Phi Phi Island is one of Thailand’s most stunning tropical getaways, famous for its clear blue waters, white sand beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Located in the heart of the Andaman Sea, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure, relaxation, or that picture-perfect beach day. From snorkeling with vibrant marine life to soaking in postcard views at Maya Bay, a Phi Phi Island tour offers something unforgettable for every kind of traveler.
If you are planning a visit, the best way to explore this paradise is by boat. Phi Phi Island boat tours let you skip the crowds, uncover hidden gems, and experience the islands the way they’re meant to be seen by sea. In this guide, we will walk you through the top highlights, things to do, and what to expect so you can find the perfect Phi Phi boat tour for your trip.
Where is Phi Phi Island?
Phi Phi isn’t just one island, it’s a whole group of six, floating in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and the Thai mainland. They are part of Krabi Province in southern Thailand, and honestly, they look like something straight out of a travel postcard.
- Koh Phi Phi Don: It is the biggest and the only one where you can actually stay overnight. It’s got the buzz restaurants, beach bars, and loads of tour options.
- Koh Phi Phi Leh: It is where those jaw-dropping social media reels come from, think Maya Bay, hidden lagoons, and towering cliffs.
- Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai: These are divers’ favorites. Tiny, remote, and full of marine life. If you are into coral reefs and spotting sharks, these are your spots.
- Koh Phai (Bamboo Island): This Island is all about soft sand and clear water, perfect for a chill stop during a boat tour, especially at sunset.
- Koh Yung (Mosquito Island): This Island looks cool from a distance, but yeah, no one really goes there unless they want to get eaten alive.
Each island brings its kind of magic, but together, they make Phi Phi unforgettable.
How to Get to Phi Phi Island
Getting to Phi Phi is pretty simple, and honestly, the journey is part of the fun. Most visitors arrive via ferry or speedboat from either Phuket or Krabi, and Simba Sea Trips offers convenient transfers to make the journey smooth:
- From Phuket: Ferries leave daily from Rassada Pier and take around 2 hours. Want to get there quicker? Speedboats can make the trip in just 45 minutes.
- From Krabi: You can catch a ferry from Klong Jilad Pier, which takes about 90 minutes. Speedboats are also available if you are short on time.
During peak season, you will also find routes from Koh Lanta and Ao Nang, which are perfect if you are island-hopping.
The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Phi Phi Island Day by Day
Here’s how to explore the best of Phi Phi Island, one unforgettable day at a time.
Day 1: Arrive, Settle In & Soak It All In
- Arrival at Tonsai Pier: Once your ferry or speedboat docks, you will step right into the heart of Phi Phi Don, Tonsai Pier. Most hotels send someone to greet you, help with luggage, and guide you through the little maze that is Tonsai Village.
- Hit the Beach: First things first, beach time. Loh Dalum Bay is the easiest to access from the village, though it can get super shallow at low tide. If you are not feeling the crowds, consider hiring a longtail boat and heading to a quieter beach like Nui or Phak Nam.
- Catch the Sunset: If you have only got one full day left, hike up to Viewpoint 2 before sunset. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views over the twin bays are iconic. Otherwise, you can watch the sunset from the water, just hire a boat at Tonsai and cruise out for golden hour.
- Dinner & Exploring Tonsai Village: Post-sunset, wander back into Tonsai Village for dinner. There’s no shortage of local seafood joints, beach bars, and souvenir shops. If you are here to party, Loh Dalum Beach is where the nightlife happens—fire shows, beach raves, and pool parties galore.
Day 2: Go Beyond Phi Phi Don
Today’s the day to explore the real stars of the Phi Phi Islands—those gorgeous, remote spots you have seen all over Instagram.
Option 1: The Sunset Tour (Full-Day)
This one’s a winner if you have another day on the island. You will start early with:
- Monkey Beach, there are actual monkeys. Cute, but cheeky. Don’t bring snacks.
- Phi Phi Leh Lagoon has crystal-clear water and snorkeling with reef sharks.
- Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, it’s as stunning in person as you’d hope.
- Bamboo Island at sunset is often crowd-free and just magical.
- Night Snorkeling: swim with glowing plankton. It’s unreal.
This tour lets you check off everything without rushing, and it’s one of the best ways to do a proper Phi Phi Island boat tour.
Option 2: Sunrise Tour (Half-Day)
Pressed for time? This one hits the big names, Phi Phi Leh Lagoon and Maya Bay, before the crowds show up. You will be back by lunch, giving you a full afternoon to relax.
Day 3: Explore Hidden Corners or Just Chill
If you have got a third day (or just want to see a different side of the island), you have got two great options.
Option A: Hike to the Viewpoints
Start with Viewpoint 1, then climb to Viewpoint 2 for that famous photo. If you are feeling adventurous, keep going all the way to Loh Bakao Beach through the jungle trail. It’s not a tough hike, but it is hot—pack water and snacks. Once you reach the beach, hop on a boat back to Tonsai.
Option B: Beach Hopping
Not into hiking? Fair. Spend the day beach-hopping instead. Some low-key, less crowded options include:
- Viking Beach
- Phak Nam Bay
- Loh Lana Bay
- Long Beach (great for swimming and views)
Hire a longtail boat or kayak your way to these spots; it’s peaceful, scenic, and a nice break from the village buzz.
How to Explore: Boat Tours Are the Way to Go
The prettiest corners of the Phi Phi Islands are best seen from the water. And honestly, there’s no better way than an early boat trip that skips the crowds and lets you enjoy each spot at its calmest.
Simba Sea Trips’ Sunrise Tour is a favourite for good reason. You leave Phuket before sunrise, reach Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon while they’re still quiet, and have plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and relax before other boats arrive. There’s breakfast on board, cold drinks, and a friendly crew who knows all the best hidden spots.
If you’d rather plan your own route, Simba also offers private speedboat tours — perfect if you want the day to feel extra special or have the boat all to yourselves.
Whichever you choose, you’ll get the best of Phi Phi without feeling rushed or packed in with big groups.
Simba Sea Trips offers a range of options to suit your vibe—whether you are looking for a chill experience, an adventurous one, or something in between.
Island Highlights You Can’t Miss
- Maya Bay: A picture-perfect beach made famous by The Beach, now best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset without the crowds.
- Pileh Lagoon: A stunning emerald lagoon surrounded by cliffs, ideal for a peaceful swim straight off the boat.
- Monkey Beach: A lively stretch of sand where monkeys roam freely, cute, cheeky, and best admired from a distance.
- Bamboo Island: A quiet, scenic island with soft sand and clear water, perfect for a laid-back beach stop.
- Viewpoint 2: The spot for that iconic Phi Phi photo, worth every step of the short hike for the panoramic view.
Your Perfect Trip Starts With Simba Sea Trips
At Simba Sea Trips, we believe Phi Phi Island is best experienced with a little space, a little silence, and a lot of wonder. That’s why our tours are designed to help you beat the crowds, explore hidden corners, and soak in the beauty of these islands at your own pace.
Whether you are chasing sunrise at Maya Bay, snorkeling in crystal-clear lagoons, or simply enjoying the ride, we are here to make your day on the water unforgettable.
Book your tour today and let us show you the best of the Andaman Sea.
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