First, the main restriction: Maya Bay beach is closed every year from 1 August to 30 September. Phi Phi tours still run in those months, but there's no landing on the sand at Maya — the bay is shown from the water. The rest of the year you can land, but swimming in the bay itself isn't allowed; you may wade in up to your knees.
Where exactly you go
The archipelago is made up of several islands, and a day tour usually covers four or five stops.
- Phi Phi Don — the only inhabited island; lunch and time on the beach are here
- Phi Phi Leh — uninhabited; this is where Maya Bay is
- Pileh Lagoon — an enclosed bay with turquoise water between cliffs
- Bamboo — a small island with white sand, often replacing Maya in the closed months
- Monkey Beach and snorkelling spots
The exact set depends on the tour and the weather. The captain changes the order depending on the waves, and that's normal. For example, "Three Phi Phi islands + Bamboo + Rang Yai" takes 8 hours and adds Bamboo and fishing, while "Phi Phi, Racha Yai and a sunset party at Maiton Island" stretches to 11 hours and ends with the sunset.
Speedboat or ferry
A speedboat gets from Phuket to the archipelago in about 50 minutes. The ferry takes roughly twice as long.
The speedboat costs more but fits in more stops in a day. The downside is that it takes the waves harder, and people get seasick on it more often. The ferry is slower and calmer, suitable for those who don't cope well with rolling seas and for those staying overnight on Phi Phi. It won't do for a day tour with lots of stops.
One day or two
A day tour takes 8–11 hours including the transfer and gets you back to your hotel in the evening. It's the most common choice.
The two-day option with a night on Phi Phi Don changes the experience a lot: the day boats leave towards evening, and the island in the evening and early morning looks different from rush hour. It costs more and takes an extra day out of your schedule. The options are "Phi Phi 2 days / 1 night — Maya Bay, lagoons, islands and nightlife" and "Phi Phi 2 days / 1 night — Sunrise over the Andaman Sea".
How much a Phi Phi tour costs
A group speedboat tour starts at 2,300 ฿ per person; two-day tours with an overnight stay start at 4,500 ฿. Combined routes that add James Bond and Krabi start at 5,200 ฿ for two days. The full price list for every destination is in our breakdown of Phuket excursion prices.
The national park fee is paid separately. For foreigners it's 400 ฿, less for children. Some operators include it in the price and some collect it at the pier — it's worth checking before you pay.
What's included
- Hotel transfer both ways
- The speedboat or ferry ride
- Lunch, if it's listed in the program
- Mask and snorkel
- Water on board
- Insurance
- A Russian-speaking escort
Not included: the national park fee unless listed separately, drinks, underwater housing rental and tips.
What to bring
- Sunscreen, ideally reef-safe
- A hat and sunglasses
- A spare T-shirt
- Cash for the national park fee and drinks
- A seasickness tablet if you don't cope well with rolling seas
- A waterproof phone pouch
Towels are usually handed out on board, but not everywhere — check the tour description.
About seasickness
On a speedboat the ride is noticeably bumpy, especially in the transition season. A few simple things help: a seat in the middle of the boat, looking at the horizon rather than your phone, a light breakfast instead of a heavy one, and a tablet 30–40 minutes before departure.
If you get badly seasick, choose the ferry or move the trip to the calm months. An alternative on the water without long crossings is Coral Island for 1,400 ฿ and five hours.
When it's best to go
November–April is the dry season: the sea is calm and underwater visibility is better. February–April sees the heaviest crowds.
May–October is cheaper and less crowded, but the waves are higher and some trips are cancelled because of the weather. And once more about August–September: there's no landing at Maya in those months.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Phi Phi tour from Phuket?
A group speedboat tour starts at 2,300 ฿ per person; a two-day tour with an overnight stay starts at 4,500 ฿. The 400 ฿ national park fee for foreigners is paid separately unless stated otherwise.
How long is the boat ride to Phi Phi?
About 50 minutes by speedboat, roughly twice as long by ferry.
Is Maya Bay open?
The bay is closed every year from 1 August to 30 September and reopens on 1 October. The dates are confirmed by the Department of National Parks and may shift by a day or two.
Can I swim in Maya Bay?
Swimming in the bay itself has been banned since it reopened after restoration. You may wade in up to your knees.
Which is better: speedboat or ferry?
The speedboat is faster and fits in more stops; the ferry is calmer and suits people who get seasick. For a day tour people usually take the speedboat.
Is it worth going for two days?
Yes, if you want to see Phi Phi without the day boats. The evening and early morning on the island are nothing like the midday rush.
Book a Phi Phi tour
- Three Phi Phi islands + Bamboo + Rang Yai — 2,300 ฿, 8 hours
- Phi Phi, Racha Yai and sunset at Maiton Island — 2,800 ฿, 11 hours
- Phi Phi 2 days / 1 night: Maya Bay, lagoons and islands — 4,500 ฿
- All island excursions and sea tours
