean you might get to some of the spots before the crowds arrive.

Anyway, please find my mini guides to either visiting as a day trip or staying in the Phi Phi Islands below.

Visiting Phi Phi Islands as a day trip from Phuket or Krabi

So if you think visiting the Phi Phi Islands as a day trip makes best sense, than this section is for you.

For this, I would recommend booking a day tour ahead of time. There are so many companies all over Phuket and Krabi offering tours, it’s hard to know which one to go with. If you book a day trip through your hotel, you’re likely to pay a premium, and if you book with a tour operator at a local agency, you can’t really be sure of the quality of the tour.

There, I strongly advise pre-planning your tour in advance. Not only you can read reviews of other customers, but you can also see photos of the boat and other inclusions.

I’ve popped a few tour suggestions below, covering departures from both Krabi and Phuket.

Group tours – between £40-£120 per person. Prices varies based on boat type and inclusions.

Departures from Krabi

• Phi Phi Islands Full-Day Speedboat Trip from Krabi
• Krabi: Phi Phi Sunrise & 4 Islands by Speedboat with Lunch
• Krabi: Phi Phi Islands by Premium Speedboat
• From Krabi: Phi Phi and 4 Islands Luxury Speedboat Tour

Departures from Phuket

• Phi Phi Islands: Early Bird Tour From Phuket
• From Phuket: Deluxe Phi Phi Tour by Speedboat & Lunch Buffet
• Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya, Bamboo, and Maiton Island Day Trip
• Early Riser Phi Phi Island Trip by Speedboat from Phuket
• From Phuket: Phi Phi Sunrise Small Group Tour & Lunch Buffet
• Phi Phi Islands Day Trip and Snorkeling from Phuket
• From Phuket: Phi Phi & Khai Islands Snorkeling by Speedboat
• Phuket/Khaolak: Phi Phi Islands Day Trip & View Point Hike
• Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya Bay & Yao Yai Premium Speedboat Tour
• Phuket: Phi Phi Island Snorkeling Small-Group Day Trip

Private tours – far more expensive but a truly special experience. If you have the full group size, you might find it to be really good value. These tours cost from around £400- £780 per group of 10, so £40 or £78 per person.

• Phuket: Full-Day Private Speedboat Charter to Phi Phi Island
• Krabi: Private Large Speed Boat Charter To Phi Phi Islands (20 people)
• Phi Phi Islands Full-Day Private Speedboat Charter from Krabi
• Krabi: Private Speedboat Tour to Phi Phi and 4 Islands
• Phi Phi Islands: Half-Day Private Speed Boat Charter

Alternatively, another company I can recommend is Phuket Sail Tours who have some brilliant TripAdvisor reviews.

What to expect on a day trip from Phuket or Krabi

Most boat trips include pick-up at your hotel and transfer to the marina.

On arrival to the marina, you may have to fill in a couple of forms, and you may receive breakfast.

Following this, you’ll jump on board your speedboat (or similar). I recommend finding a company that either only takes small groups, or one that states it doesn’t over fill the boat. You’ll see many boats through the day that are huge and crammed with people. It definitely isn’t a nice experience!

The first stop is often Bamboo Island. If your tour arrives early, you might get the chance to enjoy unbelievable paradise before anyone else arrives. The beach is immaculate and the sea crystal clear – a really unbelievably gorgeous spot.

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy a number of snorkeling stops, and a delicious lunch prepared by the team.

Most tours include a stop at Maya Bay. Made famous by ‘The Beach’ film, it is this very beach where mass tourism has taken over. Boats jostle for space up alongside the bay. However, I have seen some recent reports that Maya Bay has been closed to tourists. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is still the case. I visited in 2010 and was one of a handful of people on the beach. On my most recent visit in early 2018, it was completely packed.

Staying in the Phi Phi Islands: A Travel Guide

So you’ve decided to base yourself in the Phi Phi Islands for a few nights? Great! Here’s a helpful travel guide.

Getting there

If you’re not joining as a day tour, you’ll most likely need to work out your own arrangements.

Fortunately, taking a public ferry or a speedboat from Phuket or Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands is very straight forward. You can even connect on boats from other towns or islands in the region now, making it more efficient than ever. For example, you can take a high speed ferry directly from Koh Lipe , Koh Lanta or Railay , which is very convenient!

The public ferry is the most popular way to travel to the Phi Phi Islands. It takes around 1-2 hours from Phuket or Krabi. In Phuket, the main port is Rassada Pier, located in Phuket Town. In Krabi, the port is Klong Jirad Pier. Neither are that close to Phuket/Krabi’s airports.

You can book on tickets on the day, but I’d recommend getting to port early. Alternatively, you can book your ferry transfers here.

Ferry transfer Phuket to/from Phi Phi or even all the way from Phuket airport to Phi Phi here.

The ferries are pretty good now. Some have open decks for sunbathing and the inside cabins have aircon.

The other alternative is a private speedboat transfer. This can be really convenient to take you right to the drop-off point for your hotel. Particularly if it’s not on the main island. This is a more expensive mode of transport, but can be really good value if it’s a group travelling.

Book your speedboat transfer from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi here or Krabi beaches to Koh Phi Phi here .

Where to stay in the Phi Phi Islands

So in this blog post, I’ve been talking about the main island – Phi Phi Don. But realistically, if you’re going to base yourself in Phi Phi for a few days, you can stay in any of the six islands. They’re called Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, Koh Yung, Koh Phai, Bida Nok and Bida Nai.

I’ve listed a few hotels in the Koh Phi Phi area that would all offer a wonderful stay. It’s important to note however that there aren’t any really ultra-luxurious hotels in the area. If you’re looking something a bit more higher end, I’d recommend staying in Phuket and doing a day visit.

Luxury hotels:

• Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort
• Zeavola Resort
• Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort

Mid-range hotels:

• Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort
• Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island
• The Cove Phi Phi
• PP Princess Resort
• Phi Phi Andaman Beach Resort
• Phi Phi Villa Resort
• Coco Bella Resort

Visiting the islands in Southern Thailand

So there’s my guide on visiting the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket or Krabi in Thailand. Whether you stay for a couple of nights, or if you visit the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket or Krabi as a day trip, I hope this guide helps you decide and plan your trip. If you’re looking to spend longer exploring the area, then here’s a great guide to the best islands in Krabi .

If you’ve enjoyed this post, feel free to share using the below links. Do let me know if you have any questions too and I’ll be happy to help.

If you’re looking for other destination guides in South East Asia, please do check out some of my other posts. I have several guides on Bali, including the best beach clubs to visit in Bali and the best beaches in Uluwatu . I’ve also written a complete guide to the beach towns in beautiful Sri Lanka too , another destination I really love.

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  he r e  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand was entirely paid for by myself. There was no involvement from the tourism board or a local company. This is an independent guide .

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Thanks for great info ! When would you say is best time of year to go there ?

December to April is like peak time because the weather is best but I’ve been all year round and except for a heavy downpour each afternoon, even the summer months were fine! Just a bit steamier too! x

I have been to Phi phi island years ago but not really going into a tour in the water. Thank you for showing how to tour without congestion. I need that as I love my pictures without many photo bombers in it. I also love some quiet time without too many other tourists. Your pictures look awesome, the water look so clear and weather was great!

I’d love to be able to see a place so incredibly beautiful without the stressful crowds impeding my view. Thank you for providing this amazing post on ways to avoid the hassle of other tourists! 🙂

Oh, my goodness!! Phi Phi Island is breathtaking and stunning. The peaceful and calming ambiance of this island is so fulfilling and relaxing. I would love to visit this place someday.

Oh wow, Phi Phi Islands look so serene. What I would give to go take some peaceful time out with those beautiful seas and stunning scenery. Looks so relaxing!

WOW that place looks absolutely gorgeous… and as I sit here looking out my window at the snow you are certainly inspiring me to work harder and make enough money to get my ass on a vacation somewhere warm!

This looks like an amazing place to visit. I love how remote this location is!

I’m completely in awe, this is exactly what I imagine when I think of my ideal paradise. I would love to visit Thailand one day. Also fabulous tip about walking to the end of the island for a more peaceful, less crowded time!

What lovely pictures! I have been dying to go here for like…forever! I am just living through you right now 🙂

Absolutely beautiful and so glad that you were able to find a way to enjoy it without the crowds. Not sure how you ever left that!

It was tough! Can’t wait to return some day

I LOVE sailing this looks sooo amazing! I hope to get to Thailand this August and see the Phi Phi islands in person.

I hope you do! It was so lovely 🙂

Phuket Sail Tours offers some incredible services. I loved the photo tour of your experience of visiting this beautiful place 🙂

Oh yes, an excellent tour company! 🙂 and thanks!

I have not been to Phi Phi Island, it is breathtakingly beautiful. All the pictures look so amazing, would love to visit Phi Phi Islands. I am glad you had an amazing time there.

Thank you! 🙂

I haven’t seen that film (not a fan of DiCaprio), but gosh, these islands look gorgeous! Such a pity that they’re so popular. It’s understandable of course, but I just hate the crowd of tourists.

Same… defintely better to go in Spring than Summer 🙂

This is absolutely a stunning place to relax. I like the laid-back vibes, there’s no schedule, no hustle-and-bustle, no reason to be in a hurry.

Exactly! True paradise 🙂

Thank you for showing how to tour without congestion!! i love the pictures ! I want to go there

You’re welcome 🙂

I would love to visit Phi Phi Island and I am hoping it will next month. Such a beautiful and breathtaking view. I love seeing all your photos.

I hope you do! It really is so beautiful 🙂

The Phi Phi islands are beautiful. I love your photos, You provided great tips for someone who may be visiting there for the first time.

Oh such a cool trip! I went there with a scuba diving excursion which was lots of fun. But we didn’t get the chance to stop and swim on the beach. Your photos look so lovely 🙂

Ah awesome, did you see lots of good fishies?! We had opposite trips, but I’m a bit scared of diving! Thanks 🙂 x

I would love to go to Thailand and hopefully be able to visit Phi Phi as I love being in the beach. Great photos you have here!

Loved your blog. Thanks for sharing this content to help us travel better. One question- I am planning Phuket-krabi trip in November. Can I took ferry from phuket to phi phi and then 1 stay in phi phi. and after that return ferry to Krabi.

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Ultimate guide to visiting the Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands (pronounced “Pee-Pee”) are a group of six islands situated in the Andaman Sea of Southern Thailand. I spent some time exploring these islands as part of my Thailand adventure and it really felt like a slice of paradise – in places.

The two main islands are Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Leh, with Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Ko Phi Phi was largely destroyed in 2004 when the tsunami hit, but has since been rebuilt and recovered. 

The islands offer a tropical paradise with white sandy beaches and bright turquoise water, along with a diverse culture.

You’ll find characteristic limestone rock formations and an abundance of marine wildlife. It’s a postcard-perfect destination – or at least it would be if it weren’t for all the tourists.

The islands are undeniably beautiful. But being a very popular tourist trap, I think it’s important to be aware that Phi Phi Don is very over-developed and has become a party hotspot.

This has made the Phi Phi Islands particularly popular with backpackers and I know this may not be for everyone. That said, there are some more luxury resorts to be found too and I’ll share my personal favourites in this guide.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Where are the Phi Phi Islands?

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands in Southern Thailand. They are situated in the Andaman Sea, 45km southeast of Phuket and 40km southwest of Krabi.

The Phi Phi Islands are part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

How to get to Phi Phi Islands

There are two main ways to get to the Phi Phi Islands: by speedboat or by ferry from Phuket or Krabi – personally I travelled from Krabi.

Ferries to the Phi Phi Islands take around two hours from Phuket and around 90 minutes from Krabi or Koh Lanta.

Public ferries are a good budget option and I’d advise buying tickets in advance to get the best deal. There are lots of different ferry companies operating in the area with frequent departures.

I’d say that they are of varying standards and can become quite crowded, so check before you travel. I’d recommend arriving around an hour in advance to get good seats.

Speedboats offer a faster – and, in my opinion, more fun – alternative. It’s best to book a couple of days in advance if you can to guarantee a spot.

For the ultimate flexibility, I’d recommend a private speedboat charter as a great option, which is ideal if you’re travelling as part of a larger group.

If you’re looking for the whole package then there are various all inclusive tours available.

These will cover your entire trip, including travel from Phuket to Phi Phi. A private Phi Phi Islands tour is a great way to see the beauty of this destination on your own terms and is how I explored the area.

Best time to visit Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi is a year round destination. When to visit will depend on your weather and budget preferences.

Peak season is from November to April – this is when prices are highest and the crowds can be intense. I’d therefore recommend visiting just outside of this season, in October or May (which is when I visited).

Not only will there be less people, you’ll also save money if you visit outside of peak season, between May and October.

Phi Phi Islands weather

The off-peak season aligns with the monsoon season; May, September and October are typically the wettest months. That said, I visited in May and, as you can see from my photos, we had wonderful weather!

The temperatures are still warm and you’ll still see a good amount of sunshine. Just be wary of sudden and heavy downpours – although they tend to be short-lived when they do happen.

March to mid-May are the hottest months with very high humidity. If you’re not a fan of the intense humidity then I’d recommend avoiding these months. But if you love the hot weather then it’s a great time to visit, with beautiful weather.

November to February are the coolest months (but still warm enough for plenty of sunbathing).

The weather and temperatures of these months are arguably the most favourable, which does also mean they are the more expensive months to visit.

Phi Phi Islands nightlife

Phi Phi Don is famous for its nightlife, with big beach parties and various entertainment. It’s one of the more expensive places to party in Thailand , so I’d advise bearing this in mind when budgeting.

The drinks are strong in Thailand, and this is particularly true in Ko Phi Phi. The infamous 2 for 1 buckets of alcohol are notorious and somewhat dangerous.

Without sounding like your mother, I’d really caution being wary of the strength of the drinks and, as with anywhere, pay close attention to your drink.

It goes without saying but do not go near illegal substances in Thailand, as the country has very strict laws on drug use.

Best things to do in Phi Phi Islands

With multiple islands to explore and plenty of tourist attractions, there are a lot of activities to do in Ko Phi Phi. Here is my pick of the top things to do in the Phi Phi Islands:

1. Ko Phi Phi Don

Top tours to book:

• From Phi Phi: Beat The Crowds Island Hopping Day Trip
• Krabi: Phi Phi Sunrise & 4 Islands by Speedboat with Lunch
• Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch

As the largest Phi Phi island and the only inhabited one, Phi Phi Don is where you’ll find all the accommodation options and infamous nightlife.

Although it is a beautiful island, I think it is painfully overdeveloped. With an abundance of tourists visiting everyday, it is not quite the untouched paradise you may believe it to be – far from it.

Despite the overdevelopment, it is still a very popular place to visit, especially amongst young backpackers. The beaches are beautiful and the nightlife lively (that’s an understatement).

Just be aware that you’ll be welcomed with a near constant scent of sewage – Koh “Pee Pee” is therefore quite an apt name!

