Want to do a Phi Phi Island day trip, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!
In this article I have included everything you need to know about doing an awesome day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, both from Phuket and Krabi.
I have included key information like how to get to Phi Phi from Phuket and Krabi, the best tours to join, what to do once there, what to pack and more!
The Phi Phi archipelago is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, and it’s easy to see why. Its world-famous beaches, imposing cliffs and scenery, lush marine life and laid-back vibe make it a unique place.
Planning a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands isn’t hard, but I want to make sure you have all the details you need to make it an amazing day.
So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and plan your perfect Phi Phi day tour!
Contents
Enjoying the beautiful Maya Bay in Krabi, Thailand
About the Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are the jewel of the Andaman Sea.
Scattered across the Gulf of Thailand, it’s made up of two main islands; Koh Phi Phi Leh and Koh Phi Phi Don, with other smaller islands dotted around, mostly uninhabited.
Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest island, and the only one with a small town on it. It has a very chill laid-back vibe, and it’s one of the main backpacker destinations for all travellers to Thailand.
Not far from Koh Phi Phi Don, you will find Koh Phi Phi Leh, a beautiful island that’s long enticed travellers, thanks to its gorgeous coral reefs, imposing limestone cliffs and the famous Maya Bay.
Even though they’re technically part of Krabi, most people visit Phi Phi as part of their Phuket itinerary, as it’s fairly close.
Many travellers visit Phi Phi on a day trip, and if that’s your plan too, you’ve come to the right place!
Enjoying the view over Koh Phi Phi Don from the famous Phi Phi Viewpoint in Thailand
How to get to Phi Phi Island
First of all, it’s not really possible to do the Phi Phi day trip independently. The only real way to do it is to hop on a tour, either from Phuket or Krabi, depending on where you’re staying.
How to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket
The Phi Phi Island day tour from Phuket is mostly done by speedboat.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken across the sea to various different sights around the Phi Phi Islands. Tours may include a buffet lunch, mask and snorkel, and the national park fee.
Technically speaking, from Phuket, there are also public ferries, which could make a Phi Phi island day tour (sort of) possible without joining a tour.
However, the ferry takes around two hours, but I would say that the ferry times are a little bit inconvenient if you’re just going for the day.
You can check ferry times here. When I visited Phi Phi, the ferries were leaving Phuket around 10AM, arriving in Phi Phi around 12PM. The latest ferry back from Koh Phi Phi Don was then around 3PM.
My dad taking in the view of Maya Bay from the sea from the prow of our speedboat
That doesn’t give you much time to explore these beautiful islands. It’s better to join a tour like this one, which has better timings, leaving earlier in the morning and coming back later in the afternoon.
I have linked below some of the best tours to Phi Phi Island from Phuket.
Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch: This is the classic Phi Phi Island day tour from Phuket. It includes a buffet lunch, a visit to Viking Cave and a snorkel at Bamboo Island.
Click here to book your Phuket to Phi Phi Island day tour with lunch!
From Phuket Or Khao Lak: Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour: This tour is pretty similar to the above, but with the added benefit of setting off earlier, which means less crowds in Maya Bay!
Click here to book your early bird tour to Phi Phi Island day tour from Phuket!
Phuket: Phi Phi Islands Day-Trip by Speed Catamaran: If you want to treat yourself, this tour is a great way to do so! This luxury speed catamaran will add that extra wow effect to your Phuket to Phi Phi tour.
Check out prices & availability for your luxury catamaran tour to Phi Phi from Phuket!
Discovering the beautiful Maya Bay in Phi Phi Leh, Thailand
Discovering the beautiful and hidden Nui Beach in Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand
How to get to Phi Phi Island from Krabi
Getting to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi is the same as from Phuket. You can either take the ferry (which I don’t recommend for a day trip), or join a speedboat tour.
The ferries from Krabi take around 90 minutes to reach the Phi Phi islands along the 40-kilometre crossing.
