Koh Phi Phi
Photo: Spenser Sembrat / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
November to April (dry season); avoid the May-October monsoon
Language
Thai
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
Time Zone
ICT (UTC+7)
Airport
No airport on the island; ferry from Krabi International (KBV) or Phuket International (HKT)
Population
Approx. 2,500-3,000 permanent residents on Phi Phi Don
Climate
Tropical monsoon — hot and humid year-round, avg 28-32°C; heavy rain May-October
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1)
Getting Around
No cars or roads — travel is on foot or by longtail boat
Top Highlights
Maya Bay
The dazzling cove from the film 'The Beach', enclosed by towering cliffs on Phi Phi Leh. National park fee ~400 THB; swimming is restricted and access is via the rear pontoon. Go on an early tour before 9AM to beat the crowds.
Phi Phi Viewpoint (Viewpoint 1 & 2)
A steep 20-30 minute climb rewarded with the iconic vista of the twin bays and sandbar. Entry ~30 THB. Go at sunrise or sunset and bring water — the stairs are relentless. Allow 1-2 hours including photo stops.
Pileh Lagoon
A stunning emerald lagoon ringed by sheer limestone walls, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Included on most longtail and speedboat tours (~1,000-1,500 THB); a national park fee applies. Best in calm morning water.
Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai)
A tiny island north of Phi Phi Don with fine white sand and shallow reef for snorkeling. National park fee ~400 THB; often the last stop on day tours. Allow 1-2 hours to swim and relax on the quiet beach.
Monkey Beach (Ao Ling)
A small cove reachable by kayak or longtail where macaques roam the shore. Do not feed or approach them — they bite and steal bags. Free to visit; combine with a snorkel stop. Roughly 15 minutes by boat from Tonsai.
Loh Samah Bay Snorkeling
A sheltered bay on the south side of Phi Phi Leh with vibrant coral and reef fish, popular for its calm, clear water. Part of the national park (fee applies) and standard on island-hopping tours. Allow about 45 minutes in the water.
Long Beach (Hat Yao)
A relaxed stretch of pale sand with good offshore snorkeling and sunset views back toward the karsts. Free; reach it on a 15-minute longtail from Tonsai (~100-150 THB) or a 30-minute coastal walk. Quieter than the main village beach.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Koh Phi Phi Itinerary
Arrival & Tonsai Village
Catch the mid-morning ferry from Krabi's Klong Jilad Pier or Phuket's Rassada Pier (1.5-2 hours, ~400-700 THB) and arrive at Tonsai Pier. Pay the 20 THB pier entry, then walk — no cars or roads exist on the island — to your guesthouse in Tonsai Village. Spend the afternoon settling in and orienting yourself on the narrow sandbar isthmus that links the two bays.
Ferry to Tonsai Pier(2 hours)
Book Andaman Wave Master or Ao Nang Princess the day before and sit on the upper deck for the limestone-karst approach. Trolley porters wait at the pier and charge ~20-50 THB per bag to your hotel.
Check in at Tonsai Village(1 hour)
Mid-range spots like Chunut House or PP Casita are a 5-minute walk from the pier. The car-free lanes have no street addresses, so screenshot your hotel's map pin before you lose signal.
Orientation walk across the isthmus(1 hour)
Stroll the 300m neck of land from Tonsai Bay to Loh Dalum Bay. Withdraw cash early — island ATMs add a flat 220 THB foreign-card fee and can run empty on busy weekends.
Sunset at Loh Dalum Bay(1.5 hours)
Claim a beanbag at Sunflower Bar (rebuilt from 2004 tsunami-wreck timber as a memorial) and nurse a Chang beer (~100 THB) as the tide floods the shallow bay.
Dinner at Efe Mediterranean Restaurant(1 hour)
Turkish grill tucked in the village lanes; mixed meze and a lamb shish run about 300-400 THB. Arrive by 7PM or expect a wait.
Phi Phi Leh Island Hopping — Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon & Loh Samah
A full day circling uninhabited Phi Phi Leh by early speedboat. Depart Tonsai around 6:30AM to reach Maya Bay before the tour fleet piles in; the loop threads the island's cliff-ringed lagoons and sheltered snorkel bays. Everything here sits inside Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, so a ~400 THB fee applies.
Early Maya Bay tour(45 minutes)
Sunrise trips (~1,500-2,000 THB with Maya Bay Sleepaboard or Captain Bob's) dock at the rear pontoon; the 400 THB park fee is usually extra. Swimming in the cove is restricted — you view the famous beach from the boardwalk.
Pileh Lagoon swim(45 minutes)
Emerald water enclosed by sheer 100m walls; jump in from the boat with a life vest. Calmest in the early morning before the wind builds a chop.
Loh Samah Bay snorkeling(45 minutes)
Sheltered south-side reef thick with clownfish and staghorn coral. Do not stand on the coral — it's banned and fined. Allow about 45 minutes in the water.
Viking Cave & Monkey Beach pass(30 minutes)
Boats slow past the cave's swiftlet-nest scaffolding, then cross to Monkey Beach (Ao Ling) on Phi Phi Don. Keep bags zipped and stay in the boat — the macaques bite and steal.
Late lunch back in Tonsai(1 hour)
Papaya Restaurant 2 does a fiery massaman curry (~150 THB); the som tam papaya salad will make you sweat.
Viewpoint Sunrise & Long Beach (Hat Yao)
Beat the heat with a dawn climb to the famous Phi Phi Viewpoint over the twin bays, then spend a slow, restful afternoon down at Long Beach. Both are reached on foot or by short longtail — remember there are no roads or cars here.
Sunrise hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint 1 & 2(2 hours)
Leave the guesthouse by 5:30AM for the steep 20-30 minute stair climb; 30 THB entry. Viewpoint 2 frames the classic twin-bay-and-sandbar shot. Bring water — the steps are relentless.
Brunch at Unni's Restaurant(1 hour)
The island's brunch institution back in the village — Unni's 'Big Breakfast' (~250 THB) and fresh juices reward the climb.
Rest — pool or shade downtime(3 hours)
Escape the midday heat (30-32°C). Nap, or book a 300 THB/hour Thai massage in the village lanes.
