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Southern Thailand · Krabi

Koh Phi Phi travel guide: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Phi Phi Don

The Phi Phi Islands are the Andaman Sea's most famous limestone islands, part of Hat Nopparat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Phi Phi Don has the hotels and village; uninhabited Phi Phi Leh holds Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach, and the enclosed lagoon of Pileh. After years of overcrowding, Maya Bay is now managed with a new jetty, visitor limits and an annual closure.

AsiaVela editorial teamUpdated 3 min read
Maya Bay's turquoise water enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs on Phi Phi Leh
Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Leh.
Suggested time
1–2 nights, or a day trip
Where to stay
Phi Phi Don
Season and timing
November to April for calm seas; Maya Bay closes every year from 1 August to 30 September.

The short answer

Stay one or two nights on Phi Phi Don, or join a day trip from Phuket or Krabi. Visit Maya Bay outside its annual closure (1 August to 30 September) — boats now land at Loh Samah Bay on the far side of Phi Phi Leh — and swim in Pileh Lagoon. Go early to beat the crowds, pay the national park fee and never feed the monkeys at Monkey Bay.

Maya Bay

On Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay is a crescent of fine white sand surrounded by cliffs, as the Ministry of Tourism and Sports' directory describes. It was closed from June 2018 to allow coral and marine life to recover after visitor numbers reached almost 5,000 a day, TAT reported, and reopened in 2022.

Boats now use a jetty at Loh Samah Bay on the opposite side of the island, daily numbers are controlled, and swimming is limited to a designated area. The bay also closes every year from 1 August to 30 September for recovery and safety.

Pileh Lagoon

Pileh Bay is a narrow, almost enclosed lagoon of emerald water ringed by cliffs, calm enough to feel like a lake, according to the directory, which explains that it formed when a sea cave collapsed tens of thousands of years ago. Coral reefs lie below the surface.

Boats anchor at the entrance; swim or kayak in, and do not touch the coral.

A longtail boat on brilliant turquoise water below forested limestone cliffs at Phi Phi Leh
A longtail boat off Phi Phi Leh.
The twin bays of Ton Sai and Loh Dalum on Phi Phi Don seen from the viewpoint
Phi Phi Don's twin bays from the viewpoint.

Make time for the local food

What to eat and where to look

01

Seafood on Phi Phi Don

Grilled fish and seafood at restaurants in the village.

Where to look
Ton Sai village.
Fit it into your day
Dinner on an overnight stay.

Island prices are higher.

02

Thai curries and noodles

Everyday Thai dishes at small restaurants in the village.

Where to look
Ton Sai village lanes.
Fit it into your day
Lunch.

Ask about chilli.

03

Fresh fruit and shakes

Tropical fruit and smoothies from stalls.

Where to look
Around Ton Sai pier.
Fit it into your day
A snack after a boat trip.

Choose stalls that use bottled water and ice.

Monkey Bay

Yong Kasem Bay, known as Monkey Bay, is reached only by boat. The directory explains that long-tailed macaques gather here because visitors used to feed them.

Do not feed or approach the monkeys: it harms them and they can bite. Keep food and bags out of sight.

A towering limestone cliff of Phi Phi Leh rising from deep blue sea
The cliffs of Ko Phi Phi Leh.

Phi Phi Don

Most accommodation is on Phi Phi Don, around Ton Sai and Loh Dalum bays, where ferries from Phuket and Krabi arrive. Viewpoints above the village look over both bays.

Staying overnight lets you see Pileh and Maya early or late, before and after the day-trip boats.

Longtail boats with ribbons on the prow moored at Long Beach on Phi Phi Don
Longtail boats at Long Beach, Phi Phi Don.

Getting there

Ferries and speedboats run from Phuket and Krabi. Day tours from both include Maya Bay, Pileh and snorkelling stops; check whether the national park fee is included.

In the south-west monsoon, crossings may be cancelled in rough seas.

The wake of a ferry with Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh on the horizon
Leaving Phi Phi by boat.

Practical questions

When is Maya Bay closed?

Every year from 1 August to 30 September.

Can I swim at Maya Bay?

Only in a designated area; boats land at Loh Samah Bay on the other side of the island and visitor numbers are controlled.

Should I stay overnight on Phi Phi?

If you want to see the bays without the day-trip crowds, yes.

Can I feed the monkeys at Monkey Bay?

No. Feeding harms them and makes them aggressive.

Sources and checks before you travel

Reference sources for the version dated 1 October 2026. Confirm opening times, access, transport and conditions for your travel dates.

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