Phi Phi Island Tour: A Complete 2026 Guide

A Phi Phi Island tour is one of the most popular ways to experience Thailand’s islands. Located in the Andaman Sea between Krabi and Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands belong to Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. There are six islands in the group, but most people visit Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh for Maya Bay, limestone cliffs, and clear turquoise water.

This guide explains how to get to Phi Phi Island from Krabi or Phuket, highlights the best places to visit, top Phi Phi Island snorkelling spots, describes the weather each month, and shares practical tips to help you plan your holiday.

Where Is Phi Phi Island, Thailand?

If you’re wondering “where is Phi Phi Island”, it lies in the Andaman Sea between Krabi and Phuket. It’s part of the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and is about 42 km from Krabi and 46 km from Phuket.

Krabi and Phuket are the two main departure points for visitors. The Phi Phi archipelago consists of six islands in total:

How to Get There From Krabi to Phi Phi Island?

The only way to reach Phi Phi Island, Thailand, is by boat. There are no roads or bridges. Most people travel from Krabi or Phuket, and both are convenient depending on where you are staying.

Ferry from Krabi

The Krabi to Phi Phi Island ferry is the most popular option.

• Travel time: 1.5 to 2 hours
• Cost: THB 400-600 per person (one way)
• Departures: Multiple daily; earliest around 8:30 AM
• Drop-off: Ton Sai Pier, Phi Phi Don

Get to Klong Jilad Pier at least 30 to 40 minutes before your ferry leaves. Reserve ferry tickets well ahead during the November to April high season. 

Speedboat from Krabi

A speedboat gets you there in about 45 to 60 minutes and usually carries around 30 passengers, so the crossing feels less crowded.

• Offers a faster journey with fewer passengers onboard. 
• Carries fewer passengers (usually around 30), so it feels less crowded.
• This is a good option if you want a quick getaway or plan to take a Phi Phi Island tour package as a day out from Krabi.

From Phuket

Phuket is the other main departure point for reaching Phi Phi Island, Thailand. 

• Travel time: 2 hours by ferry
• This route takes a bit longer than from Krabi because Phuket is farther from the islands.
• Popular for sunrise Phi Phi Island tours, as boats leave early and arrive before the crowds.

Note: If you’re spending a few extra days on the mainland, check out our guide to the best places to visit in Krabi before or after your Phi Phi Island tour.

Krabi vs Phuket: Quick Comparison

Not sure where to stay? Read our detailed comparison of Phuket vs Krabi to help you pick the best base for your holiday.

Phi Phi Island Weather: What Is the Best Time to Go?

Phi Phi Island weather stays warm all year, with average temperatures around 27 to 28°C (80 to 82°F). However, the season you visit can really affect what you can do and how your holiday feels.

Peak Season: November to April

This is the best time to book a Phi Phi Island tour. During this Phi Phi Island weather, the skies are mostly clear, the sea is calm, and there’s little rain.

What this means for you:

• Best conditions for Phi Phi Island snorkelling and boat tours
• Good visibility underwater
• Maya Bay is open and accessible
• Busier crowds, especially from December to February
• Higher prices for accommodation and tours

Peak season average temperature: 27-28°C | Rainfall: low | Seas: calm

Low Season: May to October

This is the monsoon season. During this Phi Phi Island weather, it rains more often, and the sea can get rough, which sometimes affects boat schedules.

During the low season:

• Some Phi Phi Island snorkelling spots may be harder to reach
• Fewer tourists on the islands
• Lower prices across accommodation and Phi Phi Island tour package options
• Maya Bay usually closes every year from 1 August to 30 September for ecosystem recovery, but most other Phi Phi tour stops stay open. The Department of National Parks announces the closure dates each year, so check for updates before you travel.

Low season average temperature: 27-29°C | Rainfall: high | Seas: rough at times

What Does a Phi Phi Island Tour Cover?

Most Phi Phi Island tours in Thailand follow a similar route around the islands. Here are the main stops you’ll probably visit:

Maya Bay

Maya Bay is the most popular stop on any Phi Phi Island tour. It’s located on Phi Phi Leh and became famous as the filming location for the 2000 movie The Beach.

What to know before you go:

• Boats dock at a floating pontoon on the opposite side of the island
• You walk a short wooden pathway (about 5 minutes) to reach the bay
• Swimming is not allowed here. You can only wade in knee-deep water, and rangers strictly enforce this rule. Breaking it can result in fines.
• National Park rangers patrol the bay and strictly enforce this rule

Tribe Travel Tip: Arrive early morning or late afternoon to avoid the day's busiest window.

Pileh Lagoon

Pileh Lagoon is surrounded by the cliffs of Phi Phi Leh. The water is bright turquoise, and steep limestone walls rise on all sides.