Find hotels in Phi Phi Don or book a Phi Phi Islands day trip by catamaran departing from Phuket.

2. Phi Phi viewpoint

For beautiful views across the azure waters, luscious green vegetations, and towering cliffs, I’d recommend heading to Koh Phi Phi viewpoint .

It’s not an arduous climb, being only a 30 minute stroll or 20 minute power walk. You’ll be greeted with a selection of cold drinks and various snack options at the top.

Take a seat on one of the rocks or provided hammocks and take in the breathtaking view. I think morning is the best time to visit and the route is well signposted from the Reggae Bar.

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3. Ko Phi Phi Leh

• Phuket: Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Trip with Lunch

Phi Phi Leh lies 1.5km south of Phi Phi Don. It’s an uninhabited island that comprises various stunning bays and caves.

It is a truly breathtaking island to explore with amazing snorkelling opportunities where you can discover exotic fish and colourful coral.

My favourite spots to visit include Maya Bay, Sama Bay, Pi Leh Bay, Palong Bay and Viking Cave.

Sama Bay and Pi Leh Bay are excellent swimming and snorkelling spots. Palong Bay is a popular dive site and a good place to spot black-tip reef sharks.

Viking Cave is known for its birds nests – swifts make nests from their saliva and these nests are harvested by locals.

They are sold for an excruciatingly high price point to make bird’s nest soup . It may sound disgusting (to me at least!) but it’s a Chinese delicacy!

4. Maya Bay

• Phi Phi: Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay with Snorkeling

Part of Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay is a beautiful bay that is framed by 100-metre high cliffs on three sides.

As the world famous film location for The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, it is a very recognisable destination.

It comprises several small beaches and the crystal clear water allows you to see the underlying reef with clarity. This makes it a very popular snorkelling spot.

There are not many provisions at Maya Bay so it’s best to take your own. You’ll find a small stall that sells drinks and snacks, as well as some toilets – but I’d say these are best avoided if you can hold it!

As beautiful as Maya Bay is – or was – it’s not all rainbows and roses. Unfortunately due to its popularity, the view is somewhat spoilt by the mass of speedboats ferrying tourists to the bay.

The overcrowding got so bad that Maya Bay was closed in June 2018 due to the damage caused by tourists. Following a further tourist-break due to the pandemic, it has now reopened.

5. Bamboo Island

• From Krabi: Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour

Koh Pai island – more commonly known as Bamboo Island – is located around five kilometres northeast of Koh Phi Phi Don.

It is the ultimate tropical paradise and is slightly quieter than the buzz of Phi Phi Don and Maya Bay. For this reason, I much preferred my time on this island, as it felt a lot more peaceful.

It’s a popular lunch spot for a lot of the Phi Phi Island tours. The island is shaped like a heart, with a centre of lush green vegetation surrounded by a strip of white sandy beach.

The bamboo trees which adorn the island are responsible for its charming name. At Bamboo Island you will find the clearest waters imaginable.

As with many of the smaller islands, provisions are limited; but there is a small stall serving drinks and snacks.

Due to the crystal clear waters, the island offers another great spot for snorkelling, being home to beautiful coral reefs. 

The island is accessible by long-tail boat. As a small island with not much to see other than its extraordinary natural beauty, I’d say that a few hours is usually long enough to spend here.

6. Monkey Beach

Located 700m from Tonsai Bay, Monkey Beach is a 150m-long strip of beach backed by a tall limestone cliff.

It comprises silky soft white sand and lapping emerald waters. The lush vegetation makes it a popular habitat for monkeys, hence the name.

Monkey Beach is not to be confused with Monkey Bay, which is located on the other side of Phi Phi Don. It is best accessed by long-tail boat, but you can kayak there too.

As with any wild animals, it’s advisable not to get too close. They have been known to bite or scratch due to tourists feeding them – and I’m sure a rabies panic is not what you want!

7. Snorkelling and diving

• Best of Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Tour from Phuket
• Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lay, Khai Nai Snorkeling Tour from Phuket
• Phi Phi Islands and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour By Speedboat From Phuket

You can go snorkelling just about anywhere in the Phi Phi Islands. It’s a beautiful place to snorkel, with brightly coloured coral reefs and tropical fish – I was blown away by the clarity of the water.

There is a huge diversity of marine wildlife to spot. Just make sure that you go with a guide, as some areas have tricky currents to navigate.

Diving is also very popular in and around the Phi Phi Islands. Again, speak to a tour company to find the best spots for diving.

If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of diving locations which are great for entry-level diving. More advanced divers will find some deeper and more challenging dive sites further out.

Some of the best dive sites include Bida Nok / Bida Nai, Malong May, Kled Gaeow Wreck, Hin Dot and Hin Daeng / Muang.

8. Rock climbing

Due to its towering limestone cliffs, Ko Phi Phi is a hotspot for rock climbing in Thailand.

It boasts world-renowned rock climbing sites with stimulating climbing walls and highly trained instructors. Not to mention the spectacular views that surround you.

The most notable rock climbing walls in the Phi Phi Islands are as follows:

• Ao Ling Wall
• Ao Pilay Wall
• Drinking Wall
• Hua Ling Wall
• Maya Bay (has two walls)
• Tonsai Tower

9. Kayaking

A fun way to see all the beauty that the islands have to offer, renting a kayak gives you the freedom to reach secluded caves and beautiful bays not accessible on foot.

You can do a self-guided tour to give you the ultimate flexibility and an unforgettable adventure.

For an extra thrill, I’d recommend trying a paddle boat or water-skiing tour – a touch of adrenaline at a relatively affordable price too.

10. Relax in a spa

All this adventure got you yearning for some relaxation? If sunbathing on a beach all day isn’t your idea of relaxation then there are a number of spas on Phi Phi Don.

Relax and unwind with a spa day or wellness experience. Enjoy some luxurious spa treatments and soak up the paradise surrounding you.

How to get around Phi Phi Islands

Moving between the islands is best done via speedboat or long-tail boat. Some islands can be accessed by kayak too, if you’d prefer a more adventurous method of exploration.

On the islands themselves, there is no motorised transport for public use. The only way to get around is on foot but the islands are small so it’s no problem.

In my opinion, the lack of cars or motorbikes is actually quite a pleasant appeal of the islands.

Where to stay

1. zeavola resort.

Address: 11 Moo 8 Laem Tong, Koh Phi Phi, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000, Thailand

Best for: A sustainable retreat

Offering an air of romance and located on the tranquil white-sand Laem Tong Beach, I think Zeavola Resort is the perfect place to unplug from the world and reconnect with yourself and nature.

Generously sized villas are filled with luxurious touches, from charming dressing rooms to exotic outdoor rainfall showers. 

Indulge in deliciously fresh Thai cuisine and specialty dishes from around the world. The Tacada restaurant offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, while Baxil restaurant offers authentic local dishes full of flavour.

Here, you’ll find a luxurious spa with tree top views. Discover authentic treatments for ultimate wellbeing, using Thai, Chinese, European and Polynesian therapeutic techniques.

2. SAii Phi Phi Island Village

Address: 49 Moo 8, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

Best for: Stunning Andaman Sea views

Set in the privacy of the gorgeous Loh Ba Gao Bay on the peaceful northeast coast of Phi Phi Island, SAii Phi Phi Island Village has an impressive 189 traditional Thai-style bungalows and 12 exclusive Hillside Pool Villas. 

Decorated with a natural minimalist style, the bungalows and villas offer a tranquil escape surrounded by tropical beauty. 

There are several dining options available here, with each serving up a mix of authentic Thai cuisine and world flavours. 

I know you’ll love the luxurious spa that awaits, with sprawling panoramic vistas. Balance your chakras, indulge in a soothing massage or get a refreshing facial.

3. Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort

Address: 299 Moo7 Phi Phi Island, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81210, Thailand

Best for: Beach proximity

Located close to Ton Sai Pier, Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort offers guests a relaxing stay surrounded by nature.

I love the Bamboo decor that creates light and open spaces to enjoy. Here, you can choose between a range of accommodation options, all complete with the luxurious touches you’d expect. 

The beachside pool keeps you cool, while the pool bar keeps you hydrated.

Are the Phi Phi Islands worth visiting?

The Phi Phi Islands generally harbour mixed opinions from visitors, and I can see why. They are inherently beautiful but they have somewhat lost much of their appeal by being overrun with tourists.

That being said, the white sandy beaches, azure waters, and island life is unmissable.

My personal recommendation is not to stay on the Phi Phi Islands. Instead, stay in Phuket or Krabi and do a full day tour of the islands.

This way you can see the best that the islands have to offer without the downsides of staying on Phi Phi Don.

Planning a trip to Thailand ? Have a read of my tips for solo travel in Thailand , or read my guide to Khao Sok National Park .

Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

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Phi Phi Island Day Trip: How to Get There from Phuket & Krabi, What to Do, Best Tours & More!

Posted on Last updated: January 14, 2024

Want to do a Phi Phi Island day trip, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article I have included everything you need to know about doing an awesome day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, both from Phuket and Krabi.

I have included key information like how to get to Phi Phi from Phuket and Krabi, the best tours to join, what to do once there, what to pack and more!

The Phi Phi archipelago is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, and it’s easy to see why. Its world-famous beaches, imposing cliffs and scenery, lush marine life and laid-back vibe make it a unique place.

Planning a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands isn’t hard, but I want to make sure you have all the details you need to make it an amazing day.

So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and plan your perfect Phi Phi day tour!

• 1 About the Phi Phi Islands
• 2.1 How to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket
• 2.2 How to get to Phi Phi Island from Krabi
• 3.1 Visit Maya Bay
• 3.2 Snorkel in Phi Leh Lagoon 
• 3.3 Explore Viking Cave
• 3.4 See the monkeys at Monkey Beach
• 3.5 Chill at Bamboo Island
• 3.6 Kayak to hidden coves and beaches
• 4 Best Phi Phi Islands tours
• 5 Is a Phi Phi island day trip worth it?
• 6.1 In Krabi
• 6.2 In Phuket
• 6.3 In Koh Phi Phi Don
• 7 What to pack for your day tour to Phi Phi Island

Enjoying the beautiful Maya Bay in Krabi, Thailand

About the Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are the jewel of the Andaman Sea.

Scattered across the Gulf of Thailand, it’s made up of two main islands; Koh Phi Phi Leh and Koh Phi Phi Don, with other smaller islands dotted around, mostly uninhabited.

Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest island, and the only one with a small town on it. It has a very chill laid-back vibe, and it’s one of the main backpacker destinations for all travellers to Thailand. 

Not far from Koh Phi Phi Don, you will find Koh Phi Phi Leh, a beautiful island that’s long enticed travellers, thanks to its gorgeous coral reefs, imposing limestone cliffs and the famous Maya Bay.

Even though they’re technically part of Krabi, most people visit Phi Phi as part of their  Phuket itinerary , as it’s fairly close.

Many travellers visit Phi Phi on a day trip, and if that’s your plan too, you’ve come to the right place!

Enjoying the view over Koh Phi Phi Don from the famous Phi Phi Viewpoint in Thailand

How to get to Phi Phi Island

First of all, it’s not really possible to do the Phi Phi day trip independently. The only real way to do it is to hop on a tour, either from Phuket or Krabi, depending on where you’re staying.

How to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket

The Phi Phi Island day tour from Phuket is mostly done by speedboat.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken across the sea to various different sights around the Phi Phi Islands. Tours may include a buffet lunch, mask and snorkel, and the national park fee.

Technically speaking, from Phuket, there are also public ferries, which could make a Phi Phi island day tour (sort of) possible without joining a tour.

However, the ferry takes around two hours, but I would say that the ferry times are a little bit inconvenient if you’re just going for the day.

You can check ferry times here . When I visited Phi Phi, the ferries were leaving Phuket around 10AM, arriving in Phi Phi around 12PM. The latest ferry back from Koh Phi Phi Don was then around 3PM.

My dad taking in the view of Maya Bay from the sea from the prow of our speedboat

That doesn’t give you much time to explore these beautiful islands. It’s better to join a tour like this one , which has better timings, leaving earlier in the morning and coming back later in the afternoon.

I have linked below some of the best tours to Phi Phi Island from Phuket.

Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch : This is the classic Phi Phi Island day tour from Phuket. It includes a buffet lunch, a visit to Viking Cave and a snorkel at Bamboo Island.

Click here to book your Phuket to Phi Phi Island day tour with lunch!

From Phuket Or Khao Lak: Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour :  This tour is pretty similar to the above, but with the added benefit of setting off earlier, which means less crowds in Maya Bay!

Click here to book your early bird tour to Phi Phi Island day tour from Phuket!

Phuket: Phi Phi Islands Day-Trip by Speed Catamaran :  If you want to treat yourself, this tour is a great way to do so! This luxury speed catamaran will add that extra wow effect to your Phuket to Phi Phi tour.

Check out prices & availability for your luxury catamaran tour to Phi Phi from Phuket!

Discovering the beautiful Maya Bay in Phi Phi Leh, Thailand

Discovering the beautiful and hidden Nui Beach in Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand

How to get to Phi Phi Island from Krabi

Getting to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi is the same as from Phuket. You can either take the ferry (which I don’t recommend for a day trip), or join a speedboat tour.

The ferries from Krabi take around 90 minutes to reach the Phi Phi islands along the 40-kilometre crossing. 

Similarly to the ferries from Phuket, the timings aren’t convenient for a day trip, as they don’t leave you with much free time there.

Instead, check out one of these speedboat tours. These tours are one of the most popular ways to see the islands, ticking off all the main sights on a single full-day tour.  

It involves being up bright and early at your accommodation in Krabi, before being taken to Railay Beach . From there you’ll hop on the speedboat and be whisked around the islands.

This sort of trip includes an English-speaking guide, lunch, and snorkel equipment.

Note that many tours from Krabi don’t include the entrance fee to the national park (400 THB), which must be paid at the entrance to the park in Koh Phi Phi Leh.

Long tail boats lined up at Monkey Beach in Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand

Here are the most popular and highly reviewed tours that you can book online.

From Krabi: Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour : This is the classic Phi Phi Islands day trip from Krabi, with stops at Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach and Pi Leh Lagoon. 

Click here to book your speedboat day trip to Maya Bay from Krabi!

Krabi: Phi Phi Sunrise & 4 Islands by Speedboat with Lunch : This tour is a pretty intense one, since beyond Maya Bay and Phi Phi, it also includes also the four islands close to Krabi . It’s like two tours in one!

Check out prices & availability for your Maya Bay & 4 Islands speedboat tour from Krabi!

An over / under shot of our private long tail boat tour in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand, and the fish below

What does a Phi Phi Island day tour include?

Regardless of whether Phi Phi island tour sets off from Krabi or Phuket, they tend to include many similarities.

From the mode of transport (either a longtail boat or a speedboat) to the sights you’ll see along the way, it will basically be the same tour.

