Koh Phi Phi Island Guide 2026: Beaches, Maya Bay & Where to Stay

When to visit Koh Phi Phi

High season runs from November to April: dry weather, calm seas, but more crowds and higher prices. Shoulder months (October, May) offer the best balance, fewer tourists, occasional showers, lower hotel rates. Maya Bay closes during peak monsoon (every year from August 1 to September 30) for reef recovery. For diving, March-May has the clearest visibility. For families, November-February has the most consistent weather.

Maya Bay sunrise speedboat tour

Beat the day-tour crowds, arrive at Maya Bay by 6:30am while it's still empty. Includes snorkeling at Bamboo Island, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave. 6-7h.

Pirate boat full-day cruise

Themed pirate boat with music, bar, kayaks, SUP. Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay sunset. 8h, fits couples + families.

Snorkeling private speedboat

Charter a private speedboat for your group. Custom itinerary, Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island, Phi Phi Leh. 4-8h, up to 8 pax.

Scuba diving · Open Water certification

PADI Open Water course over 3 days. 4 dives, theory, certification. Best dive sites: Bida Nok, Hin Klai, Anemone Reef.

Scuba diving · Advanced Open Water

2-day Advanced course for certified Open Water divers. 5 adventure dives up to 30m depth.

Long-tail boat private charter

Traditional Thai long-tail boat for hidden coves and quiet beaches. Half-day or full-day, 1-6 pax.

Phi Phi Don sunset cruise

Evening cruise around Phi Phi Don, snorkeling at Monkey Beach, sunset over the Andaman.

Phi Phi 4 islands combo from Krabi

Day trip combining Phi Phi + Bamboo Island + Khai Islands departing from Krabi/Ao Nang.

How to get to Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi has no airport, you arrive by boat. From Phuket: 2h20 ferry or 1h speedboat from Rassada Pier, several departures a day. From Krabi: 2h20 ferry from Klong Jilad Pier, or 1h speedboat from Ao Nang. From Koh Lanta or Railay: speedboat connections, 1-2h. We arrange private speedboat transfers if you want to skip the schedule.

Where to stay on Koh Phi Phi

Phi Phi Don has accommodation in three main areas: Tonsai Village (heart of the action, restaurants, nightlife, busiest), Long Beach (quieter, beach-front, 15min boat from Tonsai), Laem Tong (north tip, luxury resorts, 30min boat). For families and couples seeking quiet: Long Beach or Laem Tong. For young travelers and nightlife: Tonsai. We don't sell hotel rooms but we'll recommend the right area for your style.

Do I need to book Maya Bay in advance?

Book your tour early in the dry season (November to April). Maya Bay admits 300 visitors at a time, swimming is allowed only in the buoy zone, and the bay closes to landings every year from 1 August to 30 September. For fewer people, go early: Morning Maya meets at our Tonsai office at 6:00 am and the boat leaves at 6:15 am.

How much is the national park entrance fee?

400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child aged 4 to 11, free under 4. It is already included on the Pirate Boat party, the Magic Day and the speedboat day from Phuket. On Morning Maya and the private long-tail, you pay it in cash to the rangers on the day. Each tour page shows it under Included or Not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, mask + snorkel are included on all our snorkeling tours. Bring your own if you have a custom prescription mask.

Can I do Koh Phi Phi as a day trip from Phuket?

Yes. Our speedboat day from Phuket picks you up at your hotel between 7:30 and 8:00 am, visits Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Phi Phi Don for lunch, and has you back around 6:00 pm, park fees included, from 2,000 THB. From Krabi, the day runs from about 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, from 1,900 THB. With a night on the island, you can also see Maya Bay at sunrise.

What's the minimum age for diving?

10 years for PADI Bubblemaker (try-dive). 15 years for Open Water certification. Children under 10 can snorkel with parents.

Are tours suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes for sunset cruises and most boat tours (life jackets provided). Snorkeling and diving need swimming ability, please tell us at booking and we'll match the right tour.

How much is a Phi Phi island tour?

From Koh Phi Phi, a shared tour costs 900 THB per person for the Morning Maya sunrise trip, 1,800 THB for the full-day Magic Day speedboat tour, and 1,800 THB for the Pirate Boat party (2,200 THB per adult for departures from 1 November 2026). A private long-tail costs 2,500 THB for 2 hours to 6,500 THB for 6 hours per boat for 3 people, plus 500 THB per extra person, and a private speedboat from 9,100 THB per boat (3 hours, up to 6 people). The national park fee is included on the Magic Day and the Pirate Boat.

What is the best Phi Phi island tour?

It depends on what you want. For Maya Bay before the crowds, take the Morning Maya: you are in the bay at 6:50 am. To see the most in one day, the Magic Day speedboat covers Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island, with lunch. For your own pace and stops, book a private long-tail. For music, a bar and sunset at sea, choose the Pirate Boat. For a big group or longer distances, a private speedboat with a guide.

Is lunch included on Phi Phi island tours?

On most full-day tours, yes. The Magic Day includes lunch on Bamboo Island (pad thai, chicken basil fried rice, papaya salad, fruit), vegetarian on request. The Pirate Boat includes lunch and fruit, the speedboat day from Phuket a Thai lunch on Phi Phi Don, and the Krabi day a buffet lunch. The Morning Maya serves fruit and drinks only. Each tour page lists what is included.

Should I book a Phi Phi island tour in advance?

In high season, November to April, yes: the small-group sunrise tours fill first, so book them a few days ahead. Outside high season you can often book the day before. Around Christmas and New Year, book tours 3 to 5 days ahead, and the Morning Maya or a private boat 1 to 2 weeks ahead. A private long-tail can be booked online until 8:00 pm Thailand time the day before; after that, message us on WhatsApp.