About Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands, located 45km east of Phuket, are Thailand's most iconic tropical paradise. The main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, feature dramatic limestone cliffs rising from turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and world-class snorkeling. Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh became famous from "The Beach" movie. After rehabilitation from over-tourism, the islands now limit daily visitors to protect the coral reefs and marine ecosystem. Pair this stop with the Phuket guide and the wider Thailand overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Tour departures: 7:00-9:00 AM from Phuket (2-hour boat ride)
- Maya Bay access: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (limited 375 visitors/hour)
- Best season: November-April (calm seas, excellent visibility)
- Avoid: May-October (monsoon, rough seas, many tours cancelled)
- Day trip vs overnight: Day trips rushed, overnight allows sunrise/sunset magic
💰 Costs
- Group speedboat tour: ฿1,500-2,500 ($43-72) per person, includes lunch
- Ferry to Phi Phi Don: ฿400-700 ($11-20) one-way, 2 hours
- Private speedboat: ฿12,000-25,000 ($345-720) up to 10 people
- Maya Bay entry fee: ฿400 ($11) national park fee
- Snorkel gear rental: ฿200-300 ($6-9) if not included
- Overnight packages: ฿4,500-8,000 per person (boat, accommodation, meals)
Early booking essential: Maya Bay tickets sell out weeks ahead in high season. Tours include hotel pickup, guides arrange everything.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Maya Bay permits: Guides secure advance tickets - walk-up entry often impossible
- Best snorkel spots: Know where coral healthy and fish abundant
- Sea conditions: Monitor weather, cancel if unsafe, reschedule tours
- Crowded management: Know optimal timing to avoid Chinese tour group rushes
- Marine protection: Ensure reef-safe practices, prevent coral damage
- Photography: Know best angles and bring underwater cameras
✨ Don't Miss
- 🏖️ Maya Bay: Iconic beach from "The Beach" movie, now protected with visitor limits
- 🐠 Snorkeling at Pileh Lagoon: Emerald waters surrounded by cliffs, vibrant marine life
- 🦈 Shark Point: Harmless blacktip reef sharks and colorful coral gardens
- 🐵 Monkey Beach: Wild macaques on beach (don't feed, guides keep safe distance)
- 🏞️ Viking Cave: Ancient paintings and swallow nests harvested for soup
- 🌅 Phi Phi Don viewpoint: Sunset over the iconic double bay (stay overnight)
- 🤿 Hin Klang dive site: For certified divers, spectacular underwater pinnacles
📝 Practical Tips
- Seasickness medication: Speedboat ride can be rough - take pills 30 min before departure
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Required by law at marine parks - guides provide recommendations
- Book 3-4 weeks ahead: High season (Dec-Mar) tours and Maya Bay permits sell out
- Dry bag essential: Protect phone, valuables from splashing during boat rides
- Don't touch coral: Severe fines for coral damage, guides ensure responsible behavior
- Maya Bay time limit: Only 1 hour allowed at bay - guides maximize experience
- Stay overnight: If possible, experience islands without day-tripper crowds