Therefore, don’t let the starting point of your day trip influence your Thailand itinerary , as you will visit all of the beautiful must-see sights of Phi Phi both if you visit from Krabi or from Phuket.

There are some differences however, as a Phi Phi island day trip cost can vary massively depending on the package. If you choose a private boat over a group tour, small group versus large tour, any extra stops and so on.

Mostly though, you’ll be whisked away to the following big-hitter destinations in this beautiful archipelago.

The view over Maya Bay from the wooden viewing platform

The “Welcome to Maya Bay” sign, when you first walk onto the beach

Visit Maya Bay

Pretty much every single Koh Phi Phi day trip will include a visit to Maya Bay . This iconic spot was made famous as a filming location in The Beach , the 2000 travel movie starring Leonardo diCaprio.

With a beach backed by soaring cliffs, you can easily see why the hidden cove has become fairly busy today. Maya Bay was actually closed for four years, to allow it to recover from the effects of over tourism.

Today, Maya Bay is open once again, but boats can no longer dock inside it and you’re not allowed to swim in the water. You can only get in up to knee-length water for pictures.

However, don’t let that deter you, as it’s still a truly stunning spot. Plus, you’ll be able to snorkel and swim in other stops of your Phi Phi Islands day trip.

The beach itself is a 100-metre-long stretch of white sandy beach, which is an idyllic place to lounge around for a while soaking up the surroundings.

The crystal clear water and towering cliffs of Maya Bay in Thailand

Snorkel in Phi Leh Lagoon  

After Maya Bay, most tours will head over to another of the area’s beautiful lagoons; Phi Leh Lagoon, also located on Koh Phi Phi Ley.

Cutting into the shape of the island on its eastern side, this 600-metre-long bay is an integral part of tours in the area and, well, it’s not hard to see why: it’s a stunner.

The lagoon is centred in front of a 100-metre-high limestone cliffs, while the water itself is emerald and translucent.

This makes for excellent conditions for snorkelling (it’s one of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in Thailand after all!), which is exactly what people do when the tour boats rock up here.

Snorkelling in Pileh Lagoon, in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Explore Viking Cave

Viking Cave is around half an hour on the boat from Phi Leh Lagoon. It’s most famous as a collection point for the natural bounty that are swallow’s nests — the main ingredient for Chinese delicacy bird’s nest soup.

You’re not allowed up in the cave where the locals climb up to collect the nests, but you can see them ascending up the cliffs while you’re floating around in the boat below; the tour boat usually makes sure to slow down so you can glimpse the spectacle.

Interestingly the cave doesn’t get its name from Vikings, but instead from some 400-year-old graffiti of Chinese fishing junk.

Longtail boats in the harbour of Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand

See the monkeys at Monkey Beach

As the name suggests, this large beach is home to monkeys. You will se monkeys in the trees that line the beach, and they often come down to the sand as they know tourists often have food on them.

Other than the monkeys, which can be a little bit pesky if you’re not careful, it’s a beautiful spot framed by turquoise seas and verdant cliffs, with soft, silky sand to dig your toes into.

Here you can relax for a while, see the monkeys in this unique setting and go for a swim in the crystal clear waters of Monkey Bay. 

Don’t leave your bags unattended, as the monkeys will open them to see if you have food inside!

A monkey on the beach at Monkey Beach, in Phi Phi Don, Thailand

Chill at Bamboo Island

Also called Koh Pai, Bamboo Island sits to the northeast of the Phi Phi archipelago.

It’s a tiny island (only 700 metres long), but size doesn’t matter: this heart-shaped island is absolutely beautiful, featuring a wide beach that slopes gently into the sparkling sea.  

There’s not much here, only a coral reef out to sea and a small beach eatery, but who cares? It’s gorgeous.

Snorkelling is great here since the water is nice, warm and perfectly crystal clear (and also because of the coral, obviously).

The clear turquoise water of Bamboo Island in Thailand

The clear turquoise water of Bamboo Island in Thailand, a popular stop on many tours to Maya Bay

Kayak to hidden coves and beaches

This isn’t an option on all Phi Phi island tours, but sometimes the bigger boats will bring kayaks with them.

This means you’ll get to kayak to little secret coves and hidden beaches when the boat drops anchor in one of more of the stunning locations I listed above.

Best Phi Phi Islands tours

Now that you know what’s on offer, you’re probably wondering about what Phi Phi Island tour you should choose.

Whether you’re looking for Phuket day trips to Phi Phi, or if you’re more interested in Phi Phi island tours from Krabi, take note of these top day trips from both destinations for your upcoming vacation…

Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch

This is the classic Phi Phi island day trip from Phuket — and it has a ton of glowing reviews.

Starting from your accommodation in Phuket, you’ll be taken to all the main sites, including the famous Maya Bay, Pileh Cove, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Don Island (for lunch; included), Nui Bay and Bamboo Island.

You’ll then return to Phuket on the speed boat in time for dinner.

Click here to book your classic day tour to Phi Phi from Phuket,  or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Island hopping with a typical wooden long tail boat in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

From Krabi: Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour

This day trip is the same classic Phi Phi island tour as above, with the difference that it sets off from Krabi.

Like many, this is a Phi Phi island tour by speedboat and it will see you zipping across the sea on an adventure around the archipelago.

Highlights include swimming and snorkelling at Bamboo Island (it’s really stunning), passing by the interesting Viking Cave, swimming in Maya Bay, and snorkelling at Phi Leh Lagoon. It also includes lunch.

Click here to book your Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour from Krabi,  or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

From Phi Phi: Full-Day Sunset Long Tail Boat Tour

This small group tour of the Phi Phi islands is a great option for anybody who feels like staying in the Phi Phi Islands overnight.

Unlike most tours, it’s done via a traditional longtail boat instead of a speedboat, and it makes eight stops along the way. You’ll also get to see the sunset on this tour, which is another bonus.

However it starts in Koh Phi Phi Don, not from the bigger Phuket or Maya Bay harbours. As such, it’s only suited for those who plan to take the ferry to Phi Phi, stay overnight and then join a boat tour the next day.

Click here to book your long-tail boat tour in the Phi Phi Islands,  or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Enjoying the sunset during our longtail boat tour in Phi Phi, Thailand

From Phuket Or Khao Lak: Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour

This early bird tour is a great option if you want to avoid the crowds in Maya Beach, possibly making it the best Phi Phi Island tour for anybody who wants to see pristine beaches without the other tourists.

You also get to climb to an amazing viewpoint on Phi Phi Don — and that’s before you’ve even stopped for breakfast!

There’s also a picnic lunch involved later on in the day, and plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, and lounging around. Plus, the price of this Phi Phi islands tour makes it a good value for money.

Click here to book your early bird tour to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket,  or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Phi Phi Don Viewpoint

Krabi: Phi Phi Sunrise & 4 Islands by Speedboat with Lunch

Also leaving early in the day to help you avoid crowds, this tour is an interesting option since it goes from Krabi and also includes the Krabi four islands tour.

That’s what makes it a bit different from the other Phi Phi tours, mainly because it includes some islands that you wouldn’t otherwise see on the main tours.

There’s also the bonus of a pretty decent Thai buffet at a hotel restaurant for lunch.

Click here to book your Phi Phi & 4 Islands Tour by speedboat from Krabi , or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Enjoying the beach at Koh Poda, one of the islands you will on a 4 Islands Boat Tour from Krabi

Phuket: Phi Phi Islands Day-Trip by Speed Catamaran

If luxury is what you’re looking for, then look no further than this luxury day trip to Phi Phi from Phuket .

You’ll get to tour around the archipelago on a speedy catamaran, with slightly more upscale facilities, and enjoy a BBQ onboard as the sun sets, which is pretty epic!

Click here to book your luxury day tour to Phi Phi from  Phuket,  or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!

Enjoying a longtail boat tour in Krabi, Thailand, with Railay Beach behind me

Is a Phi Phi island day trip worth it?

Yes and no… While it’s a beautiful archipelago — I mean, obviously it is — with some iconic and pretty unique sights like Maya Bay, it is also super busy and overly touristy.

There are other beautiful islands to visit in Thailand. Many, many more in fact (for example Koh Lipe , the Surin Islands or Similan Islands ) that are far less touristy than Phi Phi which you could visit.

But if you’re dead set on visiting Phi Phi island (I don’t blame you, it was a must on my travel bucket list too), I would recommend going there via ferry and trying to spend at least one night there.

This means you’ll be able to enjoy the chill town and see it after the daytrippers leave, and then for something special maybe go to Maya Bay for a super early bird tour and see it without the huge crowds.

I visited the Phi Phi Islands three times, once on a private boat tour from Krabi, and twice staying overnight. The two times I stayed overnight were much more enjoyable. If you do opt for a day trip, try a private tour if you can.

The Phi Phi Islands are very touristy, but there’s no denying they’re beautiful and definitely worth visiting. Just make sure you spend at least a night there, and see everything they have to offer, instead of just visiting on a day trip.

Where to stay for your Phi Phi day trip

For a Phi Phi Island day trip, you can either stay in Krabi or Phuket. Personally, I much preferred Krabi as it’s more laid-back than Phuket, and it’s also shorter boat trip to the Phi Phi archipelago.

I have listed below some of the best places to stay for every budget.

Budget: Railay Viewpoint Resort   – This budget option is great for those who want spacious rooms and a pool with view for an affordable price. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main road of Railay Beach.

Click here to book your stay at Railay Viewpoint Resort!

Mid-range: Railay Princess Resort & Spa   – This is where we stayed for a week and really enjoyed it. The property is clean, the rooms spacious, it offers a lovely breakfast buffet, has a great pool with view and is in an easy position to reach close to East Railay Pier. What more could you need?

Click here to book your stay at Railay Princess Resort & Spa!

Luxury: Rayavadee   – If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do so! Located in Phra Nang Beach (the only hotel there) this luxury property offers gorgeous private villas nestled in nature.

Check out prices & availability at Rayavadee here!

The beautiful pool and view at Railay Princess Resort & Spa in Railay Beach, Krabi

I didn’t personally love Phuket, but it’s one of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand for a reason.

If you’re planning lots of day trips in the Gulf of Thailand, you should stay on the Eastern side of Phuket, so you don’t have to drive as much within Phuket to get to the harbour and boat trips.

Here are some great places to stay in Phuket for every budget.

Budget: Bodega Phuket Party Hostel   – I haven’t stayed here personally, but if you’re in a party mood, I’ve heard this hostel is the place to be in Phuket.

Click here to book your stay in a hostel in Phuket!

Mid-range: The Crib Patong  – I stayed here on my second trip to Phuket. It’s a really cute boutique hotel that was close to the nightlife of Bangla Road, but just far enough that the noise wasn’t annoying at night.

Check the latest prices and availability at The Crib Patong here!

Luxury: Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, Karon Beach – I stayed here on my first trip to Phuket. Located right on the beach and away from the chaos of Patong, it’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a fancy stay.

Check out the availability & prices at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, Karon Beach!

Sunset over the ocean as seen from our room at the Hilton

In Koh Phi Phi Don

I know this article is about doing a day trip to Phi Phi, but as I already said, I really think you should spend at least one night there. If you choose to do so, here are some great places to stay in Phi Phi Don for every budget.

Budget:  Sweet Dee Hostel   – Phi Phi is a bit of a party destination, so if that’s what you’re looking for, a hostel like this is a great place to be. They only offer dorms with lockers, and are centrally located in Phi Phi.

Click here to book your stay at Sweet Dee Hostel in Phi Phi!

Mid-range: Papaya Phi Phi Resort  – This is where I stayed on my second trip to the Phi Phi Islands. It’s not particularly fancy, but has a lovely view, and all the rooms have small balconies where you will be served breakfast in the morning.

Check out the latest prices and availability at Papaya Phi Phi Resort

Luxury: Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort   – I stayed here on my first trip to Phi Phi and can honestly say it’s great. It’s a 10-minute walk from the harbour, in a quieter part of the island, with a great pool and view.

Check out the  availability & prices at Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort

Breakfast served to your room at Papaya Phi Phi Resort in Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand

What to pack for your day tour to Phi Phi Island

For a full breakdown of what you should pack for Thailand, check out my Thailand packing list . Here I just included a few essentials that you will need for visiting the Phi Phi Islands.

Fast drying towel – There’s a lot of swimming and lounging on beaches involved in these day trips, so make sure to have one of these! I love these towels because they are quick to dry and they don’t take up much space.

Waterproof jacket – If you visit in rainy season, you’ll be glad to have one of these!

Power bank – You don’t want your phone to die on you just as you’re about to snap a gorgeous photo of that beautiful Phi Phi Island landscape!

Dry bag – To keep your valuables safe and dry during the boat trip.

The crystal clear water and towering cliffs of Maya Bay in Krabi, Thailand

Final thoughts on doing a Phi Phi Island tour by speedboat

There you have it, the ultimate guide to doing a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands! Have you been to Koh Phi Phi before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

The islands of the Phi Phi archipelago are amongst the most famous islands in Thailand, and that means they can get incredibly busy. As such, I personally think you’re better off staying in Phi Phi overnight, instead of just a day trip.

That will give you time to properly enjoy these islands, and visit popular places like Maya Bay before the day-trippers arrive.

If your Thailand itinerary doesn’t allow for an overnight stay, and you’re set on a day trip, don’t worry, as it will still be an unforgettable experience, even if just for the day.

The beach of Maya Bay as seen from the sea (boats are no longer allowed in the bay!)

I’ve been to Thailand four times, and three times to Phi Phi, so I understand the pull of these islands. One of the things I love about Thailand is the rich variety.

After visiting Koh Phi Phi, you could head to the north, play with elephants in Chiang Mai , discover the temples of Chiang Rai or Ayutthaya , explore the hustle and bustle of Bangkok , and even learn to cook pad Thai during a Thai cooking class .

So yes, go on a day trip to Phi Phi Island, but don’t forget to go beyond and see the other beautiful places in Thailand!

I hope you found my Phi Phi Island day trip guide useful, and that it will help you plan the perfect day tour. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

Enjoyed reading about doing a Phi Phi Island day trip from Phuket or Krabi? Pin it!

Phi Phi Island Travel Guide For Thailand

Koh Phi Phi island is a beautiful spot in Thailand with limestone hills, turquoise lagoons, and the world famous beach at Maya Bay.

There are two main islands — Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don — and both have amazing scenery. Leh island is completely uninhabited, while Don island has hotels, restaurants, and more.

It’s easy to visit the Phi Phi islands on a day trip (by boat) from Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, or Koh Lanta, and that gives you enough time to see Maya Bay and the other main sights, or you can stay a few days on Phi Phi Don and do even more exploring.

This Phi Phi travel guide will explain how to get there from Phuket or Krabi (or elsewhere), which things to see and do, best tour packages to use, where to stay in PP island, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Phi Phi Island Thailand Day Tour Packages

First of all, if you’re on a tight schedule or want to skip the extra steps involved in arranging your own trip to Phi Phi island, GetYourGuide has prearranged day trips to Phi Phi from Phuket or similar day trips from Krabi or Khao Lak , complete with hotel transfers, boat tickets, island tour, lunch, and same day return.

