⛱️ Phi Phi and Phangan: beaches, diving and Full Moon Party

Phuket and Pattaya are known to everyone. But Thailand has islands where people go for diving and parties, not just for the beach.

Phi Phi lies about 45 km southeast of Phuket, so a speedboat takes about 45 minutes and a ferry takes about two hours (as of 09/2026, Phi Phi ferry schedule). There are no roads or airport on the islands, so you can only get there by water (as of 09/2026, 5 Star Marine Phuket).

Phi Phi is an archipelago of two main islands and the protected Maya Bay. Phangan is the island of Haad Rin beaches and the Full Moon Party. Below you will find how to get there, what to see, and how much national park entry costs.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

How to get to Phi Phi and Phangan

💡 In short:

Phi Phi consists of two islands 45 km from Phuket, accessible only by water.
Maya Bay is closed from August 1 to September 30, with no more than 300 people allowed at a time (as of 09/2026, Maya Bay rules).
Phangan is known for Haad Rin beaches, the Full Moon Party, and the quiet Thong Nai Pan Yai and Haad Yao.
Prices, entry, and opening hours: 09/2026, verified against national park data.

Ferries and speedboats run from Phuket to Phi Phi. The ferry takes about two hours and costs from 600 THB one way (as of 09/2026, prices and departures). A speedboat gets there in 45-60 minutes, so take it if you are going for a day trip.

Departures leave from Rassada Pier, and you should buy your ticket in advance because seats sell out quickly in summer.

To get to Phangan, people usually travel via Samui or from Donsak Pier on the mainland. There is no direct connection between Phi Phi and Phangan, so you will have a transfer along the way. Keep that in mind if you want to see both islands on one trip.

Phi Phi Don island

Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited island in the archipelago. Two limestone cliffs here are connected by a narrow isthmus, and the pier, hotels, and restaurants sit along the shore.

The west coast, with Tonsai and Lo Dalam beaches, is good for swimming. Laem Tong Beach on the north side is chosen for its quiet. At night the island doesn't sleep: if you like loud parties, the bars near Tonsai Beach stay open until morning.

Phi phi leh island and maya bay

Phi Phi Leh is an uninhabited island of just 2 km² (as of 09/2026, Wikipedia). Steep limestone cliffs leave almost no room for beaches, but the water gets deep right off the shore. That's why divers from all over the world come here.

Phi Phi Leh cliffs and turquoise bay with boats

The island's main spot is Maya Bay, where the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed. Strict rules have been in place here since 2022. The bay is closed from August 1 to September 30, and at other times no more than 300 people are allowed in at once (as of 09/2026, Discover Phi Phi).

Entry costs 400 THB, and swimming is not allowed (as of 09/2026, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)). You may only go into the water up to your knees. The bay is open roughly from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and boats moor at Lo Sama, not at the beach itself (as of 09/2026, Phi Phi Paradise).

Get there at opening time, because by midday the beach is already crowded and it will be harder for you to find a spot on a boat. The most convenient way to see the bay and the reefs is on a Phi Phi tour on GetYourGuide.

Monkey beach and monkey island

In the north of Phi Phi Don there is Monkey Beach. Bold macaques live here: they grab food, glasses, and phones. Keep your belongings in a closed bag.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok at sunset

Feeding the monkeys is not allowed. Nearby lies a small monkey island that boat tours stop at.

Viking Cave and viewpoints

On Phi Phi Leh there is Viking Cave. Its walls have preserved cave paintings of ancient warriors and ships. That's how the cave got its name.

Viking Cave entrance above turquoise water

Swiftlets nest inside. Locals collect their nests for a delicacy soup. The cave entrance is closed; you can only view it from the water.

Another spot: the viewpoints in the hills of Phi Phi Don. The climb is steep, but from the top you can see both of the island's bays at once. Bring water with you and go up in the morning, before the sun gets hot.

Diving, snorkeling, and kayaking on Phi Phi

Phi Phi has long been the diving hub of the Andaman Sea. Near the cliffs of Phi Phi Leh you'll see coral gardens and schools of tropical fish. Beginners will do well at Monkey Beach and the shallow lagoons, while experienced divers will enjoy the deep sites.