Longtail to Long Beach (Hat Yao)(4 hours)
A 15-minute longtail from Tonsai (~150 THB) or a 30-minute coastal walk. Snorkel the offshore reef and Shark Point for harmless blacktip reef sharks; quieter than the village beach with sunset views back toward the karsts.
Dinner at Ciao Bella, Long Beach(1 hour)
Beachfront Italian with wood-fired pizza around 300-400 THB and your toes in the sand.
Bamboo Island Snorkel & Thai Cooking Class
A half-day snorkel run north to Bamboo Island's shallow reef, then an evening learning to cook Thai food in the village. Morning tour boats leave Tonsai around 9AM.
Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai) snorkel tour(3 hours)
Half-day longtail or speedboat (~1,000-1,200 THB) plus the 400 THB park fee; fine white sand and shallow coral, usually paired with Mosquito Island (Koh Yung). Allow 1-2 hours on the quiet beach.
Lunch at Local Food Café(1 hour)
Cheap, honest Thai in the back lanes; chicken with cashew nuts ~120 THB.
Rest / aloe massage(2 hours)
Cool off before the evening and book a 400 THB aloe massage if you caught too much sun on the boat.
Thai cooking class at Pum Restaurant & Cooking School(3 hours)
Afternoon class (~1,000-1,800 THB) where you pound your own curry paste and cook 4-5 dishes, then eat them. Book a day ahead as spots fill.
Fire show at Slinky Beach Bar(1 hour)
Loh Dalum's nightly fire-skipping show from ~9PM — watch from a safe distance, as burns from the flaming jump-rope are common. Buckets run ~300 THB; pace yourself and mind your drink.
Diving the Bida Islands
A full day underwater at Koh Bida Nok and Bida Nai, the region's best day-boat dive sites for leopard sharks and turtles. Non-divers can join the same boat as snorkelers. Boats depart Tonsai mid-morning.
Two-tank dive trip to Bida Nok & Bida Nai(6 hours)
Blue View Divers or Adventure Club run 2-dive trips (~2,900-3,500 THB incl. gear); scan the sand for leopard sharks and the gorgonians for seahorses. Snorkel-only option ~1,500 THB.
Surface interval aboard(30 minutes)
Fresh fruit and Thai snacks between dives while the crew points out the best entry for the second descent.
Return, rinse & rest(2 hours)
Take it easy and hydrate after the dives — the salt and sun add up.
Sunset drinks at Loh Dalum(1.5 hours)
Beanbags at Ibiza House or Stones Bar with happy-hour cocktails from ~150 THB.
Seafood dinner at Tonsai Seafood(1.5 hours)
Pick your catch from the ice display on the beach; grilled barracuda or prawns sold by weight, roughly 400-700 THB for two.
Monkey Beach Kayak & Bioluminescent Plankton Swim
A relaxed local day — paddle to Monkey Beach in the morning, keep the afternoon free, then finish with a magical bioluminescent-plankton night swim by longtail.
Kayak to Monkey Beach (Ao Ling)(2.5 hours)
Rent a sit-on-top kayak (~200-300 THB/hour) from Tonsai Bay and paddle 15-20 minutes along the coast. Watch the macaques from the water — never feed them or land your bags nearby.
Lunch at Garlic 1992(1 hour)
Long-running Thai spot; pineapple fried rice served inside the fruit (~140 THB).
Rest — beach or pool afternoon(2.5 hours)
Free time to read, swim, or nap before the evening tour.
Sunset longtail & bioluminescent plankton swim(3 hours)
A late-afternoon private longtail (~1,800-2,500 THB) to a quiet bay for sunset, then a night swim as the water glows electric blue with plankton. Bring a dry bag for valuables.
Farewell dinner at Le Grand Bleu(1.5 hours)
French-Thai fusion in a wooden house near the pier; mains 350-600 THB with a decent wine list — a fitting last supper.
Departure
Checkout and a final easy morning before the ferry back to Krabi or Phuket. Confirm your ferry time the night before — off-season monsoon departures can be cut without warning, so leave buffer for your onward flight.
Breakfast at Phi Phi Bakery(45 minutes)
Fresh croissants and iced coffee; grab a few pastries for the ferry crossing.
Last-minute shopping in Tonsai's lanes(1 hour)
Elephant-print pants (~150 THB), dried mango, and Phi Phi tees; haggle gently and in good humor.
Checkout & porter to Tonsai Pier(45 minutes)
Trolley porters run ~20-50 THB per bag; pay the 20 THB pier fee on the way out.
Ferry to Krabi / Phuket(2 hours)
Arrive at the pier 30 minutes early. Pre-book your onward airport van (~600-1,000 THB to Krabi or Phuket airport) so a missed connection doesn't strand you.
14-Day Koh Phi Phi Itinerary
Arrival & Tonsai Village
Take the mid-morning ferry from Krabi's Klong Jilad Pier or Phuket's Rassada Pier (1.5-2 hours, ~400-700 THB) to Tonsai Pier. Pay the 20 THB pier entry and walk to your Tonsai Village guesthouse — the island is entirely car-free. Ease into island time on the sandbar isthmus between the two bays.
Ferry to Tonsai Pier(2 hours)
Book Andaman Wave Master or Ao Nang Princess a day ahead; the upper deck has the best karst views on the approach. Porters with trolleys charge ~20-50 THB per bag to your hotel.
Check in at Tonsai Village(1 hour)
Chunut House, PP Casita, or Phi Phi Villa Resort sit minutes from the pier. Screenshot your hotel's map pin — the lanes have no street addresses and signal is patchy.
Orientation walk & cash run(1 hour)
Walk the 300m isthmus from Tonsai Bay to Loh Dalum Bay. Withdraw cash now: island ATMs add a flat 220 THB foreign-card fee and sometimes run dry on weekends.
Sunset at Loh Dalum Bay(1.5 hours)
Beanbags at Sunflower Bar, rebuilt from 2004 tsunami-wreck timber; Chang beer ~100 THB as the tide fills the bay.
Dinner at Efe Mediterranean Restaurant(1 hour)
Turkish grill in the village; meze and lamb shish for 300-400 THB. Arrive by 7PM to skip the wait.
