Koh Phi Phi walking tour & city guide
Dramatic cliffs, turquoise bays and the famous Maya Bay.
Video by VISUAL THAILAND on YouTube. All rights belong to the creator. Like or comment on YouTube ↗
The Phi Phi Islands, between Phuket and Krabi in the Andaman Sea, are among the most famous islands in the world, with towering limestone cliffs, white beaches and impossibly clear water. Their fame grew after the film 'The Beach' was shot at Maya Bay in 1999.
Phi Phi Don
Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island in the group. There are no cars, so life revolves around walking paths, bicycles and longtail boats. Tonsai Village, on a narrow isthmus between two bays, is the main hub, packed with guesthouses, restaurants, dive shops and bars, as the walking tours show.
A steep hike leads to the Phi Phi Viewpoint, where you can see both crescent-shaped bays from above, a breathtaking sight especially at sunrise or sunset.
Maya Bay and Phi Phi Leh
Phi Phi Leh, the smaller uninhabited island, is home to Maya Bay. After years of overtourism damaged the coral reef, the bay was closed in 2018 to allow nature to recover. It reopened in 2022 with strict rules: boats now dock on the other side of the island, visitor numbers are limited and swimming in the bay is not allowed.
Boat trips also visit Pileh Lagoon, a turquoise pool enclosed by cliffs, Monkey Beach and snorkeling spots around Bamboo Island.
Visiting tips
Ferries run from Phuket and Krabi and take about one to two hours. The best season is November to April, when the sea is calm. Bring cash, as ATMs are limited, and respect the marine environment by using reef-safe sunscreen and not touching coral.
Top sights in Koh Phi Phi
- 1
Maya Bay
The famous bay from 'The Beach', now protected.
- 2
Phi Phi Viewpoint
A hike to views over both bays.
- 3
Pileh Lagoon
A turquoise lagoon surrounded by cliffs.
- 4
Tonsai Village
The island's lively car-free hub.
- 5
Monkey Beach
A small beach visited by monkeys.
- 6
Bamboo Island
White sand and snorkeling nearby.
Food markets & where to eat in Koh Phi Phi
Tonsai Village restaurants
Thai and international dishes in the main village.
Beachfront restaurants on Loh Dalum
Sunset dinners by the bay.
Street food stalls
Pad thai, roti and fruit shakes.
Seafood barbecues
Fresh fish grilled in the evening.
Food to try in Koh Phi Phi
Fresh seafood barbecue
Catch of the day grilled on the beach.
Pad thai
Stir-fried noodles from street stalls.
Banana roti
A sweet island snack.
Fruit shakes
Mango, pineapple and coconut.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Koh Phi Phi
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Koh Phi PhiCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Koh Phi Phi.
- eSIM for ThailandStay online from the moment you land.
Some links may be affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More cities in Thailand
▶ 6 videosBangkok
Golden temples, river life and legendary street food.
▶ 6 videosPhuket
Beaches, viewpoints and a charming old town.
▶ 6 videosChiang Mai
A moated old city of temples in the northern mountains.
▶ 6 videosKrabi
Limestone cliffs, Railay Beach and island-hopping paradise.
▶ 6 videosKoh Samui
Palm-fringed beaches, a Big Buddha and island life in the Gulf.
▶ 6 videosPattaya
A lively beach city with a giant wooden temple and island trips.
▶ 6 videosAyutthaya
The ruined temples of Siam's great ancient capital.
▶ 6 videosChiang Rai
The White Temple, the Blue Temple and the hills of the Golden Triangle.
▶ 5 videosHua Hin
Thailand's royal seaside resort, relaxed and family-friendly.
▶ 6 videosPai
A laid-back mountain town reached by 762 curves.
▶ 6 videosKanchanaburi
The Bridge on the River Kwai, waterfalls and floating raft houses.
▶ 6 videosSukhothai
The 'Dawn of Happiness', Thailand's first great kingdom.