This review is for those travelers looking to check out Ko Phi Phi Le (including Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon), just outside Phi Phi Island in Thailand. We traveled there while we were staying in Phuket, but there are a few routes that can be taken to get there as well from Krabi or other local places.
You can only get to Phi Phi Island by boat. Coming from Phuket, it's around 1000 Baht for a roundtrip ticket and about a 1 ½ to 2 hour boat ride to Phi Phi. Boats leave only a few times throughout the day with the earliest ferry leaving Phuket at 8:30am and heading back from Phi Phi at 2:30pm so if you are making a day trip there without staying the night, you will have only around 4-5 hours at most on the Island.
On the boat over there are food and drink available for purchase (including local beers). Cash only. The boat has seating up on the top deck which is open, or on the middle and lower levels which are covered. Getting to the dock earlier will ensure that you get a good seat.
While there are many things to do on Phi Phi, many choose to venture to Ko Phi Phi Lee. You can do a group tour via speed boat, which is typically with 20-30 other people, not very fun. Or you can get a more authentic and private tour on a longtail boat. Upon arrival in Phi Phi, you’ll be met by several longtail boat drivers willing to take you to the island for around 2000 Baht. Definitely worth the extra money. We went with a group of 4 of us and there was plenty of room, they stop where you want to and its so much more enjoyable than a speed boat.
*If you have back problems or get motion sickness, the longtail boats can be difficult when the waters are rough being very bumpy.
Its a nice ride over to Ko Phi Phi Le, about 20-30 minutes. The popular things to do once Ko Phi Phi Le is to visit Maya Bay, which was made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie The Beach. We recommend going early in the morning to beat the crowds otherwise it'll be way overcrowded with hundreds of other people. If you choose to stop at Maya Bay beach, there is a 400 Baht entrance fee to get onto the beach.
The next stop we recommend is at Pileh lagoon which is very scenic and a bit more low key compared to Maya bay while allows for a more privacy and seclusion. Our longtail boat driver pulled into a small beach area where we were the only ones for about 30 minutes where we were able to enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the gorgeous waters of the Lagoon.
The trip back to Phi Phi Island is very scenic as you will be passing several great photo opportunities, coves and Pirate Cave which is popular with the tourists.
Once back on Phi Phi Island, you probably only have a short amount of time left before the ferry departs (probably less than an hour). Use this time to explore the local shops and restaurants or head to the other side of Phi Phi Island to Loh Delum Beach to relax before boarding the ferry back to Phuket. You can walk at least 100 years at Loh Delum beach a