What to know:

• Best viewed and photographed from the entrance of the lagoon
• Avoid swimming at the far end; boat exhaust from longtail engines goes directly into the water there
• Most Phi Phi Island tour packages include a short stop here, mainly for taking photos.

Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island (Koh Phai) is a small island northeast of Phi Phi Don. It is known for its white sand beach and calm, clear water.

What to know:

• A lifejacket is mandatory if you enter the sea; National Park rangers enforce this strictly
• Facilities on the island include toilets and a small snack bar
• It is one of the best Phi Phi Island snorkelling spots, with reef sharks, parrotfish, and coral visible in the shallow water.
• Many full-day tours include a stop here, often around lunchtime. 

Phi Phi Island Snorkelling Spots

Phi Phi Island snorkelling is one of the main reasons people book a tour here. The water is clear; there’s lots of marine life, and most spots are easy to access, even for beginners.

Some of the top Phi Phi Island snorkelling spots:

Tribe Travel Tip: The black-tip reef sharks here are not aggressive toward people.

Monkey Beach

Monkey Beach is a small cove near the Phi Phi Don pier. It is a common stop on many Phi Phi Island tours.

What to know:

• A handful of wild monkeys live on the beach
• The beach can get busy when multiple tour boats arrive at the same time. 
• If you’re booking a private tour, you can choose to skip this stop.

Viking Cave

Viking Cave is on the northeast coast of Phi Phi Leh. It is a historic site with ancient wall paintings that are believed to be several centuries old.

What to know:

• Entry is not permitted; boats stop nearby for viewing from the water
• The cave is also known for the edible bird's nest collection, which still takes place today
• It is a quick stop, usually visited on the way to other places.

How Many Types of Phi Phi Island Tours Are Available?

The best type of Phi Phi Island tour depends on your schedule and group size. Here are the main options:

Full-Day Group Tours

This is the most common format for Phi Phi Island tour packages.

• Duration: 8 to 12 hours
• Covers: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, snorkelling stops, and more
• Includes: Two-way transfers from Krabi or Phuket, lunch, snorkelling gear (confirm before booking)
• Best for: First-time visitors who want to cover all major stops in one day

Sunrise / Half-Day Tours

• Departure: As early as 7 AM
• Duration: 8 to 10 hours
• Best for: Reaching Maya Bay before the main crowd arrives; photography
• This type of Phi Phi Island tour package is popular with travellers who want quieter conditions at the main spots.

Sunset and Evening Tours

• Depart in the afternoon and return after dark
• Includes watching the sunset from the water
• Some tours add a bioluminescent plankton swim after dark; visibility depends on season and conditions.
• Best for: Travellers who prefer a relaxed pace and evening atmosphere

Private Longtail Boat Tours

• Fully customisable itinerary
• Cost: Approximately THB 2,500 for 2 hours / THB 6,500 for 6 hours (for the whole boat)
• Best for: Groups of four or more travelling together 
• Can be booked directly from boat drivers on the island or in advance online

What to Pack for a Phi Phi Island Tour?

You will spend most of the day on a boat or at the beach, so it is best to pack light and bring only what you need.

Here are a few things to remember:

• If you plan to snorkel or swim, a dry bag is essential. Water can easily get into regular bags on a moving boat.
• Leave unnecessary valuables at your hotel, as most boats do not have secure storage.

Tribe Travel Tips Before You Book

Planning ahead before booking a Phi Phi Island tour can save you a lot of trouble later. Here are four things to arrange in advance.

• Book your ferry tickets early. The peak season for the Krabi to Phi Phi Island route is from December to April, and seats fill up quickly. Try to book one or two months in advance, especially if you are travelling over Christmas or New Year. Booking ahead ensures you get a seat and the best choice of departure times.
• If you are staying in Krabi, it is best to depart from there. Phi Phi Island, Thailand, is much closer to Krabi than to Phuket, just 42 km away compared to 46 km from Phuket. The ferry from Krabi is faster and runs more often.
• Go on a weekday if you can. Weekday tours across the Phi Phi Islands, Krabi, Thailand, tend to be quieter. The difference is most noticeable at spots like Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island. On weekends, crowds can make the experience feel rushed.
• Respect the no-swim zones. Rangers at Maya Bay are strict about protecting the area.

Ready to Plan Your Phi Phi Island Tour?

A Phi Phi Island tour lives up to its reputation, and planning ahead makes your holiday much more enjoyable. Pick the right time of year, check what is included in your package, and visit the Phi Phi Island snorkelling spots early to avoid the crowds.

If you are wondering where Phi Phi Island is or how to get there, it is easy to reach from both Krabi and Phuket, and once you arrive, you will not forget it.

Holiday Tribe offers a range of handpicked Thailand packages that include the Phi Phi Island tour. These packages cover transfers, snorkelling stops, and all the main sights, so you do not have to handle every detail yourself.