Phuket & Phi Phi Islands Itinerary: 5-Day Beach & Island Adventure
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Phuket & Phi Phi Islands Itinerary: 5-Day Beach & Island Adventure

Most visitors see Phi Phi Islands as a day trip from Phuket — a whirlwind speedboat tour that ticks off Maya Bay and a few snorkeling spots before racing back to the mainland. But staying overnight on Phi Phi Don transforms the experience entirely. Without the day-trippers, the island reveals its true character: fire shows on the beach at midnight, empty coves at sunrise, unhurried snorkeling in crystal-clear water, and the kind of tropical island atmosphere that backpackers have been chasing since the 1990s. This 5-day itinerary gives you the best of both worlds — three days on Phuket for culture, beaches, and the Big Buddha, followed by two nights on Phi Phi Don where you can explore at your own pace, catch the legendary sunset from the viewpoint, party at beach bars, and snorkel without the time pressure of a day trip. The ferry between Phuket and Phi Phi takes 90 minutes and runs multiple times daily, making the logistics effortless. You'll leave with a deeper appreciation for both destinations than any single day trip could deliver.

Budget: $35-55/dayMid-range: $80-150/dayLuxury: $250+/day

Quick Summary

Highlights

  • Swim at Patong and Kata beaches on Phuket
  • Explore Old Town Phuket's Sino-Portuguese architecture
  • Visit Big Buddha and Wat Chalong temple
  • Ferry to Phi Phi Don and stay overnight
  • Sunrise hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint
  • Snorkel Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Bamboo Island at your own pace
  • Phi Phi Don beach bar nightlife and fire shows
  • Monkey Beach and Long Beach exploration
Best Time

November to April

Difficulty

Easy

Budget
Budget
$35-55/day
Mid-range
$80-150/day
Luxury
$250+/day

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1Arrival in Phuket: Patong Beach & Old Town
    Day 1

    Arrival in Phuket: Patong Beach & Old Town

    Theme: Beach, Culture & Nightlife

    Morning

    9:00 AM1.5 hrs800-1,000 THB (~$23-28) for transfer + SIM

    Arrive at Phuket Airport

    Land at Phuket International Airport (HKT), pick up a tourist SIM card (299 THB) from the arrivals hall, and transfer to your hotel in Patong. The drive takes 50-60 minutes. Check in, change into beach clothes, and head to the coast.

    11:00 AM2 hrs200 THB (~$5.70) for lounger

    Patong Beach

    Hit Patong Beach for your first Andaman Sea swim. This 3.5-kilometre strip of golden sand is Phuket's busiest and most famous beach, with warm water, beach vendors, and a lively atmosphere. Rent a lounger and umbrella (200 THB) and settle in. The southern end near the Amari resort is less crowded.

    Afternoon

    1:00 PM45 min80-200 THB (~$2.30-5.70)

    Lunch at Jungceylon Food Court

    Walk to Jungceylon mall for an affordable Thai lunch at the basement food court. Pad thai, green curry, and khao man gai run 60-90 THB per dish. The air-conditioning is a welcome break from the midday heat.

    2:30 PM2 hrs300-400 THB (~$8.50-11) for Grab

    Old Town Phuket

    Grab a taxi to Old Town (30-40 minutes) for a walk through the island's Sino-Portuguese heritage quarter. Photograph the colourful shophouses on Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, and Dibuk Road. Pop into the Thai Hua Museum (200 THB) or simply wander the atmospheric streets, ducking into cafes and galleries housed in restored 19th-century buildings.

    Evening

    5:30 PM1.5 hrs300-600 THB (~$8.50-17) per person

    Dinner at Old Town

    Dine at Raya Restaurant for legendary southern Thai crab curry, or try One Chun for elevated Phuketian cuisine in a beautiful heritage setting. Both restaurants are set in gorgeous old mansions and serve food that's distinctly different from Bangkok Thai — bolder, spicier, and deeply flavourful.

