Phi Phi Don vs Phi Phi Leh – What's the Difference?
The Phi Phi Islands consist of two main islands. Understanding the difference is essential before you plan your visit:
🏝️ Phi Phi Don
The larger, inhabited island with hotels, restaurants, bars, dive shops, and the main Ton Sai pier. This is where you sleep, eat, and base yourself. Long Beach and Loh Dalum Bay are here.
🏖️ Phi Phi Leh
The smaller, uninhabited island with the famous Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave. No accommodation here – it's a day-visit-only destination reached by longtail or speedboat.
Best Beaches & Spots in the Phi Phi Islands
📍 Maya Bay (Phi Phi Leh) – Day Visit – Booking Required
The most famous bay in Thailand – made iconic by The Beach (2000). Maya Bay reopened in 2022 after a 4-year coral restoration closure, but strict new rules apply: visitor numbers capped at 300 per slot, no overnight stays, and swimming is restricted to designated zones. Advance booking is mandatory in peak season.
Highlights
- ✓ Limestone cliffs rising 100m
- ✓ Crystal turquoise water
- ✓ Restored coral reef
- ✓ Iconic photography
Tips
- 💡 Book entry online: 400 THB fee
- 💡 Visit before 9 AM or after 3 PM to beat crowds
- 💡 No sunscreen allowed (reef safe only)
- 💡 Boats must anchor away from the beach
📍 Long Beach (Phi Phi Don) – Stay & Swim – No Crowds
The best beach on Phi Phi Don – quieter than Ton Sai, with golden sand, turquoise water, and gentle surf. Long Beach is a 20-minute walk or 5-minute longtail boat from Ton Sai pier. Several guesthouses sit right on the beach.
Highlights
- ✓ Best swimming beach on Phi Phi Don
- ✓ Fewer tourists than Ton Sai
- ✓ Beachfront bungalows
- ✓ Excellent snorkeling offshore
Tips
- 💡 Stay here if you want the beach without the party noise
- 💡 Rent a kayak for ฿200/hour to explore the coastline
- 💡 Walk to the viewpoint above for panoramic island shots
📍 Monkey Beach (Phi Phi Don) – Day Stop on Longtail Tour
A small cove with wild macaque monkeys living on the cliffs. Longtail boat tours stop here briefly. The monkeys will approach and steal food – do not hand-feed them and keep bags closed.
Highlights
- ✓ Wild macaque monkeys
- ✓ Sheltered swimming cove
- ✓ Short boat ride from Ton Sai
- ✓ Part of most island-tour packages
Tips
- 💡 Visit in the morning when monkeys are most active
- 💡 Don't feed or approach the monkeys
- 💡 Hold your phone firmly – they will grab it
📍 Bamboo Island (Koh Phai) – Day Trip Add-On
A small uninhabited island north of Phi Phi Don with powdery white sand and shallow, crystal-clear water. Often included in Phi Phi island-hopping packages from Phuket or Krabi.
Highlights
- ✓ Untouched white sand beach
- ✓ Excellent shallow snorkeling
- ✓ Very few visitors
- ✓ Part of full-day island hop
Tips
- 💡 Combine with Maya Bay on a full-day speedboat tour
- 💡 Bring your own snorkeling gear for the best experience
- 💡 No facilities – bring food, water, and sunscreen
How to Get to Koh Phi Phi in 2026
Phi Phi is reachable from both Phuket and Krabi. There's no airport – all access is by boat. Here are your options:
🚢 From Phuket (Rassada Pier)
Journey: 1.5–2 hours (ferry) / 45 min (speedboat)
Ferry: ฿350–500 (one-way)
Speedboat: ฿800–1,200 (one-way)
Most departures from Rassada Pier or Bang Rong Pier. Book in advance Nov–April.
🚢 From Krabi (Ao Nang / Krabi Town)
Journey: 1.5–2 hours (ferry) / 45 min (speedboat)
Ferry: ฿350–450 (one-way)
Speedboat: ฿700–1,000 (one-way)
Krabi is the closest mainland hub to Phi Phi. Ferry is much cheaper; speedboat saves ~1 hour each way.
Should You Day Trip or Stay Overnight on Phi Phi?
🚤 Day Trip from Phuket
Includes: Return speedboat, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, snorkeling, Bamboo Island, lunch
Best For: Those short on time, families, first-timers
Downside: Leave by 4 PM – don't see sunset or nightlife
🏨 Overnight (2+ Nights)
Includes: Wake up on the island, sunset views, fewer crowds in morning/evening
Best For: Beach lovers, couples, divers, anyone who wants the full Phi Phi experience
Downside: More expensive; limited ATMs on island (bring cash)
Best Areas to Stay on Koh Phi Phi Don
📍 Ton Sai Village
Vibe: Budget & Party
Price: ฿400–1,500/night/night
Best For: Backpackers, nightlife seekers, social travellers
The main village with restaurants, bars, dive shops, and all accommodation. Busiest area – good if you want to be in the centre of it all.
📍 Long Beach
Vibe: Beach & Chill
Price: ฿800–3,000/night/night
Best For: Couples, beach lovers, those wanting peace
A short longtail ride or walk from Ton Sai. Beachfront bungalows, calmer atmosphere, and direct beach access. Best sleeping option on the island.
📍 Loh Dalum Beach
Vibe: Upscale & Views
Price: ฿2,000–8,000/night/night
Best For: Couples, honeymooners, those wanting quality
The bay opposite Ton Sai with stunning sunset views over the double bay. More upscale resorts with infinity pools and better facilities.
Essential Koh Phi Phi Tips for 2026
Ready to Visit the Phi Phi Islands?
We offer full-day Phi Phi island speedboat tours from Phuket and Krabi, as well as multi-night packages with hotel, transfers, and Maya Bay entry included.
