Phi Phi Islands (Koh Phi Phi)
Phuket, Southern Thailand and Andaman Coast
The jungle-shrouded limestone cliffs of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands rise majestically from the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, giving way to white-sand beaches and green jungles further inland. Longtail boats putter between the islands, collectively known as Koh Phi Phi or Ko Phi Phi, surrounded by turquoise waters and colorful marine life.
The basics
The unbridled popularity of the Phi Phi Islands means that travelers enjoy a wide range of visiting options and activities, such as swimming and snorkeling, rock climbing, Thai boxing, and cooking classes.
Day trips are available from Phuket, Ko Lanta, and Krabi via either a speedboat or express ferry, and typically cover Phi Phi highlights such as Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and James Bond Island in Phang Nga National Park. Island tours generally include a tour guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, a buffet lunch, and free time to enjoy some of Asia’s most beautiful beaches.
Things to know before you go
If you want to avoid Ko Phi Phi Don’s popular party scene (Loh Dalum Bay), head to the island’s more secluded eastern coast, where beaches host rustic bungalows and five-star resorts.
For an immersive experience, visit the Phi Phi Islands as part of a 3-night sailing cruise, or on a deluxe 6-island tour that also takes in Koh Khai, Koh Yao, Mosquito Island, and Bamboo Island.
Marine life is abundant around the Phi Phi Islands. Take an island tour by speedboat charter or cruise boat to spend time swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear water. Island-hopping adventure tours also allow for exploring around some of the area’s smaller islands.
How to get there
The main port on Phi Phi Don is accessed by ferry or speedboat with routes from Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. Visit the smaller, outlying islands on a snorkeling experience, speed boat charter, or island-hopping adventure.
When to get there
Due to cooler temperatures and sparser rain showers, peak tourist season runs from November to April. Visit during shoulder seasons to enjoy the islands at their best while avoiding the crowds.
Exploring the Islands
Uninhabited Phi Phi Leh is the smaller of the two main islands. That said, it boasts abundant coral reefs. Its Maya Bay featured prominently in the 2000 film,The Beach, and is a popular diving and swimming spot for day-trippers. The best way to visit Maya Bay is to book a guided boat tour.
Phi Phi Don hums with activity—by day, a relaxed coastal paradise where you can book Koh Phi Phi Don full-day tours, and by night, a beachfront pulsing with music and fire parties. Ao Ton Sai, the island’s principal dock, houses a promenade lined with shops, bars, and restaurants.
Ways to explore
The unbridled popularity of the Phi Phi Islands means that travelers enjoy a wide range of visiting options and activities, such as swimming and snorkeling, rock climbing, Thai boxing, and cooking classes.
Day trips are available from Phuket, Ko Lanta, and Krabi via either a speedboat or express ferry, and typically cover Phi Phi highlights such as Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and James Bond Island in Phang Nga National Park. Island tours generally include a tour guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, a buffet lunch, and free time to enjoy some of Asia’s best beaches.
Accessibility
Ports and most accommodations are accessible.
Age limits
None, though the islands draw a young party crowd
What to pack
Everything you need for fun in the sun
What to wear
Light layers, bathing suit
Not allowed
Cars
Amenities
Hotels, restaurants, Wi-Fi, water sports
Address
The main port on Phi Phi Don is accessed by ferry or speedboat with routes from Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. Visit the smaller, outlying islands on a snorkeling excursion, speed boat charter, or island-hopping adventure.
Driving
Cars are not allowed on the Phi Phi Islands; golf carts or bicycles are the only way to get around.
Public transportation
There’s no public transportation on the Phi Phi Islands.
Best times to visit
Stay overnight so you can explore the islands at sunrise, before the day trip crowds arrive.
Best days to visit
Visit mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) to avoid even more crowds.
Best months to visit
Due to cooler temperatures and sparser rain showers, peak tourist season runs from November to April. There will be more tourists around this time of year, but you won’t have to worry about seasonal closures or lack of tours.
Special events
Songkran (Thai New Year) takes place every year on April 13, with festivities lasting until the 15th. Like the rest of Thailand, the Phi Phi Islands celebrate big with beach parties and friendly water-gun fights.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!