From Phuket To The Phi Phi Islands: Is It Worth The Trip?
Exploring Phi Phi Islands
So you’re in Phuket (or planning a trip there), and wondering if you should take a day trip to Koh Phi Phi (or Phi Phi Islands). After all, it’s a must-do when you visit Thailand, right? That is definitely true! These beautiful islands have plenty for you to photograph, discover, and explore, and their natural beauty will be sure to incite a sense of wonder in you. If you’re curious to find out whether a trip from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands is worth it, read on to find out more.
Phi Phi's Hidden Gems
The Phi Phi Islands are a group of islands located in Thailand. The islands are located almost equidistant between both Phuket and Krabi and are easily accessible from both these regions. Officially, the islands are parked under Krabi province, with the two biggest and most popular islands among the Phi Phi Islands being Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Additionally, Bamboo Island is also an island that tourists love to visit because of its pristine white sands and clear waters.
Like many island-hopping day trips, a trip from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands is meant for relaxing by the beach, snorkelling to look at beautiful fishes and coral underwater, taking photographs of gorgeous limestone rock formations, and just taking in the wonderful sights around you.
The Best Time to Visit Phi Phi Islands
The climate in Thailand is divided into a dry and rainy season and if you want to go from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands, you’re better off going with the former. The dry season runs from November to April, features a moderate climate, and sees much less rain.
Another benefit of travelling during the dry season is that the sea conditions for island hopping are much more ideal. Not only that but the conditions will allow you to go scuba diving, snorkelling, and try out different water sports.
However, keep in mind that the dry season also coincides with the high season, which means there are lots of tourists. Also, the prices for flights, accommodations, and tours are steeper during this time.
If you want better rates and fewer crowds, consider going between March and October. The one thing to note is that the rainy season is often accompanied by storms and rains, which could postpone or cancel your plans.
Essential Advice
As Phi Phi Islands are a popular hotspot, many travellers decide to add it to their travel itinerary. Luckily, that means that there are many different ways to get from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands.
In fact, you can even head straight from the international Phuket airport to the islands. You can find numbers for tour operators offering tickets to Phi Phi. But if you’d like to explore Phuket first before heading to Phi Phi, you can even book your tickets online.
Before you arrive at Koh Phi Phi, keep in mind that all tourists are required to pay 20 THB (around $1) on arrival and should prepare some change to cover the fee. The fee helps in the environmental care of the islands and ensures cleanliness.
If you’re planning on staying in Koh Phi Phi for a few days, make sure you book accommodations ahead of time. As it’s a small island, hotels can fill up quickly, especially during the high season.
Finally, consider going from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands with as little luggage and bags as possible. Most of the hotels and tourist spots on the island are only accessible by foot or longboard, and you will have a better (and easier) time if you travel light.
Take a Ferry From Phuket
The most popular way to get from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands is via ferry. Departing from the Rassada Pier, the distance between Phuket to Phi Phi Islands is around 50 kilometres and lasts around one hour, depending on weather conditions.
One of the biggest benefits of travelling via ferry is that you’ll be taking the scenic route. While cruising along the Andaman Sea, you will be able to see all the wonderful sights along the way. It’s also a more affordable option compared to speedboats.
The ferry ticket prices start at around THB 445 (around $21) but can go up to TH 950 (almost $45) and 6 ferry companies are travelling along 4 ferry routes. The operators you will be able to choose from include Andaman Wave Master, Tigerline Ferry, Bundhaya Speed Boat, Phi Phi Cruiser, Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, and Chaokoh Ferry.
Go with a Speedboat
If you don’t want to take the longer route or have to wait for a tour or ferry to come, the fastest way to get to Phi Phi from Phuket is with a speedboat. If you decide to go with this option, make sure to book a return ticket right away as the speedboats can get fully booked quickly.
Another thing to consider when going with the speedboat is making sure you know the drop-off and pick-up points. You will usually be able to choose from either Laem Tong Beach Pier or the Tonsai Pier.
