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2026 Phi Phi Islands day trip guide: Maya Bay closure rules, Phi Phi Leh snorkeling, Monkey Beach warnings and how to choose a boat tour from Phuket.
The Phi Phi Islands are Thailand’s most spectacular archipelago — towering limestone cliffs, impossibly turquoise water, and Maya Bay (yes, from The Beach) make this a must-do from Phuket or Krabi.
Maya Bay: The Rules Have Changed
Maya Bay was closed in 2018 to allow the reef to recover. It reopened in 2022 with a strict daily cap of 375 visitors in 2 time slots. If you want to step on that famous white sand, you MUST book ahead.
Klook sells Maya Bay + Phi Phi Leh combo tickets with snorkeling — includes national park fees and hotel pickup. Do not show up without a booking.
Phi Phi Leh: Snorkeling Paradise
The waters around Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon are alive with coral and fish. Pileh Lagoon is an enclosed cove of neon turquoise water ringed by 30-meter cliffs — one of the most photographed spots in Thailand. Snorkeling here is included in most day tour packages.
Monkey Beach
Phi Phi Don’s eastern shore is home to a troop of macaques. Do not bring food to the beach — the monkeys have learned to associate humans with snacks and have become aggressive. Several tourists are bitten each year.
Speedboat vs Catamaran
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | Fast, stops at more spots | Bumpy, crowded |
| Catamaran | Stable, less sea-sick | Fewer stops, slower |
Airalo Thailand eSIM for reliable GPS on the water — tour boats sometimes lose phone signal near Maya Bay.
Practical Info
Bring reef-safe sunscreen (zinc-based, no oxybenzone), a waterproof phone bag, and a rash guard. The sun is brutal. Tipping boat crew is customary — 200-500 baht per person for a good crew.
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