Similarly to the ferries from Phuket, the timings aren’t convenient for a day trip, as they don’t leave you with much free time there.
Instead, check out one of these speedboat tours. These tours are one of the most popular ways to see the islands, ticking off all the main sights on a single full-day tour.
It involves being up bright and early at your accommodation in Krabi, before being taken to Railay Beach. From there you’ll hop on the speedboat and be whisked around the islands.
This sort of trip includes an English-speaking guide, lunch, and snorkel equipment.
Note that many tours from Krabi don’t include the entrance fee to the national park (400 THB), which must be paid at the entrance to the park in Koh Phi Phi Leh.
Long tail boats lined up at Monkey Beach in Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand
Here are the most popular and highly reviewed tours that you can book online.
From Krabi: Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour: This is the classic Phi Phi Islands day trip from Krabi, with stops at Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach and Pi Leh Lagoon.
Click here to book your speedboat day trip to Maya Bay from Krabi!
An over / under shot of our private long tail boat tour in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand, and the fish below
What does a Phi Phi Island day tour include?
Regardless of whether Phi Phi island tour sets off from Krabi or Phuket, they tend to include many similarities.
From the mode of transport (either a longtail boat or a speedboat) to the sights you’ll see along the way, it will basically be the same tour.
Therefore, don’t let the starting point of your day trip influence your Thailand itinerary, as you will visit all of the beautiful must-see sights of Phi Phi both if you visit from Krabi or from Phuket.
There are some differences however, as a Phi Phi island day trip cost can vary massively depending on the package. If you choose a private boat over a group tour, small group versus large tour, any extra stops and so on.
Mostly though, you’ll be whisked away to the following big-hitter destinations in this beautiful archipelago.
The view over Maya Bay from the wooden viewing platform
The “Welcome to Maya Bay” sign, when you first walk onto the beach
Visit Maya Bay
Pretty much every single Koh Phi Phi day trip will include a visit to Maya Bay. This iconic spot was made famous as a filming location in The Beach, the 2000 travel movie starring Leonardo diCaprio.
With a beach backed by soaring cliffs, you can easily see why the hidden cove has become fairly busy today. Maya Bay was actually closed for four years, to allow it to recover from the effects of over tourism.
Today, Maya Bay is open once again, but boats can no longer dock inside it and you’re not allowed to swim in the water. You can only get in up to knee-length water for pictures.
However, don’t let that deter you, as it’s still a truly stunning spot. Plus, you’ll be able to snorkel and swim in other stops of your Phi Phi Islands day trip.
The beach itself is a 100-metre-long stretch of white sandy beach, which is an idyllic place to lounge around for a while soaking up the surroundings.
The crystal clear water and towering cliffs of Maya Bay in Thailand
Snorkel in Phi Leh Lagoon
After Maya Bay, most tours will head over to another of the area’s beautiful lagoons; Phi Leh Lagoon, also located on Koh Phi Phi Ley.
Cutting into the shape of the island on its eastern side, this 600-metre-long bay is an integral part of tours in the area and, well, it’s not hard to see why: it’s a stunner.
The lagoon is centred in front of a 100-metre-high limestone cliffs, while the water itself is emerald and translucent.
This makes for excellent conditions for snorkelling (it’s one of the best snorkelling and scuba diving spots in Thailand after all!), which is exactly what people do when the tour boats rock up here.
Snorkelling in Pileh Lagoon, in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Explore Viking Cave
Viking Cave is around half an hour on the boat from Phi Leh Lagoon. It’s most famous as a collection point for the natural bounty that are swallow’s nests — the main ingredient for Chinese delicacy bird’s nest soup.
You’re not allowed up in the cave where the locals climb up to collect the nests, but you can see them ascending up the cliffs while you’re floating around in the boat below; the tour boat usually makes sure to slow down so you can glimpse the spectacle.
Interestingly the cave doesn’t get its name from Vikings, but instead from some 400-year-old graffiti of Chinese fishing junk.
