Short answer: Ko Phi Phi Don, the largest island, covers about 10.3 km² and is roughly 8 km long and 3.5 km wide. Ko Phi Phi Leh, where Maya Bay is, covers about 1.3 km². All six Phi Phi islands add up to about 12.1 km² of land, inside a national park of about 388 km² that includes the surrounding sea.
Phi Phi Leh (เกาะพีพีเล) is about one-eighth the size of Phi Phi Don (เกาะพีพีดอน).
Why do some sites say Phi Phi Don is 28 km²?
Older Thai tourism sources give 28 km² for Phi Phi Don and 6.6 km² for Phi Phi Leh. Those numbers can't fit inside a 12 km² archipelago, so this page uses the figures that add up to the total. We couldn't confirm what the older numbers measure.
How far is Phi Phi from Phuket?
Phi Phi is about 46 km southeast of Phuket. On our Speed Catamarans, the crossing from Royal Phuket Marina takes about 75 to 90 minutes, depending on sea conditions.
Can you see Phi Phi in one day?
Yes! Our day trips leave Royal Phuket Marina in the morning and return to Phuket by late afternoon. Two routes available:
- Phi Phi & Bamboo Island: Includes Maya Bay and Monkey Beach. Plus Bamboo Island, a quieter, more peaceful stop where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Phi Phi & Khai Island: Follows the same main route. And you’ll visit Khai Island, a lively islet with shallow, clear waters that’s ideal for snorkelling and water activities.
Khai Island is not one of the six Phi Phi islands. It is a separate island group off Phuket's east coast, visited on the way back from Phi Phi.
We also wrote a blog on Bamboo Island Guide here.
Each trip includes hotel transfers, a buffet lunch, fruit and soft drinks, snorkelling equipment, life jackets, and a dedicated crew member on board.
Read more on Phi Phi Don VS Phi Phi Leh or check Things to-do at the Phi Phi Islands.
Is Maya Bay open?
Yes! Maya Bay reopened on 1 October 2026 after its annual closure from 1 August to 30 September. However, swimming is not allowed in the bay. Visitors can wade in the shallow water only.
This helps protect the bay’s marine ecosystem, which includes a nursery area for Blacktip Reef Sharks.
The Department of National Parks counted 278 adult Blacktip Reef Sharks in Maya Bay on 2 September 2026. Please note that access can also depend on sea conditions and daily visitor limits.
Our team monitors the situation and coordinates access on the day of your trip. For foreign visitors, the national park entrance fee is ฿400 per adult and ฿200 per child.
The good news: all national park fees and charges are already included in our tour price, so you can enjoy your day trip without worrying about extra costs.
Check more on Maya Bay Visitor Full Guide.
How we plan a day on a small island
With only a few headline stops spread across 12 km², many boats visit the same popular spots at the same time. Maya Bay can be busy, and no route can completely avoid other boats. That’s why our guides adjust the order of stops from day to day, based on sea conditions, entry limits, and where other boats are.
On some days, for example, Pileh Lagoon can be a peaceful place to start, with time for swimming and capturing beautiful photos in the calm surroundings.
Guests on Tripadvisor often mention the personalised care from our guides, especially at snorkelling spots. First time snorkellers can receive extra guidance and support, while the guides share information about the islands along the way.
We can’t promise an empty Maya Bay but we can make the most of the conditions on the day and help you enjoy the islands at their best.
What can go wrong, and how we prepare
- Rough seas: We don't operate tours when conditions put guests at risk. If a trip is unsafe, we contact you in advance to reschedule or discuss alternatives. If we cancel for weather or safety, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
- Safety equipment: Life jackets for all ages, GPS navigation, and twin-engine speed catamarans with dual-shaft propulsion. Each boat carries a crew of three to four.
- Safety briefing: Guests report that the briefing asks about health conditions and recent surgeries, so the crew can help people who need it.
- Motion sickness: Sea crossings can be choppy, particularly during the rainy season. We recommend taking seasickness medication before boarding. Seasickness tablets are provided, so please ask the team.
How we care for the water
- Rules briefing: Guides explain the park rules, including no swimming at Maya Bay, and demonstrate responsible snorkelling.
- Low-impact boats and waste: No heavy fuel oil, fuel-saving aluminium hulls designed to minimise wave disruption, and no single-use plastics on board.
- Local people: We employ local guides. Snacks come from local artisans, and fresh fruit and vegetables from nearby farms.
What guests say
Andaman Surprise is rated 5.0 out of 5 on Tripadvisor from 606 reviews, and ranks #2 of 321 boat tours and water sports in Phuket Town (as of 6 October 2026).
Guests often name their guides and crew, and mention the safety briefing and the time at each stop. The reviews also include a few critical ones, and we reply to them publicly.
