Bangkok Airways Round-Up
- Located in southern Thailand, Koh Phi Phi is a popular tropical destination that is home to many remarkable attractions. The island has received numerous global accolades. Moreover, Koh Phi Phi’s iconic Maya Bay also won Lonely Planet’s third-best beach in the world and Beach Atlas’ fifth-best beach in the world in 2024.
- The peak season on Koh Phi Phi falls between November and April. Travelers can expect calm seas and great visibility, allowing them to enjoy many outdoor activities and make the most of their time in this paradise.
Plan your island getaway to Koh Phi Phi in Thailand and find out its must-visit highlights, from world-famous beaches to hidden natural gems. In this ultimate guide, Bangkok Airways has compiled the essential information you need to know, starting from how to get there to what to see and do on the island.
Practical Guide to Koh Phi Phi for Travelers 2026 Updated
Discover the Unique Vibes of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh
Koh Phi Phi is a stunning and well-known group of six islands, including Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Mosquito Island, and Bamboo Island. All of these are part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in the south of Thailand.
With Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh being the two main highlights, they offer breathtaking natural views of dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Each island has its own unique charm, differing in both character and size.
- Phi Phi Don: The largest and only inhabited island, full of lively atmosphere and services including hotels, resorts, restaurants, shops, and bars.
- Phi Phi Leh: A tropical paradise, home to world-famous destinations like Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon. This small island is perfect for water activities and marine life lovers, with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and boat tours through photogenic emerald waters.
To protect the fragile environment, some areas on Phi Phi Leh are closed to travelers every year from August 1 to September 30. The areas that are annually closed include Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Loko Bay. This seasonal closure helps preserve the natural beauty and thriving marine life.
Plan for National Park Fees When Visiting Koh Phi Phi
As part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, entering the islands requires entrance fees, with different rates for Thai nationals and foreign travelers.
- Thai nationals: Children 20 baht, Adults 40 baht
- Foreigners: Children 100 baht, Adults 200 baht
When entering environmentally fragile areas, including Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, Bamboo Island, and Maya Bay, an additional conservation fee applies to foreign travelers.
- Foreigners: Children 200 baht, Adults 400 baht
Note: Children are those aged 3-14 years old or under 140 cm in height.
Top Spots You Can’t Miss in Zone A: Koh Phi Phi Leh
1. Maya Bay
Maya Bay is undeniably one of Thailand’s most iconic natural wonders. This crescent-shaped bay is home to several small beaches lining the shoreline, with the main beach stretching for around 250 meters of powdery white sand.
Beneath the surface, the bay forms a large coral reef system full of colorful coral gardens and schools of tropical fish. The bay gained worldwide popularity as the filming location of The Beach in 1999, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The film made Maya Bay a global destination, attracting travelers from around the world.
A Global Mark of Excellence
- Ranked first in the World’s Most Photogenic Beach in 2025 by Heepsy
- Earned fifth place in Best Beaches in the World 2024,
- Ranked first in Asia’s Best Beaches at the Golden Beach Award 2024 by Beach Atlas.
- Named the ‘Best Beach for Cinematic Beauty’ by Lonely Planet in June 2025
Witness the stunning natural beauty with your own eyes and learn more about Maya Bay, Krabi 2026: Must-Visit Iconic Beach of Thailand
2. Pileh Lagoon
Pileh Lagoon is one of the most breathtaking natural sites on Phi Phi Leh. This lagoon stretches approximately 600 meters long, tucked along the eastern coast and shaped like a narrow canyon that almost splits the island in two. Situated next to the iconic Maya Bay, travelers can reach both spots within 5-10 minutes by long-tail boat.
As the towering 100-meter limestone cliffs frame the lagoon, the area is sheltered, creating a serene atmosphere with a sense of privacy. Pileh Lagoon is perfect for swimming and snorkeling due to its calm, crystal-clear waters that glisten under the sunlight. Capture the moment at the best time for photography between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., where the waters shimmer and reveal their vivid green tones under the rays of sunshine.
