Phi Phi Islands
Islands Tropical limestone islands famed for clear waters
In the Andaman Sea, Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands combine towering limestone cliffs, boat-accessible bays like Maya Bay, snorkeling sites and a compact party scene on Phi Phi Don; day trips from Krabi and Phuket are common.
The Phi Phi Islands are a small archipelago in the Andaman Sea off southern Thailand, within Krabi province, renowned for dramatic limestone cliffs, clear water and coral reefs. The group includes inhabited Phi Phi Don and the smaller Phi Phi Leh, with numerous smaller islets and dive sites.
Popular highlights are the cliffs and beaches of Phi Phi Leh, including the well-known Maya Bay, and the bays and visitor village on Phi Phi Don at Tonsai. The islands are a major tourism destination for snorkeling, diving and coastal scenery.
Tourism expanded rapidly from the late 20th century and the islands receive heavy day-trip traffic from nearby mainland piers; environmental protection and visitor management measures have been implemented in recent years to reduce impacts on reefs and beaches.
The archipelago lies in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of southern Thailand and is reached by boat from Krabi, Phuket and nearby coastal towns.
- Maya Bay access rules: Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh gained global attention after appearing in films and was subject to closure and strict visitor limits for ecosystem recovery; check current access rules and timed-entry requirements before visiting.
- Crowd and timing tip: Boat access and day-trip crowds peak in high season; early morning departures reduce overcrowding at major viewpoints and beaches.
What to See #
- Phi Phi Don (Tonsai): Phi Phi Don - the largest inhabited island with the main village at Tonsai Bay that provides accommodation, dining and boat connections.
- Phi Phi Leh (Maya Bay): Phi Phi Leh - the smaller, uninhabited island famous for Maya Bay and dramatic limestone cliffs and caves.
- Bamboo Island and reefs: Bamboo Island and surrounding snorkeling spots - small sandy islets and reefs used for day trips, snorkeling and beach stops.
How to Get to Phi Phi Islands #
Phi Phi Islands are reachable only by boat. Regular car ferries and speedboats run from Phuket (Rassada Pier) and from Krabi/Ao Nang (Klong Jilad Pier and Ao Nang piers) to Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don; the trip is commonly about 1.5-2 hours by ferry or 45-90 minutes by speedboat depending on departure point. Ferries leave daily; you first travel to Phuket or Krabi by road (Phuket International Airport or Krabi Town/Ao Nang) and then take the scheduled boat.
On arrival at Tonsai Pier it’s a short walk (about 5-10 minutes) from the pier into Tonsai Village and the main accommodation/restaurant areas.
Tips for Visiting Phi Phi Islands #
- Take the earliest longtail or ferry out from Tonsai/Laem Thong (before 08:00) or stay overnight on Phi Phi Don to avoid the huge influx of day-trippers and enjoy calmer snorkeling spots.
- If you want quieter water around Phi Phi Leh, aim for early morning visits to Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah; Maya Bay is subject to park restrictions and is busiest mid-morning so plan around official opening times and rules.
- Use a licensed operator that follows Marine National Park guidelines-this helps access permitted sites and reduces the chance of being rerouted or stopped by park officers during high season.
Best Time to Visit Phi Phi Islands #
Visit during the dry season (November-April) for calm seas and the best snorkeling/diving conditions.
Weather & Climate near Phi Phi Islands #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (2103 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The driest month with just 28 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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March
March is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (209 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (201 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (238 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (305 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (337 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (302 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (193 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