These day tours visit all of the top sights in the Koh Phi Phi islands, including Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Monkey Bay. They also have private tours or semi-private tours if you prefer that instead of a shared tour, although the prices are a bit higher unless you bring friends.

We’ve used GetYourGuide for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they’re great. Highly recommended!

Book Now: Phi Phi Island Tour From Phuket / Krabi / Khao Lak / Koh Lanta

Where Is Phi Phi Island?

The Phi Phi islands (pronounced ‘Pee-Pee’) are located in the Andaman Sea of Thailand, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Phuket, and about the same distance from Krabi.

There are six islands in total, with the two main islands being Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, and they’re all considered part of the Krabi province of Thailand.

The only inhabited island is Phi Phi Don, which has hotels, restaurants, and everything else you might want for a short stay.

Longtail boats at Ton Sai Beach on Phi Phi Don island

How To Get To Phi Phi Island

The only way to reach the Phi Phi islands is by boat from Phuket or Krabi, and you can use either a ferry or a speedboat to get there.

There’s no airport in Koh Phi Phi, so the closest place to fly is the international airport in Phuket (HKT) or the one in Krabi (KBV). Both of these have cheap flights from Bangkok. You can shop for flights to Thailand on Skyscanner.

There are a bunch of boat companies making the trip to Phi Phi daily from either Phuket or Krabi, and they usually include hotel pickup and drop-off. You can also do the day trip from Koh Lanta, or as far away as Khao Lak Thailand.

Drone pic of Phi Phi Leh island

The slow ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi Don takes about 2 hours, while the fast ferry (speedboat) takes half as long. If you’re starting from Krabi instead of Phuket, the boat travel times to Phi Phi are about 30 minutes shorter.

Keep in mind these are just transfers to the main island of Phi Phi Don. Once you arrive, you’ll need to arrange a longtail boat trip if you want to go touring Phi Phi Leh and the rest of the islands. You can arrange this on the spot at Ton Sai Beach in Phi Phi Don, and it’s usually pretty easy.

The other option is booking a day tour to Phi Phi by speedboat with a Phuket or Krabi-based tour company. There are shared or private tours, and they visit most of the main sights in one full day. This can be a great option if you’re on a tight schedule or want to skip the hassle.

Koh Phi Phi is known for its blue waters and dramatic landscapes

Visiting Phi Phi Island – Tourist Fees

There are two tourist fees you have to pay when you arrive in the Phi Phi islands.

At Phi Phi Don island, there’s a cash fee of 20 baht per person, which is paid when you first land at the harbor. They collect this from everyone, and it helps pay for daily rubbish removal from the islands. This fee is one time only (not a daily fee).

At the national park areas, there’s a cash fee of 200 baht per person (~$6 USD), which is collected when you disembark at either Maya Bay or Bamboo Island (Koh Phai). This fee is charged every day you visit either of these two locations.

Some Phi Phi tours may already include these fees in the price, but usually you pay them separately in cash when you get off the boat.

Koh Phi Phi Island Thailand

There are some great things to see and do in the Phi Phi islands

Transport: How To Get Around The Phi Phi Islands

There are no cars or motorbike rentals in the Phi Phi islands, and they’re not needed at all — if you’re staying on Phi Phi Don island, the whole town is small enough to be easily walkable on foot. Bicycles can also be rented.

You can hire a longtail boat in Phi Phi Don to take you to nearby islands like Phi Phi Leh and Bamboo Island. This can be booked online or else you can charter it in person at the Tonsai harbor after you arrive on Phi Phi Don.

The longtails are smaller boats, but they have room for up to 8 passengers, so you can share a boat with friends or other travelers to make it more cost effective.

Another option is kayaking at Ko Phi Phi Don. This is cheaper than a boat rental, and you can use kayaks to reach some of the hidden beaches on Phi Phi Don, like Nui Bay and Monkey Beach.  

Phi Phi Island Hotels

P2 Wood Loft

Zeavola Resort

SAii Island Village

Phi Phi Natural Resort

Best Things To Do In Phi Phi Island Thailand

The white sand beach at Maya Bay is one of the most famous and photogenic places in Thailand, and it was the main thing responsible for bringing tourism to the Koh Phi Phi islands. In fact, it’s now one of the most famous beaches in the world!

The entire beach is surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. The water is clear turquoise with baby sharks swimming around, and the sand is white as snow. Everything about it looks perfect. Yep, this is paradise!

Of course, the beauty of Maya Bay has attracted the tourist hordes, just like any of the amazing places in the world, but if you time your visit right you can still enjoy the beach without too many people.

Maya Bay — one of the highlights of Phi Phi Island Thailand

Maya Bay is located on Phi Phi Leh island, where it’s accessed by landing a boat at Loh Samay Bay (on the back side of the island), and then doing a short and easy shaded walk through the jungle to get to the beach. The walk is flat and takes about 5 minutes.

In the past, boats could go inside of Maya Bay and land directly on the beach, but they don’t do that anymore. The Thai government has spent the last several years working on conservation, so the only way to get to the beach now is to walk to it from the back side of the island.

I think this change was a good idea because it keeps the bay clear of boats, although I do miss those perfect postcard photos of Thai longtail boats sitting on the beach at Maya Bay.

Maya Bay from above

Another thing you should know is that Maya Bay is frequently closed for conservation at least a couple months every year during the rainy season.

In 2022 and 2023, Maya Bay was closed to tourists for 2 months (August and September) during the low season, but it re-opened for business on October 1, 2023. The bay is now open for visitors again in 2024!

Welcome to Maya Bay! This is the sign that greets you.

Maya Bay has a small shop with snacks and drinks, and there are restrooms by the path when you first disembark at Loh Sama Bay.

The main beach is about 250 meters long, and the end of the beach has a shallow cave that’s nice for photos.

If you want to escape the crowds, there are usually less people at the far end of the beach.

The shallow cave at Maya Bay

Most Koh Phi Phi tour packages give you 1 hour at Maya Bay, which is plenty of time to explore the beach, take pictures from every angle, and dip your feet in the water (swimming isn’t allowed at Maya Bay anymore).

I have to say the beach has been kept very clean, and we didn’t notice hardly any trash, even though as many as 5,000 tourists come to this beach sometimes in a single day! The park rangers have done a good job with cleanup.

Overall, Maya Bay is an amazing experience, and it’s one of our favorite beaches in the world!

Read More: Maya Bay Thailand

You can look and take pictures, but they don’t let you swim at Maya Bay anymore.

Beach time!

• Pileh Lagoon

This surreal turquoise lagoon surrounded by giant rock walls is one of the best things to see on Phi Phi island in Thailand.

The lagoon is only accessible by boat. Most Koh Phi Phi tours include a stop here, and the smaller boats can float into the lagoon and circle it, giving you up-close views of the impressive limestone karsts.

It’s more amazing than it looks in photos, and we may have enjoyed this spot even more than Maya Bay!

One of our favorite spots in the Phi Phi islands

Drone pic of Pileh Lagoon

• Phi Phi Viewpoint

The Phi Phi viewpoint is a short hike on the island of Phi Phi Don, with epic views of the town and most of the island, and Phi Phi Leh visible in the distance.

There are actually three different viewpoints at various levels on the hill, but viewpoints #2 and #3 are the ones you really want to see because they’re higher and have the best views of the island without being blocked by any trees.

Epic views of Phi Phi island from viewpoint #2

Phi Phi viewpoint #2 has broad panoramic views of the island and the entire town, with a nice wooden platform and some flat rocks where you can take photos. This was probably our favorite spot.

Viewpoint #3 has even higher views because it’s located at the top of the hill and you’re basically sitting in a tree house, with picnic tables and a hammock.

It’s very quiet and I’m sure it would be a great spot for sunset.

Phi Phi viewpoint #2 can be reached in about 20 minutes of uphill walking (mostly on stairs) if you start from the town center of Phi Phi Don island, and then it’s another 10-15 minutes to walk from there to viewpoint #3.

There’s a small fee to get into viewpoints #1 and #2, and then another small fee if you go to viewpoint #3. In total, we paid 50 baht per person (~$1.50). All of the viewpoints are very worthwhile!

You can see the whole town from the Phi Phi viewpoint

• Bamboo Island (Koh Phai)

This is a small flat island located northeast of Phi Phi Don, with less people and a nice sandy beach covering most of the island.

Lots of Phi Phi island tours include this place in the itinerary, but it never feels too crowded, and if you walk around the side of the island for awhile you may have it all to yourself.

Bamboo Island (Koh Phai)

Just like Maya Bay, Bamboo Island is considered part of the Koh Phi Phi national park, so you have to pay the park entrance fee to land on the island and walk around the beach.

The center of the island has some trees, including the bamboo shoots that give the island its name, so you can escape the sun for awhile when you’re not in the water.

Overall, Bamboo Island is a great place to swim and soak up sun without the crowds of Maya Bay!

Bamboo Island is easy to reach by boat from the main Phi Phi islands

The perfect place to swim!

• Monkey Bay

This is a fun little beach where you can see wild monkeys on Phi Phi Don island. There are dozens of monkeys (long-tailed macaques) living on the beach, and you can usually see baby monkeys too.

The monkeys are fun for pictures, but they can be aggressive if they’re provoked, so don’t try to tease them or take their food. They’ve also been known to steal people’s glasses and other small items, so keep a close eye on them!

It’s best to go to this beach at low tide, when more monkeys come down to the beach. At high tide, the beach is mostly underwater and the monkeys retreat to the rocks, where they can’t be seen as well.

• Monkey Beach

Not to be confused with Monkey Bay, this is a different spot on the other side of Phi Phi Don island. This one also has monkeys, but they’re not seen as often, and it’s a bigger beach with more room to walk around.

The main reason to come to Monkey Beach is for the stunning scenery. It’s a really nice beach with soft sand and a backdrop of jungle covered limestone mountains.

This is one of the most beautiful spots in Koh Phi Phi Thailand, and you can reach it by boat or kayak from Loh Dalum Beach. Just remember to keep an eye on the monkeys, because they can be sneaky.

Monkey Beach

This is a small hidden bay on Phi Phi Don island with a nice beach and towering limestone rocks.

It’s possible to reach Nui Bay by sea or by land. From Loh Dalum Beach, you can rent a kayak or a boat to go there, which is how people usually get there. Kayaking to the bay will take about 45 minutes with a leisurely pace.

Otherwise, it’s also possible to reach Nui Bay by hiking from the Phi Phi viewpoint. It takes about 1 hour, and you’ll want to bring plenty of water and mosquito spray just in case.

If you get to Nui Bay in the morning (around 8 AM), it’s quiet and you may have it all to yourself for awhile until the tour boats start arriving later in the morning!

Phi Phi Island Map

Here’s a Phi Phi island map you can use to plan your trip. You can click the icons to get more info on each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations on this map may be approximate.

For more detailed information about some of the spots on this Koh Phi Phi map, you can check out my individual travel guides for each location.

Best Beaches In Phi Phi Thailand

There are a lot of beaches in the Phi Phi islands, but obviously the hands down winner for scenery is the one at Maya Bay.

Some other beaches with great sand and swimming are the ones at Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, and Nui Bay. You can watch the sunset at Long Beach .

If you want a quiet beach with nearby hotels on Phi Phi Don, some great options are Long Beach , Loh Moo Dee Beach , and Loh Ba Kao Bay . All of these have nice white sand and hotels near the beach. The best one for sunsets is Long Beach.

Drone pic of Bamboo Island (Koh Phai)

What To Bring

Here are some packing suggestions for your trip to Koh Phi Phi Island Thailand.

Most of the items below can probably be found on Phi Phi Don in a pinch, but the quality of stuff you buy on the street won’t be guaranteed (personally, I’m not about to use a junky knockoff bag from a street vendor to protect my expensive camera gear).

It’s best to buy vetted products online!

• Waterproof Bag: Essential for keeping your electronics safe on the boats around PP island. I brought a 30 liter bag and was able to fit my drone, tablet, camera, phone, and a bunch of other stuff inside. Everything was kept dry, even when I took the bag swimming a few times!
• Waterproof Phone Pouch: Same as above, but these are for your phone only. Great if you don’t have other electronics and just need something small to protect your phone.
• Snorkeling Gear: Good for exploring the clear waters around Koh Phi Phi island. Snorkels and masks can be borrowed or rented from the boat companies too, but if you plan to stay on the island or do multiple tours then it’s better to bring your own gear.
• Water Shoes: These can come in handy sometimes while snorkeling in case you need to walk on rocks to get out of the water.
• Sunscreen: There is usually some shade in the speedboats and longtail boats, but you can still get roasted while swimming or walking on the beach, so you’ll want to bring a hat and sunscreen for the boat tours.
• Snacks & Drinks: You’ll want to pack some snacks and drinks in the boat when touring the islands. You can bring these from Phuket or Krabi, or there are plenty of cheap snack and drink stands in Ko Phi Phi Don near the port.

Drones can get some great photos in the Koh Phi Phi islands

Can You Fly A Drone At The Phi Phi Islands?

Yes and no. Thailand is pretty relaxed about drones, and you can fly them in most of the islands, but they don’t allow you to fly them in the national parks.

That includes Ko Phi Phi Leh and Bamboo Island, which are patrolled by park rangers who will fine you if you’re caught flying a drone. They’re especially strict at Maya Bay, and the rangers there are watching all areas of the beach constantly.

However, if you’re discreet it’s still possible to fly from other locations. For example, you can park your boat at Pileh Lagoon or Viking Cave and launch the drone from there, and usually no one is likely to notice or care unless a park ranger boat happens to drive by and see you do it.

The drone restrictions don’t apply to Phi Phi Don island at all. You can fly drones anywhere on Phi Phi Don without a problem, although you’ll still want to be considerate and only fly in places where it won’t bother people, of course.

The stunning scenery of Nui Bay

Other Tips For Phi Phi Island Thailand

• Credit Cards: Some places accept cards, but many do not. Most restaurants are cash only, although a few higher end restaurants accept cards. Use your card for big things like hotels and tours, and save your cash for smaller things like the amazing Thai street food.
• ATM: On Phi Phi Don island, there are ATMs all over town. We used Krungsri in several locations and never had any issues. The pull fee was like 220 baht and they let you withdraw large amounts of cash at a time.
• Cell Service: Phone reception is strong on Phi Phi Don, but you may lose signal while touring around Phi Phi Leh island (including Maya Bay) because of the steep mountains that cover the island.
• WiFi: The internet situation is improving, and a fair number of hotels and restaurants in Phi Phi Don have good WiFi now. The internet quality is not as good as Phuket, but it’s generally good enough for emails, browsing, and streaming.
• Electricity: The power is almost always on. During the rainy season we lost power a few times after storms, but it came back quickly.

