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Phi Phi Island National Park, located in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Thailand, encompasses a stunning archipelago known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The park includes the famous Phi Phi Islands, with Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh being the largest and most well-known. The park’s natural beauty and diverse ecosystem make it a popular destination for tourists seeking a tropical paradise experience.
Location
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Phi Phi Island National Park is located in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of southern Thailand. It lies approximately 46 kilometres southeast of Phuket and 42 kilometres southwest of Krabi. The park encompasses six islands, with Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh being the two main islands. This stunning archipelago is part of Krabi Province and is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Phi Phi Island On Your Next Trip
How To Reach Phi Phi Island National Park
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
To reach Phi Phi Island National Park, you’ll need to travel to Phuket or Krabi in southern Thailand first. From there, take a ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi Don, the main inhabited island in the Phi Phi archipelago. Ferries typically depart from Phuket’s Rassada Pier or Krabi’s Klong Jilad Pier, with the journey taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. Once on Phi Phi Don, you can explore the surrounding islands and beaches that make up the national park area, including the famous Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh.
Places To Visit Around Phi Phi Island National Park
Established in 1983, this marine national park covers an area of approximately 390 square kilometres and is renowned for its rich biodiversity both above and below the water. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving, and exploring the lush tropical landscapes, including the iconic Maya Bay, which gained worldwide fame after being featured in the movie “The Beach.”
1. Maya Bay
Photo: Nicolas Vollmer / Wikimedia Commons
Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach,” is a stunning cove surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beach make it a must-visit destination. The bay was closed in 2018 to allow for ecological recovery and is expected to reopen with strict visitor limitations to protect the fragile ecosystem. When it reopens, visitors will likely need to book in advance and adhere to specific time slots. The beauty of the recovered bay, with its thriving coral reefs and marine life, will make it well worth the wait and planning.
Timing: Currently closed for ecological recovery. Expected to reopen with limited daily visitors.
Entry fee: 400 THB for foreigners, 40 THB for Thai nationals (part of Phi Phi Islands National Park fee)
Suggested Read: Top Best Islands In Thailand For An Amazing Experience
2. Pileh Lagoon
Photo: Christophe 95 / Wikimedia Commons
Pileh Lagoon is a hidden gem nestled within towering limestone cliffs. This emerald-green lagoon offers some of the clearest waters in the area, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The lagoon is typically less crowded than Maya Bay, providing a more serene experience. Early morning or late afternoon visits can offer breathtaking lighting conditions for photography. Many boat tours include a stop at Pileh Lagoon, allowing visitors to swim and explore its calm waters. The surrounding cliffs create a dramatic backdrop, making it feel like a secret paradise.
Timing: Open daily, best visited between 9 AM – 4 PM
Entry fee: Included in the Phi Phi Islands National Park fee
3. Monkey Beach
Photo: Cocu / Wikimedia Commons
Monkey Beach is a small, secluded bay on Phi Phi Don, famous for its resident population of crab-eating macaques. The beach itself is picturesque, with soft white sand and clear waters. Visitors can observe the monkeys in their natural habitat, but it’s important to maintain a safe distance and not feed them. The beach is accessible by longtail boat or kayak from Tonsai Bay. Morning visits offer the best chance to see active monkeys, while late afternoon trips can provide beautiful sunset views.
Timing: Open daily, best visited in the morning or late afternoon
Entry fee: Included in the Phi Phi Islands National Park fee
Suggested Read: Amazing Places To Visit In Thailand On Your Next Tropical Vacation
4. Viking Cave
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
Viking Cave is a fascinating limestone cave located on the northeastern side of Phi Phi Leh. While visitors can’t enter the cave due to its importance as a nesting site for swiftlets, it’s an impressive sight from the water. The cave gets its name from the ancient wall paintings resembling Scandinavian ships. It’s also known for the harvesting of edible bird’s nests, a Chinese delicacy. Boat tours often pass by the cave, allowing visitors to see its imposing entrance and learn about its historical and ecological significance. The best views are usually in the morning when the light is favourable for photography.
Timing: Viewable from boats daily, no specific hours
Entry fee: No direct fee, but typically included in boat tour costs
5. Bamboo Island (Koh Pai)
Photo: Dcshaw / Wikimedia Commons
Bamboo Island, or Koh Pai, is a small, uninhabited island north of Phi Phi Don. It’s renowned for its pristine white sand beach and excellent snorkelling opportunities. The island is surrounded by a coral reef teeming with colourful fish and marine life. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim in crystal-clear waters, or explore the small forest in the island’s centre. There are no facilities on the island, so it’s best to bring food, water, and sunscreen. Many tour operators offer day trips to Bamboo Island, often combining it with visits to other nearby attractions.
Timing: Open daily, best visited between 10 AM – 4 PM
Entry fee: 400 THB for foreigners, 40 THB for Thai nationals
Suggested Read: Beaches In Thailand To Explore For A Scenic Vacation
6. Phi Phi Viewpoint
Photo: Caitriana Nicholson / Wikimedia Commons
The Phi Phi Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the entire Phi Phi Island archipelago. There are actually three viewpoints, each providing a slightly different perspective. The hike to the viewpoints can be steep and challenging, especially in the heat, but the breathtaking vistas are well worth the effort. Sunrise and sunset visits are particularly popular, offering stunning photo opportunities as the light changes over the islands and surrounding waters. It’s advisable to wear sturdy shoes and bring water for the climb. The viewpoints also have small shops selling refreshments and souvenirs.
Timing: Open daily, best visited for sunrise or sunset
Entry fee: 30-50 THB, depending on the specific viewpoint
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Phi Phi Island National Park is typically between November and April, during the dry season. This period offers ideal weather conditions with less rainfall, calmer seas, and clearer waters, perfect for snorkelling, diving, and beach activities. Temperatures are pleasantly warm, ranging from 24°C to 32°C . However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer a quieter experience and don’t mind occasional rain showers, consider visiting during the shoulder months of May or October when you can still enjoy good weather with fewer tourists.
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Thailand With Family
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Macraegi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost of Travellers: The average cost for travellers to visit Phi Phi Island National Park in Thailand typically ranges from 400 to 600 Thai Baht per person. This fee includes entrance to the national park and is usually collected upon arrival. Prices may vary slightly depending on the season and whether you’re a Thai national or a foreign visitor.
Tips For Travellers:
- Do not feed or disturb animals.
- Carry sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Phi Phi Island National Park, with its spectacular landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, attracts tourists from all over the world to Thailand. Phi Phi Viewpoint is one of the most picturesque spots which provide stunning views of the whole area. This will definitely provide a relaxing break from the monotony of life. So, what are you waiting for? Pack up your bags and plan your vacations to this national park with Trip XL.
Cover Photo: Puripant / Wikimedia Commons
