The Phi Phi Islands are the most famous day trip in southern Thailand: dramatic cliffs, turquoise lagoons and the beach from The Beach. Here’s how to choose the right trip and avoid the crowds.
Phi Phi trip options compared
| Option | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat group tour | ~45–60 min each way | Most visitors. Covers the highlights in one day |
| Early-bird speedboat | Same, with an earlier start | Beating the crowds at Maya Bay |
| Big-boat ferry tour | ~2 h each way | A smoother ride, budget, fewer stops |
| Private longtail or speedboat | Flexible | Groups, photographers, a custom schedule |
| Overnight on Phi Phi Don | Ferry | Sunrise and sunset without the day crowds |
Park fees and Maya Bay rules (2026)
- The national park fee is 400 THB for foreign adults and 200 THB for children, paid per visit and usually included by tour operators.
- Maya Bay is open roughly 7:00–18:00, with a capped number of visitors per hour, and closes from 1 August to 30 September each year. It reopens on 1 October.
- There’s no swimming at Maya Bay, only wading to knee depth. Boats drop you at a pier at the back of the island.
Details are from Tisland Travel (2026). Rules can change at short notice, so check with your operator.
Typical itinerary
- Hotel pick-up and departure from a pier on Phuket’s east coast.
- Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, early if you choose an early-bird tour.
- Pileh Lagoon, a swim in emerald water surrounded by cliffs.
- Viking Cave, seen from the boat.
- Snorkelling at a coral spot, then lunch on Phi Phi Don.
- Often Khai Island or Bamboo Island on the way back.
Choosing a good operator
- Check recent reviews that mention safety, life jackets and the number of passengers.
- Confirm whether the national park fee is included.
- Prone to seasickness? Pick a bigger boat, sit at the back, and take medication beforehand.
- Compare Phi Phi speedboat and early-bird tours.
More Phuket guides
- Phuket travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Phuket
- The best beaches in Phuket
- Where to stay in Phuket
- Phuket itinerary: 4, 5 or 7 days
- Phuket Airport to Patong and the beaches
- Best time to visit Phuket
FAQ: Phi Phi day trip
Is a Phi Phi day trip from Phuket worth it?
Yes, especially on a calm, sunny day. Choose an early-bird tour to enjoy Maya Bay before the crowds.
When is Maya Bay closed?
Every year from 1 August to 30 September for the monsoon and reef recovery. It reopens on 1 October.
How long is the boat ride from Phuket to Phi Phi?
About 45–60 minutes by speedboat, or around 2 hours by large ferry, depending on the pier and the sea.
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