Phi Phi Islands Thailand: Tours & Diving Guide 2026 is your ultimate roadmap for exploring one of the most stunning island groups in the Andaman Sea. From the iconic Maya Bay to the crystal-clear waters of Pileh Lagoon and the bustling Ton Sai Bay on Koh Phi Phi Don, this guide combines expert insights, practical travel tips, and insider knowledge for both tours and diving. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’ll discover everything you need to plan your Phi Phi adventure, including accurate 2026 facts, top excursions, dive sites, and personalized planning tools with Ziarah AI.
Why Phi Phi Islands Thailand: Tours & Diving Guide Should Be on Your 2026 Bucket List
Few places in Southeast Asia match the visual drama of the Phi Phi Islands. Towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs make them a must-visit destination. Maya Bay—made famous by The Beach movie—remains a top attraction, while Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island offer postcard-perfect views for photography and snorkeling.
Beyond natural beauty, Phi Phi Islands are an adventure hub: scuba diving, cliff jumping, kayaking, and island-hopping day tours cater to a wide range of travelers. 2026 brings renewed opportunities as Maya Bay reopened on October 1, 2026, following its annual conservation closure from August to September, now with stricter access rules to protect the fragile ecosystem.
With zero cars on Koh Phi Phi Don, all transfers are on foot or by longtail boat, creating a unique, intimate experience that contrasts with busier Phuket or Krabi resorts.
How to Get to Phi Phi Islands – From Phuket or Krabi
Ferry and Speedboat Options
Travelers typically reach Phi Phi via ferry or speedboat from Phuket (1.5–2 hours) or Krabi (1.5–2 hours).
- Ferries: Slower (1.5–2 hours), stable ride, ideal for travelers prone to seasickness. Book via Ziarah flights & transfers to combine airport arrival with seamless ferry tickets.
- Speedboats: Faster (45–60 minutes), more adventurous, pricier (~THB 1,500–2,500). Best for day-trippers from Phuket.
- Private longtail boats: Perfect for customized island-hopping itineraries and flexible timing.
Transfers from Phuket International Airport (HKT) or Krabi Airport (KBV) to the ferry piers typically take 45–90 minutes, depending on traffic and pier location.
Best Phi Phi Islands Day Tours in 2026 – Speedboat vs Catamaran vs Private
Popular Day Trip Itineraries
Most tours include Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, and Monkey Beach, often combined with snorkeling and cliff-side photo stops.
- Speedboat Tours: Fast, covers multiple spots in a single day, great for early risers. Prices ~THB 1,800–2,500 from Phuket.
- Catamaran Cruises: Smoother ride, includes meals and drinks, ideal for couples or groups. Prices ~THB 2,500–3,200.
- Private Longtail Boat: Fully customizable schedule, excellent for photography, romantic trips, or avoiding crowds. Cost varies, typically THB 2,500–4,500 depending on duration and stops.
For tours with minimal planning stress, browse curated Phi Phi Islands activities and create a personalized package through Ziarah’s AI planner.
Maya Bay & Top Sights on Koh Phi Phi Leh – Current Status & Tips 2026
Maya Bay has reopened as of October 1, 2026 after a two-month ecological closure (Aug–Sep) aimed at reef recovery and beach restoration. Key tips for visiting:
- National Park Fee: THB 400 per adult.
- No swimming in some areas to protect coral.
- Time limits: Guided entry often allows 30–45 minutes on the beach.
- Photography: Early morning or late afternoon minimizes crowds.
Other highlights:
- Pileh Lagoon: Stunning turquoise water enclosed by towering cliffs; ideal for swimming and kayaking.
- Viking Cave: Famous for ancient wall paintings and swiftlet nests; viewing only, no entry.
- Bamboo Island: White sand, shallow snorkeling spots, excellent for half-day trips.
- Monkey Beach: Playful macaques, fun for short stops; watch your belongings!
Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in Phi Phi Islands – Best Sites & Costs
Top Dive Sites
Phi Phi is a world-class diving destination, with year-round options (best Nov–Apr). Typical 2-dive packages cost THB 2,700–3,600, plus park fees. Notable dive sites:
- Bida Nok & Bida Nai: Sharks, large schools of fish, stunning coral formations.
- Shark Point: Rich coral gardens and occasional reef sharks.
- King Cruiser Wreck: Popular for experienced divers, colorful marine life, and dramatic wreck exploration.
- Palong Wall: Vertical drop-offs and vibrant reef ecosystems.
Beginner Diving
- Discover Scuba Diving: Introductory programs available from multiple dive schools on Koh Phi Phi Don. Ideal for first-time divers with professional guidance.
All dive trips include park entry (~THB 400), gear rental, and certified guides. Book in advance through Ziarah activities for guaranteed slots.
Snorkeling & Other Water Adventures in Phi Phi Islands
Snorkeling is ideal at Bamboo Island, Pileh Lagoon, and around the Bida Islands. Guided tours offer masks, fins, and safety equipment. Kayaking, cliff jumping, and paddleboarding are also widely available, giving travelers flexibility to explore lagoons and hidden beaches.
- Bamboo Island Snorkeling: Shallow reefs, clear waters, great for families.
- Monkey Beach Longtail Boat Trips: Combine photo ops with gentle snorkeling.
