Discover Phi Phi Islands and admire the breathtaking beauty of this archipelago with our range of private boat tours. From a traditional longtail boat to a more luxurious and intimate experience, or a modern speedboat, you are sure to find the perfect option to suit your preferences and budget. Get ready for an unforgettable Phi Phi Island tour!

Discover all our available boats below !

1 - Traditional Longtail Boat

The traditional longtail boat is a symbol of Koh Phi Phi and the original way to explore the islands. It offers an authentic experience and is also our most affordable option, making it perfect for discovering the local charm of Phi Phi Island while keeping an eye on your budget.

This is a private boat, meaning that when you choose this option for your Phi Phi Island tour, only you and our captain will be on board! If you wish, you can also add one of our local expert guides to help you discover the island and its hidden secrets. You can choose a guide who speaks French, English, Spanish or Portuguese.

On board, you will find all the essentials for your trip: life jackets, snorkeling masks and snorkels, drinking water and a cooler if you would like to bring your own drinks and food. Please note that national park fees are not included. The fee is 400 THB per person and must be paid in cash directly at the national park checkpoint during your excursion.

With our private longtail boat in Phi Phi, you can also choose your departure time and location. Our boats usually depart near Tonsai Pier, but if you prefer, we can arrange an additional pick-up and drop-off directly at your hotel, wherever you are staying on the island. It's a convenient way to enjoy a more complete experience! Our team will also be happy to advise you on the best departure time depending on what you are looking for: avoiding the crowds, enjoying the sunset, visiting Maya Bay early in the morning or simply spending a relaxing afternoon exploring the islands. We will help you find the option that best suits your plans!

2 - Premium Longtail Boat

The Premium longtail boat is a more comfortable version of the traditional boat, while keeping the authentic charm of the Thai longtail boats. It offers the same options as our traditional longtail boat, with one extra feature that makes all the difference: comfortable cushions and mattresses at the front of the boat!

This is the perfect combination for enjoying your excursion to the fullest. The outdoor lounging area at the front of the boat allows you to relax comfortably while cruising, admire the scenery, take beautiful photos or simply enjoy the sunshine between stops. It's an ideal choice for exploring the Phi Phi Islands while enjoying a little extra comfort compared to our traditional longtail boat.

Just like our traditional boat, the Premium is completely private. You will be accompanied only by your captain, with the option of adding a local expert guide to help you discover the island. You can choose a French, English, Spanish or Portuguese speaking guide.

You will also find all the essentials on board to make the most of your excursion: life jackets, snorkeling masks and snorkels, drinking water and a cooler to keep your drinks and food chilled. Please note that national park fees are not included in the tour price. They amount to 400 THB per person and must be paid in cash directly at the national park checkpoint during your trip.

You can also choose your departure time and location, with the option of arranging an additional pick-up and drop-off directly from your hotel. Our team will be happy to advise you and help you organize your excursion, including choosing the departure time that best suits your plans.

3 - Luxury Longtail Boat

Looking for an even more personalized and luxurious experience? Discover our Luxury longtail boat, our most exclusive option for relaxing and enjoying your excursion around the beautiful Phi Phi Islands.

This boat keeps all the charm of a traditional Thai longtail boat while offering an even higher level of comfort than our Premium option. You will find comfortable cushions and mattresses where you can relax during the journey, all within a beautifully designed setting. The decoration combines elegant wooden details, natural materials and attractive woven elements, creating an authentic yet refined Thai atmosphere.

Beyond its beautiful design and inviting atmosphere, our Luxury longtail boat offers a range of special touches to make your day even more enjoyable. In addition to the equipment included on our traditional and Premium boats, you will have soft drinks, ice, snacks, freshly prepared Thai dishes, a selection of fresh tropical fruits and a bottle of prosecco.

For a 4 hour excursion, your meal will be served directly on board. For trips lasting 6 hours or more, our captain will take you to a beautiful beach where you can enjoy a relaxed picnic. It's a wonderful way to make your private Phi Phi Island tour even more special!

Towels are also provided for your comfort, along with a paddleboard so you can enjoy an additional activity during your stops. It's a fun way to discover the beautiful surroundings and turquoise waters of the Phi Phi Islands.

As with our other private longtail boats, your excursion will be exclusively for you and your captain, with the option of adding a local expert guide. You can also choose your departure time and location, with an additional hotel pick-up and drop-off service available upon request.

