Day Trip or Overnight in Phuket and Phi Phi Islands
Part of the Phuket and Phi Phi Islands travel guide — see every topic in All Phuket and Phi Phi Islands Guides.
Phi Phi Don, the main island, is 45–120 minutes from Phuket by boat. A day tour shows the famous bays in a rush; one or two nights let you see them early and late, without the crowds.
Ferries from Phuket
Ferries run every day from Rassada Pier, near Phuket Town, to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. Big ferries take about 2 hours and cost about THB 400–700 one way; some boats go to Laem Tong beach in the north for about THB 1,000. Morning boats leave at about 8:30–9:00 and return in the afternoon. Ferries also run from Krabi and, in the dry season, from Ao Nang.
Day tours
Speedboat day tours from Phuket cost about THB 1,500–3,500 with hotel pick-up, lunch and snorkel gear. They usually stop at Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave (seen from the boat), Monkey Beach and a snorkel spot, with a short stop on Phi Phi Don. The national park fee of THB 400 for foreign adults (THB 200 for children) is often extra.
Why stay overnight
If you stay, you can reach Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon by longtail boat early in the morning, before the day boats, and climb to the Phi Phi viewpoint for sunset. Longtail boats can be hired at Tonsai for about THB 1,500–3,000 for half a day. Tonsai village is lively and loud at night; Long Beach and Laem Tong are quieter. Rooms cost about THB 1,500–4,000 for simple bungalows and much more for resorts.
Maya Bay and the seasons
Maya Bay closes every year from 1 August to 30 September; in 2026 it reopened on 1 October. When it is open, boats land at the back of Phi Phi Leh and you walk to the beach on a boardwalk; swimming is not allowed. The sea is calmest from about November to April. From May to October, boats can be rough or cancelled, so do not plan Phi Phi for the day before a flight.
Day Trip or Overnight at a glance
| Ferry | Rassada Pier → Tonsai, about 2 h; about THB 400–700 |
|---|---|
| Speedboat tour | About THB 1,500–3,500 from Phuket |
| Park fee | THB 400 adults, THB 200 children |
| Maya Bay | Closed 1 Aug–30 Sep every year; no swimming |
| Longtail hire | About THB 1,500–3,000 for half a day |
| Where to stay | Tonsai (lively); Long Beach or Laem Tong (quiet) |
| Best months | November–April |
| Our pick | At least one night if you can |