What to do in Phi Phi: the Ultimate Guide

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Updated: July 19, 2025

The Phi Phi Islands are a dream destination for so many travelers, and it’s easy to see why—they’re absolutely stunning. Soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to unplug from the world. You won’t want to leave!

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about what to do in Phi Phi so you don’t miss a thing. I’ve also added tips on how to get there, where to stay, where to eat, and tons of helpful advice. And at the end, there’s a map with all the spots marked.

What to do in Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don is the biggest island in the archipielago and the only one with places to stay, eat, and go out. Even though tourism exploded after DiCaprio’s movie, the island still keeps its natural charm.

It’s packed with dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and stunning beaches that’ll leave you speechless.

1. Tonsai Town

This is the main village on Phi Phi Don, where you’ll find most of the bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels. When you arrive by boat, Tonsai is just to the right. Walk about 100 meters along the waterfront and boom—you’re in the middle of everything.

It’s small but has all you need: souvenir shops, tour agencies, chill cafés for breakfast, and bars for a night out.

The nightlife has calmed down a lot over the years. It used to be pretty wild, but now it’s more chill and family-friendly. Still, there’s enough going on after dark to have a fun night.

2. Tonsai Beach

This is the first beach you’ll see when you arrive—it’s right next to the pier. It shares its name with the town and has a gorgeous backdrop of cliffs.

Tonsai Beach is lively, great for water activities during the day and fire shows with music at night.

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3. Loh Dalum Beach

From Tonsai, just walk to the other side of the island to get to this other main beach. It sounds far, but it’s really less than a five-minute walk.

Loh Dalum and Tonsai are the two main beaches on Phi Phi Don. Their curved shape around the center of the island is what gives Phi Phi its famous look.

This beach has soft white sand, super clear water, and cliffs in the background. It’s the perfect place to relax and take a dip.

4. Day Trip to the Other Phi Phi Islands

If you’re staying on Phi Phi Don, don’t miss the chance to explore the rest of the islands in the archipelago—especially Koh Phi Phi Leh, the crown jewel and probably the main reason you ended up planning this trip.

Phi Phi Leh is a protected island inside Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. To visit, you’ll need to pay the park fee, which is 400 baht (around €10.40), but trust me—it’s totally worth it.

One of the best things about staying on Phi Phi Don is that you can join this sunrise day trip and beat the crowds coming from Krabi or Phuket.

But if early mornings aren’t your thing, there are other awesome options too—like overnight boat tours, super affordable private trips, and more. I go into detail in this other guide to the best day trips in Phi Phi.

🔷 These are the most common stops:

• Maya Bay: Probably the most beautiful beach in the world, made famous by The Beach with DiCaprio. The movie caused serious damage to the ecosystem, so the beach wa closed for 4 years. Now, you can walk on the sand, but swimming isn’t allowed. Still, you can swim near the entrance to the bay, where you’ll see colorful fish and even harmless reef sharks.
• Monkey Bay: A quiet bay that’s perfect for snorkeling. You’ll usually find macaques hanging out on the beach, and they’re not shy at all. If you don’t see them right away, look up at the cliffs—they’re probably climbing down. Just be careful—they bite. And yes, they can swim and even dive.
• Phi Leh Bay: Another stunning bay with water so bright and turquoise it doesn’t even look real.
• Viking Cave: The boat stops here for a quick photo, and that’s pretty much it. Apparently there are ancient boat paintings (that kinda look Viking), and this is where they collect swallow nests to make some kind of aphrodisiac soup.

In August and September 2025, Maya Bay will be closed. They did the same in 2024 to help marine life recover, and it worked really well. They’re doing it again this year and will probably keep it going in the future.

⭐ In this guide, you can read more about other locations in Bangkok and Phuket from The Beach and other Movies Shot in Thailand.

5. Most Beautiful Beaches

Besides the two main beaches, the island is full of hidden coves and secret beaches—each one more beautiful than the last. Here are, in my opinion, three of the best beaches on Phi Phi Don:

🔷 Long Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches, and for good reason—amazing views, turquoise water, and usually way more peaceful than the central beaches. It’s also one of the best areas to stay in Phi Phi if you’re looking to chill for a few days.