3. Viking Cave
The Viking Cave is a 170-meter-long cave located on the northeastern side of Phi Phi Leh. The cave can be quite steep to access, with the main chamber stretching approximately 60 meters deep and 80 meters wide. With a history of paintings believed to date back to around 1900, it is famous for its cave mural-style paintings.
Right at the cave’s entrance, the view of the crystal-clear seawater is so transparent that travelers can occasionally spot tropical fish swimming through, or the colorful coral reefs underneath the water’s surface. This makes the area around Viking Cave an excellent spot for snorkeling to see the vibrant underwater world.
4. Loh Samah Bay
Being one of the standout highlights of Phi Phi Leh, Loh Samah Bay is a picturesque bay with a small limestone islet at its center and a hidden beach at the northern end. The bay is located next to Maya Bay, connected by a natural opening that can be crossed at low tide. On the cliff, there is a wooden staircase and a viewing platform that offers a scenic viewpoint over the bay for travelers to admire.
Loh Samah Bay is another must-visit highlight for diving lovers, whether snorkeling or scuba diving. Known for wall diving alongside an underwater limestone cliff, the diving experience around the bay is impressive, with narrow swim-through passages and delicate soft corals and sea fans.
At Loh Samah Bay, night diving is a recommended activity as the reef transforms and glows under the torchlight. Divers can observe nocturnal marine creatures, such as moray eels, which can only be experienced at night time.
Top Spots You Can’t Miss in Zone B: Koh Phi Phi Don
5. Phi Phi Viewpoint
This is the island’s most iconic lookout, situated 180 meters above sea level, where travelers can witness breathtaking panoramic views over Koh Phi Phi Don. The hike to the viewpoint takes between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on your pace and fitness level.
Right at the top, travelers will see the island’s stunning two bays of Ton Sai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay, along with powdery white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and surrounding limestone cliffs. It is recommended to go in the early morning or late afternoon, when the rays of sunrise or sunset fill the sky, offering spectacular island views.
6. Ton Sai Bay
Located on the western side of Koh Phi Phi Don, Ton Sai Bay is approximately 900 meters away from Phi Phi Viewpoint, which can be reached easily on foot. Stretching for approximately 2 kilometers, the bay serves as the island’s main gateway, as it is a primary arrival point for ferries and speedboats. Being the island’s central hub, the area is packed with hotels, shops, restaurants, chic cafes, and lively nightlife venues.
Ton Sai Bay blends vibrant energy with tranquil sections, which are lined with coconut palms and clear seawater along the shore. As the home to Ton Sai Beach, there are plenty of activities that travelers can enjoy here, from relaxing on the beach and swimming to snorkeling and rock climbing.
7. Loh Dalum Bay
Loh Dalum Bay is a unique crescent-shaped bay located behind Ton Sai Bay on Phi Phi Don. The beach is popular for its soft, white sand with seawater that is perfect for swimming or a relaxing dip.
The beachfront is lined with hotels, restaurants, shops, and many activity options, making it one of the loveliest areas on Phi Phi Don. For travelers seeking fun-filled days and buzzing nightlife, Loh Dalum Bay is an ideal destination for those seeking vibrant energy.
8. Long Beach
Long Beach is another spot located near Ton Sai Bay, offering a spacious and lively beach area. Stretching for around 700 meters, it is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and unwinding on the powdery white sand.
For marine adventures, Long Beach is a paradise, with its excellent snorkeling and diving spots toward the eastern end, called Hin Pae. This submerged rock formation is rich in marine ecosystems and colorful corals, including branching and brain corals, with its stunning snorkeling and deeper dive locations.
9. Monkey Beach
Also known as Ao Ling, Monkey Beach is one of the highlights of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. Like in its name, the beach is home to wild macaques that roam around the area and surrounding cliffs.
While the monkeys are iconic to the beach, it also offers clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and a rich marine ecosystem. For those seeking further exploration, kayaking is also available around the bay, offering scenic views of the limestone coastline and neighboring islets.
Note: Travelers are strictly prohibited from feeding the monkeys to avoid danger and prioritize safety.
10. Wang Long Bay
Another hidden gem of Phi Phi Don is Wang Long Bay. Situated on the island’s southeastern edge, the bay is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and filled with crystal-clear waters, offering a peaceful and secluded atmosphere.