Phi Phi Leh Island Hopping — Maya Bay, Pileh, Loh Samah & Monkey Beach
A full day circling uninhabited Phi Phi Leh by early speedboat. Leave Tonsai around 6:30AM to reach Maya Bay before the crowds; the loop covers the cliff-ringed lagoons, snorkel bays, and Monkey Beach. It's all inside the national park, so a ~400 THB fee applies.
Early Maya Bay tour(45 minutes)
Sunrise trips (~1,500-2,000 THB) dock at the rear pontoon; 400 THB park fee usually extra. Swimming is restricted — you view the famous cove from the boardwalk.
Pileh Lagoon swim(45 minutes)
Emerald water walled by 100m cliffs; jump in with a life vest. Calmest early before the wind builds.
Loh Samah Bay snorkeling(45 minutes)
Sheltered south-side reef with clownfish and staghorn coral — don't stand on the coral (banned and fined). About 45 minutes in the water.
Monkey Beach (Ao Ling) stop(45 minutes)
A short cove on Phi Phi Don where macaques roam; keep bags zipped and don't feed or approach them — they bite and steal. Roughly 15 minutes by boat from Tonsai.
Late lunch back in Tonsai(1 hour)
Papaya Restaurant 2 for a fiery massaman curry (~150 THB) and cold coconut water.
Viewpoint Sunrise & Restful Afternoon
A dawn climb to the iconic Phi Phi Viewpoint, then a deliberately slow afternoon to recover from the early starts. Everything today is on foot around the village.
Sunrise hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint 1 & 2(2 hours)
Leave by 5:30AM for the steep 20-30 minute stair climb; 30 THB entry. Viewpoint 2 has the classic twin-bay-and-sandbar panorama. Carry water — the stairs are relentless.
Brunch at Unni's Restaurant(1 hour)
The island's brunch institution — 'Big Breakfast' (~250 THB) and fresh juices.
Rest — spa or pool(4 hours)
Escape the midday heat. A village Thai massage runs ~300 THB/hour; nap or read through the hottest part of the day.
Sunset stroll & smoothie at Loh Dalum(1.5 hours)
Wander the beach as the light softens; fresh mango smoothie ~70 THB from a beach cart.
Dinner at Garlic 1992(1 hour)
Reliable local Thai; pineapple fried rice in the fruit and pad see ew, ~140 THB each.
Long Beach (Hat Yao) & Shark Point Snorkel
A laid-back day at Long Beach, the island's quieter southeastern strand, with excellent offshore snorkeling. Reach it by short longtail or a coastal walk — no roads connect the beaches.
Longtail to Long Beach (Hat Yao)(20 minutes)
A 15-minute longtail from Tonsai (~150 THB) or a 30-minute coastal walk to the pale-sand beach.
Shark Point snorkeling(2 hours)
Snorkel out to the offshore reef and Shark Point at Long Beach's south end for harmless blacktip reef sharks in the shallows — best at low tide in the morning.
Beachfront lunch at Paradise Pearl Bungalow(1 hour)
Grilled fish and green curry with a sea view, ~200-350 THB.
Free afternoon on Long Beach(2.5 hours)
Read under the casuarina trees, swim, or hire a stand-up paddleboard (~200 THB/hour). Quieter and cleaner sand than the village beach.
Sunset dinner at Ciao Bella(1.5 hours)
Beachfront Italian; wood-fired pizza 300-400 THB with karst-silhouette sunset views back toward Tonsai.
Bamboo Island Snorkel & Cooking Class
A half-day snorkel run north to Bamboo Island, then an evening cooking Thai food. Boats leave Tonsai around 9AM.
Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai) snorkel tour(3 hours)
Half-day longtail or speedboat (~1,000-1,200 THB) plus 400 THB park fee; shallow reef and fine white sand, often with a Mosquito Island (Koh Yung) stop. Allow 1-2 hours on the beach.
Lunch at Local Food Café(1 hour)
Cheap back-lane Thai; chicken cashew nut ~120 THB.
Rest / aloe massage(2 hours)
Cool down before the class; a 400 THB aloe massage soothes sunburn from the open boat.
Thai cooking class at Pum Restaurant & Cooking School(3 hours)
Pound curry paste and cook 4-5 dishes, then eat them (~1,000-1,800 THB). Book a day ahead.
Rooftop movie at Banana Bar(1.5 hours)
Chilled rooftop above the lanes showing films nightly; a mellow alternative to the beach-bar buckets, cocktails ~150 THB.
Diving the Bida Islands
A full underwater day at Koh Bida Nok and Bida Nai, the region's premier day-boat dive sites. Snorkelers welcome on the same boat. Departs Tonsai mid-morning.
Two-tank dive trip to Bida Nok & Bida Nai(6 hours)
Blue View Divers or Adventure Club (~2,900-3,500 THB incl. gear); leopard sharks on the sand and seahorses in the gorgonians. Snorkel option ~1,500 THB.
Surface interval aboard(30 minutes)
Fresh fruit and snacks between dives while the crew briefs the second site.
Rinse & rest back on shore(2 hours)
Hydrate and take it easy after the dives.
Sunset drinks at Ibiza House(1.5 hours)
Loh Dalum beanbags and happy-hour cocktails from ~150 THB.
Seafood dinner at Tonsai Seafood(1.5 hours)
Pick your fish from the ice display; grilled prawns or barracuda by weight, ~400-700 THB for two.
Rest Day & Muay Thai Night
A full recovery day at the midpoint of the trip — beach, spa, and an evening of Thai boxing at the island's famous ring bar. No boats, no early alarms.
Slow morning at Loh Dalum Bay(3 hours)
Swim, read, and float; grab breakfast from Phi Phi Bakery (croissants and iced coffee, ~120 THB).
Spa afternoon(2 hours)
Book a Thai herbal-compress massage (~500-700 THB) at one of the village spas to reset for the second week.
Sunset at the Viewpoint café(1.5 hours)
A gentler second look at the twin-bay panorama with a cold drink, without the sunrise crowds.
Muay Thai at Reggae Bar(2 hours)
The island's landmark bar has a boxing ring; watch local bouts free (tourists can even fight for a free bucket, though it's best just to spectate). Loud, lively, memorable.
