Phi Phi Islands by Boat: Routes, Prices & Best Time to Visit

The Phi Phi Islands are among the most breathtaking destinations in all of Southeast Asia. Towering limestone karsts rise dramatically from crystal-clear turquoise waters, and hidden lagoons invite exploration at every turn. Whether you first saw these islands on a postcard, in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach, or scrolling through a friend's travel photos, nothing prepares you for the real thing. And the best way to experience them? By boat.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about visiting Phi Phi by boat from Phuket — from choosing the right vessel and route to understanding current prices, national park fees, and the best months to go. If you're ready to start planning, you can find boats for Phi Phi on Boooat.com and compare options side by side.

The Phi Phi Archipelago: What You'll See

The Phi Phi archipelago consists of six islands, but two dominate the itineraries: Phi Phi Don, the larger inhabited island with resorts and restaurants, and Phi Phi Leh, the uninhabited island home to the famous Maya Bay. Most boat trips visit both, along with several other iconic stops.

Maya Bay

Maya Bay is the crown jewel of any Phi Phi trip. Enclosed on three sides by soaring 100-metre cliffs, the bay's shallow emerald water and white sand beach became world-famous after the 2000 film The Beach. But fame came at a cost. By 2018, the bay was receiving up to 5,000 visitors a day, and the coral reef was devastated. Thai authorities closed Maya Bay entirely from June 2018 to January 2022 to allow the ecosystem to recover.

The results were remarkable. Blacktip reef sharks returned to the shallows, and coral regrowth exceeded expectations. Today, Maya Bay is open again — but under strict new rules. Only 300 visitors are allowed per hour, swimming in the bay is prohibited, and boats must anchor outside and transfer guests by smaller vessels. The changes have made the experience far more serene and special than it was during the overcrowded years.

Pileh Lagoon

On the eastern side of Phi Phi Leh, Pileh Lagoon is an almost completely enclosed emerald pool surrounded by towering cliffs. The water is impossibly clear and calm, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Many visitors consider Pileh Lagoon the highlight of the trip — it's less famous than Maya Bay, but arguably more beautiful. Most boats allow 20 to 40 minutes here for a swim.

Viking Cave

Located at the base of a cliff on the northeastern edge of Phi Phi Leh, Viking Cave is famous for the ancient paintings on its walls — depictions of various sailing vessels that resemble Viking longships (though they were likely drawn by early Southeast Asian seafarers). Today, the cave is also known for the swiftlet nests harvested inside, which are used to make bird's nest soup. Boats pass close enough for photos, but entry is not permitted.

Monkey Beach

On the southwestern tip of Phi Phi Don, Monkey Beach is a small sandy cove inhabited by a troop of long-tailed macaques. Boats typically stop offshore for 15 to 20 minutes. You can watch the monkeys from the boat or wade ashore, though guides will warn you not to feed them or leave bags unattended — these monkeys are bold and will grab anything that looks like food.

Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai) is a flat, circular island about 30 minutes north of Phi Phi Don. Unlike the dramatic cliffs of the other islands, Bamboo Island is ringed by a wide white-sand beach with shallow water ideal for snorkelling. It's the most relaxed stop on most itineraries and a great place to unwind before heading back to Phuket.

Route Options: Speedboat vs Big Boat vs Private Charter

Choosing how to get to Phi Phi is one of the most important decisions of your trip. Each option offers a different experience, and the right choice depends on your budget, group size, and how much flexibility you want.

Join-In Speedboat Tour

The most popular option for visitors. A fibreglass speedboat carries 25 to 35 passengers on a fixed itinerary that typically departs at 7:30 AM and returns by 4:30 PM. The route usually includes Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, a snorkelling stop, and lunch on Phi Phi Don.

Travel time: About 45 minutes from Phuket to Phi Phi Leh. Price: 1,990 to 3,500 THB per person, depending on the operator and whether lunch, snorkelling gear, and hotel transfers are included.

Speedboats are fast and exciting, but they can be bumpy in rough seas. If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before departure.

Join-In Big Boat / Ferry Tour

A calmer alternative. Large boats and converted fishing vessels carry 100 or more passengers at a more leisurely pace. These trips are more affordable but take longer.

Travel time: About 2 hours each way. Price: 1,990 to 2,500 THB per person for a day trip; standalone ferry tickets to Phi Phi Don start from around 600 THB one-way.

The big boat is a good choice for families with young children or anyone who wants a more stable ride. The downside is less flexibility — with more passengers, stops are shorter, and the itinerary is more rigid.