Please note that, just like our traditional and Premium longtail boats, national park fees are not included in the price of the Luxury boat tour. They amount to 400 THB per person and must be paid in cash directly at the national park checkpoint during your excursion.

4 - Speedboat

If you have explored all our longtail boat options and are still undecided, maybe our final option is exactly what you are looking for: the speedboat!

Unlike the traditional longtail boat, the speedboat is a more modern vessel made of fiberglass. Our speedboats are the fastest boats available for exploring the Phi Phi Islands while still offering an excellent level of comfort. They allow you to visit more places in less time, making them the ideal choice if you have a tight schedule but still want to discover as much of the archipelago as possible.

This is also our most expensive option, but the price includes a range of services and essentials for your trip! Just like on our longtail boats, your captain will accompany you throughout the excursion. You will also have an additional crew member on board to assist you during the day, whether you need help getting on and off the boat, preparing your snorkeling equipment or getting advice about the places you visit. As with our other boats, you can also choose to add one of our expert guides who speaks French, English, Spanish or Portuguese.

Just like our three longtail boat options, you can choose your departure time to organize your excursion according to your preferences. Our speedboats normally depart from near Tonsai Pier, but if you are staying in another part of the island, we can also arrange an additional pick-up directly from your hotel and drop you back at the same location.

Everything is also provided on board for your comfort: drinking water, soft drinks, fresh fruit, life jackets and snorkeling equipment are all included. For excursions lasting 6 hours or more, a meal is also included, with a vegetarian option available upon request. This means you can enjoy your day on the sea without having to worry about bringing your own food and drinks!

Another advantage of our speedboats compared to our longtail boats is that national park fees are already included in the price, whether you choose a 4 hour tour, a 6 hour tour or a longer excursion. You will not have to pay any additional fees on site to visit Maya Bay and Bamboo Island.

If you have 4 hours for your excursion, you will be able to discover the highlights of Koh Phi Phi, including Maya Bay, Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon. You can also stop at Monkey Beach or Shark Point, depending on your preferences and sea conditions. It's the perfect option to enjoy the most beautiful landscapes of the archipelago, even if your time on the island is limited!

If you would like to explore more of the Phi Phi Islands and take your time, we recommend a tour of 6 hours or more. In addition to the sites visited on the 4-hour tour, you will be able to discover other places such as Nui Bay, Wang Long Bay or Bamboo Island.

Phi Phi Islands are best known for their turquoise waters, impressive limestone cliffs, and magnificent beaches. From the world-famous Maya Bay to the quieter, more secluded beaches, there’s no shortage of beautiful scenery. With so many of them to choose from on Koh Phi Phi, which ones deserve a visit? We have prepared for you 4 of our favorites, offering different experiences. the new rules put in place, annual closure dates, and more.

Maya Bay - The Most Famous Beach in Phi Phi

It’s impossible to talk about the most beautiful beaches in Phi Phi without mentioning Maya Bay. Located on Phi Phi Leh, south of Phi Phi Don, this bay became world-famous after appearing in the 2000 film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Surrounded by cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise water, Maya Bay is undoubtedly one of the most impressive spots on the Phi Phi Islands. It’s consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful beaches! Unfortunately, swimming isn’t allowed in this little slice of paradise because it’s a protected area, but you can still enjoy the beach and take in the scenery from there. With a little luck, you might even spot a few blacktip reef sharks swimming near the shore! If you’re looking for a trip to Maya Bay from Phi Phi, visiting early in the morning is a great way to explore the beach with fewer visitors. The earlier you arrive, the calmer and more pleasant the atmosphere tends to be, especially if you book a private boat in Phi Phi.

Despite not being secret at all and already being a local gem for Thai people, Maya Bay instantly became the most famous beach in the world. Its white sand, stunning limestone cliffs and natural beauty made it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe, making Phi Phi Islands a top destination in Asia. Over the years, the number of tourists increased to as many as 8000 visitors a day at its peak (the average being around 5000 people every single day). And of course, with the visitors came the speedboats and long tail boats : sometimes almost 100 boats at the same time. The propellers whisked sand up onto the coral, the anchors slammed down onto the sea floor. Visitors would walk on the reef as well, most unaware of the damage they were doing. All of this resulted in Thai authorities closing the bay in 2018.

