Overview about Phi Phi islands
The Phi Phi Islands, located in Krabi Province, consist of six islands. The two most famous islands among them are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited island, known for its beautiful beaches and unique resorts. Phi Phi Leh is famous for Maya Bay, which gained international fame from the movie “The Beach”. The other four islands are smaller, but they also offer stunning natural beauty, with opportunities for diving and snorkeling. Below is the list of the six islands:
- Phi Phi Don: The largest and the only inhabited island in the group.
- Phi Phi Leh: Known for the famous Maya Bay, which was featured in the movie “The Beach”. This island is uninhabited, however it’s one of the most popular spots and must be visited during a Phi Phi island tour.
- Bamboo Island (Koh Phai): A small, flat island known for its beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities. This island is included in only some Phi Phi island tours combined with other attractions in a full day program.
- Mosquito Island (Koh Yung): This island got its name due to its mosquito-shaped rock formations. It is known for its limestone cliffs and is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
- Bida Nok: A small island famous for its diving spots, with beautiful coral reefs and marine life.
- Bida Nai: Similar to Bida Nok, this is another small island known for its excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, with rich marine biodiversity.
The main islands that are often included in Phi Phi island one day tours from Phuket are: Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, and Bamboo Island. For the other 3 islands, they are mainly included in Diving focused tours.
Distance from Phuket to Phi Phi island
The distance by sea is approximately 46 kilometers. The duration to reach Phi Phi Island to Phuket will be depending on the boat type used and the weather conditions. The ferry ride usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of ferry service and weather conditions. If you join a Phi Phi island tour by Speed boat, it will take you about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the island. If you hire a private Catamaran, it will take about 1 to 1 and half hours, depending on the weather conditions and the type of Catamaran used.
Best attractions to visit during a Phi Phi island tour
- Maya Bay: Maya bay is one of the most famous and beautiful attractions in Phi Phi islands. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beach. This bay is sometimes closed by the government in order to protect the environment, so it’s best to check in advance on the opening and closing schedules.
- Phi Phi Viewpoint: This Place is offering a panoramic view of the islands, the Phi Phi Viewpoint is a must-visit for breathtaking scenery. You will need to get through a hike, but the views are well worth the effort.
- Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Pai): It’s a small, uninhabited island that is known for its pristine white sand beaches and clear waters, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and swimming.
- Monkey Beach: This incredible beach is located on the southwestern side of Tonsai Bay. Monkey Beach is famous for its resident monkeys adding another great experience for Phi Phi island tours.
- Viking Cave: This cave is known for its ancient wall paintings that resemble Viking ships. It is also a site for collecting the swiftlet birds’ nests, used in bird’s nest soup.
- Pi Leh Lagoon: An emerald-green lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs and offers an amazing romantic atmosphere in the heart of the nature. It’s a popular spot for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty.
- Loh Dalum Bay: A beautiful bay on Phi Phi Don island known for its vibrant nightlife and beach parties. It’s also a great spot for swimming and water activities.
- Tonsai Village: Tonsai is considered as the main village on Phi Phi Don. It has a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars, and it’s where lunch takes place in most of the Phi Phi island tours.
- Long Beach: Known for its serene environment and stunning sunsets, Long Beach is a quieter alternative to Tonsai Bay.
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: The waters around Phi Phi Islands are rich in marine life and Colorful corals. It’s a great place for snorkeling and Scuba diving enthusiasts.
Movies that have been filmed in Phi Phi island
The Beach (2000): This movie was one of the reasons why Maya Bay became that famous. It featured Leonardo DiCaprio and was shot on Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi Leh.
Cutthroat Island (1995): An adventure film featuring Geena Davis and Matthew Modine, with scenes filmed on Phi Phi island in Maya Bay