Late dinner at Cosmic Restaurant(1 hour)
Wood-fired pizza and pasta, 250-400 THB, open late for the post-fight crowd.
Day Trip to Railay — Rock Climbing & Phra Nang Cave Beach
A day excursion to the Railay peninsula, the Andaman's rock-climbing capital, reachable only by boat like Phi Phi. Take the mid-morning ferry from Tonsai (~1.5-2 hours, ~450 THB) to Railay West, and return on the late-afternoon boat.
Ferry to Railay West(2 hours)
The Ao Nang Princess ferry links Phi Phi and Railay; confirm the return departure (usually ~3:30PM) so you don't get stranded.
Beginner rock climbing session(3 hours)
Half-day intro with King Climbers or Basecamp Tonsai (~1,000-1,500 THB incl. gear and guide) on the bolted limestone above Railay East. No experience needed.
Lunch at Mama's Chicken(1 hour)
Cheap, beloved Thai canteen on the walking street; massaman and pad thai around 100-150 THB.
Phra Nang Cave Beach(2 hours)
Walk 10 minutes to arguably Thailand's finest beach, backed by the Princess Cave shrine of wooden phalluses. Swim beneath the overhanging karst.
Ferry back to Phi Phi & dinner in Tonsai(2.5 hours)
Return on the late boat; casual dinner at Anna's Restaurant (Thai, ~150-250 THB) once back in the village.
Slow Travel North — Laem Tong & the Sea Gypsy Village
Relocate to the tranquil far north of Phi Phi Don for two nights of slow travel away from Tonsai's buzz. A 30-45 minute longtail from Tonsai delivers you to Laem Tong, home to a handful of resorts and an Urak Lawoi sea-gypsy community.
Longtail transfer to Laem Tong(45 minutes)
Arrange a longtail (~600-900 THB) or the resort shuttle north to Laem Tong; check in at Zeavola, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, or the Holiday Inn Resort.
Visit the Chao Ley sea-gypsy village(1.5 hours)
Walk to the Urak Lawoi (Chao Ley) fishing hamlet at the north tip; buy grilled squid or handmade shell crafts and respect that it's a living community, not an attraction.
Lazy beach afternoon(3 hours)
Laem Tong's calm, uncrowded water is ideal for a long swim and a book under the palms — a world away from Loh Dalum.
House-reef snorkel(1 hour)
The shallow reef off Laem Tong beach has good coral straight from shore; borrow gear from your resort.
Beachfront dinner at your resort(1.5 hours)
Dining options are limited up here, so eat at the resort — fresh grilled seafood with sunset over the water, ~400-700 THB.
Rest Day — Hidden North Bays by Kayak
A slow, restorative day exploring the secluded coves near Laem Tong by kayak, with plenty of downtime. Nui Bay and Runtee Bay are quiet, near-empty beaches accessible only by water.
Kayak to Nui Bay & Runtee Bay(3 hours)
Paddle south along the coast (kayaks ~300 THB/hour from the resort) to these tucked-away snorkel bays; you may have the sand to yourselves midweek.
Snorkel the fringing reef(1 hour)
Both bays have healthy hard coral close to shore; watch for parrotfish and the occasional blacktip.
Rest — hammock and pool time(3 hours)
Deliberate downtime back at the resort: nap in a hammock, laps in the pool, no agenda.
Sunset yoga or beach walk(1 hour)
Many north resorts run drop-in sunset yoga (~300-500 THB); otherwise walk the length of Laem Tong beach at golden hour.
Quiet dinner under the stars(1.5 hours)
The north's near-total lack of light pollution makes for excellent stargazing over a slow beachfront meal.
Overnight to Koh Lanta — Beaches & Old Town
Return south, then ferry to laid-back Koh Lanta for an overnight (~1-1.5 hours from Phi Phi to Saladan Pier, ~400 THB). Unlike Phi Phi, Lanta has roads, so rent a scooter to explore its long west-coast beaches and atmospheric Old Town.
Longtail to Tonsai, then ferry to Koh Lanta(3 hours)
Transfer back to Tonsai Pier and catch the Saladan-bound ferry. Confirm timings the night before — connections thin out in shoulder season.
Check in near Phra Ae (Long Beach)(45 minutes)
Phra Ae is Lanta's main tourist beach with plenty of guesthouses; rent a scooter (~200-250 THB/day) at check-in.
Lanta Old Town(2 hours)
Ride to the east-coast Old Town's century-old Chinese-Thai stilt shophouses; browse sea-silk weaving and the pier lanes.
Sunset seafood at Beautiful Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Over-water tables on Old Town's jetty; whole steamed fish and morning-glory stir-fry, ~300-500 THB.
Drinks at Klong Nin Beach(1.5 hours)
Ride back west for a nightcap at a relaxed reggae beach bar on Klong Nin — Lanta's vibe is mellow, not raucous.
Koh Lanta National Park & Return to Phi Phi
A morning at the wild southern tip of Koh Lanta before ferrying back north. Mu Ko Lanta National Park has a lighthouse, a short jungle trail, and roaming monitor lizards and monkeys.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park (Tanjung Tip)(2.5 hours)
Ride to the island's southern cape; 200 THB entry. Walk the short nature loop past the lighthouse and viewpoint — watch monitor lizards and mind the cheeky macaques near the picnic area.
Swim at Bamboo Bay(1 hour)
Cool off at this quiet cove just north of the park before the ride back to Saladan.
Lunch at Same Same But Different, Kantiang Bay(1 hour)
Beachfront under the trees; famous grilled seafood and curries, ~250-450 THB.
Ferry back to Phi Phi(1.5 hours)
Return the scooter and catch the afternoon ferry to Tonsai; re-check into your Tonsai Village hotel.
Casual dinner in Tonsai(1 hour)
Only Noodles for a bowl of tom yum noodles (~80-120 THB) to end an easy day.
Bioluminescent Plankton Swim & Last Evening
A gentle final full day back on Phi Phi — a lazy morning, last-minute shopping, and a magical bioluminescent-plankton night swim to close the trip.
Slow morning & beach swim(2.5 hours)
Sleep in, then a long swim at Loh Dalum and coffee at Aroy Kaffeen (~90 THB).