• Convenience Stores: There are plenty of small mini marts on Phi Phi Don where you can buy cheap snacks, drinks, toiletries, sunscreen, and other such things. Just remember their selection is smaller than what you’ll find shopping in Phuket.
• Hygiene: We ate tons of the cheapest Thai street food and never had any stomach issues, but remember not to drink the tap water. Only use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
• Language: Just like in Phuket, the locals in the Koh Phi Phi islands don’t speak a lot of English, but it’s easy enough to communicate about hotels, restaurants, tours, etc.
• Religion: Most of the locals in Phi Phi Don are Muslim (more than 80 percent). One of the funny side effects of this is that there are lots of cats on the island, but no dogs. We enjoyed the cats. There’s only one mosque on Phi Phi island, and it’s not noisy, so you won’t be kept awake at night.
• Mosquitoes: We didn’t see any mosquitoes in the Ko Phi Phi islands except for a few at Monkey Bay. There have been some cases of Dengue Fever here, but it’s not really something to stress about. You can buy bug repellent in Phuket, Krabi, or Phi Phi Don if you need it. Malaria isn’t present here.

King of the hill

Best Restaurants In Phi Phi Don

Even though Phi Phi Don is a small island, there are lots of great restaurants to choose from, with different kinds of cuisine including Thai, European, and Asian food.

Here are just a few of our top restaurant recommendations:

• ACQUA : This is probably the single nicest restaurant in Phi Phi Don, although it’s a little on the pricey side. They have a good range of Thai and European dishes, with indoor and outdoor seating.
• Mango Garden : This air-conditioned cafe is one of the first places we ate in Phi Phi island. They have a whole menu dedicated to mango sticky rice. Great for breakfast or a snack while waiting for the ferry! They also have free WiFi and plenty of power outlets.
• JaJa Cafe & Spice : Awesome pancakes and acai fruit smoothie bowls!
• Anna’s Restaurant : European and Thai food in PP island with a good selection and reasonable prices. Try the pineapple fried rice.
• 23° Roasters Cafe : A relatively new cafe with great cakes and pastries. Indoor seating and super fast WiFi.
• Papaya Restaurant : Indian and Thai food outside of the main street on PP island.
• Garlic 1992 : Good Thai food in a humble setting. As you can tell by the name, they’ve been in business since 1992.

Phi Phi island has lots of great restaurants now (© ACQUA)

Again, this is far from a complete list of every good restaurant in Phi Phi Don island. With a bit of exploring, you’re sure to find some other gems.

Don’t forget about the yum Thai street food stalls and small family owned restaurants, such as Only Noodles . These places are super cheap and the food is usually amazing. In fact, we ate at these places for almost all of our meals in Phi Phi island!

Last, but not least, if you’re craving western food then there’s even a McDonald’s and Burger King when you first step off the boat at Ton Sai beach.

Is Koh Phi Phi Safe?

Yes, Phi Phi island in Thailand is generally a very safe place to stay.

We’ve spent weeks staying in Phi Phi Don and exploring the whole town, and never felt unsafe. Just take normal precautions and you shouldn’t have any issues with crime.

If anything, we actually found the locals more friendly in Phi Phi than in Phuket or Krabi.

Turquoise water at Bamboo Island

Best Time To Visit Phi Phi

The best time to visit the Phi Phi islands in Thailand depends on what you’re looking for.

The weather in the Andaman Sea of Thailand (including Phi Phi) is best from November to April, when it’s more dry and sunny, and the sea conditions are better for boat tours. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so it’s more crowded and hotels in Phi Phi Don are more likely to be fully booked.

The weather is not as good from May to October. There are more rainy days, and there are frequent storms in the evenings. However, there are less tourists in these months and it’s still possible to have a great trip if your time is a bit more flexible.

If you visit Phi Phi in the rainy season, it’s good to have a few extra days to spare in case there’s some junky weather leading to the boats being canceled for a day or two.

Phi Phi Viewpoint

Are The Phi Phi Islands Worth It?

Yes, the Phi Phi islands are absolutely worth a visit! The scenery is amazing and the prices for everything are very affordable.

I’d say it’s the single best place to go in Thailand, and also one of the best places in Southeast Asia. Sure, the crowds are annoying, but sights like Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon have very few equals on Earth.  

Phi Phi Or James Bond Island: Which Is Better?

So which is better, Phi Phi or James Bond Island ? That’s an important question.

They’re both great, but I have to say Phi Phi island is better. No offense to James Bond island , but Phi Phi has the best scenery above and below the ocean, with clear blue water and lots of fish and coral to see while snorkeling or scuba diving.

There’s also more to see and do in Phi Phi overall. Even if you don’t care about snorkeling, it’s hard to beat Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and the other epic sights in the Phi Phi islands. They are truly world class.

Don’t get me wrong, Phang Nga Bay is still amazing and you should definitely see James Bond island if you’re able. Try to see both Phi Phi and James Bond if you have time! Unfortunately you can’t see them both in one day since they’re located in opposite directions from Phuket (south vs north), but it’s possible to see both places in two days!

Read More: James Bond Island

James Bond Island is another amazing day tour near Phuket Thailand

How Long To Stay

You can see the highlights of the Koh Phi Phi islands in one full day tour, including Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, and more. This is true even if you’re starting from Phuket or Krabi, as opposed to staying on Phi Phi Don.

However, staying a few days in the Phi Phi islands will give you more time to enjoy the scenery and see some extra things like the Phi Phi viewpoint, or the many hidden beaches on Phi Phi Don. It also gives you a buffer in case of junky weather.

We really enjoyed all of our days spent in Koh Phi Phi, and if you have enough time to spare then I think staying a few days is better than doing a one day trip from Phuket or Krabi.  

Where To Stay In Phi Phi Island

Phuket hotels.

Katathani Resort

The Sea Galleri

Tea Tree Resort

Peranakan Boutique

3-Day Itinerary For Phi Phi Island Thailand

Here’s what a sample itinerary for the Phi Phi islands could look like, assuming you spend 3 days staying on Phi Phi Don and touring all of the islands:

• Day 1: Phi Phi Don . Arrive in the Phi Phi islands from Phuket or Krabi. Check in to your hotel and unpack your things. Hike to the Phi Phi viewpoint and enjoy the scenery for awhile, and then head over to Loh Dalum Beach, where you can take a boat or kayak to Nui Bay and Monkey Beach.
• Day 2: Phi Phi Leh . Take a longtail boat over to Phi Phi Leh island. Tour the famous beach at Maya Bay, and then go see Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave. If you have time, stop and visit Monkey Bay on your way back to town.
• Day 3: Misc . Take a boat to Bamboo Island and spend a couple hours swimming and soaking up sun. Head back to Phi Phi Don and explore the town and miscellaneous beaches before going back to Phuket or Krabi.

I hope this sample itinerary gives you some ideas for your own trip to Phi Phi island! As always, feel free to ask any questions if you have them.

‘The Beach’

More Thailand Travel Guides

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this travel guide for Koh Phi Phi Island Thailand.

Don’t forget to check out my complete Thailand travel guide for more tips on Phuket, Krabi, Koh Tao, and the other Thai islands.

Happy travels!  

• Maya Bay Thailand – What To Expect On The Beach
• James Bond Island Guide – Phang Nga Bay Boat Tour
• Samet Nangshe Viewpoint – Best Sunrise Spot In Thailand
• Thailand Travel Guide – Info, Pictures, & Blog

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Hi there, Just wondering which area in Phuket is closest to stay to catch a private transfer to Phi Phi Islands and has luxury hotels or houses to stay fir a week with family.

Hi there. It depends what you’re hoping to do in the Phi Phi islands. If you’re mainly wanting a private boat trip where you can avoid the worst crowds at Maya Bay etc, I would actually recommend staying a couple nights in Phi Phi Don if possible, and then hiring a boat from there. It’s easy to charter a boat in Phi Phi, and this will allow you to get an early start for sightseeing all around the islands before the crowds of day trippers come from Phuket. Phi Phi has luxury hotels too like Saii and Zeavola Resort . Otherwise, if you’re just wanting to do a day trip to Phi Phi and a convenient area to stay in Phuket nearby, then anywhere in south Phuket would work for that. Two good options in the southern part of the island are Sinae Phuket or Royal Phuket City Hotel .

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How to Get to and around Phi Phi Island

The Phi Phi Islands are located 740 km south of Bangkok between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca in Thailand's Andaman Sea.

The islands are officially part of Krabi Province, and you can access Phi Phi easily from either Phuket or Krabi. Koh Phi Phi is a small island and easy to navigate on foot, by boat or by bicycle.

In this article, we will detail your options for transportation so that you know how to get in and around the Phi Phi islands.

Get to Phi Phi Island by Boat — the Only Way

• Getting to Phi Phi Island from Phuket/Krabi/Bangkok/Koh Samui

How to Get around Phi Phi Island

Getting to Phi Phi Islands is pretty straightforward. The distance from the islands is around 46km from Phuket and around the same distance from Krabi.

To get to Phi Phi, you have two options; taking a ferry or a speedboat. The ferry is the most popular choice by far for tourists to reach the Phi Phi islands.

Ferry to Phi Phi

A ferry ride takes two hours from Phuket and around 90 minutes from Krabi. To get good seats in the high season, we advise you to arrive well in advance. In low season, arriving half an hour before departure is usually fine.

Ferries are the comfortable option if you get seasick.

The ferry has air-conditioned rooms and a small shop selling food, snacks, and cold beers and soft drinks. You could spend a little more on a VIP ticket, which gets you a more comfortable air-conditioned spot on the middle-deck.

The ferries can get extremely crowded during high season, which is something to consider when making your choice.

Speedboat to Phi Phi

The speedboat is more expensive than the ferry, but you do save a lot of time as the journey only takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

If you are travelling in a large group, splitting the cost of a private speedboat can represent excellent value. With a private boat, you can also get dropped straight to your chosen hotel, which will save you even more time.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Phuket to Phi Phi Islands

The main departure/arrival port in Phuket is called Rassada, located near Phuket Town, at the far south of the island. It is a 1-hour journey by private transfer or taxi from the airport in Phuket.

Once you arrive at the pier, you can take a ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi Islands.  >>> How to Get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket?

Krabi to Phi Phi Islands

You can take a ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi Islands from many Krabi's many piers, like Nopparat Thara Pier and Railay East. The journey from Krabi airport to the docks takes around half an hour by private transfer or taxi.

Departing from Krabi does save time as Krabi is closer to Phi Phi Islands and the ferry port in Krabi is closer to the airport than the ferry terminal in Phuket is.

Further reading: How to Get in and around Krabi .

Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands

If you are travelling from Bangkok, you need to get to one of the piers mentioned above - either at Phuket or Krabi to catch the ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi.

The recommended way to get to Phuket or Krabi is to fly. The jouney takes about 1½ hours. There are no trains to Phuket or Krabi, and a bus or minivan from Bangkok takes around 12 hours to reach either city.

After arriving at the airport, you can take a taxi or a local bus to get to the ferry terminal. 

Koh Samui to Phi Phi Islands

Given the fact that The Phi Phi islands are located in the Andaman Sea, on the opposite coast from the Gulf of Thailand, a combined trip is required.

You need to get to Phuket or Krabi from Koh Samui first then catch a ferry/speedboat there to Koh Phi Phi.

Flying to Phuket/Krabi is the quickest and most comfortable. Bangkok Airways are the only airline that flies directly between Koh Samui and Phuket/Krabi, and this is by far the most convenient way of reaching Phi Phi.

But if you don't want to fly, you can choose overland travel and boat combo to get to Phi Phi. It takes about 8-10 hours.

One of the best ways to get around Phi Phi is to rent a traditional longtail boat with a driver. The cost is around 3000 baht, and you can comfortably fit up to 8 people on the boat.

Not only can you explore different parts of the island, but you'll get the chance to visit places like Bamboo Island, Monkey Bay, Mosquito Island, and Maya Bay, with excellent snorkelling opportunities along the way.

There are also longtail 'taxi' boats that will take you anywhere on the island for a fee. However, if you plan on making a few trips, and you are in a group, private boat rental can actually end up being the cheaper option.

Although Koh Phi Phi is a large-ish island, the inhabited parts are not. Walking is a great way to see a lot of the island. You can stroll around the main town to do some shopping and grab a bite to eat and at one of the many restaurants and bars in the town.

One of the most popular (and cheapest) ways to get around Koh Phi Phi is on a kayak. Most of the resorts on the island are happy to organise a trip for you.

It's a great way to explore the island at your own pace, and you get the opportunity to get into all the little nooks and crannies like small caves that the boats can't get to.

Bicycles are not very common on Phi Phi Island, but they can be found. You can hire bikes at a few of the hotels and resorts in the main town.

You are limited to where you can ride in Phi Phi as there aren't a lot of suitable roads on the island, but cycling can be a great way of getting from your hotel to the town and main beach at Tonsai Bay.

Plan Your Holiday with Asia Highlights

Why not let us take the hassle out of your next holiday and help you plan your trip to Phi Phi. We can put together your dream trip, giving you a tailor-made itinerary to suit your interests. Please feel free to contact us   if you have any questions. We're here to help.

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Phi Phi Island, Thailand

• Islands , Phi Phi Island , Tours , What to Do?
• Last updated 3 March 2023 9 April 2024

What to do in Phi Phi Islands?

Phi Phi island is blessed with beaches and nearby islands more beautiful than ever so many travellers wonder what the islands look like, how to get there, and how long should they stay. There are many ways to discover Phi Phi Island and fortunately, the island is back to life, shops, restaurants and hotels are open. There are a lot of visitors and you can eat, shop a bit and easily ride a longtail boat to the nearby islands and other beaches. In summary, the island is as beautiful, and nature is recovering nicely. Phi Phi Island has always been in the top 5 of the best things to do in Phuket .

Phi Phi Islands (Koh Phi Phi) is a popular archipelago 40 km south of Phuket . If you were wondering, you would pronounce Phi Phi ‘Pee-Pee’, not ‘Fee-Fee’! They don’t need an introduction anymore since Leonardo DiCaprio took care of this in 2000 with the movie The Beach. Since then, the island has kept developing. The young crowd travelling to Phi Phi Island all year round seemed to love it so much that we decided to revisit it. The verdict? Yes, it’s crowded, especially at night, but the islands are stunning and great places to party!

A Video of Phi Phi Islands

Popular Day Trips to and around Phi Phi Islands

If you come from Phuket, day trips usually include transfers from and to your hotel, lunch on Tonsai Bay and National Park fees to Maya Bay. If you are sleeping on the island, you can easily rent a long-tail boat. Expect to pay around 1,500 to 3,000 baht, depending on what you want to visit. If you want to enjoy super blue waters, don’t go too early as the shadows of the cliffs can affect the colour rendering of the amazing blue water in Loh Dalum Bay. Maybe leave at 10.30 or 11 am.

Here are the usual places where boats will take you : Maya Bay (when open, which is not always predictable), Viking Cave, (Used to be open to the public, but it’s now restricted), Loh Dalum Bay, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island , and sometimes Mosquito island next to it.

