Phi Phi Island National Park: Knowing Rich Natural Reserves Of Thailand

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.

Table of Contents

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: What To Do In Phi Phi Island

How To Reach Phi Phi Island National Park

Phi Phi Don is the main area around which the whole national park is located.

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.

9 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

Maya Bay has beautiful coral reefs and marine life, making it a major attraction.

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.

Location: Ko Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand
Timing: Currently closed for ecological recovery. Expected to reopen with limited daily visitors.

2. Pileh Lagoon

Pileh Lagoon , being less crowded, provided a serene environment for tourists who prefer peace.

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.

Location: Ko Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand
Timing: Open daily, best visited between 9 AM – 4 PM

3. Monkey Beach

Monkey beach has enormous monkeys entertaining the tourists by all means.

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 and famous for Scuba Diving in Phi Phi island. Morning visits offer the best chance to see active monkeys, while late afternoon trips can provide beautiful sunset views.

Location: Ko Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand
Timing: Open daily, best visited in the morning or late afternoon

4. Viking Cave

Viking cave got its name from the resembling Scandinavian ships it has got painted on its walls.

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.

Location: Ko Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand
Timing: Viewable from boats daily, no specific hours

5. Bamboo Island (Koh Pai)

Bamboo Island houses tiny tree houses made of bamboo, giving a pristine experience.

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.

Location: Near Ko Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand
Timing: Open daily, best visited between 10 AM – 4 PM

Suggested Read: Koh Lanta Island

6. Phi Phi Viewpoint

This viewpoint renders picturesque sunset and sunrise views for photography and relaxation.

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.

Location: Ko Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand
Timing: Open daily, best visited for sunrise or sunset

7. Loh Samah Bay

Limestone boulder at Loh Samah Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand-phi phi island national park

Photo: Алексей Коптелов / Wikimedia Commons

Loh Samah Bay, nestled within Phi Phi Island National Park, is a stunning spot famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Ideal for snorkeling and diving, it offers breathtaking underwater views of colorful corals and exotic fish. The serene bay is perfect for relaxing amidst nature’s beauty, making it a top choice for visitors exploring Things To Do In Phi Phi Island. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Loh Samah Bay has it all.

Location: Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM

8. Tonsai Beach

Tonsai Beach in Railay Bay, Krabi, Thailand, featuring clear turquoise waters and limestone cliffs.

Photo: kallerna / Wikimedia Commons

Tonsai Beach, located within Phi Phi Island National Park, is a vibrant hub known for its stunning shoreline and lively atmosphere. It’s the main gateway for travelers exploring the islands and offers easy access to boat tours, restaurants, and nightlife. The beach’s clear waters are perfect for Phi Phi Island Snorkelling, where visitors can discover colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Tonsai Beach combines natural beauty with convenience, making it a must-visit destination on the islands.

Location: Tonsai Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand
Timings: 24*7

9. Loh Dalum Bay

A panoramic view of Loh Dalum Bay on Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand–phi phi island national park

Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons

Loh Dalum Bay, nestled within Phi Phi Island National Park, is famous for its stunning crescent-shaped beach and vibrant atmosphere. By day, visitors enjoy swimming and sunbathing in crystal-clear waters, while at night, the bay transforms into the heart of Phi Phi Island Nightlife with beach bars, fire shows, and lively parties. This blend of natural beauty and energetic nightlife makes Loh Dalum Bay a must-visit spot for all travelers.

Location: Phi Phi Islands, Krabi Province, Thailand
Timings: 24*7

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.

Other Factors To Consider

Animals in the Phi Phi Island National Park form the main attraction along with the supporting landscape.

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.

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Thailand With Family

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

Phi Phi Island National Park: An Ultimate Guide To Explore Thailand’s Fauna

Location

How To Reach Phi Phi Island National Park