Longtail boats in the harbour of Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand
See the monkeys at Monkey Beach
As the name suggests, this large beach is home to monkeys. You will se monkeys in the trees that line the beach, and they often come down to the sand as they know tourists often have food on them.
Other than the monkeys, which can be a little bit pesky if you’re not careful, it’s a beautiful spot framed by turquoise seas and verdant cliffs, with soft, silky sand to dig your toes into.
Here you can relax for a while, see the monkeys in this unique setting and go for a swim in the crystal clear waters of Monkey Bay.
Don’t leave your bags unattended, as the monkeys will open them to see if you have food inside!
A monkey on the beach at Monkey Beach, in Phi Phi Don, Thailand
Chill at Bamboo Island
Also called Koh Pai, Bamboo Island sits to the northeast of the Phi Phi archipelago.
It’s a tiny island (only 700 metres long), but size doesn’t matter: this heart-shaped island is absolutely beautiful, featuring a wide beach that slopes gently into the sparkling sea.
There’s not much here, only a coral reef out to sea and a small beach eatery, but who cares? It’s gorgeous.
Snorkelling is great here since the water is nice, warm and perfectly crystal clear (and also because of the coral, obviously).
The clear turquoise water of Bamboo Island in Thailand
The clear turquoise water of Bamboo Island in Thailand, a popular stop on many tours to Maya Bay
This isn’t an option on all Phi Phi island tours, but sometimes the bigger boats will bring kayaks with them.
This means you’ll get to kayak to little secret coves and hidden beaches when the boat drops anchor in one of more of the stunning locations I listed above.
Discovering the beautiful and hidden Nui Beach in Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand
Best Phi Phi Islands tours
Now that you know what’s on offer, you’re probably wondering about what Phi Phi Island tour you should choose.
Whether you’re looking for Phuket day trips to Phi Phi, or if you’re more interested in Phi Phi island tours from Krabi, take note of these top day trips from both destinations for your upcoming vacation…
Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch
This is the classic Phi Phi island day trip from Phuket — and it has a ton of glowing reviews.
Starting from your accommodation in Phuket, you’ll be taken to all the main sites, including the famous Maya Bay, Pileh Cove, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Don Island (for lunch; included), Nui Bay and Bamboo Island.
You’ll then return to Phuket on the speed boat in time for dinner.
Click here to book your classic day tour to Phi Phi from Phuket, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Island hopping with a typical wooden long tail boat in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
From Krabi: Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour
This day trip is the same classic Phi Phi island tour as above, with the difference that it sets off from Krabi.
Like many, this is a Phi Phi island tour by speedboat and it will see you zipping across the sea on an adventure around the archipelago.
Highlights include swimming and snorkelling at Bamboo Island (it’s really stunning), passing by the interesting Viking Cave, swimming in Maya Bay, and snorkelling at Phi Leh Lagoon. It also includes lunch.
Click here to book your Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour from Krabi, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
An over / under shot of our private long tail boat tour in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand, and the fish below
From Phi Phi: Full-Day Sunset Long Tail Boat Tour
This small group tour of the Phi Phi islands is a great option for anybody who feels like staying in the Phi Phi Islands overnight.
Unlike most tours, it’s done via a traditional longtail boat instead of a speedboat, and it makes eight stops along the way. You’ll also get to see the sunset on this tour, which is another bonus.
However it starts in Koh Phi Phi Don, not from the bigger Phuket or Maya Bay harbours. As such, it’s only suited for those who plan to take the ferry to Phi Phi, stay overnight and then join a boat tour the next day.
Click here to book your long-tail boat tour in the Phi Phi Islands, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Enjoying the sunset during our longtail boat tour in Phi Phi, Thailand
From Phuket Or Khao Lak: Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour
This early bird tour is a great option if you want to avoid the crowds in Maya Beach, possibly making it the best Phi Phi Island tour for anybody who wants to see pristine beaches without the other tourists.
You also get to climb to an amazing viewpoint on Phi Phi Don — and that’s before you’ve even stopped for breakfast!
