The Phi Phi archipelago sits in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi. Phi Phi Don is the inhabited island, busy with guesthouses, dive shops, and the long-tail-congested Ton Sai Bay. Phi Phi Leh next door is uninhabited — home to Maya Bay, the limestone lagoon made famous by the film The Beach. Maya Bay has periodic closures to allow coral recovery; check current status before you go.
Beyond the iconic bay, the islands reward swimmers and snorkellers with colourful reef, cliff-jumping spots at Viking Cave, and viewpoints that require a steep hike but deliver panoramas you will not forget. The pace picks up dramatically after dark — Ton Sai's beachfront bars are a scene unto themselves.
Getting to Koh Phi Phi from Koh Samui
Phi Phi is on the Andaman side, so there is no single ferry connecting it to Koh Samui. The most direct route combines our Koh Samui to Surat Thani ferry with a coach transfer across the peninsula to Krabi or Phuket, then an onward boat to Phi Phi Don. Alternatively, fly Samui–Phuket and take the ferry from Rassada Pier. Either way, budget a full travel day. Use our homepage search to find current sailings from Samui for the first leg of your journey.
The islands have no cars; once you arrive, you walk, hire a long-tail, or kayak. Bring cash — ATMs exist but charge fees — and book accommodation early in high season (November to April).