Nui Bay - The Beach for Watching the Sunset

Nui Bay offers a completely different experience. Smaller than Maya Bay, this lovely beach is also surrounded by the distinctive cliffs that make the Phi Phi Islands so special. It’s a popular stop on Phi Phi excursions and remains sheltered from overtourism. It’s especially popular with visitors who want to combine swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. The beach itself is small, but that’s also part of its charm. Depending on what time you arrive, Nui Bay can have a completely different atmosphere. The light, the tide, and the color of the water can transform the landscape and your experience there. Did you know? Nui Bay is actually the only beach in the archipelago from which you can clearly see the sunset during high season! It’s one of those places you can explore by arriving from the beach or by sea, whether aboard a longtail boat from Phi Phi or another type of boat of your choice.

Loh Moo Dee - The Peaceful and Still-Secret Beach

Located on the east coast of Phi Phi Don, Loh Moo Dee is a beach that offers a much more peaceful atmosphere than the bustling areas around Tonsai. Surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it’s an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing. Its more secluded location makes it feel like a little secret getaway far from the village of Tonsai and its hustle and bustle. Loh Moo Dee is accessible both by boat and on foot via Long Beach. Our tip: Be sure to check the tide before heading to Loh Moo Dee! The best time to visit is at high tide. The experience is even better then!

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Laem Tong - The Quieter Side of Phi Phi Islands

If you’re looking for a different kind of experience on a quiet beach, Laem Tong is definitely worth a visit. Located in the northern part of Phi Phi Don, Laem Tong is much more peaceful than the areas around Tonsai, as is Loh Moo Dee. The beach offers splendid views of the Andaman Sea, as well as Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island, which are visible from the shore. It’s a great option for travelers who want to escape the busiest areas and discover a more peaceful side of the Koh Phi Phi archipelago. Due to its northern location, the easiest way to reach Laem Tong is by boat (though it’s also possible to get there on foot by walking through Phi Phi Village and part of the jungle). A private boat from Tonsai is an excellent option if you want to explore the coast at your own pace and avoid following a fixed group itinerary with too many people. A private longtail boat experience also lets you enjoy the journey itself, since these traditional Thai boats are an integral part of the local experience and the charm of Thailand.

So, which beach should you visit in Phi Phi?

There’s only one right answer to this question. The best beach depends entirely on what you’re looking for and what you’re in the mood for. If you want to explore the most iconic and must-see landscapes, Maya Bay is definitely the way to go. For a smaller, more intimate beach surrounded by cliffs, Nui Bay is our personal favorite. Loh Moo Dee Beach, on the other hand, is ideal if you’re looking for a quieter spot on Phi Phi Don, while Laem Tong is perfect for a peaceful getaway far from the hustle and bustle, offering a complete change of scenery. And of course, these are just four of the many beautiful beaches you can discover around the Phi Phi Islands. Whether you discover them on one of the many Phi Phi tours, aboard a private longtail boat, or simply by exploring the island on foot on your own, the Phi Phi Islands offer a magnificent spectacle. Ultimately, there is no “best” beach on Koh Phi Phi. Each has its own atmosphere, scenery, and unique identity.

Nestled in the heart of the Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Made famous by the movie “The Beach” in 2000, the bay quickly became one of the most famous beaches in the world. It started to attract mass tourism, leading to its closure in 2018. Travel enthusiasts have eagerly awaited news of Maya Bay's reopening. In this article, we delve into the current status of “The Beach” (spoiler alert : it’s open!), the new rules put in place, annual closure dates, and more.

Maya Bay : the most famous beach in the world

Maya Beach rose to international fame in 2000 following the blockbuster movie "The Beach", starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie focused on a group of backpackers from all over the world, trying to create their own utopia on a beautiful secret beach in Thailand… You guessed it right : Maya Bay.

Book your day trip to Maya Bay

The Closure and Environmental Concerns

The decision to close Maya Bay was not taken lightly. The closure aimed to allow the environment to recover and regenerate, ensuring that future generations could also enjoy the beauty of Maya Bay. During over 3 years of closure, various environmental initiatives were implemented to restore and preserve the fragile ecosystem of Maya Bay. These efforts included :

• coral rehabilitation programs
• waste management strategies
• the establishment of sustainable tourism practices

Current Status and Reopening

In January 2022, Maya Bay finally reopened to visitors, but with strict rules :

• maximum 1 hour on site and 300 people on the beach at the same time
• swimming is forbidden due to the coral preservation program
• 400THB/person National Park fee to be paid when entering Maya Bay
• annual closure* between August 1st and September 30th

But with every strict rule comes a blessing : you will get the chance to see an unspoiled and uncrowded Maya Bay without any boats ! Simply magic. *The annual closure during monsoon season allows the National Park authorities to clean and renovate the infrastructures, as well as conducting a check-up of marine life and results of the coral rehabilitation program.