The not-to-miss highlight is its cave diving opportunities, reaching depths of around 20 meters. With dramatic rock formations and cavern-like spaces, the area creates an exciting experience for divers. For non-divers, the bay can be enjoyed through swimming in calm waters, snorkeling, or kayaking around the cliffs.
11. Loh Moo Dee Beach
Located on the eastern side of Phi Phi Don, Loh Moo Dee Bay is a peaceful stretch of coastline with a 250-meter white sand beach and clear emerald waters. Tucked away from the bustling area, the beach can be reached by following the trail from Phi Phi Viewpoint.
With its tranquil setting and calm atmosphere, Loh Moo Dee Beach offers a hidden escape for those seeking a quiet, relaxing spot. To take the adventure further, head over to either end of the bay, where colorful coral formations and diverse marine life can be found, making it perfect for snorkeling.
Top Spots You Can’t Miss in Zone C: World-Class Diving & Snorkeling Sites
12. Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island, or Koh Mai Phai, is a laid-back escape situated approximately 3 kilometers from the tip of Koh Phi Phi Don. As it has fewer crowds, the nature on the island is well preserved, with warm, crystal-clear waters, lush jungle, and soft white sand. It is one of the popular destinations for one-day trips or as a stopover for island-hopping tours.
13. Mosquito Island
Known locally as Koh Yung, Mosquito Island is located about 2.5 kilometers off the northern tip of Phi Phi Don. The island is long and narrow, with a length of 1 kilometer and a width of just 150 meters.
As an uninhabited island, the charming natural features of Mosquito Island offer an untouched feel, especially its mesmerizing underwater world. Full of vibrant corals and marine life, the waters around the southeastern tip are renowned for excellent snorkeling, where visitors can explore schools of fish and even blacktip reef sharks in the area.
14. Koh Bida Nok & Koh Bida Nai
Located on the southernmost of the Phi Phi archipelago, Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai rise from the Andaman Sea about 1.5 kilometers south of Koh Phi Phi Leh. Both islands are renowned for their exceptional diving sites, with depths of 5-30 meters, perfect for divers of all experience levels.
- Koh Bida Nok: The island has superb diving conditions suitable for a wide range of diving skills. It is renowned for the expansive staghorn coral reefs and large sea fans, as well as for rich blacktip reef sharks cruising through the water. From zebra sharks to stingrays, it is home to a rich marine life and is popular for wall diving. Depth ranges from 5-30 meters.
Koh Bida Nai: While this island is smaller in size, it is as impressive beneath the water’s surface. With massive fallen rock slabs underneath the sea, the scenery creates thrilling swim-through passages with nudibranchs and reefs all around, making it a fascinating spot for diving. On a lucky day, divers may even encounter sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and octopuses. Depth ranges from 5-26 meters.
15. King Cruiser Wreck
The King Cruiser Wreck is one of Thailand’s most famous dive sites. This breathtaking dive site was originally a car ferry operating between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. It later collided with Anemone Reef and sank in 1997, reaching a depth of around 33 meters.
Over time, the 85-meter-long wreck has deteriorated, but has also transformed into a thriving artificial reef teeming with diverse marine life. From schools of snappers and lionfish to bamboo sharks and leopard sharks, this dive site is a must-visit for diving enthusiasts to explore and experience the underwater world of the Andaman Sea.
Important Notice:
The dive site is recommended for experienced divers with an advanced open water dive level, due to the depth and strong, unpredictable currents.
Best Time to Visit Koh Phi Phi, Krabi
The best time to visit Koh Phi Phi is from November through April. The weather is normally dry and sunny, with the temperature averaging between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. During this period, the sea is generally calmer with the best underwater conditions, which allow travelers to enjoy snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, or simply unwinding on the beach.
How to Get to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi from Bangkok
Step 1: Fly from Bangkok to Krabi with Bangkok Airways
The easiest and most convenient way to reach Koh Phi Phi from Bangkok is to fly, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. With a direct flight operated by Bangkok Airways, travelers can reach Krabi in a short flight with world-class service.