    Night

    8:00 PM2 hrs300-1,000 THB (~$8.50-28) for drinks

    Bangla Road Nightlife

    Experience Bangla Road, Patong's neon-lit nightlife strip. Walk the 400-metre pedestrian street lined with bars, clubs, and street performers. For a classy nightcap, head to KEE Sky Lounge rooftop or Illuzion nightclub. Even a quick walk-through is a quintessential Phuket experience.

  2. Day 2Southern Phuket: Temples, Beaches & Seafood
    Day 2

    Southern Phuket: Temples, Beaches & Seafood

    Theme: Temples, Viewpoints & Southern Beaches

    Morning

    8:00 AM2 hrsFree (donations welcome) + 250-350 THB Grab from Patong

    Big Buddha & Wat Chalong

    Start early at the Big Buddha, the 45-metre white marble statue on Nakkerd Hill with panoramic views of southern Phuket. Then drive 10 minutes downhill to Wat Chalong, the island's most sacred temple. Climb the grand chedi for murals and 360-degree views. Both are free and can be covered in 2 hours.

    Tips

    • Cover shoulders and knees for both sites.
    • The marble platform at Big Buddha gets extremely hot — wear shoes.
    10:30 AM2 hrs150-300 THB (~$4.30-8.50) for brunch

    Kata Beach

    Head to Kata Beach for a morning swim. Kata is more scenic and relaxed than Patong — golden sand, clear water, and the small island of Koh Pu visible offshore. Have brunch at The Boathouse with sea views, or try a simple Thai breakfast at Kata Mama.

    Afternoon

    12:30 PM20 minFree

    Karon Viewpoint

    Stop at Karon Viewpoint for the famous three-beach panorama — Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon stretching along the coast. Quick stop for photos and a cold drink from the small cafe.

    1:30 PM2 hrs200 THB (~$5.70) for lounger

    Nai Harn Beach

    Continue south to Nai Harn, a favourite of locals and expats. This compact bay has crystal-clear water, minimal tourist development, and a chilled atmosphere. Swim, rent a lounger (200 THB), and enjoy one of Phuket's most authentic beach experiences. A saltwater lagoon behind the beach and the nearby Wat Nai Harn monastery add character.

    Evening

    4:30 PM1 hrFree

    Promthep Cape Sunset

    Drive 5 minutes from Nai Harn to Promthep Cape, the southernmost point of Phuket. This dramatic headland offers arguably the island's best sunset — a sweeping panorama of the Andaman Sea with small islands silhouetted against an explosion of colour. Arrive by 5 PM for a good position.

    6:00 PM2 hrs400-750 THB (~$11-21) per person

    Rawai Seafood Market Dinner

    End the day at Rawai Seafood Market. Choose live tiger prawns, crabs, lobster, and fish from vendors along the seawall, then take them to a cooking restaurant behind the market. They'll prepare your seafood grilled, steamed, stir-fried, or deep-fried. A lavish dinner for two costs 800-1,500 THB — extraordinary value.

    Tips

    • Negotiate prices at the seafood stalls.
    • Cooking fees run 100-200 THB per dish on top of the seafood price.

    Night

    9:00 PM1 hrFree

    Rest & Pack for Phi Phi

    Head back to your hotel and pack a small bag for two nights on Phi Phi. Leave your main luggage at the hotel or check out (depending on your plans for your return). The ferry to Phi Phi leaves in the morning.

    Tips

    • Pack light for Phi Phi — just essentials, swimwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Phi Phi is a walking island with no cars.
    • Most Phuket hotels will store luggage for free while you're on Phi Phi.
  3. Day 3Ferry to Phi Phi Don: Arrival & Exploration
    Day 3

    Ferry to Phi Phi Don: Arrival & Exploration

    Theme: Island Life & Viewpoint

    Morning

    7:30 AM1 hr400-600 THB (~$11-17) for ferry ticket (includes pier transfer)