You can walk there from Tonsai (there’s a rocky stretch, so wear comfy shoes) or take a longtail boat.

🔷 Loh Moo Dee Beach

This beach is a hidden gem. It’s more remote, which means fewer people and way more peace and quiet. And here’s a secret—it’s the perfect spot for a nap without anyone bothering you. 😊 You can walk from Long Beach or hop on a boat.

🔷 Nui Beach

This is my favorite spot for snorkeling. The water’s crystal clear, the views are stunning, and if you’re up for it, you can kayak there from Loh Dalum—or just grab a boat.

6. Phi Phi Don Viewpoints

One of the most amazing spots on the island is the viewpoint. From up there, you’ll get a postcard-perfect view of the village, the two main beaches, and the lush green cliffs all around.

There are actually three viewpoints. The trail starts in Tonsai, and the easiest route goes past Amena Café. The first part is a long set of steps—hot and sweaty thanks to the tropical humidity. It’s not hard, but can be exhausting in the heat.

After about 10 minutes, you’ll reach Viewpoint 1. But the real gem is Viewpoint 2, which is another 15-minute walk on an easier path. The entrance fee for the first two viewpoints.is 50 baht* (1.30 euros)

If you’re still up for more, you can keep going to Viewpoint 3. Just a heads-up—it’s not well marked, it takes about 10 more minutes to get there, and you’ll have to pay an extra 20 baht. Honestly, I don’t think it’s worth it—the view isn’t better than Viewpoint 2.

*Price updated in May 2025.

✔️ Tips:

• Go early in the morning to avoid the worst heat and the sunset crowds.
• Bring water, though there’s a café at Viewpoint 2 if you want a juice and an excuse to sit down.
• Wear comfy shoes—flip-flops are a bad idea. I wore hiking sandals like the ones in this link, and they were perfect for walks like this.
• Don’t forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
• If you go for sunset, make sure your phone is fully charged so you can use the flashlight on the way back down. You’ll thank me later. 😉

7. Sunset

Sunsets in Phi Phi are the kind that make you forget what you were saying and just go “wow.” It’s nature showing off, and you definitely don’t want to miss it.

My favorite spot to watch the sunset on Phi Phi Don is Long Beach, with a coconut or a cocktail in hand. There are beach bars, a relaxed vibe, and unbeatable views.

You can walk there from Tonsai or hop on a longtail boat. Around sunset, the boats usually charge a bit more (yep, “sunset rate”), but it’s still reasonable and saves you the rocky walk.

🔷 Other great sunset spots:

• Nui Beach: more hidden, so usually fewer people.
• Viewpoint 2: the view is incredible, no doubt, but be ready to share it with a crowd.

8. Nightlife

If you’re staying overnight in Phi Phi Don, go out and explore a bit. It’s not as wild as it used to be, but there’s still a fun vibe after dark. You can watch fire shows on the beach, listen to live music, or just relax with a drink.

🔷 Here are a few of my favorite spots:

• Slinky Bar: One of the classic. Great energy, fire shows, party games to get people going, and then dancing. Super fun! Drinks are a bit pricey, but the atmosphere makes up for it.
• Carlito's bar: It's on the other side near the pier. Great fire show spot. They often have live music, and the cocktails are delicious. 🍹😋
• Kong Siam: Perfect if you're looking for something more chill. Good drinks and live music.

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9. Diving and snorkeling

The Phi Phi Islands are a paradise for marine life lovers, whether you're into snorkeling or diving.

One of the best snorkeling spots is just outside Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh. Since swimming isn’t allowed at the beach, boats usually stop near the entrance so you can jump in and swim with tons of fish—and maybe even spot a reef shark.

If you prefer diving in Phi Phi, I have some good news: Phi Phi Leh has some amazing spots, and you can also get an Open Water diving certification there.

It takes about two to three days to complete, and I recommend this course that includes insurance. If you're just curious and want to try diving once, this scuba diving experience is a great pick. Either way, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the underwater world.

