If you’ve spent more than three minutes Googling Thailand beaches, you’ve probably stumbled into the postcard perfection of the Phi Phi Islands—those dramatic limestone cliffs rising out of turquoise water like nature’s mic drop. And yes, they’re famous for a reason.

This updated guide walks you through everything you need to plan an amazing Phi Phi trip: how to get to Koh Phi Phi, ferry and speedboat tips, the best beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, where to eat, where to stay (from quiet escapes to party-friendly spots), and what to know about Maya Bay rules and closures so your dream day doesn’t turn into a “wait… it’s closed?” moment.

And of course: sunscreen, sea-sickness meds, and the most important Phi Phi skill of all—knowing when to leave the beach before the fire jump rope starts. 😉

Phi Phi Islands 101: What (and where) are they?

When people say “Phi Phi,” they usually mean two main islands:

Koh Phi Phi Don: the only inhabited island, where you’ll find Tonsai Village, hotels, restaurants, bars, and the main pier.
Koh Phi Phi Leh: uninhabited and protected—home to Maya Bay (made famous by The Beach), plus lagoons, cliffs, and snorkeling spots.

Most travelers stay on Phi Phi Don and take boat trips to Phi Phi Leh and nearby islands.

How to get to the Phi Phi Islands (Phuket or Krabi)

The easy, popular choice: the ferry

For most travelers, a public ferry is the simplest and best-value option. Boats run regularly from both Phuket and Krabi to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. Ferry travel time is usually around 1.5–2 hours, depending on departure point and sea conditions.

Common departure points

From Phuket: ferries commonly depart from Rassada Pier. rassadapier.net
From Krabi: ferries commonly depart from Klong Jilad Pier. Direct Ferries

Real talk (the sea can be bouncy):
The Andaman Sea is gorgeous… and occasionally choppy. If you’re even mildly prone to seasickness, take a motion-sickness tablet before boarding, and aim for seats in the middle of the boat (less sway than the back).

Faster (and pricier): speedboats

Speedboats cut the travel time and are common for day trips and island-hopping tours. They can also be a great option if you’re traveling in a group and want to split a private boat. Just know: faster boats can feel more intense when the sea is rough.

Weather cancellations happen—don’t panic

In the monsoon season, sea conditions can cause delays or cancellations for safety. Build a little flexibility into your itinerary, especially if you’re connecting to a flight the same day.

Getting around Koh Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don is delightfully walkable. The main village area (Tonsai/Loh Dalum) is compact, and you’ll do most of your exploring on foot.

To reach more secluded beaches and bays, you’ll typically use:

Longtail boats (the island’s classic water taxi)
Hikes (hot, beautiful, sweaty—pack water)

Best things to do in Phi Phi (the can’t-miss list)

1) Visit Maya Bay (but know the rules first)

Maya Bay is iconic—and it’s also carefully protected now.

What’s changed (and what to expect):

Seasonal closure every year: Maya Bay (and nearby areas like Loh Sama Bay) is typically closed Aug 1–Sep 30, then reopens Oct 1. Khaosod English
No swimming in Maya Bay: swimming is prohibited to protect the ecosystem. Khaosod English
Boats don’t enter the bay: boats dock at Loh Sama Bay, and visitors walk to Maya Bay via the designated route. Khaosod English
Visitor caps and timed entry: officials have used limits such as 4,125 visitors/day, divided into rounds with time limits. Khaosod English

New(ish) planning note: Thailand has been rolling out e-ticketing for several marine parks, including Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi, with a pilot/launch planned for mid-October 2025—meaning you may need to book park entry digitally (often via official channels or licensed operators).

Bottom line: Maya Bay is absolutely worth it—just plan it right (and don’t expect to float around in the shallows like it’s 2005).

2) Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint (sunset = magic)

One of the most classic Phi Phi moments is hiking up to the viewpoint for a sweeping view over the twin bays of Phi Phi Don. Go late afternoon, bring water, and treat yourself to a drink at the top as the sky turns gold.

Pro tip: if you’re visiting in the hottest months, go early morning or near sunset so the hike doesn’t feel like a sauna with stairs.

3) Snorkel, scuba dive, or do a boat day

Phi Phi is a playground for water lovers. A typical day trip can include lagoons, snorkeling stops, beaches, and photo-friendly cliffs.

Scuba diving (recommended if you want the real underwater show)

If you’re certified, Phi Phi diving can be spectacular—think reef life, walls, and the kind of visibility that makes you forget Wi-Fi exists.

A well-known operator on Phi Phi Don is Island Divers, a dedicated dive center offering courses and dive trips. Island Divers

Not certified? Many shops offer try dives (intro experiences) in calm conditions—great if you want to test the waters (literally) before committing to a full course.

4) Kayak to viewpoints and nearby beaches

On calmer days, kayaking can be a fun way to explore the coast around Phi Phi Don—especially early in the morning before the midday heat.

The best beaches in Phi Phi (busy, quiet, and “wow”)

Phi Phi has a beach vibe for every mood—social, secluded, snorkeling-friendly, or simply “I want to sit under a palm tree and do nothing.”

Easy-to-reach favorites

Tonsai Beach: near the pier and village—convenient, lively, and a hub for tours.
Loh Dalum Bay: the social beach with a party atmosphere and nighttime fire shows (more on that below).