Souvenir shopping in Tonsai's lanes(1.5 hours)
Elephant-print pants (~150 THB), coconut oil, dried mango, and Phi Phi tees; haggle gently.
Rest & pack(2 hours)
Cool off and organize your bags before the evening outing.
Sunset longtail & bioluminescent plankton swim(3 hours)
Private longtail (~1,800-2,500 THB) to a quiet bay for sunset, then a night swim as the water glows electric blue. Bring a dry bag.
Farewell dinner at Le Grand Bleu(1.5 hours)
French-Thai fine dining near the pier; mains 350-600 THB with a solid wine list.
Departure
Checkout and a final easy morning before the ferry back to Krabi or Phuket. Confirm your ferry time the night before — monsoon-season departures can be canceled, so leave a buffer for your onward flight.
Breakfast at Phi Phi Bakery(45 minutes)
Croissants and iced coffee; grab pastries for the crossing.
Checkout & porter to Tonsai Pier(45 minutes)
Trolley porters ~20-50 THB per bag; pay the 20 THB pier fee on the way out.
Ferry to Krabi / Phuket(2 hours)
Arrive 30 minutes early and pre-book your onward airport van (~600-1,000 THB) so a missed connection doesn't cost you your flight.
21-Day Koh Phi Phi Itinerary
Arrival & Tonsai Village
Take the mid-morning ferry from Krabi's Klong Jilad Pier or Phuket's Rassada Pier (1.5-2 hours, ~400-700 THB) to Tonsai Pier. Pay the 20 THB pier entry and walk to your Tonsai Village guesthouse — the island is entirely car-free. Ease into island time on the sandbar isthmus between the two bays.
Ferry to Tonsai Pier(2 hours)
Book Andaman Wave Master or Ao Nang Princess a day ahead and ride the upper deck for the karst approach. Trolley porters charge ~20-50 THB per bag to your hotel.
Check in at Tonsai Village(1 hour)
Chunut House or PP Casita sit minutes from the pier. Screenshot your hotel's map pin — the lanes have no addresses and signal is patchy.
Orientation walk & cash run(1 hour)
Walk the 300m isthmus between Tonsai and Loh Dalum bays. Withdraw cash now: island ATMs add a flat 220 THB foreign-card fee and can run empty on weekends.
Sunset at Loh Dalum Bay(1.5 hours)
Beanbags at Sunflower Bar, built from 2004 tsunami-wreck timber; Chang beer ~100 THB as the tide floods the bay.
Dinner at Efe Mediterranean Restaurant(1 hour)
Turkish grill in the lanes; meze and lamb shish 300-400 THB. Arrive by 7PM to beat the wait.
Phi Phi Leh Island Hopping — Maya Bay, Pileh, Loh Samah & Monkey Beach
A full day circling uninhabited Phi Phi Leh by early speedboat. Depart Tonsai around 6:30AM to reach Maya Bay before the fleet arrives; the loop threads the cliff-ringed lagoons, snorkel bays, and Monkey Beach — all inside the national park (~400 THB fee).
Early Maya Bay tour(45 minutes)
Sunrise trips (~1,500-2,000 THB) dock at the rear pontoon; 400 THB park fee usually extra. Swimming is restricted — view the famous cove from the boardwalk.
Pileh Lagoon swim(45 minutes)
Emerald water walled by 100m cliffs; jump in with a life vest, calmest before the morning wind.
Loh Samah Bay snorkeling(45 minutes)
Sheltered south-side reef with clownfish and staghorn coral — never stand on the coral (banned and fined). ~45 minutes in the water.
Monkey Beach (Ao Ling) stop(45 minutes)
A short cove on Phi Phi Don where macaques roam; keep bags zipped and don't feed them — they bite and steal. ~15 minutes by boat from Tonsai.
Late lunch back in Tonsai(1 hour)
Papaya Restaurant 2 for a fiery massaman curry (~150 THB) and cold coconut water.
Viewpoint Sunrise & Restful Afternoon
A dawn climb to the iconic Phi Phi Viewpoint, then a deliberately slow afternoon to recover from the early start. Everything today is on foot around the village.
Sunrise hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint 1 & 2(2 hours)
Leave by 5:30AM for the steep 20-30 minute stair climb; 30 THB entry. Viewpoint 2 frames the classic twin-bay-and-sandbar shot. Carry water — the stairs are relentless.
Brunch at Unni's Restaurant(1 hour)
The island's brunch institution — 'Big Breakfast' (~250 THB) and fresh juices.
Rest — spa or pool(4 hours)
Escape the midday heat; a village Thai massage runs ~300 THB/hour. Nap or read through the hottest hours.
Sunset smoothie at Loh Dalum(1.5 hours)
Wander the beach as the light softens; fresh mango smoothie ~70 THB from a beach cart.
Dinner at Garlic 1992(1 hour)
Dependable local Thai; pineapple fried rice in the fruit, ~140 THB.
Long Beach (Hat Yao) & Shark Point Snorkel
A laid-back day at Long Beach, the quieter southeastern strand, with excellent offshore snorkeling and a photographer's light. Reached by short longtail or coastal walk — no roads link the beaches.
Longtail to Long Beach (Hat Yao)(20 minutes)
A 15-minute longtail from Tonsai (~150 THB) or a 30-minute coastal walk to the pale sand.
Shark Point snorkeling(2 hours)
Snorkel to the reef at Long Beach's south end for harmless blacktip reef sharks in the shallows — best at low tide in the morning.
Beachfront lunch at Paradise Pearl Bungalow(1 hour)
Grilled fish and green curry with a sea view, ~200-350 THB.
Photography walk & free beach time(3 hours)
Wander the coastal path shooting karst silhouettes and longtails; the low afternoon light back toward Tonsai is the island's best. Swim or nap between frames.
Sunset dinner at Ciao Bella(1.5 hours)
Beachfront Italian; wood-fired pizza 300-400 THB with sunset views over the water.
Rest Day in the Village
An unhurried day with no boats — recharge with a spa morning, a cooking-market wander, and a mellow evening. Pace matters on a three-week trip.
Slow breakfast at Aroy Kaffeen(1 hour)
Good espresso and banana pancakes (~120 THB) to start gently.