    Breakfast & Transfer to Rassada Pier

    Have a quick breakfast and head to Rassada Pier in Phuket Town. Most ferry companies include hotel pickup — the transfer takes about 30-40 minutes from Patong. The first ferry to Phi Phi typically departs at 8:30 AM, with additional departures at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

    Tips

    • Book your ferry the day before through your hotel, 12Go.asia, or the Andaman Wave Master website.
    • Take motion sickness tablets 30 minutes before departure if prone to seasickness.
    8:30 AM1.5 hrsIncluded in ferry ticket

    Ferry Crossing to Phi Phi Don

    The ferry ride from Phuket to Phi Phi Don takes about 90 minutes. Sit on the upper deck for stunning views as you leave Phuket's coastline and cross the open Andaman Sea. As you approach Phi Phi, the dramatic limestone cliffs of the archipelago emerge from the water — a genuinely thrilling first sight. The ferry docks at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don.

    10:00 AM30 min500-3,000 THB/night depending on accommodation level

    Check into Phi Phi Don Accommodation

    Phi Phi Don has no cars or motorbikes — everything is on foot. Tonsai Village is the main hub with the highest concentration of budget accommodation, restaurants, and nightlife. For a quieter stay, choose accommodation at Long Beach (10-minute longtail ride) or Laem Tong Beach (30 minutes north by longtail). Drop your bags and explore.

    Tips

    • Budget: Phi Phi Coral Resort or Tropical Garden Bungalows (500-800 THB).
    • Mid-range: Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort (2,000-4,000 THB).
    • Porters with carts will offer to carry your luggage for 50-100 THB — worth it in the heat.

    Afternoon

    11:00 AM1 hrFree

    Tonsai Village Exploration

    Explore Tonsai Village, the commercial heart of Phi Phi Don. The narrow lanes are packed with dive shops, tour agencies, restaurants, tattoo parlours, and souvenir stalls. It's a charming, chaotic little hub with genuine backpacker character. Book tomorrow's snorkeling tour at one of the agencies (you'll get a better price booking in person than online).

    12:00 PM1 hr150-300 THB (~$4.30-8.50) per person

    Lunch at Tonsai

    Phi Phi's restaurants are more expensive than mainland Thailand (island tax), but still offer great value. Papaya Restaurant serves excellent Thai dishes with bay views. Unni's Restaurant is a local institution for Thai-Scandinavian fusion (the owner is Norwegian-Thai). A good Thai meal runs 120-200 THB per dish.

    1:30 PM3 hrs100-200 THB (~$2.85-5.70) for longtail + lounger

    Long Beach Afternoon

    Take a longtail boat (100 THB) or walk 20 minutes over the hill to Long Beach, the best swimming beach on Phi Phi Don. The water is turquoise, the sand is white, and the views of Phi Phi Leh's limestone walls across the channel are stunning. The snorkeling off the rocks at both ends of the beach is excellent — blacktip reef sharks are commonly spotted in the shallows. Rent a lounger (150-200 THB) and swim the afternoon away.

    Tips

    • The baby blacktip reef sharks in the shallows are harmless and a highlight for snorkelers.
    • Bring your own snorkel gear or rent it for 100-150 THB at Long Beach.

    Evening

    4:45 PM1.5 hrs (including climb)30 THB entrance fee

    Phi Phi Viewpoint Sunset Hike

    The Phi Phi Viewpoint is a must-do — a 20-30 minute uphill climb from Tonsai Village to a series of elevated platforms offering the iconic twin-bay panorama of Phi Phi Don. The view of Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay curving away on either side of the narrow isthmus, with limestone cliffs in every direction, is one of the most photographed scenes in Thailand. Arrive by 5 PM for sunset — the sky turns extraordinary colours as the sun drops behind the western islands.

    Tips

    • The climb is steep but short — bring water and wear decent shoes.
    • Viewpoint 2 is the classic panorama; Viewpoint 3 is higher and less crowded.
    6:30 PM1.5 hrs200-400 THB (~$5.70-11) per person

    Dinner at Tonsai

    Back down in Tonsai, head to Pee Pee Bakery for surprisingly good pizza and Thai food, or try Anna's Restaurant for fresh seafood on the beach. Many restaurants along Loh Dalum Beach set up tables on the sand for dinner — eating with your toes in the sand and the bay reflecting the last light of day is quintessential Phi Phi.