Quieter escapes (worth the extra effort)

Long Beach: one of the most-loved areas for a more relaxed beach day, often accessed by a short longtail ride. One reliable stay option here is Phi Phi Long Beach Resort & Villa, which highlights its location on Long Beach and easy boat access to Tonsai. PhiPhi Long Beach Resort
Phak Nam Bay / “Relax” vibes: calmer water, fewer crowds, and that “I can finally hear the ocean” feeling.

Monkey Beach (cute… but keep your distance)

Monkey Beach is famous—and the monkeys know it. Don’t bring food, don’t tease them, and don’t underestimate how fast a small monkey can snatch a bag. Watch respectfully from a distance and you’ll have a much better time.

Where to eat on Phi Phi (reliable, tasty, and traveler-friendly)

Phi Phi’s food scene is surprisingly big for such a small island. You’ll find Thai classics, seafood, smoothies, coffee shops, and plenty of “I just need something familiar” comfort food.

Here are a few long-running, consistently mentioned favorites:

P.P. Wang Ta Fu (often recommended for Thai food and seafood)
Garlic 1992 (a well-known pick for Thai + international plates)
JaJa Café & Spice / Aroy Kaffeine (popular for coffee + café meals)

Island businesses can be seasonal, so it’s smart to double-check current hours on maps—especially in the shoulder season.

Nightlife in Phi Phi (buckets, beach bars, and fire shows)

Phi Phi nights are a whole personality. Even if you’re not a party person, it’s fun to wander after dark, grab a drink, and watch the beach come alive.

The “bucket” tradition

You’ll see stands selling mixed drinks in small buckets (yes, literal buckets). It’s a Phi Phi rite of passage—just pace yourself, drink water, and remember that the tropical heat doesn’t play fair.

Popular party spots (still operating / actively listed)

Slinky Beach Bar is one of the island’s most talked-about beach-party stops, commonly associated with fire shows and late-night energy.
Phi Phi Reggae Bar is the famously chaotic bar where tourists can watch (or join) friendly boxing matches. It continues to appear as a notable nightlife stop on major travel listings.

A specific event worth knowing: Ibiza House pool parties

If you want a planned party (instead of “where are we going now?”), Ibiza House Phi Phi advertises recurring pool parties (e.g., Tue/Thu/Sun, 1 PM–10 PM) and notes it’s an adults-only party vibe (18+). Hostelworld

Safety tip: fire shows are amazing—participating in fire jump rope after a few drinks is how vacation stories become urgent-care stories. Watch, cheer, film your friends, keep eyebrows intact.

Where to stay in Phi Phi (pick your vibe)

Your best stay depends on the experience you want. Phi Phi can be quiet and romantic or wildly social—sometimes on the same beach.

If you want convenience + walkability (and don’t mind noise)

Stay near Tonsai Village / Loh Dalum. You’ll be close to restaurants, tour booths, and nightlife.

A long-standing central resort option is Phi Phi Villa Resort, which actively promotes its beachfront location and accommodations. phiphivillaresorts.com

If you want “beautiful beach + calmer sleep”

Choose Long Beach (or similar bays). You get the water-and-palms dream without being in the loudest part of town. Phi Phi Long Beach Resort & Villa is one established option here. PhiPhi Long Beach Resort

If you want a more secluded resort feel

Look at bays farther from the main pier. SAii Phi Phi Island Village is a well-known resort-style option and provides detailed “getting here” info (including notes about longtail transfers from Tonsai Pier and the possibility of rough seas by season). SAii Hotels & Resorts

If you want a social hostel / party base

Phi Phi has several party hostels with an active presence on major booking platforms:

Blanco Beach Bar (beachfront party hostel vibe) Hostelworld
Blanco Central Hostel (more central, quick walk to the beach)

Phi Phi weather: best time to visit (and what to pack)

In general, the most popular months are the drier season (roughly Nov–Mar)—sunny, warm, and busy.

Hotter months (often Apr–May) can feel steamy, but still beautiful if you plan beach time early and late.

During the monsoon period, seas can get rougher, and some protected areas (like Maya Bay) have seasonal closures for safety and recovery. Khaosod English

Pack essentials:

Reef-safe sunscreen (and note that some areas restrict certain sunscreen chemicals) Khaosod English
Water shoes (helpful on boats/rocky entries)
Motion sickness tablets (ferries/speedboats)
A dry bag (your phone will thank you)

Environmental notes (how to enjoy Phi Phi responsibly)

Phi Phi is a national park treasure, and protections have gotten stricter for good reason.

Key reminders that are actively enforced in protected areas:

No swimming in Maya Bay
No feeding fish, no anchoring on coral, no collecting shells/coral
Seasonal closures (Aug–Sep) support recovery and safety
E-ticketing is being introduced/piloted for marine parks including Phi Phi, aimed at conservation and transparency—check requirements before your tour day.

Easy “good traveler” move: carry your trash until you find a bin, and say something (kindly) if you see someone littering. Phi Phi stays paradise when everyone helps.

Phi Phi Islands Travel Guide 2026: How to Get There, Best Beaches, Maya Bay Rules, Diving, Food & Nightlife