The Phi Phi Islands, part of Krabi province, feature six islands with two main destinations. Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island, offering walkable streets, restaurants, and local culture. Phi Phi Ley remains protected and uninhabited, showcasing dramatic limestone cliffs, Maya Bay, and pristine lagoons. Both islands appeal to diverse travelers seeking vibrant coastal life and natural beauty combined.
The Phi Phi Islands are one of Thailand’s most famous and visually striking destinations, known for their dramatic limestone formations, bright turquoise water, and vibrant island atmosphere. The archipelago consists of six islands, with Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley being the two main islands that most travelers visit. Although positioned between Phuket and Krabi, the entire group officially belongs to Krabi province.
Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited island. It features local communities, hotels, a network of pedestrian streets, beach bars, restaurants, and everything needed for visitors staying overnight. Phi Phi Ley, by contrast, is uninhabited and protected, known for its towering cliffs, quiet bays, and world-famous natural scenery including Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon.
Phi Phi Don serves as the center of activity. Since there are no cars, the island is entirely walkable, giving it a relaxed and intimate feel. Most visitors stay near Ton Sai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay—the two curved bays connected by a narrow stretch of land that hosts the island’s main village. This natural geography creates one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the region.
Phi Phi Ley, on the other hand, has no permanent residents. It is a preserved island offering some of the most dramatic landscapes in southern Thailand. Visitors typically come on boat tours that stop at its lagoons, cliffs, and bays. The scenery is dominated by vertical limestone walls rising straight out of deep blue water, creating a striking contrast with the calm, sheltered areas inside the island’s coves.
Phi Phi Don offers a lively and welcoming coastal community, while Phi Phi Ley provides pure natural landscapes without development. The balance between these two islands is what makes the Phi Phi archipelago unique. Guests can enjoy restaurants and walking streets on one island and then visit unspoiled nature on the other within the same day.
Here is the one allowed bullet list with key highlights:
Six islands total, officially part of Krabi province
Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island with hotels and amenities
Phi Phi Ley is protected and known for lagoons and cliffs
Located between Phuket and Krabi, reachable by ferry or speedboat
These characteristics make the Phi Phi Islands appealing to a wide range of travelers, from backpackers and diving enthusiasts to families and couples seeking impressive coastal scenery.
Phi Phi Don’s charm lies in its walkability. With no road traffic, visitors move around by foot or by longtail boat, making the environment peaceful and easy to explore. The main village area is filled with beach cafés, markets, diving centers, and small shops. At night, parts of the coastline become lively with music and beachfront dining, giving the island a warm and energetic atmosphere.
Phi Phi Ley is known for its dramatic topography. Sheer limestone cliffs surround calm emerald water, creating one of the most photographed environments in Thailand. The island is managed with strict conservation rules to preserve its natural condition. Popular stops such as Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave are accessible only by boat, making the experience peaceful and controlled.
The Phi Phi Islands appeal to both adventure lovers and those who simply want to enjoy stunning coastal scenery. Phi Phi Don’s lively village is perfect for dining, exploring, and connecting with local culture, while Phi Phi Ley offers impressive natural surroundings that feel far removed from urban life.
Discover the Phi Phi Islands with our trusted tour partners. Explore the lively atmosphere of Phi Phi Don and the dramatic cliffs of Phi Phi Ley on a comfortable day trip from Phuket. Book your tour today and enjoy one of Thailand’s most beautiful island destinations.