    Night

    8:30 PM2-3 hrs200-500 THB (~$5.70-14) for drinks

    Loh Dalum Beach Nightlife

    Phi Phi's legendary nightlife centres on Loh Dalum Beach, where a string of bars line the sand. Slinky Beach Bar, Ibiza Pool Party, and Apache Beach Bar host nightly fire shows where performers spin flaming ropes and batons to thumping music. The fire shows start around 9:30 PM and are free to watch — just buy a bucket cocktail (200-350 THB) and sit on the sand. It's wild, fun, and unforgettable.

    Tips

    • Bucket cocktails are the Phi Phi standard — rum, vodka, or whiskey mixed with Red Bull and Coke.
    • The fire show performers sometimes invite audience members to participate — say yes if you're brave enough.
  4. Day 4Phi Phi Snorkeling Tour & Island Exploration
    Day 4

    Phi Phi Snorkeling Tour & Island Exploration

    Theme: Snorkeling & Island Adventure

    Morning

    7:00 AM45 minFree

    Sunrise & Early Swim

    Wake early and walk to Loh Dalum Beach for a sunrise swim. In the early morning, the beach is nearly empty — just you, the turquoise water, and the limestone cliffs catching the first light. This is the Phi Phi that day-trippers never see: silent, golden, and heart-stoppingly beautiful. The contrast with last night's party scene is remarkable.

    8:00 AM45 min100-200 THB (~$2.85-5.70)

    Breakfast at Tonsai

    Grab breakfast at one of Tonsai's cafes — Cosmic is popular for smoothie bowls and strong coffee, while many guesthouses include a basic breakfast. Fuel up for a day on the water.

    9:00 AM3.5 hrs600-1,000 THB (~$17-28) for half-day longtail tour

    Half-Day Snorkeling Tour

    Board a longtail boat for a half-day snorkeling tour of Phi Phi Leh, the uninhabited sister island. Without the time pressure of a Phuket-based day trip, you can spend longer at each stop and avoid the worst crowds. The typical route includes Maya Bay (arrive before the day-trip boats from Phuket), Pileh Lagoon for swimming in the emerald-green enclosed lagoon, Lo Samah Bay for snorkeling, and Viking Cave to see the ancient paintings and the swiftlet nest collectors at work.

    Tips

    • Longtail tours from Phi Phi are cheaper and more flexible than speedboat tours from Phuket.
    • Bring 400 THB for the national park fee if not included.
    • Going in the morning means you arrive at Maya Bay before the Phuket day-trip boats.

    Afternoon

    12:30 PM1.5 hrs100-200 THB (~$2.85-5.70)

    Lunch Back on Phi Phi Don

    Return to Tonsai for lunch. Try the Local Food Market near the school — several stalls serve authentic Thai dishes at prices lower than the tourist restaurants. Pad kra pao (basil stir-fry), green curry, and fried rice run 80-120 THB. Rest for an hour at your accommodation during the hottest part of the day.

    2:00 PM2 hrs100-300 THB (~$2.85-8.50) for transport

    Monkey Beach & Snorkeling

    Rent a kayak (300 THB for 2 hours) or catch a longtail (100 THB one way) to Monkey Beach, a small cove on the western side of Phi Phi Don inhabited by long-tailed macaques. The beach is pretty and the snorkeling in the adjacent waters is decent. Watch the monkeys play on the rocks — they're entertaining but keep a safe distance and never feed them. If you kayak, you can explore the rocky coastline at your own pace, stopping at tiny hidden coves along the way.

