Phi Phi Islands
Limestone cliffs, Maya Bay and coral reefs in a marine national park about 45 km by sea from Phuket.
At a glance
Maya Bay is a cove enclosed by limestone cliffs about 100 m high, with a white beach nearly 200 m long.
The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands in the Andaman Sea, about 40 to 50 km southeast of Phuket, that form part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province. Phi Phi Don, the largest, is the only inhabited one, with the village of Ton Sai on a narrow isthmus between two bays. Phi Phi Leh, to the south, is uninhabited and is known for Maya Bay, where the film The Beach was shot in 1999.
The attraction is the scenery: sheer limestone karsts rising out of clear water, sheltered lagoons and coral reefs that are among the most popular snorkelling and diving spots in Thailand. A typical day trip combines a boat tour around Phi Phi Leh, a stop at Maya Bay, snorkelling in the bays and lunch on Phi Phi Don.
From a cruise ship the islands can only be reached as a full-day boat trip. Ships either anchor off Patong and tender passengers ashore, or berth at the Deep Sea Port near Phuket Town; from there, tours transfer by road to a pier such as Rassada and continue by speedboat, about an hour each way. It is a long day for a single port call, so a ship excursion or a tour that guarantees the return time is the sensible choice.
Getting there from the port
3 optionsYour day in port
Example: call from 08:00 to 18:00, all aboard at 17:30.
- 08:00AshoreTender to the jetty at Patong, or walk off at the Deep Sea Port, and meet your tour.
- 08:30To the pierRoad transfer to the speedboat pier on the east coast of Phuket.
- 10:00Phi Phi LehCruise past the cliffs and lagoons of Phi Phi Leh and stop at Maya Bay (outside August and September).
- 11:30SnorkellingTime in the water on one of the reefs around the islands.
- 12:30Lunch on Phi Phi DonLunch near Ton Sai and a short walk along the beach.
- 13:45Back to PhuketSpeedboat and road transfer back to the port, to be on board by 16:30.
What to see
- 1Maya BayThe cove on Phi Phi Leh enclosed by high cliffs, with a white sand beach; closed to visitors every year from 1 August to 30 September.
- 2Phi Phi Leh by boatCruising past the cliffs and lagoons of the uninhabited southern island, the setting of The Beach.
- 3Snorkelling on the reefsShallow coral reefs around the islands, with tropical fish in clear water when the sea is calm.
- 4Phi Phi DonThe only inhabited island, with the village of Ton Sai, beaches and the restaurants where most tours stop for lunch.
- 5Viewpoint over Phi Phi DonA steep path from Ton Sai climbs to a viewpoint over the two bays of the isthmus.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Book a tour with a set return timeThe day is long and depends on the sea; choose the ship excursion or a tour that commits to having you back well before all aboard.
- Check the seasonMaya Bay closes every year from 1 August to 30 September, and in the May to October monsoon the sea can be rough and trips may be cancelled.
- National park feeVisitors pay the park entrance fee for the islands; ask whether it is included in the tour price and carry cash in baht just in case.
- Protect yourself and the reefTake a hat, reef-safe sun cream, water and a dry bag. Do not touch or stand on the coral.
- SeasicknessSpeedboats bounce on choppy water; sit towards the back and take seasickness tablets if you are prone to it.
Accessibility & families
Not suitable for wheelchair users: boarding speedboats and landing on beaches involves steps, ladders and wading, and the ride can be rough. Children who can swim enjoy the day, but it is long and very sunny; life jackets are provided on tour boats.
In pictures
