Although Thailand is full of man-made attractions and countless tempting entertainment options, the decisive factor when choosing a Thai resort has always been a good beach. The very best are located in Krabi Province — on the islands of the Phi Phi archipelago. These are several small islands of different sizes located about 40 km west of Krabi Town and almost the same distance east of the famous Phuket.
Only one of them — Phi Phi Don — has accommodation; the rest are uninhabited due to their tiny size. However, visiting them is a must — for the gorgeous landscapes both above and below the water.
The archipelago is part of the marine national park with a long name: Had Nopparatthara–Mu Ko Phi Phi. There is almost no land transport, and you will have to pay a large fine for any harm caused to nature. Upon arrival, every tourist pays a 20-baht environmental fee.
| Beach | Sand / swimming / access | Infrastructure | Features and type of experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ton Sai Beach | Medium sand · swimming possible · on foot and by boat | Hotels, restaurants, bars, pier | Main hub of island life with constant boat traffic; best for backpackers and active travelers |
| Loh Dalum Beach | Fine sand · limited swimming (tides) · on foot | Beach bars, clubs | Parties and fire shows; ideal for nightlife and young travelers |
| Long Beach | White fine sand · comfortable swimming · on foot (~30 min) and by boat | Resort hotels, cafés | Quiet atmosphere with panoramic views; perfect for couples and relaxation |
| Laem Tong Beach | Powdery sand · calm swimming · by boat | Luxury resorts | Seclusion and tranquility; premium and romantic getaway |
| Nui Beach | Coarse sand · limited swimming · by boat | Minimal | Wild nature and cliffs; for nature lovers seeking silence |
| Ao Lo Moo Dee | Fine sand · easy swimming · on foot and by boat | Small cafés | No crowds and relaxed vibe; suitable for families |
| Monkey Beach | Fine sand · limited swimming · by boat | None | Monkeys and wild setting; short excursion format |
| Maya Bay | Pure white sand · swimming prohibited · guided excursion | None | Iconic Thai landmark and protected ecosystem; for sightseeing and photos |
| Pileh Lagoon | No beach · limited swimming · by boat | None | Lagoon surrounded by cliffs; scenic swimming stop |
| Loh Sama Bay | Fine sand · limited swimming · by boat | None | Less crowded alternative to Maya Bay; calm sightseeing |
| Viking Cave | No beach · swimming prohibited · by boat | None | Historical cave; visual sightseeing only |
| Bamboo Island Beach | Powdery sand · excellent swimming · excursion | Minimal | Paradise-style beach with postcard views; relaxation and photography |
| Mosquito Island Beach | White sand · limited swimming · excursion | None | Almost no tourists; for experienced travelers |
Who it’s suitable for
Of course, the main fans of these islands are divers — some of the world’s best dive sites are located here. Couples looking for a secluded spot for a romantic getaway will also enjoy the islands, as will those who appreciate comfort, lush tropical nature and quiet surroundings. There is nightlife on Phi Phi, but only in the Loh Dalum area.
How to get to Phi Phi
- By ferry — the service operates only to Phi Phi Don Island.
You can get to the islands from Krabi Town, from Phuket, and from other Thai resorts.
- From Krabi Town there are several daily departures from Klong Jilad Pier, and once in the morning — from Ao Nang and Railay piers.
- From Phuket, ferries depart several times a day from Rassada Pier.
The trip will be cheaper if you buy a round-trip ticket at a tour agency, including minibus transfer to the pier.
You can also book a ticket online through an agency — they often offer discounts. The simplest option is to buy a ticket at the pier right before departure.
- By speedboat
A speedboat is convenient because you can order it for any time you like. Travel time will not exceed one hour, whereas a ferry takes at least two. However, the price starts from 1,500 baht.
- As part of an excursion group
This option is suitable for those who value their vacation time and don’t want to overspend. In a few hours you’ll see all the highlights, swim at the most beautiful beaches, and observe marine life. The price starts at 1,500 baht.
- By purchasing a package tour with transfer included
If you are afraid of or simply don’t want to travel on your own — no problem. Tour operators work with local hotels. But their services will be expensive and absolutely incomparable to prices on Phuket or Pattaya.