    Tips

    • Secure all belongings if going ashore at Monkey Beach — the macaques are notorious thieves.
    4:00 PM2 hrs200-500 THB (~$5.70-14) for longtail

    Bamboo Island Trip (Optional)

    If you have time and energy, add a trip to Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai), 30 minutes north of Phi Phi Don by longtail. This small, flat island has the best snorkeling in the archipelago — a healthy coral reef with clear visibility and abundant marine life. The white-sand beach is pristine. Longtail boats run for 300-500 THB one way, or join a shared trip for 200 THB.

    Evening

    5:30 PM1 hrFree (or 30 THB viewpoint fee)

    Sunset at Viewpoint or Loh Dalum

    Catch your second sunset from either the Phi Phi Viewpoint (for the panoramic version) or from the sand at Loh Dalum Beach (for a more relaxed experience). Both are magnificent. The western exposure of Loh Dalum means the entire bay catches golden light as the sun goes down.

    7:00 PM1.5 hrs300-600 THB (~$8.50-17) per person

    Farewell Seafood Dinner

    For your last dinner on Phi Phi, treat yourself at Jasmine Restaurant for fresh seafood and Thai curries in a romantic garden setting, or head to Garlic Restaurant 1992 for their famous garlic prawns and crispy sea bass. Eat slowly, savour the island atmosphere, and appreciate that in a few hours the day-trippers will be long gone and you'll have this paradise largely to yourself.

    Night

    9:00 PM2 hrs200-500 THB for drinks

    Final Night on Phi Phi

    Enjoy one more round of Phi Phi nightlife — fire shows on the beach, bucket cocktails, and the energy of travellers from around the world celebrating island life. Or simply take a quiet walk along the beach under the stars. The lack of cars and minimal light pollution on Phi Phi means the night sky is spectacular.

  5. Day 5Return to Phuket & Departure
    Day 5

    Return to Phuket & Departure

    Theme: Ferry & Departure

    Morning

    7:00 AM1.5 hrs100-200 THB for breakfast

    Early Morning Swim & Breakfast

    Take one last early-morning swim at Loh Dalum or Tonsai Bay while the island is quiet. Have breakfast at your guesthouse or a cafe, then pack up and check out. The morning ferries to Phuket depart at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

    9:00 AM1.5 hrs400-600 THB (~$11-17) for ferry ticket

    Ferry Back to Phuket

    Board the morning ferry from Tonsai Pier back to Phuket's Rassada Pier (90 minutes). The return crossing often feels faster because you're watching Phi Phi's dramatic silhouette recede into the Andaman Sea behind you. On arrival at Rassada Pier, a minivan transfer takes you to the airport or back to your hotel.

    Tips

    • Book the 9 AM ferry to give yourself plenty of time for afternoon flights.

    Afternoon

    11:00 AM2 hrs300-500 THB for massage or lunch

    Arrive Phuket & Last Activity

    Arrive back at Rassada Pier and collect any luggage stored at your Phuket hotel. If your flight is in the evening, you have time for one last activity — a Thai massage (300-500 THB for one hour) is a perfect way to decompress, or grab a final meal at a favourite restaurant from earlier in the trip.

    1:00 PM1.5 hrs200-500 THB for lunch + shopping variable

    Lunch & Souvenir Shopping

    Pick up last-minute souvenirs and enjoy a final Thai meal. Central Festival mall near Phuket Town has a good selection of souvenir shops, or head to Old Town for more authentic gifts from the heritage shops along Thalang Road. Thai silk, aromatic oils, coconut products, and dried mango make excellent take-home gifts.

    Evening

    3:30 PM45 min500-800 THB (~$14-23) for transfer

    Transfer to Phuket Airport

    Head to Phuket International Airport for your departure flight. From Phuket Town/Rassada Pier, the airport is about 35-40 minutes. From Patong, allow 50-60 minutes. Arrive 2 hours before your flight for check-in and security.

    5:00 PM1 hrVariable (flight dependent)

    Departure from Phuket

    Clear security, browse the small duty-free area, and board your flight. Five days of Phuket and Phi Phi — beaches, temples, limestone cliffs, fire shows, and more seafood than you thought possible — leave you with memories that will last far longer than the tan lines.

