Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

Overview

The Phi Phi Islands are a small archipelago in the Andaman Sea, about 45 km southeast of Phuket. Ko Phi Phi Don is the inhabited island with turquoise bays and beach bars, while Ko Phi Phi Leh includes the world-famous Maya Bay. Day trips from Phuket are the most popular excursion on the island.

Highlights

• Maya Bay: The crescent beach backed by 100-metre cliffs, made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach (2000). Reopened in 2022 after ecological restoration.
• Pileh Lagoon: A hidden emerald-green lagoon enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs — ideal for swimming and kayaking.
• Snorkelling: Excellent reef snorkelling at Bamboo Island and Shark Point, where black-tip reef sharks are regularly spotted.

History

The islands were made globally famous by the 2000 film. Subsequent overtourism damaged Maya Bay's coral reef, leading to a three-year closure (2018–2021) for rehabilitation.

Visitor Tips

• Maya Bay quota: Daily visitor numbers are now capped at 3,750; arrive early to guarantee entry.
• Speedboat vs. long-tail: Speedboats reach the islands in 45 minutes; long-tail boats take 2 hours but cost less.
• Duration: Full day (7–8 hours).