Phi Phi Island is the Andaman Sea island group reached via Ko Phi Phi Don, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand. This car-free limestone archipelago is known for white-sand coves, clear water and sheer cliffs; travelers come to swim at Long Beach, hike to Phi Phi Don’s viewpoints, snorkel offshore reefs and take long-tail boats to Phi Phi Leh’s Maya Bay.
What to Expect at Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Don is the inhabited hub, split between busy Tonsai Bay on the south side and the shallower Loh Dalum Bay to the north. Ferries arrive at Tonsai Pier, where narrow pedestrian lanes lead past dive shops, cafés, hotels and boat operators; there are no cars or public roads. For a quieter beach day, walk east to Long Beach for broad sand, a direct view toward Phi Phi Leh and snorkeling around Shark Point, where blacktip reef sharks are sometimes seen in clear conditions.
Most offshore excursions focus on uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, established in 1983. Maya Bay’s enclosed crescent beach and Loh Samah Bay’s reef-fringed water are the headline stops, while Pileh Lagoon is a steep-walled emerald inlet for swimming from the boat. Viking Cave, named for drawings on its limestone wall, is viewed from the water rather than entered. On Phi Phi Don, the stepped route to Viewpoint 1, 2 and 3 gives the classic twin-bay panorama, particularly rewarding in late afternoon.
- Maya Bay: The protected Phi Phi Leh beach framed by high limestone walls; access is regulated through the national park.
- Phi Phi Viewpoints: A paid hillside trail above the island’s narrow isthmus, with Viewpoint 2 offering the signature Tonsai and Loh Dalum outlook.
- Long Beach and Shark Point: A walkable east-coast beach with offshore coral and frequent snorkeling trips.
- Pileh Lagoon: Calm, green-blue water enclosed by cliffs, usually visited by long-tail boat or shared speedboat tour.
- Tonsai Pier village: The practical base for ferries, diving, cash machines, casual Thai food and boat charters.
Phi Phi Island at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Ko Phi Phi Don, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand |
| Neighborhood / Area | Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum, Phi Phi Don; Phi Phi Leh lies to the south |
| Operating Hours | The island is accessible 24 hours; ferry, boat-tour, park and business hours vary daily and seasonally. |
| Admission / Price Range | No general Phi Phi Don admission fee. Foreign visitors to the national park, including Maya Bay, typically pay THB 400 adults or THB 200 children; boat trips are extra. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 4 nights for beaches, viewpoints and a Phi Phi Leh boat day |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Ferries use Tonsai Pier from Krabi’s Klong Jilad Pier, Ao Nang and Phuket’s Rassada Pier. No cars or public parking are available on Phi Phi Don. |
| Official Website & Phone | Tourism Authority of Thailand; TAT tourist information: 1672 within Thailand |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Take the first practical ferry from Krabi or Phuket to gain a full island day, then arrange an early long-tail departure for Phi Phi Leh before the busiest mid-morning boat traffic. Confirm Maya Bay access, weather conditions and park fees with a licensed operator on the day, as marine protection rules can alter landing arrangements. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky boat landings, cash for small vendors and a dry bag; ATMs are concentrated around Tonsai.
Phi Phi Don’s central lanes are largely level but can be crowded, sandy and uneven, while Long Beach and the viewpoints involve footpaths, stairs or inclines. Wheelchair users can navigate parts of Tonsai near the pier with assistance, but long-tail transfers, floating docks, beach landings and the viewpoint climb are not step-free. Pair a stay with Loh Dalum’s sunset-facing beach, the quieter Long Beach shore and a boat excursion to Bamboo Island; all are within roughly 5 to 30 minutes by foot or boat from Tonsai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hours to visit Phi Phi Island?
The island itself never closes, but ferries and excursion boats run daytime schedules. Start the Viewpoint trail early for cooler temperatures, or go late afternoon for softer light; book morning boats for Phi Phi Leh to make the most of calmer early conditions.
Is there an entrance fee for Phi Phi Island?
Phi Phi Don has no general entrance ticket. National-park destinations such as Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh carry a typical foreign visitor fee of THB 400 for adults and THB 200 for children, collected separately from transport or tours.
How long should I stay on Phi Phi?
Two nights allow time for the viewpoints, Tonsai and Long Beach plus one Phi Phi Leh boat trip. Stay three or four nights if diving, a Bamboo Island visit, beach time and weather flexibility are priorities.
Is Phi Phi Island suitable for families and travelers with limited mobility?
Families can enjoy sheltered bay swimming and short boat outings, though children need close supervision around piers, strong sun and open-water transfers. Strollers and wheelchairs work best in central Tonsai; steep paths, stairs, sand and long-tail boarding make much of the island physically demanding.
When planning your Koh Phi Phi travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Koh Phi Phi, pair this stop with standout local spots including Dao art gallery, Pi Leh Bay, Only Noodles, and Phi Phi Islands (nearby).