Half-day spa session(2.5 hours)
Book a Thai herbal-compress massage and foot treatment (~800-1,000 THB) at a village spa.
Rest — pool or beach downtime(3 hours)
Deliberate nothing time: float at Loh Dalum, read, or nap.
Sunset at Banana Bar rooftop(1.5 hours)
Chilled rooftop above the lanes; watch the light fade over the karsts with a cocktail (~150 THB) before the beach bars fire up.
Dinner at Cosmic Restaurant(1 hour)
Wood-fired pizza and pasta, 250-400 THB, open late.
Bamboo Island Snorkel & Cooking Class
A half-day snorkel run north to Bamboo Island, then an evening cooking Thai food. Boats leave Tonsai around 9AM.
Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai) snorkel tour(3 hours)
Half-day longtail or speedboat (~1,000-1,200 THB) plus 400 THB park fee; shallow reef and fine white sand, often with a Mosquito Island (Koh Yung) stop. Allow 1-2 hours on the beach.
Lunch at Local Food Café(1 hour)
Cheap back-lane Thai; chicken cashew nut ~120 THB.
Rest / aloe massage(2 hours)
Cool down before the class; a 400 THB aloe massage helps sun-scorched shoulders.
Thai cooking class at Pum Restaurant & Cooking School(3 hours)
Pound curry paste and cook 4-5 dishes, then eat them (~1,000-1,800 THB). Book a day ahead.
Fire show at Slinky Beach Bar(1 hour)
Loh Dalum's nightly fire-skipping show from ~9PM — watch from a safe distance; burns are common. Buckets ~300 THB; pace yourself and mind your drink.
PADI Open Water — Course Day 1
Begin a two-day learn-to-dive course in the warm Andaman. Morning theory and confined-water skills in shallow calm water, then a first shallow reef dive. Non-divers can instead take a full-day fun-dive or snorkel trip.
Theory & confined-water session(3 hours)
Blue View Divers or Princess Divers run PADI Open Water courses (~11,000-13,500 THB over 3-4 days; a 2-day Scuba Diver option is shorter). Morning covers gear, breathing, and pool-calm skills off Long Beach.
Lunch break at the dive shop(1 hour)
Light Thai lunch and rest between sessions — diving is more tiring than it looks.
First open-water reef dive(2 hours)
A shallow, sheltered dive near Long Beach or Nui Bay to practice skills and spot your first reef fish under supervision.
Rest & debrief(1.5 hours)
Log the dive with your instructor and rehydrate; no alcohol and take it easy the evening before day 2.
Early dinner at Jasmin Restaurant(1 hour)
Simple, tasty Thai near the beach; green curry and rice ~150 THB.
PADI Open Water — Course Day 2 at the Bida Islands
Complete the course with two open-water dives at Koh Bida Nok and Bida Nai, the region's best day-boat sites for leopard sharks and turtles. Certified divers or non-divers can join as fun-divers or snorkelers.
Two certification dives at Bida Nok & Bida Nai(5 hours)
Finish your skills on real reef walls; leopard sharks rest on the sand and turtles graze the coral. You leave a certified open-water diver.
Surface interval aboard(45 minutes)
Fruit, snacks, and your logbook between dives while the crew briefs the next site.
Return, certification & rest(2 hours)
Collect your PADI card and rinse gear; hydrate and rest — no flying today so you can relax.
Celebration drinks at Stones Bar(1.5 hours)
Toast the new certification at Loh Dalum; happy-hour cocktails from ~150 THB.
Seafood dinner at Tonsai Seafood(1.5 hours)
Pick your fish from the ice display; grilled prawns or barracuda by weight, ~400-700 THB for two.
Rest Day & Muay Thai Night
A recovery day after diving — beach, spa, and an evening of Thai boxing at the island's landmark ring bar. No boats, no alarms.
Slow morning at Loh Dalum Bay(3 hours)
Swim, read, and float; breakfast pastries from Phi Phi Bakery (~120 THB).
Rest — spa or hammock(2.5 hours)
A Thai foot massage (~300 THB) or simply a hammock and a book through the heat.
Sunset at the Viewpoint café(1.5 hours)
A gentler second look at the twin-bay panorama with a cold drink and no sunrise crowds.
Muay Thai at Reggae Bar(2 hours)
The island's landmark bar has a boxing ring with free local bouts (tourists can fight for a bucket — best to just spectate). Loud and lively.
Late dinner at Only Noodles(1 hour)
Tiny back-lane shop; a bowl of rich tom yum noodles ~80-120 THB.
Excursion to Railay — Rock Climbing Capital (Night 1 of 3)
Set off on a three-night side trip to the Railay peninsula, the Andaman's climbing mecca, reachable only by boat. Take the mid-morning ferry from Tonsai (~1.5-2 hours, ~450 THB) to Railay West and check in for three nights.
Ferry to Railay West & check in(2.5 hours)
The Ao Nang Princess ferry links Phi Phi and Railay. Check into Railay East or West — the peninsula is small enough to cross on foot in 10 minutes.
Beginner rock climbing session(3 hours)
Half-day intro with King Climbers or Basecamp Tonsai (~1,000-1,500 THB incl. gear and guide) on bolted limestone. No experience needed; guides talk you up the first route.
Lunch at Mama's Chicken(1 hour)
Beloved Thai canteen on the walking street; massaman and pad thai ~100-150 THB.
Railay West sunset(1.5 hours)
The wide west-facing beach is one of the best sunset spots in Krabi; grab a drink at Railay Beach Club.
Dinner at Rock Wood Restaurant(1 hour)
Jungle-edge Thai place; whole grilled fish and curries, ~200-350 THB.
Railay — Phra Nang Beach, Lagoon Viewpoint & Deep Water Soloing (Night 2)
A full day on the Railay peninsula mixing its finest beach, a thigh-burning jungle viewpoint, and the local specialty of deep-water soloing — climbing over the sea with a splashdown instead of ropes.
Railay Lagoon Viewpoint hike(2 hours)
Early start for the steep, muddy rope-assisted scramble above Railay East to the viewpoint, with an optional muddy descent to the hidden lagoon. Wear grippy shoes; ~45 min up.
