How Many Islands Are in Phi Phi, and What Makes Each One Special?
railay teamThe Phi Phi Islands sit in Krabi province, out in the Andaman Sea. The group is known for white sand, clear emerald water, and tall limestone cliffs. There are two main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le, plus a few small islands that are great snorkeling spots. This guide walks you through every island, how to get there, activities, where to stay, and the top sights, so you can plan the whole trip in one place.
How Many Islands Are in Phi Phi, and How Do They Differ?
Phi Phi has two main islands and several small islands that are snorkeling spots.
- Phi Phi Don: the largest island, with hotels, restaurants, and the main pier. Good for an overnight stay.
- Phi Phi Le: a small island with no residents. It is a national park and holds Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon, both world famous.
- Bamboo Island: a quiet beach with shallow water, good for snorkeling.
- Mosquito Island: a dive spot full of colorful fish and healthy coral.
Want a deeper comparison of where to stay or visit? Read how Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le are different.
How Do You Get to the Phi Phi Islands?
The Phi Phi Islands have no road link, so you can only get there by boat. You can go from both Krabi and Phuket, with ferries and speedboats running every day. From Krabi a speedboat takes about 45 minutes. From Phuket a ferry takes about 2 hours. Pick what fits your budget and time.
Want piers, prices, and which province to start from? Read how to get to Phi Phi in detail.
Activities You Can't Miss on Phi Phi
This is not just a beach to lie on. There is plenty to do for both adventurers and easygoing travelers.
- Snorkeling over coral at Mosquito Island and Bamboo Island
- Scuba diving at Loh Samah Bay
- Climbing up to the Phi Phi Don viewpoint
- Kayaking along the shoreline
What Is There to Eat on Phi Phi?
After a day in the water, fresh seafood is the highlight. Phi Phi Don has many restaurants, with seafood and bold southern Thai food, plus beach bars where you can watch the sunset. Popular dishes include glass noodles with prawns, tom yum goong, and pad thai with fresh prawns.
What Kinds of Places Can You Stay on Phi Phi?
Most places to stay are on Phi Phi Don. They range from budget hostels to beachfront resorts. For a lively spot, stay near Tonsai Bay pier. For a quiet one, pick a beach farther out like Long Beach. Phi Phi Le has no overnight stays because it is a national park.
Top Sights You Have to See
- Maya Bay: a curved bay with clear water, famous worldwide. It closes for nature recovery from August to September each year.
- Phi Phi Don Viewpoint: see Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay join in a butterfly shape.
- Tonsai Bay: the lively area with shops, restaurants, and the boat dock.
- Pileh Lagoon: a small bay with emerald water ringed by cliffs.
Tips to Make Your Phi Phi Trip Worth It
A little planning goes a long way.
- Book your boat and room ahead, especially in the busy season.
- Check the weather before you set off, and skip rough days.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and swimwear.
- Keep some spare budget for park fees and dive gear.
Visit the Phi Phi Islands With a Local Krabi Guide
Want to see every highlight without planning it yourself? Railay Eco Tour runs a Phi Phi tour with guides who are Krabi locals. They know the dive spots where the coral is still healthy and the right time to visit each spot to avoid the big crowds.
Plan Your Phi Phi Trip the Right Way
The Phi Phi Islands have it all in one place: nature, activities, food, and many styles of stay. Sleep over on Phi Phi Don, and see Phi Phi Le and the small islands on a day trip. Come in the busy season for the clearest water, or in the rainy season for quiet and cheaper rooms. Plan a little ahead and the trip will be full and smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many islands are in Phi Phi?
There are two main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le, plus small islands that are snorkeling spots, such as Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island. All are in Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province.
What are the Phi Phi Islands known for?
They are known for clear emerald water, white sand, and limestone cliffs. The most famous spots are Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon on Phi Phi Le.
How many days do you need for Phi Phi?
For a day trip, one day covers the main highlights. If you want to relax and see several islands, stay 2 nights on Phi Phi Don.
References
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Phi Phi Islands
- Wikipedia: Phi Phi Islands
Talay Waek Krabi is a sandbar that links three islands: Koh Kai, Koh Tup, and Koh Mor. The sandbar shows up when the tide goes out, so you can walk across the sea floor from one island to the next. It sits off Ao Nang in Krabi province. It looks best at the lowest tide, which usually lands near the full moon and the new moon.
Railay EcoThe boat from Krabi to each island takes a different amount of time. The closest spot, Railay, is just a 10 to 15 minute longtail boat ride. The farthest, Phi Phi, takes about 45 minutes by speedboat or 1 to 2 hours by big ferry. The time changes with distance, boat type, and the waves that day. This guide pulls every Krabi boat route into one place, near islands and far ones. It's all in easy tables. We also tell you which boat fits each route, and how to catch your round on time. So you can plan your island day before you even leave your hotel.
Railay EcoA good family tour in Krabi matches the activities to your kids' ages and keeps the day from getting too tiring. The secret is simple: start with calm inner bays, easy beaches, and short boat rides. Kids can swim safely, and parents get to relax instead of worrying all day. This guide covers which activities suit little kids and which suit teens, what makes a family trip tiring, and a safety checklist to pack before you go.
Railay EcoA private tour in Krabi means you book the whole boat just for your group. You don't share it with strangers. It costs more per person than a group tour, but you pick the islands, set the times, and never wait for a big crowd. The price depends on group size, boat type, half or full day, and the season. Here's how it differs from a group tour, what a private tour includes, who it's best for, what sets the price, and how to get a good rate.
Railay EcoKrabi's southwest monsoon runs from May to October. The Andaman sea gets bigger waves, it rains more often, and the water turns greener and less clear than the dry months. But that doesn't mean you can't go. Inner bays and land spots stay calm and fun. And many days the rain is just a short afternoon burst, then the sky clears again. Here's the upside most people miss: way fewer crowds, cheaper rooms and tours, lush green hills, and dramatic skies you won't see in the dry season. This guide covers what monsoon in Krabi is really like, where you can still go, what to skip on rough days, and how to make your trip worth it.
Railay EcoKrabi's golden season runs from January to April. This is the dry season, so the skies are clear, the sea is calm, and almost every island tour runs every day. It's the best time of year for clear water, both for snorkeling and diving. Boats reach Phi Phi and Maya Bay with no problem, and the sunsets are crisp every evening. This guide covers why these months are the golden window, how each month from January to April feels different, and how to book smart before rooms and tours fill up. It's for anyone who wants to enjoy Krabi's dry season to the fullest.
Railay Eco