Step 2: Take a Ferry Transfer from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
Getting to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi is easy and convenient. Travelers can choose between two options: a speedboat, which takes around 30-60 minutes, or a ferry, which takes about 1-2 hours.
The main departure piers in Krabi include
- Klong Jilad Pier: Ferries take approximately 2 hours with a departure time from Krabi at 3:00 p.m. and from Koh Phi Phi at 9:00 a.m. The ferry fare is around 450 baht. For speedboats, the travel time is around 1 hour with a departure time from Krabi at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and from Koh Phi Phi at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The speedboat fare is around 900 baht.
- Ao Nang Pier: Operating from Nopparat Thara Beach to Ton Sai Pier or Koh Phi Phi, daily ferry services take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Ferries depart at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with return trips from Koh Phi Phi. Fares start from 500 baht per person per trip. For speedboats, they depart from the mainland at 9:40 a.m., 11:40 a.m., and 1:40 p.m., taking about 1 hour. The return services from Koh Phi Phi are available at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Fares cost approximately 1,000 baht per person per trip.
Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi (Hotels & Areas)
1. OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort
Right on the northern tip of Phi Phi Don, OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort is a boat-access-only sanctuary that offers a true, exclusive escape along Laem Tong Beach. As a serene hideaway, this paradise allows travelers to reconnect with nature. From garden-view rooms and hilltop pool villas to beachfront pool suites, this contemporary resort delivers a variety of accommodations that make it feel intimate and unforgettable.
2. SAii Phi Phi Island Village
SAii Phi Phi Island Village invites travelers to embrace carefree island living in the secluded Loh Ba Gao Bay. Situated on a private stretch of white sand beach, the resort blends traditional Thai-inspired design with untouched nature, offering a truly tranquil retreat in Koh Phi Phi.
3. Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort
Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort is located on Phi Phi Don. The distinctive bamboo features present a sleek and stylish design that welcomes travelers to Loh Dalum Bay. With a beachfront setting, the resort is perfect for those seeking a place that is close to Phi Phi’s nightlife but also provides a peaceful atmosphere.
4. PP Princess Resort
Located directly along the stretch of Loh Dalum Bay, PP Princess Resort is a beachfront resort that offers access to one of the most beautiful beaches on Phi Phi Don. From deluxe rooms to pool villas, travelers can experience ultimate comfort with contemporary island style. The standout feature is its stunning beach-facing villas with outdoor sundecks and private living areas, offering just a few steps to the sandy beach of Loh Dalum Bay.
Q&A About Koh Phi Phi, Krabi
How many days should I spend in Koh Phi Phi?
It is recommended to stay for around 1-2 nights to experience Koh Phi Phi without rushing. Overnight trips allow travelers to visit many highlights of the island, such as Maya Bay and Phi Phi Viewpoint, at a comfortable pace.
Is Maya Bay open all year round?
The bay is typically closed each year from August 1 to September 30 to preserve coral landscape and marine life, and it often reopens on the first day of October.
Is Koh Phi Phi suitable for families with kids?
Yes! Koh Phi Phi is suitable for family travelers, as it provides a relaxing vibe on the island with plenty of amenities. There are some choices of family-friendly hotels with pools and slides to keep everyone entertained. Create an unforgettable experience with your family as you witness the iconic Maya Bay or swim in the crystal-clear Pileh Lagoon.
Are there ATMs on the island?
Yes, there are ATMs and banks on Koh Phi Phi, especially in Ton Sai Village. Several banks are open until the evening, and the ATMs can be found around the corners of the streets. Please note that banking facilities can be limited in some areas of Phi Phi Don. It is best to withdraw or exchange money beforehand.
Discover the Best of Krabi, Thailand
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Embrace the Stunning Koh Phi Phi with Bangkok Airways
Koh Phi Phi is home to the world-famous Maya Bay, recognized as one of the best beaches in the world, with global accolades earned throughout the years. The island is a place where travelers can explore an untouched natural sanctuary through many activities. Start your journey smoothly by flying to Krabi with Bangkok Airways, with excellent comfort and world-class service.
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