Day Tours
If you’d rather not have to find a speedboat or wait for the ferry, you can also take a day tour. Scattered across Phuket, you will find many tour operators offering day trips to Phi Phi. A day tour from Phuket to the Phi Phi Archipelago typically lasts between 9–12 hours and includes activities like sightseeing, snorkelling, and lunch.
You’ll likely be able to choose which attractions you will see, but most include a visit to Monkey Bay, Viking Cave, and Maya Bay. However, there are even tours that take you to Koh Young or Mosquito Island and Koh Mai Phai or Bamboo Island.
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don
On your day trip to the islands, there are a few locations you can’t afford to miss out on.
Maya Bay
The first would be Maya Bay, the location that probably propelled the Phi Phi Islands to its highest level of fame. It became popular for being the shooting location for the film “The Beach”. In 2018 Maya Bay was closed to tourists indefinitely until a future date when the local marine ecosystem recovered. Luckily, Maya Bay was reopened in October 2024 but all visitors have to follow strict rules while there and swimming is still not allowed.
Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don
Of course, when you’re here you need to visit both Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don, as they are the main islands. Most of Phi Phi Le’s offerings such as Viking’s Cove, Loh Samah Bay, and Pi-Leh Cove are visited as dive/snorkelling spots rather than physical locations that are stepped onto. Phi Phi Don is the largest island and has many beaches you can relax on. It’s also a popular spot to have lunch and to do some shopping during your trip.
Bamboo Island and Phi Phi Viewpoint
Bamboo Island
You must spend some time lounging on Bamboo Island; it is a shame to miss it if you are already travelling from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands. Not only is it a great snorkelling spot, but it also has pristine sands and light blue waters that you’d definitely be excited to sink your feet into.
Phi Phi Viewpoint
One of the most popular landmarks on Koh Phi Phi Don is the Phi Phi Viewpoint. A large island of an unusual, H-shape, it has a main village, which was built on a horizontal bar, and a 100-metre flat strip of sand between Dalum Bay and Tonsai Bay. The viewpoint is located at an altitude of 186 metres and it takes between 20–40 minutes to get up there. For the best photo opportunity, make sure to get there before lunchtime as the viewpoint faces the sun in the afternoon.
Diving in Phi Phi and Shark Watching Tours
Diving in Phi Phi
One of the best things to do in Phi Phi is diving because the island has a large number of professional PADI dive centres. These centres often hold classes for both beginners and experts and take divers to see world-class dive sites. Among the most popular diving sites are Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and the King Cruiser Wreck.
Shark Watching Tours
Another popular activity on Phi Phi is shark-watching. The waters around the islands are home to many black-tip and leopard sharks, with the most notable site for shark watching being the small Shark Point. The tours typically start early, are done in small groups with snorkelling equipment, and are led by professional guides.
Moo Dee Bay and Rock Climbing
Moo Dee Bay
Loh Moo Dee or Moo Dee Bay is a white sandy beach, 500 metres long, that offers great snorkelling opportunities. It’s located on the east coast of Koh Phi Phi Don and it’s an excellent place to escape the crowds.
Rock Climbing
A prominent rock climbing spot in southern Thailand, Krabi features tall limestone cliffs, which are the natural landmarks of Phuket provinces. There, you will find world-class rock climbing sites on Tonsai Beach and the Diamond Cave in Railay.
Is It Worth It to Go From Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands?
The answer to that is a loud, resounding yes. While there are travellers that may discourage the visit spouting reasons like large crowds, the natural wonders offered by the Phi Phi Islands are not very common elsewhere in Thailand, and it truly is an amazing area to snorkel as well as visit for relaxation and aesthetic photographs.
Club Med Phuket offers an excursion to the Phi Phi Islands that you can conveniently sign up for during booking or at the resort. The excursion includes swimming, snorkelling, a Thai-style lunch, shopping, as well as a Bamboo Island visit, so it’s a trip you won’t want to miss out on.
