Phi Phi Islands Day Trip

The Phi Phi Islands are the most iconic day trip from Phuket. Towering limestone karsts, impossibly blue water, and Maya Bay — the cove made famous by the film The Beach — make this a must-do for first-time visitors. Most tours run October through April when seas are calm and visibility is at its best.

What To Expect

Speedboats depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town around 8am. The crossing takes about 45 minutes. A typical itinerary covers:

• Shark Point & Anemone Reef — snorkeling stops with healthy coral gardens and reef sharks
• Viking Cave — sea swallow nests harvested for bird’s nest soup since the 14th century
• Monkey Beach — macaques roam the shoreline; keep snacks in your bag
• Maya Bay, Phi Phi Leh — the famous curved bay, now with time limits per group to protect the reef
• Phi Phi Don — lunch and free time to explore the village, rent kayaks, or just swim

You return to Phuket around 5–6pm.

Practical Info

Detail	Info
Departure	Rassada Pier, Phuket Town (07:30–08:00)
Returns	~17:30–18:00
Best months	November–April
Snorkel gear	Usually included
Reef-safe sunscreen	Required in the national park

Tips

• Book a small-group speedboat rather than a big catamaran — you’ll spend more time at each stop.
• Go earlier in the week; the islands are noticeably quieter Monday–Wednesday.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen is banned inside Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, take a patch the night before; the Andaman can chop up in the afternoon.

Where To Book

Search Phi Phi Islands tours on Klook to compare operators, read recent reviews, and book with free cancellation.

Where To Stay

Staying in Phuket Town puts you 10 minutes from the pier — ideal if you want an early start. Browse Phuket Town hotels on Agoda for the best rates close to the departure point.

FAQ

Can I stay overnight on Phi Phi Don? Yes — there are guesthouses and resorts on the island. But if you only have one day, the day trip is the efficient choice.

Is Maya Bay open again? Yes, it reopened in 2022 after a 3-year closure for coral rehabilitation. Entry is now timed and limited per group.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer? No. Snorkel stops are in calm, shallow water. Life jackets are provided and guides are in the water. Non-swimmers can float with a buoyancy vest.