Book a Day Trip with Get Your Guide

How to get to phi phi island from phuket.

There are two easy ways to get to Phi Phi Island: by ferry or speedboat. A Ferry costs around 400 baht and takes about 2 hours to reach Phi Phi from Phuket. A speedboat ride costs 900 baht per person but only takes 50 minutes . (A ferry from Krabi will take one hour and a half). Usually, the transfer includes pick up from your hotel and is a return ticket , but double-check anyway. Any hotel or street tour counter in Phuket will be able to arrange this for you. If you rented a car , you could also park at the Rassada pier in Phuket town and buy your ferry ticket directly there, but it’s not really cheaper.

What to do in Phi Phi?

On the following page are some of the best places to see here. Of course, you can expect these places and islands to be busy. It may be a good idea to stay overnight and explore early morning to beat the crowds.

As we all sadly remember, a tsunami wiped out the island in 2004, and since then, despite the promises of keeping the island small and manageable, Phi Phi just grew busier but not always better. Nevertheless, Phi Phi is still the most popular of the many islands around Phuket .

Maya Bay on Phi Phi Island

Access to Maya Bay is open but boats can’t enter the bay directly and therefore will drop you on a pier in the bay behind. It’s quite a queue, but ultimately, it is a lot less crowded than before. Visitors can’t swim in the bay, only walk knee-deep.

Pi Leh Lagoon

Pi Leh Lagoon is characterized by its emerald-green waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs covered in lush greenery. The lagoon is situated within a semi-circular bay, giving it a secluded atmosphere. Due to its popularity, Pi Leh Lagoon can sometimes become crowded with tourists, especially during peak seasons. To fully appreciate its natural beauty and tranquility, visiting during less crowded times or early in the morning is recommended.

Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island is a small, uninhabited island located 8 km northeast of the main Phi Phi island. It is known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and offers breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. It is also home to a small bamboo forest, which gives the island its name. This island is often part of the day trips travellers usually book in Phuket, or as a short boat ride from Phi Phi island itself.

Loh Dalum Bay

Loh Dalum is a stunningly beautiful shallow bay located on the southern side of Phi Phi Island. It is easily recognizable as the wide expanse of turquoise water that is visible on the right-hand side of the famous panoramic photo taken from the viewpoint. Despite its size, Loh Dalum is a relatively narrow stretch of beach, measuring only 160 meters in width. In fact, you can walk from the main town of Tonsai to Loh Dalum in just a minute or two.

Despite its small size, Loh Dalum is a popular destination for tourists visiting Phi Phi Island. There are several hotels, restaurants, and bars located along the beach, which makes it an ideal spot for travellers looking for a lively atmosphere. The party scene on Loh Dalum is legendary, with music and dancing continuing into the early hours of the morning.

Phi Phi Viewpoint

Reaching Phi Phi Viewpoint is a bit challenging, but it’s not too hard if you go at your own pace. Expect to sweat and maybe be bitten by local mosquitoes each time you stop breathing in a shade of a tree. Mosquitoes are smart as they ambush themselves in those strategic locations. At the end of the first long flight of stairs, you will reach Viewpoint Number 1 and the ticket counter. It costs 30 baht from that point on.

Where to stay on Koh Phi Phi

Pp princess resort.

Situated on Phi Phi Don Island, PP Princess Resort offers direct access to Loh Dalum Bay’s stunning beach. With a focus on warm tropical hospitality, the resort provides a safe and relaxing haven. It features deluxe rooms and pool villas, two picturesque swimming pools, diverse dining options, and beach bars serving international cuisine and fresh seafood. Guests can enjoy sophisticated design and beautiful views, making it an ideal destination for a dreamy getaway.

Phi Phi Princess Resort Info

Location : Tonsai Bay Range : 4-star Swimming pools : 1 Restaurants and bars : 2 Distance to the beach : across the garden, to reach the superb Loh Dalum Bay Distance to Phi Phi centre : 500 m

More Hotels on Koh Phi Phi Island

View phi phi hotels on map.

To see more great hotels all over the island of Phi Phi, click on the link below:

The Islands of Phi Phi Archipelago

In case you didn’t know, Phi Phi consists of several islands, but you can only stay on one. You will notice that many islands’ name starts with ‘Koh, which means ‘Island’ in Thai. So you will sometimes hear ‘Koh Phi Phi’ or ‘Phi Phi Island’, but for an apparent reason, rarely ‘Koh Phi Phi Island’.

Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don is where everything is: the main town, all the hotels, restaurants, shopping, bars and the party! The landing pier is on Tonsai Bay, and the opposite side is Loh Dalum Beach. Phi Phi Don has several beaches, and hotels are mostly around the narrow part of the island. However, hotels are also on remote beaches, but it requires a short longtail boat ride to reach them. So if you plan to enjoy the party, you should pick the right beach! Of course, those hotels provide a free shuttle boat, but a boat ride might not be fun if you party too hard.

Koh Phi Phi Leh

Phi Phi Leh is where you will find the famous Maya Bay, which closed for three years and has recently reopened. It’s just a few kilometres south and about 30 minutes by long-tail boat. The main attractions are Maya Bay and Pi Leh Bay, a superb enclose lagoon with amazing blue waters. Popular activities on Phi Phi Leh include snorkelling, diving, and exploring the island’s caves and lagoons.

The geography of Phi Phi Don – Main Island

Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited island in the Phi Phi archipelago in Thailand. It is known for its 4 main beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and lively nightlife. Popular activities on Phi Phi Don include snorkelling, diving, hiking, and visiting the island’s many bars and restaurants. Despite its popularity among tourists, the island has maintained much of its natural beauty and charm, mainly in the northern part.

Tonsai Bay – Phi Phi Central Area

Phi Phi Don looks like a mad maze between 2 bays: Tonsai Bay , where ferries drop you off, and Loh Dalum Bay , where the main beach is.

To imagine what walking down that maze feels like, picture the following: a T-Shirt shop, a tattoo parlour, a bar, a dive centre, a tattoo parlour, a fast food, a bar, a travel agency, a massage parlour; repeat again and again. I’ve never seen so many tattoo shops per meter square! I’ve never seen so many cats, either!

Most shops don’t open in the morning but until late at night. It is probably because most of the island’s population is away exploring the islands. Other visitors enjoy the soft sand and the beautiful scenery (if tides permit). The remaining tourists are probably still in bed trying to get over a massive hangover from one of these cheap ‘buckets’ that looked so cool the day before.

Long Beach is a superb sandy bay located just next to Tonsai Bay and easy to access by walking along the coast. The place is home to excellent hotels and bungalows like the Phi Phi Villa Resort.

Laem Thong Beach

Laem Thong Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located on the northern tip of Phi Phi Island. The beach boasts clear turquoise waters and soft white sand, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. The area is less developed than other beaches on the island, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. Some of the popular hotels in the area include Zeavola Resort, Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island, and Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort.

All around Phi Phi Don, there are other beaches of different sizes such as the beautiful Loh Bagao beach further down (see map at the end of the page).

Where to party at Night?

The beach party and the street party are easy to join. Walk from one bar to another and follow the music, the crowd, and the atmosphere.

Slinky is a beach bar famous for its fire show and club music right on the beach.

Stones Bar is on Loh Dalum Bay and has a fire show.

Reggae Bar, unlike a reggae bar, is somewhat famous for organising friendly Muay Thai fights between customers. As you wear head protection, it doesn’t seem to hurt (much), but it depends on your opponent. Nevertheless, it seems to be a lot of fun.

Stockholm Syndrome

Stockholm Syndrome invites customers to drink games outside the bar; games involve a hose and a funnel and how fast you can drink from these.

Other popular places to party in Phi Phi

• Kong Siam Live Bar has a fantastic singer able to entertain the crowds with drinking songs.
• Carlito’s Bar is a waterfront bar on the other side of the bay. Als,o with club music and fire shows but with a better sitting area.

What’s a ‘Bucket’?

Buckets are extremely popular in Phi Phi, and you can find them everywhere after sunset. Usually, a cheap mix of local whiskey (Sang Som), a red bull (you know what), a mixer and ice in a small plastic bucket, and a couple of straws. You can take this around as you party. As it’s sweet and cold and often uses cheap local alcohol, you don’t feel you are drinking much, and the Red Bull boosts you. Most people get drunk much faster and much more than they think. Fun.

Where to get a tattoo in Phi Phi?

That’s a tough one, they are everywhere, and they all claim the same thing: a sterile environment and a new needle for each customer, also Bamboo tattoos are available. So follow your instinct but let us know if you can recommend one shop. I looked at a couple of standard-size tattoos; they cost between 5,000 to 10,000 baht and take 3 to 6 hours to execute.

Where to eat

There are hundreds of places to choose from on Phi Phi Island. Walk along the few pedestrian walkways, and you can pick as you go. It’s a lucky draw. It’s more fun by the waterfront, but this is just us, so we tried the following: they were quite good.

Ciao Bella is an Italian restaurant right by the sea, on Loh Dalum Beach, just next to the party.

Tonsai Seafood

Tonsai Seafood serves seafood and Thai food on the Tonsai waterfront opposite Phi Phi Banyan Villa, where we stayed.

Shopping in Phi Phi

The famous expression “Same Same but Different” was probably coined here. ‘Phi Phi island’ tee shirts, short pants and light skirts, swimsuits, bags… everything you need for a holiday on a small island. Don’t expect much originality, but browsing is always fun, especially when there is not much to do.

More Photos

Useful information about Phi Phi

▷ There are many convenience stores, banks, ATMs, and pharmacies everywhere. There are a hospital and a large modern clinic, so you know you won’t have to worry about these.

▷ There are no cars on Phi Phi, but you will hear “Peep-Peeeep!” dozen times as locals try to push carts loaded with all kinds of stuff.

▷ Phone signal coverage is surprisingly good from Phuket to Phi Phi! But Wi-Fi in hotels is useless.

Where is Phi Phi Island?

Contact a local tour agent in Phuket

Phuket 101 is not a travel agency, but you can get in touch with a local tour agent to get better prices as well as local information or even custom tours by using this link: https://www.johnwelcometravel.com/

Contact a local tour agent

Your Phi Phi Travel Guide

FAQs about Phi Phi Island

a. Yes, Phi Phi Island is open as well as all the attractions and other islands around. The famous Maya Bay is also open to a limited amount of visitors.

a. Explore the islands around and party on the beach are some of the many things to do in Phi Phi: Relax on Loh Dalum Beach Climb to the viewpoint Take a longtail boat to Monkey Beach Bamboo Island Try scuba diving

a. Phi Phi Island is 46 km southwest of Phuket Island and 2 hours to reach by ferry from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town.

a. Tours will send a van to our hotel and drive you to Rassada Pier in Phuket Town; then a ferry will take you to the island.

a. Booking online is surprisingly cheaper than booking at the pier, expect to pay from 300 baht per person, 450 baht including transfer from the hotel.

Phi Phi Island Day Trip Guide from Phuket

• August 30, 2016
• Things to Do

A day trip to the Phi Phi Islands takes about 50 minutes when departing from your Phuket Resort by speedboat and these islands are a beautiful sight worth taking in.

Two main parts of Phi Phi, the first is Phi Phi Leh, and second, you have Phi Phi Don. You will find the ferry ports and hotels on Phi Phi Don while Phi Phi Leh remains uninhabited, with some of the most amazing secluded and romantic beaches, which of course was used as the location for the Hollywood movie “The Beach”.

Phi Phi: Thailand’s Island Jewel

While Phuket has a lot to offer as a tropical island, a day trip to Phi Phi offers something equally unique, and if you do have time then it would be well worth visiting.

If you choose to eat on the beach, keep in mind that the restaurants on the beach have a slightly higher price with the same food quality. Visiting Phi Phi between May and October you miss peak season and the prices are lower. However, this is also the time when you might catch some rain.

What to See in Phi Phi

Diving the King Cruiser Wreck is one of the best dive sites in Phi Phi. This passenger ship struck the Anemone reef in 1997 and sunk. Ever since, it has become a popular habitat for the local underwater wildlife like clown fish, barracuda and tuna, leopard sharks and of course a wide array of anemones.

Feeding the sharks has become another popular activity for day trips to Phi Phi. Most often, you will feed the sharks in the early morning, and you can feed both leopard and black tip sharks. With most day trips, it will include a visit to the local coral garden for some snorkeling where you could see black-tipped reef sharks and leopard sharks.

Snorkeling in Maya Bay has become another popular location for snorkeling . Maya Bay is actually where Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed in “The Beach” on Phi Phi Leh and is normally included in most snorkeling day trips.

Activities of Phi Phi

Hiking to Phi Phi Viewpoint will rewarded you with one of the most awe-inspiring views in Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi Viewpoint stretches to over 600 feet high, so this does take a little bit of physical fitness to reach. The hike can be strenuous, and you have a twisting path, but once you have reached the endpoint, your camera will be snapping pictures at 100 photos a minute. One of the best times to visit Phi Phi Viewpoint is during sunset or sunrise. From there, you can head over the hill where you will see the beautiful eastern beaches.

If you want another unique diving location, check out Hin Muang. The diving site is known for its vertical wall that is the highest in Thailand at 60 meters. You will find whale sharks, leopard sharks, reef sharks and manta rays. The crowning glory of diving Hin Muang is the huge purple rock. You have some dazzling colours to be found in the coral reef, and there are all types of reef fish in the area. However, please be aware that the currents at Hin Muang can be strong.

Hanging out on Monkey Beach

As previously mentioned Phi Phi has a Monkey Beach. Not only is Monkey Beach the most beautiful beach in Phi Phi, it is one of the most beautiful beaches that can be found in all of Thailand. The powder white sand beaches and marvellous diving opportunities has made for this destination becoming a favourite hangout spot, and you have monkeys that often come down from the beach to visit.

These monkeys are fairly tame, and you can even feed them.

Bamboo Island: The Less Crowded Alternative

As an alternative to Maya Bay, Bamboo Island is less inhabited, and the island only lies eight miles from Ko Phi Phi. At Bamboo Island, you will discover the Hin Klang coral garden. This is a national marine park with environmental protection rules , so there is an entrance fee.

The price offers some of the best secluded sunbathing, snorkeling and exploring in Phi Phi.

Rock Climbing in Phi Phi

As you can about imagine, Phi Phi’s rugged terrain and jagged cliffs have become a dream spot for rock climbers. Arranging a tour will take you to the limestone island cliffs that will be the most suitable location for climbing. A day-trip to Phi Phi for the rock climbing is, in itself, a great choice because you have a rock climber’s paradise. In general, a rock climb in Phi Phi will take around a half a day.

Kayaking into the Sunset

You can rent a sea kayak in Phi Phi and take an ocean sunset tour. A lot of sea kayakers will go to Wang Long Bay, but you have plenty of other touring options if you have seen that while kayaking.