There’s also a picnic lunch involved later on in the day, and plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, and lounging around. Plus, the price of this Phi Phi islands tour makes it a good value for money.
Click here to book your early bird tour to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Phi Phi Don Viewpoint
Krabi: Phi Phi Sunrise & 4 Islands by Speedboat with Lunch
Also leaving early in the day to help you avoid crowds, this tour is an interesting option since it goes from Krabi and also includes the Krabi four islands tour.
That’s what makes it a bit different from the other Phi Phi tours, mainly because it includes some islands that you wouldn’t otherwise see on the main tours.
There’s also the bonus of a pretty decent Thai buffet at a hotel restaurant for lunch.
Click here to book your Phi Phi & 4 Islands Tour by speedboat from Krabi, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Enjoying the beach at Koh Poda, one of the islands you will on a 4 Islands Boat Tour from Krabi
Phuket: Phi Phi Islands Day-Trip by Speed Catamaran
If luxury is what you’re looking for, then look no further than this luxury day trip to Phi Phi from Phuket.
You’ll get to tour around the archipelago on a speedy catamaran, with slightly more upscale facilities, and enjoy a BBQ onboard as the sun sets, which is pretty epic!
Click here to book your luxury day tour to Phi Phi from Phuket, or check out prices & availability in the calendar below!
Enjoying a longtail boat tour in Krabi, Thailand, with Railay Beach behind me
Is a Phi Phi island day trip worth it?
Yes and no… While it’s a beautiful archipelago — I mean, obviously it is — with some iconic and pretty unique sights like Maya Bay, it is also super busy and overly touristy.
There are other beautiful islands to visit in Thailand. Many, many more in fact (for example Koh Lipe, the Surin Islands or Similan Islands) that are far less touristy than Phi Phi which you could visit.
But if you’re dead set on visiting Phi Phi island (I don’t blame you, it was a must on my travel bucket list too), I would recommend going there via ferry and trying to spend at least one night there.
This means you’ll be able to enjoy the chill town and see it after the daytrippers leave, and then for something special maybe go to Maya Bay for a super early bird tour and see it without the huge crowds.
I visited the Phi Phi Islands three times, once on a private boat tour from Krabi, and twice staying overnight. The two times I stayed overnight were much more enjoyable. If you do opt for a day trip, try a private tour if you can.
The Phi Phi Islands are very touristy, but there’s no denying they’re beautiful and definitely worth visiting. Just make sure you spend at least a night there, and see everything they have to offer, instead of just visiting on a day trip.
Discovering the beautiful and hidden Nui Beach in Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand
Where to stay for your Phi Phi day trip
For a Phi Phi Island day trip, you can either stay in Krabi or Phuket. Personally, I much preferred Krabi as it’s more laid-back than Phuket, and it’s also shorter boat trip to the Phi Phi archipelago.
I have listed below some of the best places to stay for every budget.
In Krabi
Budget: Railay Viewpoint Resort – This budget option is great for those who want spacious rooms and a pool with view for an affordable price. It’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main road of Railay Beach.
Click here to book your stay at Railay Viewpoint Resort!
Mid-range: Railay Princess Resort & Spa – This is where we stayed for a week and really enjoyed it. The property is clean, the rooms spacious, it offers a lovely breakfast buffet, has a great pool with view and is in an easy position to reach close to East Railay Pier. What more could you need?
Click here to book your stay at Railay Princess Resort & Spa!
Luxury: Rayavadee – If you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do so! Located in Phra Nang Beach (the only hotel there) this luxury property offers gorgeous private villas nestled in nature.
Check out prices & availability at Rayavadee here!
The beautiful pool and view at Railay Princess Resort & Spa in Railay Beach, Krabi
In Phuket
I didn’t personally love Phuket, but it’s one of the most popular beach destinations in Thailand for a reason.
If you’re planning lots of day trips in the Gulf of Thailand, you should stay on the Eastern side of Phuket, so you don’t have to drive as much within Phuket to get to the harbour and boat trips.