Phra Nang Cave Beach(2 hours)
Walk 10 minutes to Thailand's most beautiful beach, backed by the Princess Cave shrine of wooden phalluses. Swim beneath the overhanging karst; kayak or paddleboard rentals ~200 THB/hour.
Lunch from the Phra Nang longtail kitchens(1 hour)
Boats moored off Phra Nang sell fresh pad thai and cold coconuts (~120-150 THB) straight from the water.
Deep water soloing session(3 hours)
Afternoon boat trip (~1,000-1,800 THB) to climb the sea cliffs and drop into deep water — no ropes, no experience required, endless laughs.
Dinner & drinks on the walking street(1.5 hours)
Casual Thai and a nightcap at The Last Bar; Railay's nightlife is low-key compared with Phi Phi.
Tiger Cave Temple & Hong Islands (Night 3)
A day trip from Railay to the mainland's spiritual and marine highlights — the summit temple of Wat Tham Suea and the emerald lagoon of Koh Hong. Longtail to Ao Nang, then join tours by van and speedboat.
Longtail to Ao Nang(20 minutes)
A 10-15 minute longtail (~100-150 THB) links Railay East with Ao Nang, the mainland gateway.
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)(3 hours)
A ~40-minute drive to Krabi Town's hilltop temple; climb the 1,237 steps (~278m) to the golden Buddha and 360-degree jungle panorama. Free entry; go early before the heat and mind the resident macaques.
Lunch in Krabi Town(1 hour)
Cheap, excellent southern-Thai fare at a Krabi Town cafe before the boat trip — try the crab curry, ~150-250 THB.
Hong Islands afternoon tour(3 hours)
Speedboat tour to Koh Hong's enclosed emerald lagoon and its snorkel beaches (~1,200-1,800 THB plus 300 THB park fee); the four-island loop is stunning in the afternoon light.
Ao Nang night market & back to Railay(2 hours)
Graze the Center Point night market (satay, mango sticky rice, ~40-80 THB per item), then the last longtail back to Railay.
Return to Phi Phi & Rest Afternoon
Ferry back to Phi Phi and settle into a Tonsai hotel again, with a restful afternoon to reset after the Railay excursion.
Ferry from Railay to Tonsai(2 hours)
Catch the mid-morning Ao Nang Princess back to Phi Phi; confirm the departure the evening before.
Check in & lunch in Tonsai(1.5 hours)
Drop bags at your Tonsai Village hotel and grab a light lunch at Phi Phi Bakery.
Rest — beach and pool(3 hours)
A quiet afternoon at Loh Dalum or your hotel pool; no plans, just recovery.
Sunset walk on the isthmus(1 hour)
Stroll from Tonsai Bay to Loh Dalum as the light drops and the beach bars set up.
Dinner at Anna's Restaurant(1 hour)
Consistent Thai in the lanes; tom kha gai and cashew chicken, ~150-250 THB.
Slow Travel North — Laem Tong & the Sea Gypsy Village
Relocate to the tranquil far north of Phi Phi Don for slow days away from Tonsai's buzz. A 30-45 minute longtail from Tonsai reaches Laem Tong, home to a handful of resorts and an Urak Lawoi sea-gypsy community.
Longtail transfer to Laem Tong(45 minutes)
Arrange a longtail (~600-900 THB) or resort shuttle north; check in at Zeavola, SAii Phi Phi Island Village, or the Holiday Inn Resort.
Visit the Chao Ley sea-gypsy village(1.5 hours)
Walk to the Urak Lawoi fishing hamlet at the north tip; buy grilled squid or shell crafts and remember it's a living community, not an attraction.
House-reef snorkel(1 hour)
The shallow reef off Laem Tong beach has healthy coral straight from shore; borrow gear from your resort.
Lazy beach afternoon(3 hours)
Laem Tong's calm, empty water is made for a long swim and a book under the palms.
Beachfront dinner at your resort(1.5 hours)
Dining is limited up here, so eat at the resort — fresh grilled seafood with sunset over the water, ~400-700 THB.
Rest Day — Hidden North Bays by Kayak
A restorative day exploring the secluded coves near Laem Tong by kayak, with plenty of downtime. Nui Bay and Runtee Bay are quiet, near-empty beaches reachable only by water.
Kayak to Nui Bay & Runtee Bay(3 hours)
Paddle south along the coast (kayaks ~300 THB/hour from the resort) to these tucked-away snorkel bays; midweek you may have the sand to yourselves.
Snorkel the fringing reef(1 hour)
Both bays have hard coral close to shore; watch for parrotfish and the occasional blacktip.
Rest — hammock and pool time(3 hours)
Deliberate downtime: nap in a hammock, laps in the pool, no agenda.
Sunset yoga or beach walk(1 hour)
Many north resorts run drop-in sunset yoga (~300-500 THB); otherwise walk the length of Laem Tong at golden hour.
Stargazing dinner(1.5 hours)
The north's near-total lack of light pollution makes for excellent stargazing over a slow beachfront meal.
Excursion to Koh Lanta — Beaches & Old Town (Night 1 of 3)
Return south, then ferry to laid-back Koh Lanta for a three-night side trip (~1-1.5 hours from Phi Phi to Saladan Pier, ~400 THB). Unlike Phi Phi, Lanta has roads, so rent a scooter to roam its long west-coast beaches and Old Town.
Longtail to Tonsai, then ferry to Koh Lanta(3 hours)
Transfer back to Tonsai Pier and catch the Saladan-bound ferry; confirm timings as connections thin in shoulder season.
Check in near Phra Ae (Long Beach) & rent a scooter(1 hour)
Phra Ae is Lanta's main beach; rent a scooter (~200-250 THB/day) to explore — the island is long and spread out.
Lanta Old Town(2 hours)
Ride to the east-coast Old Town's century-old Chinese-Thai stilt shophouses; browse sea-silk weaving and the pier lanes.
Sunset seafood at Beautiful Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Over-water tables on Old Town's jetty; whole steamed fish and morning-glory stir-fry, ~300-500 THB.
Nightcap at Klong Nin Beach(1.5 hours)
Ride back west for a relaxed reggae beach bar on Klong Nin — Lanta's scene is mellow, not raucous.
