Phi Phi Islands Islands

Address: Phi Phi Islands (Ko Phi Phi), Krabi Province, Thailand

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.

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.

• 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.