Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands can be found on the Andaman Coast. If you are unsure of where this coast is, picture the area that is between the massive island, Phuket, and the coastline where the Straits of Malacca is located. These islands are considered spectacular, due to the ambiance and atmosphere visitors can experience when they are there.
Beginning Destinations for Phi Phi Islands Tours
While you could technically tour these islands from any starting point in the world, there are a couple main destinations where the Phi Phi Islands tours begin. Those two destinations are Phuket and Krabi. It will take you longer to reach the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket, but that shouldn’t dissuade you from planning an island-hopping adventure when you are visiting that larger island.
However, with that being said, the shorter distance between Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands makes the journey a little more affordable. Therefore, many people will choose to begin their Phi Phi Islands vacation from Krabi.
Different Type of Tour Options for Island-Hopping Around the Phi Phi Islands
When you are considering all the different tour options for island-hopping around Phi Phi Islands, you will find that your journey will include a trip on a ferry, longtail boat, or speedboat. Most people choose to take the ferry, as it is the easiest and most economical option. However, the ferry does take two hours from Phuket and one and a half hours from Krabi.
The pier you will take the ferry from in Phuket is Rassada Pier and the pier in Krabi for the ferry is Klong Jirad Pier. You must book your ferry tickets well in advance, especially during the busy season. It is also imperative that you arrive at the pier early if you want one of the seats with the best views for your journey.
If you decide to take a speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands, you will arrive at your destination in forty-five minutes from Phuket and thirty minutes from Krabi. This option is a little pricier, but it will allow you to spend so much more time on the islands. The downside to taking a speedboat is the boat might not be able to travel at the higher speeds if the weather is bad.
Longtail boats are what most people use when they forget to plan their visit to the Phi Phi Islands in advance. These boats are everywhere, and you can easily barter a reasonable fee for your trip to the islands and back. The longtail boats are not very fast, but they get you to where you want to go in a reasonable amount of time. Plus, since each boat only holds up to eight people, you will be around less people for your entire trip.
Places to See During Your Phi Phi Islands Adventure
When you are island-hopping around the Phi Phi Islands, there are so many places you will want to see and explore. The list is so long that it can be slightly overwhelming for many people. Thankfully, we can share a few must-see sights that should be on everyone’s list when they are traveling around the Phi Phi Islands.
Ao Ton Sai Dock
The Ao Ton Sai Dock is the main tourist hub for the Phi Phi Islands. This is a busy destination and where you will find yourself when you arrive on the island and when you leave. You will be amazed at how the ambiance will change from morning until night, as well as throughout the day on this dock.
Maya Bay
Maya Bay is the mesmerizing cove that was used to film, “The Beach” back in 1999. That movie starred Leonardo DiCaprio and since the movie’s release, thousands of people have flocked to the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, which is where the bay is located.
The popularity of this area caused concerns for the eco-system and the beach was closed to the public back in 2018. While you will not be allowed on that beach until at least June of 2021, you can still visit the other two beaches that are within Maya Bay.
Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island is known as Koh Pai to the locals. This is the island in the Phi Phi Islands group that is located furthest to the northeast. Bamboo Island is a tropical destination that offers tranquility along with adventures. This island is part of the National Park, so there is an entrance fee when you arrive. However, that fee is worthwhile, especially if you take the time to snorkel near the Hin Klang reef that surrounds the islands.
Pileh Lagoon
You will discover the PIleh Lagoon over on Koh Phi Lee Island. This entire lagoon is surrounded by massive mountains, so the water is always calm and crystal clear. This is one of the best places to snorkel in the Phi Phi Islands, but with so many other options, you probably won’t spend as much time here as you should.
Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nock
Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nock are two other fantastic snorkeling destinations within the Phi Phi Islands. The only activities available at these two islands are snorkeling and diving, because you cannot dock at either island. However, if you want to spend all your time in the water with the wildlife, you won’t be disappointed even for a second during your visit.
You definitely can’t go wrong when you choose to go island-hopping around the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand. There are so many options available for you, as well as so many things to see and do, that your vacation will be over before you are ready to return home!
You might also like to read this Southern Thailand Itinerary and Bangkok Itinerary 4 Days or More.
If you are looking for a less explored Thai island then you might like to visit Koh Pha Yam, a relatively untouched island closed to Myanmar.