Ko Phi Phi Don
Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest and only permanently inhabited island in the Phi Phi Islands archipelago, located in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi. While many travelers know the area because of the famous Maya Bay on nearby Ko Phi Phi Leh, Ko Phi Phi Don is the island where you’ll find hotels, restaurants, shops, beaches, viewpoints, nightlife, and ferry piers.
Whether you’re visiting on a day trip or planning to stay for several nights, Ko Phi Phi Don offers a mix of beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, scenic hiking trails, snorkeling trips, and island-hopping adventures. It has no cars or motorcycles, giving the island a unique laid-back atmosphere where most places are reached on foot or by traditional longtail boat.
How to Get to Ko Phi Phi Don
Since there is no airport or bridge connecting the island to the mainland, the only way to reach Ko Phi Phi Don is by boat.
From Phuket
- Ferry: Approximately 2 hours
- Speedboat: Around 45–60 minutes
Most ferries depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket.
From Krabi
- Ferry: Around 2 hours
- Speedboat: Around 1 hour
From Koh Lanta
- Ferry: Approximately 1 hour
Many tour operators also offer hotel transfers that include pickup and ferry tickets.
Arrival at Tonsai Pier
Almost every visitor arrives at Tonsai Pier, located in the center of the island. From here, hotels within Tonsai Village are usually reachable on foot.
If you’re staying at more remote beaches such as Long Beach, Laem Tong Beach, or Loh Bagao, your hotel may arrange a longtail boat transfer.
Visitors are also required to pay a small national park or island maintenance fee upon arrival, depending on current local regulations.
Best Places to Stay on Ko Phi Phi Don
Tonsai Village
The busiest part of the island with restaurants, bars, shops, nightlife, dive centers, and easy ferry access. Best for first-time visitors and those wanting everything within walking distance.
Long Beach
One of the island’s most beautiful beaches, offering clear water and a more relaxed atmosphere while still being relatively close to Tonsai by boat or walking trail.
Loh Dalum Bay
Popular with younger travelers thanks to beach parties and vibrant nightlife.
Laem Tong Beach
A peaceful area on the northern tip of the island featuring upscale resorts and a quieter atmosphere.
Loh Bagao Bay
Ideal for travelers looking for luxury resorts, beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds.
Best Things to Do on Ko Phi Phi Don
Visit the Phi Phi Viewpoints
The island’s famous viewpoints are among the best attractions. The hike takes around 30–45 minutes depending on your fitness level.
Viewpoint 2 offers one of Thailand’s most photographed panoramic views, overlooking the narrow strip of land connecting Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay.
Continue to Viewpoint 3 for even more spectacular scenery with fewer visitors.
Take a Boat Tour
Boat tours are the most popular activity from Ko Phi Phi Don and usually include:
- Maya Bay
- Pileh Lagoon
- Viking Cave
- Monkey Bay
- Snorkeling stops
- Sunset tours
- Bioluminescent plankton tours (seasonal)
Go Snorkeling
The surrounding waters are home to colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Popular snorkeling areas include Shark Point, Bamboo Island, and several nearby reefs.
Scuba Diving
Ko Phi Phi Don is one of Thailand’s most popular diving destinations with dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
Experience the Nightlife
After sunset, Tonsai Village and Loh Dalum Beach come alive with beach bars, live music, fire shows, DJs, and parties that continue late into the night.
Relax on the Beaches
Popular beaches include:
- Long Beach
- Loh Dalum Beach
- Tonsai Bay
- Monkey Beach (boat access)
- Laem Tong Beach
Phi Phi Viewpoints
The viewpoints are one of the biggest reasons many travelers stay overnight instead of taking a day trip.
- Viewpoint 1 – Easy access with good views.
- Viewpoint 2 – The famous postcard viewpoint.
- Viewpoint 3 – Higher elevation with fewer crowds.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting while avoiding the hottest temperatures.
How Many Days Should You Stay?
Many visitors only spend a few hours on Ko Phi Phi Don, but staying overnight lets you experience the island after the day-trip crowds leave.
- 1 day: Enough to explore Tonsai and visit the viewpoint.
- 2 days: Ideal for sightseeing, boat tours, and nightlife.
- 3-4 days: Perfect for diving, relaxing, and exploring quieter beaches.
ATMs and Money
ATMs are widely available around Tonsai Village, making it easy to withdraw Thai Baht. However, ATM fees usually apply for international cards.