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Visiting Maya Bay in 2026

Are you planning to visit Phi Phi Islands in 2026 ? Then make sure you book a day trip to Phi Phi Ley National Park, including a 1 hour stop to Maya Bay. Whether you want to book a private longtail boat or speedboat tour or a group trip, we got you covered ! Want to beat the crowds ? Contact us to get our tips to discover an empty and unspoiled Maya Bay!

The Future of Maya Bay and Responsible Tourism

The decision to reopen Maya Bay was a complex one, requiring a delicate balance between conservation efforts and the economic needs of the local community. Responsible tourism practices, such as limited visitor numbers and strict waste management are essential to ensure that the ecological integrity of Maya Bay is maintained. By visiting Maya Bay and respecting the rules put in place by the National Park, you contribute to a better, more responsible and sustainable tourism.

The Phi Phi Islands are an archipelago of 6 islands, located in the south west of Thailand in the Andaman sea, between the large island of Phuket and the city of Krabi. In total, the islands occupy 12.25 square kilometers (4.73 square miles).

Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest (9.73km2 ; 3.76 square miles) and the only populated island of the group, the 5 other ones are part of the Haad Noparath Thara Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. This is where all the hotels, restaurants, shops and bars are located. The island's main village, Ton Sai (which means « Banyan Tree » in Thai), is built on a sandy isthmus between the island's two long & tall limestone ridges. On both sides of Ton Sai are semicircular bays (Tonsai Bay et Loh Dahlum Bay) lined with beaches.

The second largest island, Koh Phi Phi Ley (2km2 ; 1.2 square miles), is home to gorgeous beaches, stunning coral reefs and crystal clear lagoons, along with the "Viking Cave", where there is a thriving industry harvesting edible bird's nests. But it has become famous worldwide in 2000 after one of its beaches (Maya Beach) was used as a location for the British-American movie « The Beach », starring Leonardo Di Caprio.

The 4 other islands of the archipelago are Bamboo Island (popular for its white sand and clear water), Mosquito Island (currently closed to restaure the coral), and finally Bida Nai and Bida Nok which are not much more than large limestone rocks jutting out of the sea, but are extremely beautiful scuba diving locations.

Koh Phi Phi is reachable by ferry or speedboat from either Krabi, Phuket, Koh Lanta and small surroundings islands (only in high season). It takes approximately 1.5 hour from Krabi, and 2 hours from Phuket. You can easily buy your tickets and secure your spots here : Your transportation options to Phi Phi Islands. You will have access to all combos to reach Koh Phi Phi from everywhere in Thailand and even South East Asia : Airport transfer, mini van, hotel pick-up, ferry, plane, buses and more !

Once you get there, no need to get a taxi or a tuk-tuk to your hotel. Indeed, since the re-building of the island after the tsunami, paved roads now cover the vast majority of Koh Phi Phi Don. All roads are for pedestrian use only with push carts used to transport goods and bags. The only permitted motor vehicles are reserved for emergency services (police, ambulance…). Bicycles used to be the most popular form of transport in Ton Sai village for a while, until they got banned in 2013 as the number of push bikes started to get out of control and dangerous during rush hour. So get ready to walk around quite a bit - some good exercise to look forward to!
If your hotel is located outside Tonsai Village you will have to take a taxi boat to reach the secluded beaches of Laem Thong, Long Beach (or about 20-30 min walk), Rantee Bay, Tokho Beach and Loh Bah Gao (SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort). We can only pick-up at your hotel for private tours but not for our join group tours.

Phi Phi Island weather follows 2 seasons with a tropical climate as the rest of Thailand.

High Season : November to April
This is the season where you will get the chance to enjoy the best weather, as it hardly ever rains. November to January are the “coolest” months, April and May are the hottest ones.

Green Season : May to October
Some people call it the rainy season but it’s absolutely not a non-stop rain period like monsoon in India. It would only rain for a couple of hours, and then the sun would come back quickly.

Please note that due to actual climate changes, the characteristics and dates of each season are not as accurate as they used to be.

