The Phi Phi Islands are among the most beautiful in the world — a group of six islands in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi, with limestone cliffs rising from jade-green water, extraordinary snorkelling and beaches that have become iconic images of Thailand.

The main island, Phi Phi Don, is the only inhabited island and the centre of tourist activity. The twin bays — Tonsai Bay (the arrival point) and Loh Dalum Bay (the party beach) — are separated by a narrow strip of land. Loh Dalum has a beautiful curved beach with beach bars and fire shows at night. Long Beach, on the eastern side of the island, is quieter and more relaxed.

Phi Phi Leh, the smaller uninhabited island, is home to Maya Bay — made famous by the 2000 film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The bay, surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs with crystal-clear turquoise water, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is now managed to protect the coral, with limited visitor numbers and no overnight stays.

The snorkelling is extraordinary. Shark Point, Hin Bida and the reefs around Bamboo Island have excellent coral, reef sharks, turtles and colourful fish. Pileh Lagoon, an enclosed lagoon on Phi Phi Leh surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs, is one of the most dramatic and beautiful places in Thailand.

The Phi Phi Islands are accessible as a day trip from Phuket (45 minutes by speedboat) or Krabi (30 minutes by speedboat). You can also stay overnight on Phi Phi Don, which has a good range of accommodation from budget bungalows to boutique resorts.

The best time to visit is November to April — dry, sunny and with calm seas. May to October is the wet season, with rougher seas and some services reduced. We search across Travelpack, Emirates Holidays and JTA Holidays for the best deals, with the FIBI discount applied automatically.