Learning to Cook Traditional Thai

Ever wanted to cook traditional Thai food? At Pum’s Thai Cooking School, you can learn some of the classic Thai tricks to making great foods. You will find this cooking school on Tonsai Village, and it is great for that aspiring chef or person who loves to cook. You can take a 30 minute class, or you can stay for six hours or more. When you take a souvenir back with you, it will be the knowledge of how to cook some of your favorite dishes in Thailand. The classes are cost effective for what you will have after.

The Phi Phi Marketplace

If you want to learn about life in a certain part of the world, check out the marketplace . You can learn a lot about a destination based on what they sell there. Phi Phi market can be found in Tonsai Village, and you will find all the local fruits, vegetables and seafood at an affordable price.

Banks and ATMs

Changing money in Tonsai Village is no problem. You have several banks operating in the area, and they exchange traveler’s checks and cash. You can find a lot of ATM’s on the street corners, but you will not find much for banking facilities on the east coast of the island. You will either have to take your cash with you or stop in Tonsai Village.

Hospitals and Doctors

When it comes to the hospitals in the area, Tonsai West recently built a new hospital to treat minor injuries. However, you will need to go to Phuket for further treatment if you have a more serious injury. Through Tonsai Village, you can find Pharmacies, and they are open late. If you want to mail a postcard, you can visit the local post office . However, if you have more important mail, then you may want to use the main post office in Krabi or Phuket. About 500 meters from the pier in Tonsai Village, you have a tourist police area. Normally, you will find that at least one person there can speak English.

How to get to Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Island is 46 km from Phuket and the main way to get to Phi Phi island is by boat. Ferries from Phuket take around two hours and ninety minutes from Krabi.

Main departure from Phuket is the Rassada Pier and from Krabi at the Klong Jirad Pier. From Phuket airport travel straight down route 402 to the Rassada Pier, roughly 50 minutes car / taxi / bus journey.

Dress on the Islands

The Thai islands like Phuket and Phi Phi normally have an informal dress style. Nevertheless, most people here will appreciate a smart casual dress, especially if you plan to eat at a hotel restaurant. When it comes to the tipping here, you do not need to tip 10 to 15 percent, but the majority of restaurants will appreciate it if you do tip.

While the Thai police will not imprison you for sunbathing in the nude, a lot of Thai people will find it offensive. In Phi Phi, bathing topless has become more accepted, but you have to understand that this can catch unwanted attention. While they do tolerate bathing like this, they do not necessarily welcome it. At the hotels, you will sometimes find signs that say no topless bathing or G-strings.

The Royal Family

The Thai Royal Family is to be highly respected in this country. You do not want to make any brash remarks about the Thai king. Even stepping on a coin with his head on it can offend the Thais. Also, this might seem like common sense, but never deface the Thai King in portrait or poster because it can lead to a 10-year prison sentence.

Visiting the Phi Phi Islands for a day-trip is one of the best decisions that you will make. This is one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, and while it is almost always busy with tourists, the Thai spirit on these islands remains alive and well.

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Phuket & Phi Phi Islands 3-Day Tropical Escape

April 22, 2024 · 2 min read

Embark on a 3-day journey to the tropical havens of Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands, where the sun, sea, and sand come together to create an unforgettable escape. Begin your adventure at the vibrant Patong Beach, where three hours of sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching set the tone for your holiday. Next, escape to the serene Racha Yai Island for a full day of tranquility and underwater exploration. On your second day, soak up the sun at Karon Beach for a couple of hours before delving into the cultural heart of Old Phuket Town, where history and charm fill the small streets for another two-hour exploration. Your final day is reserved for the breathtaking beauty of Ko Mai Phai, also known as Bamboo Island, offering a full day of pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Conclude your trip with a visit to the iconic Phi Phi Islands, where the natural splendors will ensure your 3-day itinerary ends on a high note. This curated trip promises a blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty, tailored for those looking to immerse themselves in Thailand's most picturesque destinations.

• Day 1: Sun, Sand, and Serenity in Phuket

Patong Beach

Kickstart your Phuket adventure with a visit to the vibrant Patong Beach, the perfect place to soak up the sun and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of one of Thailand's most famous shorelines. As the first stop of your island escapade, Patong Beach offers a three-hour tropical retreat where you can enjoy the golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a plethora of water sports. Don't miss the chance to explore the bustling beachfront promenade, brimming with local eateries and souvenir shops that capture the essence of Phuket's coastal charm.

Attraction Info

• 94Thaveewong RoadKratoo, 83 Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83150, Thailand
• Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
• Open 24 hours

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Racha Yai Island

After basking in the sun-kissed splendor of Patong Beach, set sail for the idyllic Racha Yai Island, where you'll spend the rest of your day enveloped in an island paradise. Known for its pristine beaches and exceptional snorkeling opportunities, Racha Yai Island is a haven for those seeking tranquility and an intimate encounter with marine life. With a full day at your disposal, indulge in the island's serene beauty, dive into the emerald waters, and let the gentle sea breeze carry away all your worries. This secluded gem is the perfect contrast to the bustling Patong, offering a slice of seclusion amidst the Andaman Sea.

• Rawai, Phuket, Thailand
• Suggested tour duration: 1 day
• Open from 8:00am-6:00pm

Where to Stay Tonight

Racha island resort (rayaburi).

• Day 2: Sun, Sand, and the Charm of Phuket

Karon Beach

Begin your second day in Phuket with the soothing sounds of the waves at Karon Beach, a serene destination perfect for unwinding. Nestled in the heart of Phuket, Karon Beach offers a tranquil escape with its long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. Spend a couple of hours basking in the sun, indulging in water sports, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the shore. This beach is an idyllic spot to recharge before exploring more of Phuket's vibrant culture.

• Karon Beach, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
• Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour

Old Phuket Town

After soaking up the sun, dive into the cultural heart of the island with a visit to Old Phuket Town. This small town is a treasure trove of history with its colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, quaint cafes, and bustling markets. Spend your time wandering through the narrow streets, admiring the unique architecture, and perhaps finding a local delicacy to savor. Old Phuket Town is a delightful contrast to the island's beach scene and a must-visit to complete your Phuket experience.

• Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Na Siam Guesthouse

Phuket sunny hostel.

• Day 3: Unwinding in Tropical Paradise

Ko Mai Phai

Begin your final day with the serene beauty of Ko Mai Phai, also known as Bamboo Island. Nestled in the embrace of Ao Nang, this small island is a part of the Phi Phi archipelago and is famed for its crystal-clear waters and stretches of white sandy beaches. As the first stop of the day, it's the perfect spot to soak in the sun, take a leisurely swim, or simply relax on the beach. The island's unspoiled natural beauty makes it an ideal location for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and indulge in tranquility.

• Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 days

Phi Phi Islands

After rejuvenating your senses at Ko Mai Phai, continue your island-hopping adventure to the iconic Phi Phi Islands. Known for their stunning landscapes featured in movies, these islands offer breathtaking rock formations, vibrant coral reefs, and a rich underwater life that's perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Spend your day exploring the hidden lagoons, basking on the sun-kissed beaches, and capturing the picturesque views that make Phi Phi a world-renowned destination. As the sun sets on your three-day journey, the Phi Phi Islands provide a fitting and memorable conclusion to your tropical getaway.

• Mu Ko Phi Phi, Amphoe Mueang, Krabi

Phi Phi Green Hill Resort

Phi phi ingphu viewpoint hotel.

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The ultimate 7 day phuket itinerary + koh phi phi & krabi (2024).

No Thailand trip is complete without visiting the country’s biggest, most diverse and most popular island – Phuket!

Located in the south of Thailand, in the gorgeous Andaman Sea, Phuket is known for its beautiful beaches, buzzing night markets, breath taking natural scenery and world-class resorts.

But being such a big and vibrant island, which beaches, attractions and other islands should you visit and how do you fit all the highlights into one epic Thailand adventure!? Well, this post contains all you need to know…

I’m an expat who has been living in Phuket for over 3 years and has explored the island from top to bottom. So I’ve created what I think is the best Phuket itinerary with my insider tips.

This fun-filled 7 day itinerary for Phuket, Thailand includes the must-see’s, hidden gems, and island hopping to Koh Phi Phi and Krabi while skipping the over-rated places to make the most of your time here.

No time to read now? Pin this for later!

The Ultimate 7 Day Phuket Itinerary – How to Spend 7 Days in Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Krabi.

The first part of planning your Phuket itinerary is setting your dates and booking in your flights and accommodation – then you can start deciding all the fun things you’re going to do!

Phuket’s international airport makes getting to the island easy. The best time to visit Phuket weatherwise is between December and March. This is also the peak season so book your flights, accommodation and activities like island hopping trips in advance. I’ll include plenty more Phuket travel tips at the end of this article.

Where To Stay in Phuket, Thailand

As Thailand’s largest island, there’s a huge range of different areas and places to stay in Phuket to suit all budgets and types of traveller.

From luxury hotels and family friendly resorts, to budget hotels and backpacker hostels, there’s no shortage of choice so the best place for you will really depend on what you are looking for.

Each place has a very different vibe so you can find out more about Phuket’s best hotels, resorts, and areas in my comprehensive guide on where to stay in Phuket .

The best beaches in Phuket are located on the West Coast. Lively Patong Beach is best for nightlife and budget travelers, while Kata beach, Karon beach and Kamala beach are popular with families and couples as they offer a more balanced experience.

Further north, Bang Tao beach and Mai Khao beach offer unspoiled beaches, luxury resorts and a peaceful atmosphere. Old Phuket Town is the historical and cultural heart of the island and offers cafes, markets and colourful, heritage and boutique hotels .

To follow this itinerary I’d recommend staying near Nai Harn and Rawai  in the south as these are the most stunning and trendy areas to stay right now.

Here are my top accommodation picks for Nai Harn and Rawai that provide a convenient base for this Phuket itinerary:

• Best Luxury Hotel: The Nai Harn – Perched on a hill overlooking Nai Harn beach this stunning 5 star hotel offers a beach-club style pool and bar area and an amazing breakfast buffet!
• Best Mid-Range Hotel:  Selina   – Stylish “all-in-one resort” with a beachfront restaurant and pool, wellness deck, and co-working space perfect for digital nomads.
• Best Budget Hote l: Roost Glamping – Unique and glamourous camping experience with a pool and proper beds in stylish bells tents surrounded by nature.

Be aware that it is a 1-hour (or more) drive from Phuket International Airport which is located in the north of the island to Rawai in the South.

Staying at Kata Beach is also a good option as there’s a bit more choice and it’s more centrally located but the beaches are busier here.

How Long To Spend In Phuket

There’s so many beautiful places to visit and things to do in Phuket that a weekend or 3 days in Phuket is not enough time to see it all.

Along with exploring different beaches and attractions on Phuket island itself, you’ll also want to visit a few nearby islands. And maybe you want to see the nearby provinces of Phang Nga or Krabi , too?

If so, I highly recommend staying at least 7 days in Phuket (or more). Seven days is just enough time to enjoy all the top offerings of Phuket, plus check out the famous Phi Phi islands and some parts of Phang Nga Bay and Krabi too.

While the following itinerary can easily fit into seven days, if you have more time and want to take it slower I recommend staying in Phuket for 10 days or 2 weeks. You could extend your stay in Krabi, add a couple more island day trips or stay a few nights on Phuket’s other beautiful islands like Koh Yao Yai.

For more inspiration check out my Phuket Island Hopping And Day Trips guide – I guarantee you won’t get bored!

But how can you fit it all into seven days? The following 7 days in Phuket itinerary will show you how!

The Best 7 Day Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Itinerary

Day 1 – arrive, settle in and relax.

Ease into your 7 day Phuket itinerary by spending the first day settling into your hotel and enjoying the beaches and local attractions. Make your arrival smooth and stress free by prebooking an airport transfer to avoid getting ripped off by taxis.

Once you’ve checked into your accommodation and unpacked, head to the beautiful Nai Harn beach  to refresh in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and soak up the sun.

Just before sunset, drive or  hike up the hill to The Windmill  for an epic sunset. Alternatively, head to the nearby  Yanui beach  for a sunset kayaking session!

Go for dinner at one of the incredible seafood restaurants along Rawai Beach. I recommend  Nikita’s  (book ahead to get a waterside table!). After dinner, head across the road to Freedom Bar or Rawai Reggae Bar for live music and drinks.

Or, if you are feeling jet lagged and want to get an early night for a big day of beach hopping tomorrow, treat yourself to one of the spa treatments at your hotel.

Day 2 – Explore Phuket’s Famous West Coast Beaches

Phuket is home to some of the best beaches in Thailand, so it only makes sense to begin your Phuket itinerary with a beach day!

Start the day by  hiking up to Promthep Cape  in Rawai – the most southern point in Phuket. This stunning peninsula gets crowded every evening for sunset, but in the morning, it’s peaceful and beautiful. You can enjoy the view from the top or hike down to the end of the cape.

From here, head to  Kata Beach for a morning surf session but make sure to stop at the viewpoint where you can get a stunning view of three beaches.

I f you prefer to sunbathe, check out Kata’s smaller sister – Kata Noi Beach . This tiny cove is home to numerous luxury resorts, giving it an almost private beach vibe.

Enjoy lunch in Kata town before taking a short drive to Karon Beach , one of the longest and most stunning white sand beaches in Phuket. 

Along the way, stop at the trendy ‘ A Blanket & A Pillow Cafe ‘ for an iced coffee with an epic view overlooking the south of Karon beach.

Conclude your afternoon with a long walk or relaxing beach massage on Karon Beach before heading to Patong for the evening.

Hail one of the many tuk tuks for a fun ride to the famous Bangla Road at Patong beach , a bustling strip of bars and nightclubs.

Tuck into some delicious and affordable Thai cuisine at Patong Night Market . Here, you can get some of the cheapest and tastiest Pad Thai, delicious fresh fruit, and Thai desserts.

Patong is undoubtedly the hub of Phuket nightlife, but Bangla Road can be pretty noisy and seedy so isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s worth checking it out at least once.

If you prefer a more chilled and elegant evening, head to one of the rooftop bars for spectacular sunset views or back to Karon Beach for cocktails and fire shows at  Tann Terrace .

Day 3 – Enjoy Unspoilt Beaches and Elephant Sanctuaries

For day 3 in Phuket, explore the island’s north, where you will find many more stunning beaches and fabulous attractions.

Bang Tao Beach  is 6 km of white sand with crystal clear waters ideal for swimming. The nearby  Surin Beach is much smaller but has a wild, untouched vibe. Parts of it are also shaded by palm trees, helping you escape the heat!

I recommend enjoying a leisurely lunch complete with an ice-cold beer at one of the beach clubs, such as Hugo Hug, Carpe Diem, or Catch.

After lunch, if you want more beach time, head to Banana Beach or Mai Khao Beach , two peaceful and beautiful beaches in the far north of the island.

If you’re all beached out, head to  Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Thalang. Unlike many of Phuket’s ‘elephant camps, ‘ this ethical elephant sanctuary does not harm elephants by offering rides or bathing sessions. Instead, you can admire the beautiful mammals from above on a 1.5-hour canopy walkway tour .