While many hotels, restaurants, and tour companies accept credit cards, smaller businesses and local food vendors often prefer cash.
If you’re staying at the quieter beaches, it’s a good idea to withdraw cash before leaving Tonsai.
Typical Prices on Ko Phi Phi Don
| Item | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Ferry from Phuket | 500–900 THB |
| Speedboat transfer | 900–1,500 THB |
| Budget hotel | 700–1,500 THB/night |
| Mid-range hotel | 2,000–5,000 THB/night |
| Luxury resort | 6,000+ THB/night |
| Thai meal | 100–250 THB |
| Cocktail | 150–300 THB |
| Island boat tour | 700–2,000 THB |
| Dive trip | 2,500–4,500 THB |
Things to Know Before Visiting
- There are no cars or motorcycles on Ko Phi Phi Don.
- Most transportation is done on foot or by longtail boat.
- The island becomes very busy between November and April.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes if you plan to hike to the viewpoints.
- Protect coral reefs by avoiding contact while snorkeling.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to help protect marine life.
- Book accommodation early during the high season.
- Some hotels on remote beaches require boat transfers after dark.
Best Time to Visit Ko Phi Phi Don
The best weather is generally between November and April when the Andaman Sea is calmer, skies are clearer, and boat tours operate more reliably.
May to October is the rainy season, although many visitors still enjoy lower hotel prices and fewer crowds. Occasional storms can affect ferry schedules and boat excursions.
Is Ko Phi Phi Don Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Ko Phi Phi Don offers far more than just a stop on the way to Maya Bay. It combines stunning scenery, excellent snorkeling and diving, vibrant nightlife, scenic viewpoints, beautiful beaches, and convenient access to some of Thailand’s most famous islands.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, island hopping, or simply breathtaking tropical landscapes, Ko Phi Phi Don is one of the highlights of any Phuket or Krabi itinerary and deserves at least one overnight stay whenever possible.
Ko Phi Phi Don Location & Map
Ko Phi Phi Don is part of Krabi Province, although many visitors reach the island from Phuket. It sits approximately 46 km southeast of Phuket and around 42 km southwest of Krabi Town.
The Phi Phi Islands consist of six islands:
- Ko Phi Phi Don (the main inhabited island)
- Ko Phi Phi Leh (home to Maya Bay)
- Bamboo Island (Ko Mai Phai)
- Mosquito Island (Ko Yung)
- Bida Nok
- Bida Nai
Nearly all hotels, restaurants, shops, ATMs, and tourist facilities are located on Ko Phi Phi Don.
FAQ about Ko Phi Phi Don
What is Ko Phi Phi Don?
Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest and only permanently inhabited island in the Phi Phi Islands. It is where you’ll find hotels, restaurants, shops, beaches, nightlife, and the main ferry pier.
How do you get to Ko Phi Phi Don from Phuket?
You can reach Ko Phi Phi Don by ferry in about 2 hours or by speedboat in around 45 to 60 minutes from Phuket’s Rassada Pier.
Can you stay overnight on Ko Phi Phi Don?
Yes. Ko Phi Phi Don has accommodation ranging from budget hostels to luxury beachfront resorts, making it the perfect base for exploring the Phi Phi Islands.
Are there cars on Ko Phi Phi Don?
No. There are no private cars or motorcycles on the island. Visitors get around by walking or using traditional longtail boats.
Is Ko Phi Phi Don the same as Maya Bay?
No. Maya Bay is located on the nearby island of Ko Phi Phi Leh. Most boat tours to Maya Bay depart from Ko Phi Phi Don.
How many days should you stay on Ko Phi Phi Don?
Two to three days is ideal for enjoying the viewpoints, beaches, snorkeling, boat tours, and nightlife without feeling rushed.
Are there ATMs on Ko Phi Phi Don?
Yes. There are several ATMs in Tonsai Village, and most visitors can easily withdraw Thai Baht during their stay.
What are the best things to do on Ko Phi Phi Don?
Popular activities include hiking to the viewpoints, taking boat tours to Maya Bay, snorkeling, scuba diving, relaxing on Long Beach, and enjoying the island’s nightlife.
Is Ko Phi Phi Don expensive?
It is generally more expensive than mainland Thailand due to transportation costs, but travelers can still find accommodation, restaurants, and tours for a wide range of budgets.
When is the best time to visit Ko Phi Phi Don?
The best time to visit is between November and April when the weather is generally sunny, the sea is calmer, and boat tours operate under the best conditions.