Here are some great places to stay in Phuket for every budget.
Budget: Bodega Phuket Party Hostel – I haven’t stayed here personally, but if you’re in a party mood, I’ve heard this hostel is the place to be in Phuket.
Click here to book your stay in a hostel in Phuket!
Mid-range: The Crib Patong – I stayed here on my second trip to Phuket. It’s a really cute boutique hotel that was close to the nightlife of Bangla Road, but just far enough that the noise wasn’t annoying at night.
Check the latest prices and availability at The Crib Patong here!
Luxury: Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, Karon Beach – I stayed here on my first trip to Phuket. Located right on the beach and away from the chaos of Patong, it’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a fancy stay.
Check out the availability & prices at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, Karon Beach!
Sunset over the ocean as seen from our room at the Hilton
In Koh Phi Phi Don
I know this article is about doing a day trip to Phi Phi, but as I already said, I really think you should spend at least one night there. If you choose to do so, here are some great places to stay in Phi Phi Don for every budget.
Budget: Sweet Dee Hostel – Phi Phi is a bit of a party destination, so if that’s what you’re looking for, a hostel like this is a great place to be. They only offer dorms with lockers, and are centrally located in Phi Phi.
Click here to book your stay at Sweet Dee Hostel in Phi Phi!
Mid-range: Papaya Phi Phi Resort – This is where I stayed on my second trip to the Phi Phi Islands. It’s not particularly fancy, but has a lovely view, and all the rooms have small balconies where you will be served breakfast in the morning.
Check out the latest prices and availability at Papaya Phi Phi Resort
Luxury: Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort – I stayed here on my first trip to Phi Phi and can honestly say it’s great. It’s a 10-minute walk from the harbour, in a quieter part of the island, with a great pool and view.
Check out the availability & prices at Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort
Breakfast served to your room at Papaya Phi Phi Resort in Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand
What to pack for your day tour to Phi Phi Island
For a full breakdown of what you should pack for Thailand, check out my Thailand packing list. Here I just included a few essentials that you will need for visiting the Phi Phi Islands.
Fast drying towel – There’s a lot of swimming and lounging on beaches involved in these day trips, so make sure to have one of these! I love these towels because they are quick to dry and they don’t take up much space.
Waterproof jacket – If you visit in rainy season, you’ll be glad to have one of these!
Power bank – You don’t want your phone to die on you just as you’re about to snap a gorgeous photo of that beautiful Phi Phi Island landscape!
Dry bag – To keep your valuables safe and dry during the boat trip.
The crystal clear water and towering cliffs of Maya Bay in Krabi, Thailand
Final thoughts on doing a Phi Phi Island tour by speedboat
There you have it, the ultimate guide to doing a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands! Have you been to Koh Phi Phi before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
The islands of the Phi Phi archipelago are amongst the most famous islands in Thailand, and that means they can get incredibly busy. As such, I personally think you’re better off staying in Phi Phi overnight, instead of just a day trip.
That will give you time to properly enjoy these islands, and visit popular places like Maya Bay before the day-trippers arrive.
If your Thailand itinerary doesn’t allow for an overnight stay, and you’re set on a day trip, don’t worry, as it will still be an unforgettable experience, even if just for the day.
The beach of Maya Bay as seen from the sea (boats are no longer allowed in the bay!)
I’ve been to Thailand four times, and three times to Phi Phi, so I understand the pull of these islands. One of the things I love about Thailand is the rich variety.
After visiting Koh Phi Phi, you could head to the north, play with elephants in Chiang Mai, discover the temples of Chiang Rai or Ayutthaya, explore the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, and even learn to cook pad Thai during a Thai cooking class.
So yes, go on a day trip to Phi Phi Island, but don’t forget to go beyond and see the other beautiful places in Thailand!
I hope you found my Phi Phi Island day trip guide useful, and that it will help you plan the perfect day tour. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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