Koh Lanta National Park & Southern Beaches (Night 2)
A day exploring the wild southern tip of Koh Lanta by scooter. Mu Ko Lanta National Park has a lighthouse, a short jungle trail, and roaming monitor lizards and monkeys, plus quiet coves nearby.
Mu Ko Lanta National Park (Tanjung Tip)(2.5 hours)
Ride to the island's southern cape; 200 THB entry. Walk the short nature loop past the lighthouse and viewpoint — spot monitor lizards and mind the cheeky macaques near the picnic area.
Swim at Bamboo Bay(1 hour)
Cool off at this quiet cove just north of the park.
Lunch at Same Same But Different, Kantiang Bay(1 hour)
Beachfront under the trees; famous grilled seafood and curries, ~250-450 THB.
Rest — Kantiang or Klong Nin beach(2.5 hours)
A slow afternoon on one of Lanta's prettiest, quietest beaches.
Dinner at Fresh Restaurant, Klong Nin(1.5 hours)
Beachfront tables and driftwood decor; Thai and seafood, ~250-450 THB.
Koh Lanta — Koh Rok & Koh Haa Snorkel Day (Night 3)
A full-day speedboat trip from Saladan to the pristine outer islands of Koh Rok and Koh Haa, home to some of the Andaman's clearest water and most vivid coral — a niche the crowds around Phi Phi rarely reach.
Speedboat to Koh Rok & Koh Haa(8 hours)
Full-day tour from Saladan Pier (~1,800-2,500 THB incl. lunch and gear, plus national park fee); glass-clear water, twin lagoons, and dense coral gardens with turtles and reef fish.
Snorkel the coral gardens(3 hours)
Multiple stops among Koh Haa's chambers and Koh Rok's shallow reefs; among the best visibility in southern Thailand.
Beach lunch on Koh Rok(1 hour)
The tour serves a picnic lunch on Koh Rok's white-sand beach — swim off the powder sand between snorkels.
Return & rest at Phra Ae(2 hours)
Back to Saladan late afternoon; rinse off and rest on Long Beach.
Farewell-to-Lanta dinner at Red Snapper(1.5 hours)
Popular tapas-and-cocktails spot near Phra Ae; small plates ~150-300 THB. Book ahead in high season.
Return to Phi Phi & Bioluminescent Plankton Swim
Ferry back to Phi Phi for the final stretch, capped by a magical bioluminescent-plankton night swim off a quiet bay.
Ferry from Koh Lanta to Tonsai(1.5 hours)
Return the scooter and catch the morning Saladan ferry back to Phi Phi; re-check into your Tonsai hotel.
Lunch & rest in Tonsai(2.5 hours)
Light lunch at Aroy Kaffeen and downtime to settle back in.
Sunset longtail cruise(1.5 hours)
Board a private longtail (~1,800-2,500 THB) as golden hour lights the karsts on the way to a sheltered bay.
Bioluminescent plankton night swim(1.5 hours)
As dark falls, slip into the water and watch it glow electric blue with every movement. Bring a dry bag for valuables.
Late dinner at Le Grand Bleu(1.5 hours)
French-Thai fine dining near the pier; mains 350-600 THB with a good wine list.
Rest Day, Sunrise Photo Walk & Last Shopping
A gentle final full day — a quiet sunrise photography walk, a spa reset, and last-minute shopping before tomorrow's departure.
Sunrise photography walk(1.5 hours)
Head out at dawn along Loh Dalum and the isthmus while the village sleeps — soft light, moored longtails, and empty beaches make the best frames of the trip.
Breakfast at Unni's Restaurant(1 hour)
One last 'Big Breakfast' (~250 THB) and fresh juice.
Rest — spa and pool(3 hours)
A farewell Thai massage (~400 THB) and pool time through the heat of the day.
Souvenir shopping in Tonsai's lanes(1.5 hours)
Elephant-print pants (~150 THB), coconut oil, dried mango, and Phi Phi tees; haggle gently and pack tonight.
Farewell dinner at Tonsai Seafood(1.5 hours)
Pick your catch from the beach ice display; grilled seafood by weight, ~400-700 THB for two, feet in the sand.
Departure
Checkout and a final easy morning before the ferry back to Krabi or Phuket. Confirm your ferry time the night before — monsoon-season departures can be canceled, so leave a buffer for your onward flight.
Breakfast at Phi Phi Bakery(45 minutes)
Croissants and iced coffee; grab pastries for the crossing.
Checkout & porter to Tonsai Pier(45 minutes)
Trolley porters ~20-50 THB per bag; pay the 20 THB pier fee on the way out.
Ferry to Krabi / Phuket(2 hours)
Arrive 30 minutes early and pre-book your onward airport van (~600-1,000 THB) so a missed connection doesn't cost you your flight.
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Many Nationalities Get Visa-Free Entry
Thailand grants 60-day visa exemptions to passport holders from the US, UK, EU, Australia, and many others (extendable once at immigration). Ensure your passport has at least 6 months' validity and be ready to show proof of onward travel.
transport
You Arrive by Ferry — Plan the Connection
There is no airport; fly into Krabi or Phuket, then take a ferry (1.5-2 hours, ~400-700 THB) to Tonsai Pier. Ferries are far less frequent and can be canceled in monsoon season, so build in buffer time and check the last departure.
Local Customs
Pay the National Park Fee and Respect Maya Bay Rules
Most snorkeling and Maya Bay tours are inside Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, charging foreigners ~400 THB per site. Standing on coral or bringing single-use plastics is banned, and Maya Bay periodically closes to let reefs recover.
Safety
The Party Scene Comes With Real Hazards
Tonsai's beach bars sell cheap buckets of spirits and fire shows draw crowds. Overpriced 'welcome' drinks, occasional drink-spiking, and burns from fire-skipping are common — pace yourself, watch your drink, and keep valuables locked in your room.
Budget
Bring Enough Cash — ATMs Charge a Premium
Island ATMs levy a flat foreign-card fee of around 220 THB per withdrawal on top of your bank's charges, and they sometimes run empty on busy weekends. Withdraw larger amounts on the mainland and carry small bills for longtail boats and street food.
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