Looking for an epic dining experience? Then, on the way back to your hotel, stop at  Three Monkeys , one of Phuket’s most famous restaurants. Three Monkeys boasts a breath taking hilltop location built amidst a lush rainforest. The food and drink are a bit more expensive than other places, but it’s worth it because the views and experience are priceless!

Day 4 – Discover Temples, Thai Culture and Phuket Old Town

Now you’ve seen some of Phuket’s beaches it’s time for some Thai culture! On day 4, visit Phuket town to see Phuket’s cultural hub and explore some nearby temples.

Start the day with a  Thai cooking class where you visit a local market to buy the ingredients before making some famous Thai food such as pad thai, vegetable spring rolls and green curry. At the end of the cooking class, you can taste your creations, filling your belly for an afternoon of sightseeing.

Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to  Wat Chalong , one of Phuket’s most significant historical landmarks. This temple is just as popular with locals as it is with tourists. So you can learn first hand about the Thai culture of merit-making, a Buddhist practice for clearing bad karma and bringing good luck.

For sunset head up to the famous  Big Buddha nearby. This is not your standard temple; it is a 45-meter (148 feet) tall and 25.45-meter (83.5 feet) wide white Buddha statue sitting atop one of the highest mountains on Phuket island.

The concrete statue is covered with Burmese white marble, and you can spot it from various points on the island. Still, it’s well worth seeing it up close, where you will also get an incredible view over the south of the island. It’s a popular sunset spot.

In the evening, head to  Phuket Old Town  to check out the colourful historic shophouses, boutiques and cafes. For dinner try some top-quality Thai food or international cuisine.

The best and easiest way to see all of these cultural attractions is with a tour like this half day Phuket City Tour which takes you to the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Phuket Town and an amazing viewpoint.

If you’re visiting Phuket Old Town on the weekend, check out the night markets for cheap but delicious street food. Try to visit on a Sunday to experience the Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market , when the streets really come to life and a great place to pick up some cool and unique souvenirs and gifts!

If you’re there on a weekday, don’t worry, as there are plenty of incredible restaurants in Phuket Town.  Go Benz  is extremely popular among locals, with long queues leading down the street every night.

Then, for dessert, grab some French toast from Phuketique before enjoying a cocktail or two at one of Phuket Town’s MANY cute bars.

Day 5 – Visit Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island

For day 5, it’s time to get out of Phuket and explore the stunning Phang Nga Bay, located in the next province north of Phuket.

Morning & Afternoon

One of the most popular ways to explore Phang Nga Bay is with a boat trip to James Bond Island . This island became famous after being used as a filming location for the 1974 James Bond movie “ The Man with the Golden Gun.”

There are many different types of boat trips available to James Bond Island, including via speed boat, luxury yacht, and traditional long-tail boat.

I recommend choosing a day trip that includes kayaking, such as this  James Bond Island Day Trip With Lunch . This trip includes  kayaking through the caves of Panak Island and sea canoeing around Koh Hong Island’s emerald lagoons – the highlights of the Phang Nga Bay.

As most James Bond Island hopping trips last 8 to 9 hours, expect to return to your hotel around 6 p.m.

As tomorrow involves another big day trip, I recommend a quiet dinner near your hotel before an early night. If you want something unique, check out Rock Salt at The Nai Harn or Rustic And Blue overlooking Rawai Beach.

Day 6 – Visit The Phi Phi Islands And Maya Bay

No itinerary for Phuket is complete without a day trip to Phi Phi islands and the famous Maya Bay. So set an early alarm to make the most of this incredible part of Phuket and Krabi!

The best way to get to Phi Phi islands from Phuket is via speedboat. There are MANY tours available, which you can book online or in person, or you can take the public ferry  directly from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town.

Most tours will pick you up from your hotel and include multiple stops in the Phi Phi islands. For example, this top rated  Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Trip includes three snorkeling stops, along with sightseeing stops in Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach (where you can see wild monkeys) and lunch.

Maya Bay  is the most popular tourist destination in the Phi Phi islands, famed for being the filming destination for the 2000 film “ The Beach. ” While you can no longer swim at Maya Bay it’s still a spectacular sight to witness. Bamboo Island  is another highlight on Phi Phi island hopping tours due to its serene location for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

If you want to enjoy the island’s party vibe spend the night on Phi Phi Don  (the archipelago’s only inhabited island). While the island is considerably more expensive than mainland Phuket or Krabi, there are plenty of budget accommodations alongside the luxury hotels.

If you want to experience the island’s nightlife stay somewhere like Phi Phi Villa Resort . This beachfront resort is close enough to Ton Sai Village to enjoy the parties but far away enough to get a peaceful nights sleep!

Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Ton Sai pier in Phi Phi Don to Krabi and enjoy an evening in Krabi Town or at Ao Nang night market  before the final day of your Krabi Phuket itinerary. There are many hotels in Ao Nang but my favourite place to stay in Krabi is the stunning Railay Bay Resort . 

Be aware that the last ferry to Krabi is at 5 p.m. and takes 2 hours. You can also get a private speedboat transfer at a time that suits you which only takes 1 hour and includes a transfer to your hotel or the airport.

Day 7 – Explore Krabi And Railay Beach

On the final day of your Phuket and Krabi itinerary, spend some time exploring the sights, attractions, and beaches in Krabi.

If you stayed in Krabi last night, you can start the final day of your Phuket Krabi Phi Phi itinerary bright and early. You could even join a jam-packed  4 Islands Krabi Day Tour ,  which visits the beautiful Phra Nang Cave Beach at Railay, along with stops at Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor.

However, if you stayed in Phi Phi the night before, take the first ferry to Krabi at 9 a.m. or the 10 a.m. speedboat, arriving by 11 a.m.

One must-visit in Krabi is  Railay Beach . You can take a long tail boat here to explore the incredible limestone cliffs, kayak through the hidden lagoons, and hike the impressive bat cave.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, eat lunch at one of the restaurants along  Ao Nang beach  before a spot of sunbathing. Or escape the crowds by driving 30 minutes north to the peaceful  Klong Muang Beach .

If you’re up for more of a jungle adventure you could explore the Tiger Cave Temple , and bathe in the hot springs and emerald pool. This Krabi Jungle Tour will take you there.

If you’re leaving Krabi today, head to the airport to catch your flight. To avoid traveling back on yourself to Phuket you might want to consider flying out from Krabi airport. Otherwise, enjoy a final night in Krabi Town before your onward journey tomorrow!

More Tips For Planning Your Itinerary For Phuket

Before you book in your Phuket itinerary, here’s a few important tips to help you plan your trip to Phuket.

Best Time to Visit Phuket

As a tropical island, Phuket is warm all year round, but has different seasons that you should be aware of.

The best time to visit Phuket is between December to March when you can expect consistently good weather – blue skies and plenty of sunshine but it’s not too hot and humid.

This is also the peak tourist season and the busiest, and most expensive, time to visit Phuket, so you should decide on your itinerary in advance and book in your accommodation, activities and day trips before arriving to avoid disappointment. I use Booking.com and Agoda to book hotels as they have the biggest selection at the best prices.

April and May are a good time to visit Phuket if you don’t mind the heat. The island is not too crowded by this time, but it can be very hot, ranging from 27°C to 36°C, which makes sightseeing a little uncomfortable.

Also consider November , it can be a lovely month to visit as Phuket is relatively quiet but the weather can unpredictable as it’s the end of the rainy season.

June to October is the rainy season which sees short but frequent tropical downpours, cloudy and overcast skies. You’ll still get some sunny, dry days but the weather can be quite unpredictable and rough seas mean that it is sometimes not safe to swim during this time.

How to Get to Phuket and Get Around

Traveling to Phuket is easy as the island is home to Phuket International Airport (HKT) It’s Thailand’s second busiest airport and receives many direct flights from all over the world. I find the best connections and cheapest flight deals with WayAway and even get cashback.

For this Phuket – Krabi itinerary you might want to consider flying into Phuket airport and then flying out from Krabi Airport to avoid traveling back on yourself.

There are also buses from all over the country, the best place to book buses, trains and even ferries in Thailand is on 12Go Asia . But as Phuket is approximately a 12-hours from Bangkok, flying might be the quickest and easiest option, even if you’re visiting Phuket as part of a larger trip around Thailand. (P.S If your visiting the capital first check out my Bangkok itinerary too!

Most nationalities can either get a visa exemption for 30 days, or a visa on arrival, which makes entering Thailand easy and convenient.

Once you arrive there are several options for getting from the airport to your accommodation. The easiest way is to book an airport transfer through your Viator, your hotel or a reputable company. There are also taxi and bus services on offer at the airport but taxis often overcharge.

Taxis in Phuket can be expensive, by Thai standards, so agree the rate first before hopping in. I recommend using online apps like Grab or Bolt for a cheaper and more convenient option.

The best place to book activities, tours and day trips in advance is on Viator   or  Get Your Guide , because there’s a lot of choice and you can read reviews so you know what to expect and can ensure your trip is a memorable experience for all the right reasons! If you’re visiting multiple places in one day a tour can be better value than taking lots of taxis.

If you’re on a budget then you can travel around Phuket by using the Smart Bus , which runs between the airport and Rawai stopping at all the major beach towns. A single ride is 100 THB, and you can also buy day or multi-day passes. 

Riding in a tuk-tuk can be a fun experience that you should definitely try at least once when you’re in Thailand, but they are more expensive than taxis and most suitable for short distances.

For the most freedom you can rent a scooter or motorbike to explore Phuket. However, the roads can be busy and windy so I’d only recommend this if you already have experience driving in Thailand or Asia before. Make sure you have an international driving license (the police do check) and insurance that covers this too.

Ready To Start Planning Your Own Phuket and Krabi itinerary?

I hope this 7-day Phuket itinerary has given you lots of inspiration for what to do in Phuket. Koh Phi Phi and Krabi.  This itinerary features all the top sights of this magnificent Thai island as well as the surrounding area and, as one of the most diverse Phuket itineraries, there is something for everyone.

Whether you find temples fascinating, seek serene snorkeling spots or the perfect mango sticky rice, or simply want to relax on picture-perfect beaches, following this itinerary for Phuket and Krabi will show you some of the most stunning places in Thailand and is sure to be an amazing adventure!

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to this amazing part of Thailand. If you’re thinking of traveling to other parts of the country check out other blogs and guides for more tips. My comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide and list of the best places to visit in Thailand will give you plenty more inspiration and handy tips. 

Read More Thailand and Phuket Blog Posts:

• All My Thailand Blog Posts
• The Perfect 2 Week Thailand Itinerary: Best of North and South
• Things to do in Phuket
• Where to Stay in Phuket
• Best Island Hopping Tours and Day Trips from Phuket
• 3 – 4 Days Bangkok Itinerary
• 4 – 5 Days Chiang Mai Itinerary

10 Best Island Hopping Tours and Day Trips From Phuket for 2024

21 best places to visit in thailand for first-timers (2024).

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How to Discover the Hidden Gems of Phuket in 7 Days

D iscovering the hidden gems of Phuket in 7 days requires some exploration and careful planning. We will provide you with a travel plan proposal so that you can see the best things and activities that Phuket has to offer. In addition, Phuket is known for offering something for every age of tourist, from children to adults. 

Phuket is known for its remote beaches, lagoons, but also for night parties that last until the night.

Day 1: Explore Old Phuket Town

Start your journey by exploring the charming Old Phuket Town. Stroll through the colorful streets lined with well-preserved Sino-Portuguese buildings.

• Visit the Thai Hua Museum to learn about the island’s history and cultural heritage.
• Discover local markets, boutique shops, and street art around the town.

Day 2: Island Hopping

• Embark on an island-hopping tour to explore the nearby islands. Visit the stunning Phi Phi Islands, known for their crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life.
• Explore Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach.”
• Snorkel, swim and relax on the picturesque beaches.

Day 3: Discover Phang Nga Bay

• Take a day trip to Phang Nga Bay, renowned for its dramatic limestone karsts and emerald-green waters.
• Explore the famous James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan), known for its distinctive rock formations featured in the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
• Visit the floating village of Koh Panyee and experience the local way of life.

Day 4: Explore the Beaches

• Spend a day discovering the hidden beaches of Phuket. Visit Freedom Beach , a secluded and tranquil beach accessible only by boat or a short hike.
• Explore Nai Harn Beach, known for its clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
• Relax and unwind on lesser-known beaches like Ao Sane and Banana Beach.

Day 5: Visit Wat Chalong and Big Buddha

• Explore the cultural side of Phuket by visiting Wat Chalong, the island’s largest and most important Buddhist temple.
• Discover the intricate architecture, beautiful statues, and learn about the local religious customs.
• Proceed to the Big Buddha, an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Phuket. Take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy a serene atmosphere .

Day 6: Jungle Trekking and Waterfalls

• Embark on a jungle trekking adventure in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, located in the northeastern part of the island.
• Explore the lush rainforest, spot wildlife, and visit the stunning Tonsai and Bang Pae waterfalls.
• Enjoy a picnic amidst nature and cool off with a refreshing swim in the natural pools.

Day 7: Sunset at Promthep Cape

• End your Phuket journey by visiting Promthep Cape, known for its spectacular sunset views. Capture the stunning vistas overlooking the Andaman Sea.
• Explore the surrounding viewpoints and take memorable photographs.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants nearby.

Remember to check the opening hours, availability of tours, and any entry requirements for attractions in advance. This itinerary will help you discover the hidden gems of Phuket and make the most of your 7-day trip to the island.

Club Med Phuket

Club Med Phuket is a popular all-inclusive resort located in Kata Bay, Phuket. The resort offers various types of accommodations to suit different preferences and needs. Here are some of the options available:

These comfortable and well-appointed rooms are ideal for couples or solo travelers. They offer essential amenities and a cozy atmosphere.

Deluxe Rooms

Spacious and elegantly designed, these rooms provide a higher level of comfort and additional features such as a separate living area and a private terrace or balcony.

The suites at Club Med Phuket offer the utmost luxury and space. They include a separate bedroom, a living area, and a private terrace or balcony. Guests staying in suites enjoy exclusive services and amenities.

Club Med Phuket often provides special offers and promotions for guests. While specific offers may vary, here are some examples of the types of deals and packages they may offer:

Early Bird Offers

These offers provide discounts for guests who book their stay well in advance. By planning, you can secure lower rates for your vacation at Club Med Phuket.

Family Packages

Club Med is renowned for its family-friendly resorts, and Phuket is no exception. Family packages may include discounted rates for children, complimentary kids’ clubs, and special activities for families to enjoy together.

Spa and Wellness Packages

If you’re looking to indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation, Club Med Phuket may have special spa and wellness packages available. These can include discounted spa treatments, yoga classes, and access to fitness facilities.

The post How to Discover the Hidden Gems of Phuket in 7 Days appeared first on VIVA GLAM MAGAZINE™ .