Phi Phi Islands: Tickets, Hours & What to See

What makes Phi Phi Islands worth the trip?

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.

Trails

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

Wildlife

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

Phi Phi Islands in Pictures

Forested green hills of Ko Phi Phi Don rising behind a low sandy shore lined with buildings, seen across turquoise water from the sea — Seen from an approaching boat, Phi Phi Don's flat sandy isthmus links the island's two forested hills and cradles the main village, edged by the shallow turquoise water where ferries and day tours arrive.Photo: Krzysztof Golik · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Three wooden long-tail boats moored on the white sand of Maya Bay beneath towering limestone karst cliffs — Traditional wooden long-tail boats rest on Maya Bay's sand on Phi Phi Leh, enclosed by the sheer limestone walls that shelter the cove made famous by the film 'The Beach'.Photo: Diego Delso · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

When to Visit

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

Admission and 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)

Tips for Visitors

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tour departure times and access hours for Phi Phi Islands?

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).

How much does it cost to access Phi Phi Islands?

Group speedboat tour: ฿1,500-2,500 ($43-72) per person, includes lunch. 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.

What should visitors bring when visiting Phi Phi Islands?

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.