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Thailand

Phi Phi

The Phi Phi Islands combine turquoise bays, dramatic limestone cliffs and car-free island life in the Andaman Sea. Many arrive on a day trip, but staying a few nights on Phi Phi Don brings early mornings, quieter evenings and much more time to explore the islands.

Long-tail boats at Phi Phi Don at sunset
Long-tail boats at Phi Phi Don at sunset · Photo: Jonny Clow

Especially good for

Island hoppingBeaches and snorkellingViews and natureCouples and friends

Recommended stay

2–4 nights

Best areas

Tonsai Village, Loh Dalum, Long Beach and Laem Tong

Transport

Walking, long-tail boat and ferry

Airport

Phuket or Krabi

A little more of the place

Find your rhythm in Phi Phi

On Phi Phi, location makes a real difference to the holiday. Plan meals and transport around where you stay, leaving some flexibility for sea conditions.

An experience worth making time for

Island experiences

Phi Phi Islands

Use the official Krabi guide as a starting point and confirm specific boat routes locally. National park areas can have changing access rules; do not assume every bay is always open.

Visitor information: Tourism Authority of Thailand

Somewhere to stop for food

Resort restaurant · Laem Tong

Mala Kitchen · OUTRIGGER

An option at Laem Tong serving Thai and international dishes. This is not a central Tonsai stop: confirm opening, access for non-residents and any boat transport directly with the resort.

Visitor information: OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort
About these tips and sources

This section contains editorial suggestions based on official tourism guides and venues' own websites, not firsthand reviews. These source links are not affiliate links. Personal visits are labelled separately.

Sources for this section were checked on . Menus, opening hours, access and transport can change. Check directly before visiting; this date does not represent a full review of the rest of the guide.

Weekend plan

48 hours in Phi Phi

Long-tail boats in turquoise water at Phi Phi Don
Long-tail boats in turquoise water at Phi Phi Don · Photo: Brandon Minieri

First day

Tonsai and sunset

Arrive by ferry, settle in and explore the paths between Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum. Finish at the beach or a viewpoint if time and daylight allow.

Limestone cliffs at Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh
Limestone cliffs at Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh · Photo: Brandon Minieri

Second day

Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay

Leave early by long-tail boat or small-group tour for Phi Phi Leh. Combine lagoons, snorkelling and Maya Bay when weather, sea conditions and national-park rules allow.

Boats beneath the limestone cliffs of Phi Phi Don
Boats beneath the limestone cliffs of Phi Phi Don · Photo: Alexey Komarov

Third day

Viewpoints and Long Beach

Walk to Phi Phi Viewpoint before the heat builds, then spend the rest of the day at Long Beach or a quieter bay reached on foot or by boat.

Where should you stay?

Choose an area that fits the trip

Tonsai Village

The most practical base near the pier, with the widest choice of restaurants, shops and boat trips.

Loh Dalum

Beach access, a social atmosphere and livelier evenings.

Long Beach

A quieter beach base with views towards Phi Phi Leh, though luggage transfers are less convenient.

Laem Tong

A relaxed resort area in the north, usually dependent on boat transfers.

How to choose the right hotel and area →

Good to know

Small tips for an easier weekend

Travel early

Early boat trips often mean quieter bays, cooler temperatures and more flexibility if conditions change.

Check park rules

Access, swimming rules and seasonal closures can change in the national park. Check current local guidance before departure.

Pack light

Phi Phi Don has no roads for cars. Luggage is carried, wheeled or transferred by boat between the pier and your hotel.

See current transport information from Tourism Authority of Thailand →

Photo credits

Jonny Clow · CC0 · Brandon Minieri · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Brandon Minieri · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Alexey Komarov · CC BY 3.0

Continue planning

Useful travel tools for Phi Phi

Always compare coverage, total prices and terms with the provider before booking. Affiliate links do not change the price you pay.

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