The second popular activity: kayaking around the island and rock climbing on the limestone walls. You can rent gear and boats near Tonsai Beach, but the wind picks up during the day, so head out to sea early in the morning.

Phangan: Thong nai pan yai and haad yao beaches

Phangan lies in the Gulf of Thailand, north of Samui. The beaches here stretch for hundreds of meters (as of 09/2026, Tourism Authority of Thailand), and even in high season you can easily find a quiet spot.

The largest beach is Thong Nai Pan Yai. Water runs down from the nearby cliffs and forms a small waterfall of sorts. The second most popular, Haad Yao, stays green year-round thanks to the palms and flowers.

Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach with a palm tree

It is worth comparing hotels on Phangan on Trip.com in advance: around Full Moon Party dates, rooms get booked out months ahead, and you will be left with only expensive options.

Haad Rin and the full moon party

The main beach on Phangan is Haad Rin. Its southern part, Haad Rin Nok, curves in an arc and feels like a cozy bay. Bars, restaurants, and clubs line the shore, and almost all of them stay open until morning.

Haad Rin from above: beaches and village

Once a month, the Full Moon Party takes place here. In 2026 there are 13 full moons, the first on January 3 (as of 09/2026, Full Moon Phangan). Officially, the party lasts one night, on the full moon.

In practice, guests start arriving three days before and leave three days after. Tens of thousands of people from all over the world descend on the beach, so book your hotel in advance.

Pan Noi bay and Chaloklum village

On the east side of Phangan, Pan Noi Bay forms a double bay with the neighboring Thong Nai Pan Yai beach. The place is wild: mountains all around, a road leads to the bay, and a trail cuts through the jungle.

Sunset over forested mountains of Thailand

Divers praise the clear water and the underwater life of the bay, while beginners should go with a guide because the trail gets slippery after rain.

If you are interested in the island's history, take a trip to Chaloklum village. An old Chinese monastery stands there, with a small temple with Buddhist statues nearby. Entry is free, but it is best to cover your shoulders and knees.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Is Maya Bay closed in 2026?

Yes, Maya Bay closes every year from August 1 to September 30 so the reefs can recover. It reopens on October 1. Swimming is not allowed; you may only wade in up to your knees. No more than 300 people are allowed inside at a time, and entry costs 400 THB (as of 09/2026, new bay rules).

How do you get to Phi Phi without a car?

The islands have no roads, bridges, or airport: the only way to get there is by water. From Phuket, a ferry takes about two hours, or a speedboat takes 45-60 minutes from Rassada Pier. From Krabi, the route is shorter (as of 09/2026, routes from Phuket).

How many days do you need for Phi Phi and Phangan?

Two or three nights is enough for Phi Phi: you will have time for Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and snorkeling near the cliffs. Plan Phangan separately for 3-5 days, especially if you are going to the Full Moon Party. There is no direct connection between the islands, so allow a day for the transfer (as of 09/2026, Full Moon Party dates).

What is there to do on Phangan besides parties?

Besides the Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan also has the quiet beaches of Thong Nai Pan Yai and Haad Yao, the twin bay of Pan Noi, and an old Chinese monastery in the village of Chaloklum. During the day people snorkel here, take out a kayak, or hike through the jungle to the waterfall near Thong Nai Pan Yai (as of 09/2026, Tourism Authority of Thailand).

How much does it cost to enter Phi Phi National Park?

Entry to Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park costs 400 THB for adults, and the ticket is valid across the entire protected area, including Maya Bay (as of 09/2026, Phi Phi National Park fees). There are plenty of ATMs on Phi Phi Don, so withdrawing cash is easy.

In short: what to book

If you have two or three days, use Phi Phi Don as your base and set aside a day for Maya Bay and the reefs. If you are going for the party, plan Koh Phangan around the Full Moon Party date and book your accommodation in advance.

For a quiet getaway, choose Laem Tong on Phi Phi or Thong Nai Pan Yai on Koh Phangan. There are fewer people there and hotels right by the beach.

You can compare prices here: Phi Phi hotels on Trip.com. And if you want Maya Bay without the crowds, book a morning ticket.

Phi Phi and Phangan: how to get there, what to see and where to stay