Phi Phi Islands: Choose Don, Leh and Maya Bay
Photo: Humphrey M / Unsplash
Contents
The Phi Phi Islands rise from the middle of the Andaman Sea, 42 km from Krabi's Mueang district, between Phuket and Krabi. Six islands make up the group inside Hat Noppharat Thara-Muko Phi Phi National Park: the two big ones, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, and four smaller ones nearby.[1] Don is where you stay, with Tonsai Beach, dozens of beach bars and restaurants, and a maze of shops in Tonsai Village. Leh is the scenic island of limestone cliffs and coves, home to Maya Bay.[1] The Tourism Authority of Thailand overview of Ko Phi Phi has more background.
Choose your island focus
Base yourself on Phi Phi Don for beaches, a village and places to stay. Phi Phi Leh is a separate boat trip for the scenery. It lies about 2 km from Don and covers 6.6 square kilometres.[2] Its limestone mountain drops steeply to the sea, and its famous coves include Pi Leh Lagoon, ringed by green limestone hills, and Loh Samah Bay, one of the most beautiful dive spots of Phi Phi Leh, with coral reefs, anemones and plenty of fish. Maya Bay has white sand and emerald water, and Viking Cave holds old paintings of an elephant and boats.[2]
You can charter a Hua Tong boat from Don or join a day tour from Krabi or Phuket.[2] More detail is on the Tourism Authority's Ko Phi Phi Leh page.
Things to Do
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GetYourGuide partner offers. GoAsia may earn a commission if you book through these offers. Check whether tickets or transfers are included, and follow the attraction's official booking and admission rules.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip from Phuket or Krabi works if the boat ride to Phi Phi Leh is your priority. Staying on Don gives you time to pick a beach, snorkel and walk Tonsai Village without squeezing everything into one excursion. The best weather runs from November to April, and over Christmas and New Year it pays to book your room ahead.[1] Decide where you will sleep first, then confirm the departure pier, boat type and return time with your operator.
Park fee and boat details
The national park fee is THB 400 for adults and THB 200 for children.[2] Keep your ticket with you, because park officials can check it on both Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh.[2] Ask your tour operator whether the fee is included in the price. Maya Bay access can change with park notices, so check the current notice before you book.
Check departure and return times, sea conditions and what the boat or tour includes directly with the operator.
For more planning across the country, see our Thailand travel guide.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Phi Phi. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [2] Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Phi Phi Le. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are a group of six islands in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi, inside Hat Noppharat Thara-Muko Phi Phi National Park. Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are the two big ones, with four smaller islands nearby.
Don is the island to stay on, with beaches, Tonsai Village and the bars and restaurants. Leh is a separate scenic island with limestone cliffs and coves such as Maya Bay and Pi Leh Lagoon.
A day trip from Phuket or Krabi suits a short, boat-focused visit. An overnight stay on Don gives you more time for the village and the beaches. Confirm boat departures and the return plan with your operator.
Both are on Phi Phi Leh, together with Loh Samah Bay and Viking Cave. Check the current park notice before you plan access to a specific site.
Charter a Hua Tong boat from Phi Phi Don or join a day tour from Krabi or Phuket. Confirm schedules, fares and inclusions with the operator.
The fee is THB 400 for adults and THB 200 for children. Keep the ticket with you, because park officials can check it on Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, and ask your tour operator whether it is included.
Access can change with park notices, so check the current notice before you book a boat.
Confirm your departure pier, departure and return times, what the fare includes and the operator's plan for rough seas.
