Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands rise steeply out of the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi. Phi Phi Don, the larger island, has the village and hotels around Tonsai Bay; Phi Phi Leh, which is uninhabited, is ringed by cliffs and shelters Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon, with water in every shade of green and blue.

Most visitors come on a full-day speedboat trip that stops at Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave, with snorkelling over coral, lunch on Phi Phi Don and a beach stop on the way back. Maya Bay is now protected: you walk in on boardwalks, swimming there is not allowed, and the bay closes for a recovery period each year.

Start early to beat the crowds, wear reef-safe sunscreen and bring a dry bag for phones. Seas can be choppy from May to October, so we keep this day flexible in the monsoon months. Couples can also stay a night on Phi Phi Don for quieter evenings.