Phi Phi Islands: Day Trips and Tours from Krabi

The Phi Phi Islands are located just off the coast of Krabi and are renowned for their idyllic beaches, clear waters, and towering limestone formations.

It's easy to arrange a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi. You can hop on board a speedboat and whizz through the isles, hopping off at the most picturesque landmarks along the way.

If you want to swim among sharks or see wild monkeys playing in the sand, you should consider adding the Phi Phi Islands to your itinerary.

You will find below everything you need to know about Phi Phi Islands, one of the most fascinating destinations for day trips from Krabi.

How to get to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi?

The Phi Phi Islands are located in the Andaman Sea, around 40 kilometers from Krabi, off the southwest coast of Thailand.

From Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands by public transport

You can catch a direct ferry from Krabi's Khlong Jilad Pier to the Phi Phi Islands. The journey to the Phi Phi Islands takes between 45 minutes and two hours depending on the ferry you select, and prices start at approximately US$20.

Guided tour to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi

The easiest way to visit the archipelago is by booking a guided excursion to the Phi Phi Islands. You'll be picked up from your accommodation in the early morning, and tours typically last between seven and nine hours.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi?

Regardless of the time of day you choose to visit the Phi Phi Islands, the itinerary is usually the same. You'll be picked up from your accommodation and escorted to a boat to kick off your Phi Phi Islands day trip properly.

You'll visit the biggest island in the archipelago — Koh Phi Phi Don — where you'll have time to explore its beaches. You'll journey to several other beaches, including Maya Bay, which is often regarded as Thailand's most beautiful beach.

Another popular destination for tours is Monkey Beach, which is famed for its abundance of monkeys waiting to greet tourists (and steal their food!)

You'll also visit Viking Cave, where you'll see bird nests that are harvested for soup, and ancient cave paintings. You'll enjoy a traditional Thai lunch on the beach, at one of your many stops.

When you've seen the islands in all their glory, you'll be transported back to Krabi, where your jaunt to the Phi Phi Islands ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Phi Phi Islands?

There are several options for Phi Phi Islands day tours, depending on the time of day you wish to visit.

Day trip to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi

Phi Phi Islands day trips transport you to the most iconic islands in the chain. These include Phi Phi Leh — the home of Maya Bay — which is famous for its appearance in the Hollywood film "The Beach."

While the islands can get crowded, you'll have a local guide to help you find the most secluded spots. On top of island hopping, you'll also enjoy snorkeling and discovering caves.

Sunrise tour to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi

Those who can drag themselves out of bed early enough will be rewarded by some of the most striking sights in Thailand. Starting your tour early means you can visit most tourist hotspots before the crowds arrive.

These destinations include Maya Bay, which is often swarming with visitors. You'll spend the day swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on several different islands, before returning to Krabi.

Sunset trip to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi

This day tour to the Phi Phi Islands begins later than many others. You'll have the opportunity to swim among harmless blacktip reef sharks at the aptly named "Shark Point."

You'll hop between islands throughout the day, and as the sun begins to set, you'll travel to a remote destination. You'll see bioluminescent plankton begin to glow as the sun goes down, and you can also choose to swim among them.

How much does a tour to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi cost?

Day tours to the Phi Phi Islands cost between US$40 and US$100. Those on the higher end of this range often take place in a small group and include all entrance fees.

You can expect to pay around US$150 for a sunset tour, which has no more than nine participants.

If you'd like to take a private day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, you'll pay between US$570 and US$680 for a group of up to 12.

What will you see and do on a Phi Phi Islands day trip from Krabi?

Maya Bay

Nestled into the rocky coast of Thailand's Phi Phi Leh Island, Maya Bay is home to a white-sand beach and turquoise waters. The soaring limestone cliffs that surround it reach mesmerizing heights of over 100 meters.

The beach gained popularity after it was chosen as the location for the 2000 film "The Beach," which starred Leonardo DiCaprio. Because of the excess of daily boat tours visiting Maya Bay, the destination was forced to close for 1.5 years to allow the coral to recover. Today, you can travel to the island and snorkel in its clear waters. While swimming, you may see blacktip reef sharks, barracuda, parrotfish and clownfish.

Viking Cave

Tham Phrayanaga — also known as Viking Cave — is an unusual destination in the Phi Phi islands. While the limestone cave is aesthetically stunning, it's the bird nests that exist inside its walls that are the main attraction.

Swiftlet birds create their nests inside this cave, where they are then collected and harvested for traditional Chinese soup. It is thought that the soup supports good health and skin in the consumer.

Another highlight of Viking Cave is the paintings of Viking ships covering its walls, which is how the cave got its nickname.

Koh Phi Phi Don

Koh Phi Phi Don is the main island in the Phi Phi Islands archipelago. It is the only inhabited island in the chain and boasts pristine beaches, and dazzling waters. One of the most popular natural attractions on the island is its viewpoint, which overlooks two bays.

While the hike up to this lookout point is steep and not for the faint-hearted, you'll be rewarded with outstanding views if you make the effort.

When is the best time to visit the Phi Phi Islands?

The best time to take a day tour to the Phi Phi Islands is between November and March. During these months, the humidity is at its lowest and there is less chance of heavy showers. However, this is also the peak tourist season. If you want to avoid the crowds, you should consider visiting during the wet season — between April and October.

Are there any tours to the Phi Phi Islands from other cities in Thailand?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Thailand:

• Day trips to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket

Travel tips

• If you have an underwater camera, bring it with you on your Phi Phi Islands day trip, to capture blacktip reef sharks in action.
• Opt for an early tour if you wish to avoid the crowds, and see Maya Bay at its most peaceful.
• During the wet season, it rarely rains for more than one or two hours. If you want to get the best prices and see fewer tourists, visit the Phi Phi Islands from April to October.