If you book a tour with Phi Phi Travel and Tours, be aware that if the tour is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, we will offer you to postpone your tour or offer a full refund (minus online payment fees).

Where to stay in Phi Phi Islands ?
Depending on your budget and your expectations, there is a vast range of options for you to look into. From cheap dorm rooms to crazy party hostels, from chilled guest houses to luxury family resorts, everyone can find a place which will suit their taste.

If you want to be closer to all the activities, best restaurants, bars and nightlife, we highly recommend you to stay around Tonsai Village area (where all the ferries from Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta arrive).

We have a partnership with Mama Beach Residence ! You can get 10% discount on your room rate if you book any tours with us ! Contact us to get your discount code ! Mama Beach Residence is a unique 24-room hotel located at the quiet western end of Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don Island !

If you want to seclude yourself a bit and enjoy the quiet and paradise side of the Phi Phi Islands, you will appreciate staying on the North-East beaches of Phi Phi : Loh Bah Gao Beach (Phi Phi Island Village), Rantee Bay, Laem-Thong or Tokho Beach. Please note that these beaches are only accessible by longtail taxi boat as there is no roads/cars/motorbikes on Phi Phi. Everytime you would like to reach the main village for any activity you will have to take a longtail boat ride of minimum 30-45 min. For the most adventurous people, there is many paths through the jungle of Phi Phi reaching all beaches to the main village. You have to count minimum 1,5hours to 2 hours from the North-East beaches to Tonsai Village.
Long Beach is a good compromise between the rush of Tonsai Village and the seclusion of the North-East beaches, as it’s only located at 30min walk or 10min taxi-boat ride from Tonsai, and you can still find nice & quiet resorts framed by one of the most beautiful and swimming-friendly beaches of Phi Phi Don Island.

Have a look below to check out the best places and book yourself in advance to get the best deals : Our Hotels Selections in Koh Phi Phi

You won't be bored on Phi Phi Island ! Here is an idea of the activities that you could enjoy during your stay : ONE OF OUR TOURS for sure !, beach time, Phi Phi viewpoints hiking (do it with our trek to see all of them), cooking class, tasty restaurants, shopping, fire show, party, Phi Phi island nightlife...

To fully enjoy Phi Phi Islands, we recommend to stay minimum 3 days / 2 nights, so you will have enough time to do a boat trip around the archipelago, and also enjoy Phi Phi Don main island.

The must-do’s in Phi Phi are a boat trip + The Jungle Trek to see all the viewpoints and the jungle side of Phi Phi ! If you do so, you will have seen all the beauties of Phi Phi Islands ! Don't forget Bamboo Island if you stay longer on Phi Phi Islands, it's the top north island of Phi Phi and it's a pure gem to enjoy !

If you don't have so much time to spend on Phi Phi Islands like only 1 or 2 days, we recommend to do a short boat trip to Phi Phi like our 3in1 Trip or a short private longtail boat tour to visit at least Phi Phi Ley island area which have the main highlights : Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon and Monkey Beach ! Then go to the first and second viewpoint by yourself in the morning before to catch your ferry !

These are our favourite bars :
- Enjoy a sunset beer on the Chukit Bar with a scenic view of Tonsai Bay !
- Fancy a wonderful sunset with your favourite cocktail at The Only Bar
- It's time for party ! Go enjoy the craziness of Blanco Beach Bar games and music on Loh Dahlum Bay (the main beach of Phi Phi Don).

Koh Phi Phi Don used to be populated by Muslim fishermen during the late 1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. Tourism slowly started in the 1990s, until it boomed in 2000 after the movie « The Beach ». The resident Thai population of Koh Phi Phi Don remains more than 80% Muslim, however the actual population— if counting workers, who mostly come from other parts of Thailand —is more Buddhist than Muslim. The resident population is between 2,000 and 3,000 people.

Koh Phi Phi was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami on the 26th December 2004, and 70% of the island's infrastructure was destroyed. The total number of fatalities is unlikely to be known. Local tour guides give the figure 4,000. After this natural disaster, both local and international organizations have put their strength together to help clean the island, remove the debris from the bays and coral reef, and start rebuilding it. By the end of July 2005, 23,000 tonnes of debris had been removed, of which 7,000 tonnes had been cleared by hand. As of 6 December 2005 (so not even a year after the natural disaster), nearly 1,500 hotel rooms were open, and a tsunami early-warning alarm system had been installed by the Thai government with the help of volunteers.