Private Speedboat Charter

For the ultimate Phi Phi experience, a private charter gives you complete control over your itinerary and schedule. You choose when to leave, how long to stay at each stop, and which islands to visit. Want to arrive at Maya Bay before the crowds? A private charter makes it possible.

Travel time: 45 minutes (same as join-in speedboat). Price: 15,000 to 25,000 THB for the entire boat (typically fits 8 to 15 passengers), making it surprisingly affordable when split among a group.

On Boooat.com, you can browse and compare private speedboat charters from multiple operators, read reviews, and book directly — all without the middleman markup. It's the easiest way to book your Phi Phi trip.

Prices at a Glance

| Option | Price Range | Capacity | Travel Time | |---|---|---|---| | Join-in speedboat | 1,990–3,500 THB/person | 25–35 pax | ~45 min | | Join-in big boat | 1,990–2,500 THB/person | 100+ pax | ~2 hours | | Private speedboat | 15,000–25,000 THB/boat | 8–15 pax | ~45 min | | Premium yacht/catamaran | 25,000–80,000 THB/boat | 10–30 pax | 1–2 hours |

National park fee: 400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children (separate from tour price, usually collected on the day). This fee applies to all visitors entering the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, which covers Maya Bay and the surrounding marine area.

Departure Points

Most Phi Phi boat trips depart from one of two piers in Phuket:

Chalong Pier (Chalong Bay)

The primary departure point for speedboat tours. Chalong is located on Phuket's southeast coast, about 30 minutes from Patong. Most tour operators provide hotel pickup and drop-off, but if you're driving yourself, there's parking available near the pier. The sheltered bay makes for a smooth start to the journey.

Rassada Pier

Rassada Pier is the main departure point for ferries and larger vessels heading to Phi Phi Don. It's located northeast of Phuket Town and is easy to reach from anywhere on the island. If you're planning to stay overnight on Phi Phi Don, you'll likely depart from Rassada.

Best Time to Visit

High Season: December to March

This is the ideal window for a Phi Phi boat trip. The northeast monsoon has subsided, seas are calm, visibility is excellent (often 15 to 25 metres for snorkelling), and rain is rare. December and January are peak tourist months, so book well in advance — especially if you want a private charter.

Shoulder Season: April to May and October to November

April is hot but still relatively dry, and the water is warm and clear. By May, occasional afternoon showers arrive, but mornings are usually fine. October and November mark the tail end of the monsoon, and while seas can be choppier, there are far fewer tourists and prices drop.

Low Season: June to September

The southwest monsoon brings rougher seas and more frequent rain. Some speedboat operators suspend Phi Phi trips during the worst weeks (typically July and August), and the national park sometimes closes Maya Bay temporarily for safety. If you do go, expect lower prices and empty beaches — but be prepared for unpredictable weather.

Pro Tips for Your Phi Phi Boat Trip

1. Go early. The first boats arrive at Maya Bay around 7:30 to 8:00 AM, before the main crowd hits at 10:00 AM. If you're on a private charter, request a 7:00 AM departure to have the bay nearly to yourself.

2. Bring cash for park fees. The 400 THB national park fee is payable in cash only. Some tours include it in the price, but many don't — check before you go.

3. Use reef-safe sunscreen. The Thai government is increasingly strict about marine conservation. Standard sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate damage coral. Look for mineral-based or reef-safe formulas — your skin and the reef will both thank you.

4. Bring a dry bag. Speedboats splash, especially on the return trip when seas can pick up. A waterproof bag for your phone, wallet, and camera is essential.

5. Don't skip Bamboo Island. Many travellers focus on Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon, but Bamboo Island's shallow, calm water is ideal for relaxed snorkelling and swimming. It's a perfect way to end the day.

6. Book in advance for high season. December through February is peak season, and the best boats and time slots fill up fast. Browsing options on Boooat.com ahead of time lets you lock in the best deal and compare real reviews from other travellers.

7. Respect the rules at Maya Bay. No swimming, no touching coral, no drones. The bay's recovery is an environmental success story — help keep it that way.

How to Book

The easiest way to find and compare Phi Phi boat trips is through Boooat.com. Whether you want a budget-friendly join-in tour or a private speedboat all to yourself, you can filter by boat type, group size, and price — and book directly with the operator. No hidden fees, no agency commissions inflating the price.

Final Thoughts

A boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you've towel-dried the salt from your hair. The combination of dramatic scenery, warm clear water, and accessible adventure makes it one of Thailand's most rewarding day trips. With a little planning — choosing the right boat, going at the right time, and respecting the natural environment — you'll come away with memories (and photos) that are truly world-class.

Start exploring your options and find the perfect boat for Phi Phi today.