Beach descriptions
Phi Phi Don looks somewhat like the inside of a walnut: a larger northeastern part connected by a narrow strip of land to a smaller southwestern part. The width of the narrowest point is about 200 m. On one side lies Tonsai Bay with the pier, on the other — Loh Dalum Bay. The island’s terrain is very uneven: it’s a cluster of densely packed hills covered with jungle. There are several viewpoints offering breathtaking scenery.
The beaches of Phi Phi Don are covered with white or champagne-colored sand. The downside is the low tide — during it, swimming becomes impossible. The easiest way to get from one point to another is by boat, as not every beach is accessible by land; not everyone enjoys steep climbs and descents either. Phi Phi Don has an area of about 30 sq. km. There are around twenty various beaches and more than 200 hotels and guesthouses.
Main beaches of Phi Phi on the map
Hotels on Phi Phi Island:
Tonsai
Located near the pier. Numerous boats and ferries don’t add beauty or comfort. However, to the left and right of the pier you can sunbathe and swim — the sand and water are clean enough. Tonsai has a wide choice of accommodation — including very budget options — and it’s just a few minutes’ walk from the island’s nightlife center, Loh Dalum. Very convenient if you don’t mind walking a few hundred meters to a good beach. All shops are located here, and restaurants line the entire beachfront. Only here you can get a discount if you stay on the island for more than a month. Travelers recommend:
- 4* Phi Phi Harbor View Hotel,
- 3* Mama Beach Residence,
- 3* Koh Phi Phi Hotel & Residence,
- 2* PP Insula Hotel,
- Dormsin Hostel.
Loh Dalum
This beach is located about half a kilometer from Tonsai Pier. The division between Tonsai and Loh Dalum is symbolic — it’s one village.
Loh Dalum appeals to those who want to combine low accommodation costs, fun nightlife, and a decent beach. The highlight of Loh Dalum is the evening fire shows and parties continuing almost until dawn.
If you limit yourself to this beach, you might think Phi Phi beaches are overrated — Loh Dalum is not the best on the island.
Good accommodation options:
- 4* PP Princess Resort,
- 3* Papaya Phi Phi Resort,
- 3* Phi Phi Seal and Hill,
- 2* Kiity Guesthouse,
- Hangover Hostel.
Long Beach
Long Beach is located in the south. It offers the perfect balance of cleanliness, beauty, comfort, and proximity to Tonsai — it’s no more than a 20-minute walk.
There is a dive center and several tour agencies. However, there aren’t that many hotels near the beach. According to tourists, the best choices are:
- 4* Paradise Long Beach,
- 3* Phi Phi the Beach Resort,
- 3* Paradise Resort Phi Phi,
- 2* HIP Resort Seaview.
Monkey Beach
This beach, located southwest of Loh Dalum, is a must-visit on all island tours. Its “highlight” is the local residents — extremely friendly and agile monkeys that exist here in huge numbers.
The water clarity and sand whiteness are amazing, and the surrounding views are spectacular. There is a coral reef nearby. The only drawback is the crowds of tourists — Monkey Beach is far from secluded. There are no services or accommodation, and access is only by sea.
Nui Beach
A cozy and secluded beach northeast of Loh Dalum. It is located in a stunningly beautiful bay with crystal-clear water — excellent for snorkeling and diving. There is no infrastructure — which is also an advantage — and access is only by boat.
Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island
This island, home to the famous Maya Bay, is located south of Phi Phi Don.
In the late 1990s, the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed here.
The scenes from the movie opened this place to tourists. Maya Bay is included in all Phi Phi excursions. Of course, you can hire a boat to explore it on your own.
Other beaches
· There are completely wild yet beautiful beaches on Phi Phi Don, as well as several wonderful secluded spots: Pak Nam, Loh Moo Dee, Loh Ba Kao.
· The best is considered to be Laem Tong at the northern tip of the island.
· Bamboo Island’s beach is very popular — it’s a wonderful spot with clear water and pristine sand, and great for snorkeling.
· Mosquito Island also has a charming secluded beach.
Useful and interesting information
- The period from May to October is not ideal for visiting the islands: it’s hot, humid, rainy, and the sea is rough.
- The cheapest accommodation options are not listed on booking sites — you’ll have to look for them on arrival.
- It’s better to bring cash to the island, as well as fruits — they are very expensive on Phi Phi.