Map

Where are the Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are in the Andaman Sea, in Krabi Province in southern Thailand. They're about halfway between Phuket and the Krabi coast, so it's easy to get there by boat from Ao Nang (Krabi) or Phuket.

✔️ Phi Phi archipelago 4 main islands:

1. Phi Phi Don: It's the largest and the only inhabited island. This is where the boats arrive, the hotels are, and all the action happens.
2. Phi Phi Leh: Famous for Maya Beach, which became famous after the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio. (Spoiler: it’s now more protected to help the environment.)
3. Koh Mai Phai: Also known as Bamboo Island, named after the bamboo that grows there. A beautiful little island, perfect for snorkeling.
4. Koh Yung: It's known as Mosquito Island. The name might not sound great, but it’s just as gorgeous as the others. And no, it doesn’t have more mosquitoes than usual… or at least you won’t notice.

How to get there

The only way to reach Phi Phi is by sea—either by public transport (ferry or speedboat), or as part of a tour. The main departure points are Krabi (Ao Nang or Railay) and Phuket. During high season, there are also ferries from Koh Lanta.

✔️ Public transportation

If you want to really explore Phi Phi Don, relax, and visit the other islands without the stress of a big group tour, your best option is to take a ferry or speedboat and spend a couple of nights there. Totally worth it—it feels like a completely different experience compared to just doing a day trip. I’ve done both: once not long after moving to Phuket, and another time when family came to visit.

• Trip duration: Between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the type of boat and the departure port. Add to that the inland travel time.
• Inland transport: I recommend booking combo tickets with the boat and a bus or minivan—it saves money and hassle.
• Prices, schedules and booking: You can check all the information and book your ticket to Phi Phi from Krabi at this webiste, and from Phuket at this other one.
• Tip: Book in advance if you are traveling during peak season (December to March).

⭐ Related article: How to get from Krabi to Phi Phi: all the alternatives

✔️ Phi Phi Day Trip

If you’re short on time or just don’t feel like spending the night on the island, the easiest option is a full-day tour. These tours take you to the most beautiful spots in the archipelago, with swimming stops, snorkel gear, and even lunch included.

From Krabi I recommend this budget-friendly day trip, or this tour from Phuket with a stop at Bamboo Island and a finger-licking international buffet lunch.

✔️ Rent a boat

If you’re traveling with a group and want full freedom, you can rent a private boat. For that, I recommend Phuket, where there are tons of marinas and all kinds of sailboats and catamarans to choose from.

During low season, I’ve seen boats for under €200 a day. If you split the cost with friends, it can actually be cheaper than a group tour.

To rent a boat in Thailand, I recommend this website—they work with trusted companies, and the boats are in great shape.

⭐ Related article: Guide to Renting a Boat in Thailand

How to get around the islands

Phi Phi Don is a small island, and it’s easy to get around the main area on foot. There are no cars (thankfully), and even though there are a few hills, the distances are short. You’ll be walking between beaches, little streets, and sandy paths. It's wonderful!

To reach more remote beaches like Long Beach, Loh Moo Dee, Nui, or some hidden coves only accessible by sea, you’ve got two good options:

• Long tail boat: You can negotiate the price per ride or per hour. Most beaches have signs with suggested rates.
• Kayak: A fun choice for short distances when the sea is calm. Plus, you can stop wherever you want to snorkel.

To visit Phi Phi Leh (Maya Bay, Phi Leh Bay, Viking Cave, etc.), you’ll need to go by boat. You can either book a tour or find a local boat driver on Phi Phi Don.

One of the best things about staying overnight on Phi Phi is that you can join a sunrise tour and beat the crowds coming on day trips. I recommend this full-day tour—it’s affordable and well organized.

There are also other awesome options like cheap private tours, sunset tours to see bioluminescent plankton, or even sleeping on a boat. You can check this guide where I cover all the best day trips in Phi Phi.

