Ko Phi Phi Le
Island Smaller Phi Phi island with Maya Bay limestone cliffs
Ko Phi Phi Le features sheer limestone cliffs, Pileh lagoon and marine caves accessed by longtail boat; visitors come for snorkeling, day trips and sea-cliff scenery.
Ko Phi Phi Le is an uninhabited islet in the Phi Phi archipelago, Krabi province, Thailand, characterised by steep limestone cliffs and sheltered bays. It is much smaller than neighbouring Phi Phi Don and contains dramatic coastal formations rather than permanent settlements.
The islet’s most famous features are a shallow sandy bay set between cliffs and rock-shelter features on the limestone faces; these locations are reached by short boat trips from nearby islands. There are no permanent visitor facilities on the islet itself.
Phi Phi Le has formed part of the small-island tourism circuit in the Andaman Sea and is frequently visited on day trips for scenic views, swimming and snorkeling in nearby waters. Access is by boat only and visits are typically brief.
The islet sits within the Phi Phi group in the Andaman Sea, close to Ko Phi Phi Don and other islets off the Krabi coast.
- Access and character: Small and uninhabited, the island is noted for dramatic limestone cliffs and a few iconic bays that are accessed by boat only.
What to See #
- Maya Bay: Maya Bay is a shallow, curved sandy bay set within steep limestone cliffs and a small beach area accessible by boat.
- Viking Cave: Viking Cave features coastal rock shelters with painted markings and is located on the island's windward side; it is visible from boats rather than directly accessible for visitors in many cases.
How to Get to Ko Phi Phi Le #
Ko Phi Phi Le has no public road access and is visited only by boat. Most visitors join day trips or hire longtail boats from Tonsai Bay on Ko Phi Phi Don (boat trips typically take a short 15-30 minute ride depending on craft and sea conditions) or join organized tours from Phuket and Krabi that include Phi Phi Leh as a stop.
Tips for Visiting Ko Phi Phi Le #
- Visit as early as possible on a licensed boat trip and aim for the first slots of the day - Pileh Lagoon and the areas around Maya Bay see far fewer boats and clearer water in the morning.
- Check with your tour operator in advance about current restrictions and park rules for Maya Bay and surrounding sites; access rules and permitted landing points have changed repeatedly for conservation reasons.
- If you want photographs without heavy boat traffic, ask your driver to plan a quiet approach or private early departure rather than joining large shared speedboat tours that arrive later in the morning.
Best Time to Visit Ko Phi Phi Le #
The November-April dry season offers the best and most reliable conditions for visiting and viewing the island.