Best Time to Visit Phi Phi Islands for Tours and Diving
- November–April: Dry season, calm seas, optimal for diving, snorkeling, and boat tours.
- May–October: Rainy season; afternoon showers, occasional rough seas, and sargassum blooms.
- August–September: Maya Bay closed for conservation, plan alternate activities.
Booking your trip in the dry season ensures access to all major sites and smooth boating conditions. Combine with flights to Phuket or Krabi for the most efficient schedule.
Where to Stay on Koh Phi Phi Don – Hotels & Areas
Ton Sai Bay: Bustling area with shops, restaurants, and bars; ideal for social travelers.
Long Beach & Loh Dalum Bay: Great beaches for sunset views and watersports access.
Luxury Resorts: Quiet spots away from Ton Sai nightlife. Examples:
- Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort – Secluded villas, spa, private beach.
- Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island – Family-friendly, pools, direct beach access.
Browse and book accommodations via Ziarah hotels to secure the best rates and preferred rooms.
Essential Tips for Your Phi Phi Islands Adventure
- Pack light: No cars; everything is on foot.
- Cash: ATMs available but not always reliable; carry THB 1,000–2,000 for tips, park fees.
- Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: Tropical sun and occasional mosquitoes.
- Water Safety: Swim only in designated areas; use life jackets on boats.
- Plan early: Use Ziarah AI to combine flights, hotels, tours, and transfers into a single seamless itinerary.
How Ziarah AI Makes Planning Your Phi Phi Tours & Diving Trip Effortless
Ziarah AI offers:
- Custom Phi Phi packages including flights, hotels, tours, and transfers (generate yours here).
- Personalized recommendations based on travel style (diving, island hopping, romance, family).
- 24/7 WhatsApp assistant for real-time updates, documents, and reminders.
- Optimized route planning to avoid crowds, ensure early entry to Maya Bay, and maximize diving and snorkeling opportunities.
With Ziarah AI, every detail—from Phuket arrival to evening sunset on Phi Phi Don—is seamlessly coordinated.
FAQs About Phi Phi Islands Thailand: Tours & Diving Guide
Is Maya Bay open in Phi Phi Islands 2026?
Yes, Maya Bay reopened on October 1, 2026, after its annual closure (Aug–Sep). Visitors must follow strict rules: no swimming in designated areas, park fee THB 400, and a time-limited visit. Early morning entry is recommended to avoid crowds and capture the iconic scenery.
How much do Phi Phi Islands day tours from Phuket cost?
Day tours range THB 1,500–3,000 depending on speedboat or catamaran choice. Private longtail boats may cost THB 2,500–4,500 for a half-day or full-day customized trip. Tours typically include Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, and Monkey Beach.
What are the best diving sites in Phi Phi Islands?
Top dive sites include Bida Nok/Nai, Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck, and Palong Wall. Expect vibrant coral, reef sharks, schools of tropical fish, and dramatic underwater landscapes. 2 fun dives typically cost THB 2,700–3,600 plus park fees.
Best time to visit Phi Phi Islands for diving?
November–April is ideal: calm seas, good visibility, and minimal rainfall. Diving is possible year-round but rough seas in the rainy season may limit access to some sites.
How to get to Phi Phi Islands from Phuket or Krabi?
Ferries and speedboats connect both airports to Phi Phi Don. Ferries take 1.5–2 hours, speedboats 45–60 minutes. Private longtail boats offer flexibility for tours and sightseeing. Transfers can be booked in advance via Ziarah.
Can I snorkel at Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon?
Snorkeling is permitted in designated areas of Pileh Lagoon and around surrounding reefs. Maya Bay restricts swimming in certain zones to protect coral. Guided tours provide equipment and safety briefings.
Are there hotels on Koh Phi Phi Don suitable for families?
Yes, options like Holiday Inn Phi Phi Island Resort and Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort cater to families with pools, kid-friendly activities, and easy beach access. Book via Ziarah hotels for convenience and best rates.
How much is the Phi Phi Islands national park entry fee in 2026?
National park fees are THB 400 per adult for sites like Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and Pileh Lagoon. Fees help conservation and maintenance of fragile ecosystems.
Is it safe to travel to Phi Phi Islands in 2026?
Yes, Phi Phi is generally safe for tourists. Standard precautions include keeping cash secured, using authorized boats, swimming in designated areas, and monitoring weather conditions during rainy season or potential storms.
Can Ziarah AI create a full Phi Phi itinerary including tours and diving?
Absolutely. Ziarah AI generates custom Phi Phi packages with flights, hotels, diving trips, transfers, and sightseeing tours (create yours here), ensuring a seamless, stress-free experience with real-time updates via WhatsApp assistant.
With this Phi Phi Islands Thailand: Tours & Diving Guide 2026, travelers are equipped with all the insights, local knowledge, and planning tools needed for a truly unforgettable adventure. From day tours and diving adventures to serene beaches and AI-assisted planning, every detail has been considered for a seamless and memorable Phi Phi experience.
This article is structured for SEO, NLP, EEAT, and AI-rich search visibility, optimized for Google, Bing, Yahoo, and ChatGPT/AEO platforms, with natural long-tail keyword integration and internal links to hotels, flights, activities, transfers, and Ziarah AI trip generators.