When to visit Phi Phi

You can visit Phi Phi Islands all year round, but the weather varies considerably depending on the season:

• Dry season: December to April. This is the best time to go—almost every day is sunny and the sea is calm.
• Wet season: May to November. It might rain for a bit or even a few hours, but you’ll still get to enjoy most of the day. September and October tend to be the rainiest, and sometimes boat trips get canceled.

How many days to stay & Itineraries

The million-dollar question: how many days should I spend in Phi Phi? It really depends on what you want to do.

If you just want to visit the main spots like Maya Bay, one day is enough. But if you’d rather take your time and explore Phi Phi Don at a slower pace, staying at least two nights—three full days—is your best bet.

Here are two quick itineraries depending on your schedule:

✔️ Phi Phi in 1 day

If you’ve only got one day, go for a tour—there’s no way to do it with public transport and still see the other islands.

You can book this tour from Krabi, which includes visits to most beautiful places and is super affordable, or this one from Phuket.

✔️ What to do in Phi Phi in 3 days

Spending three days in Phi Phi means a perfect mix of adventure, chill time, and stunning views. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your trip without feeling rushed:

🔷 Day 1: Arrival and first explorations

• You’ll probably get to Phi Phi in the mid / late morning. Drop your backpack at the hotel, throw on your flip-flops, and go explore.
• Walk over to Loh Dalum and cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear water—perfect after the trip. Grab lunch in town (it’s super close).
• At sunset, hike up to Viewpoint 2. It’s a bit of a workout, but the view is totally worth it.
• At night, grab dinner in town and, if you’re up for it, check out a beach fire show with a cocktail in hand. Expect fire juggling, flying sparks, and a fun vibe for a night to remember.

🔷 Day 2: Sunrise Tour

• Today we have to get up early, but it's worth it. You'll thank me later! Sign up for this sunrise tour of the Phi Phi Islands to visit Maya Bay, Phi Leh Bay, and other picture-perfect spots before the crowds arrive.
• In the afternoon, visit Loh Moo Dee Beach and take the opportunity to relax or even take a nice nap.
• End the day watching the sunset in Long Beach and dinner at one of the oceanfront restaurants.

🔷 Day 3: Quiet beaches and kayaking

• In the morning, rent a kayak in Loh Dalum and explore some quieter coves. You can paddle to Nui Beach or even to the adjacent Loh Lana Bay.
• Have lunch in the village, take advantage of the opportunity to take a last dip and bid farewell to Phi Phi the way it deserves: with salt on your skin and a happy face.

Where to stay

There are plenty of accommodation options on Koh Phi Phi Don, from simple hostels to beachfront resorts. The most important thing is to choose the area carefully based on what you're looking for.

For me, the best area to stay on Phi Phi is Long Beach, a beautiful, quiet beach not far from town. Plus, you'll enjoy spectacular sunsets without even leaving your spot. I recommend the Beach Resort , which has magnificent ocean views.

Another perfect area is Loh Dalum Beach, also beautiful, very close to the town, yet still quite quiet if you choose your accommodation wisely. The Princess Resort is one of the most popular options: it's very well located and has direct access to the beach.

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Where to eat

In Tonsai, you have plenty of dining options, both Thai and international. Here are some of my favorite restaurants, tried with a hungry stomach and a curious palate:

• Pirate HouseThe menu combines Thai food with Indian dishes. The green curry is delicious, although I warn you that the portions aren't very generous for the price, but the flavor makes up for it.
• Garlic 1992A typical Thai restaurant with plastic chairs, home-style cooking, and affordable prices. They have a varied Thai menu, some international dishes, and good breakfasts. It's one of those places you can't go wrong with.
• Aqua RestaurantIf you're craving a special dinner, this place has a beautifully curated decor and eye-catching dishes. 😋 Of course, during peak hours it's hard to find a table and the prices are a bit higher... but it's worth it to treat yourself.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide to Phi Phi helps you explore this uniquely beautiful natural environment that will surely stay with you forever. Whether you're visiting the islands on a day trip or staying for several nights, there's something for everyone.

In this guide to Thailand you can keep reading the main articles I’ve written about this beautiful country.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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