    Night

    7:00 PMVariableFlight dependent

    Evening Flight

    Many domestic flights to Bangkok depart in the evening (1 hr 20 min), getting you back to the capital by nightfall. International flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong also operate evening schedules from Phuket.

Practical Information

Getting There

Fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT). Ferries to Phi Phi Don depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town — the crossing takes 90 minutes on a large ferry (400-600 THB) or 45 minutes on a speedboat (800-1,200 THB). Multiple departures daily from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM during high season. Book through 12Go.asia, Andaman Wave Master, or your hotel.

Getting Around

On Phuket: Grab for all transport (budget 1,200-2,000 THB for 3 days). On Phi Phi Don: everything is walking distance in Tonsai Village. Longtail boats are the local transport to Long Beach (100 THB), Monkey Beach (100-150 THB), and Bamboo Island (200-500 THB). No cars, motorbikes, or tuk-tuks on Phi Phi.

Best Time to Visit

November to April is essential for this itinerary — the ferry crossing can be rough or cancelled during monsoon season (May-October). December-February offers the calmest seas and best visibility for snorkeling. Peak season is Christmas/New Year when Phi Phi accommodation books out weeks in advance.

Budget

Budget travellers can do 5 days for 6,125-9,625 THB ($175-275) including guesthouses on both islands, street food, shared tours, and ferry tickets. Mid-range spending runs 14,000-26,250 THB ($400-750) for 3-star accommodation, restaurant meals, and comfortable transport. Phi Phi is slightly more expensive than Phuket for accommodation and food due to island logistics.

Safety

Both destinations are very safe. On Phi Phi, watch for: jellyfish during certain months (ask locals), strong currents on Loh Dalum during monsoon season, and excessive alcohol consumption at the beach parties (bucket cocktails are stronger than they taste). Secure valuables in your room safe — opportunistic theft from unlocked bungalows does occur. Wear reef shoes in the water to protect against sea urchins.

Pro Tips

  • Store your main luggage at your Phuket hotel while on Phi Phi — travel light with just a backpack.
  • Book Phi Phi accommodation in advance during December-January — the island fills up completely.
  • Snorkeling tours booked on Phi Phi are cheaper and less crowded than Phuket-based day trips.
  • Bring cash to Phi Phi — ATMs exist but charge high fees (220 THB per withdrawal).
  • The 9 AM ferry from Phuket arrives before the speedboat day-trippers — you get Maya Bay and the viewpoint to yourself for a few hours.
  • Don't miss the sunrise at Loh Dalum — it's the polar opposite of the wild nighttime scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Staying overnight gives you sunset and sunrise on the island (both spectacular), the legendary beach nightlife with fire shows, uncrowded morning access to Maya Bay before day-trip boats arrive, and a much more relaxed pace for snorkeling and beach exploration. Day trips only scratch the surface of the Phi Phi experience.

Large ferries (90 minutes, 400-600 THB) and speedboats (45 minutes, 800-1,200 THB) depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town multiple times daily. Most include hotel pickup. Book through 12Go.asia, your hotel, or ferry company websites. During peak season, book at least a day in advance.

Two nights is the sweet spot. It gives you a full day for snorkeling tours, time for the viewpoint sunset hike, and the chance to experience the nightlife. One night feels rushed; three nights is great if you want to dive, do extensive snorkeling, or simply relax, but the island is small enough that two nights covers the essentials comfortably.

Tonsai Village is heavily touristic, but that's part of its charm — a lively international backpacker hub with great food and nightlife. The beaches, snorkeling, and scenery are genuinely world-class regardless of tourism. For a quieter Phi Phi experience, stay at Long Beach or Laem Tong Beach instead of Tonsai, and do your snorkeling in the early morning before day-trippers arrive.

Pack light — a backpack with 2-3 changes of clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a microfiber towel, flip-flops, one pair of walking shoes (for the viewpoint hike), a dry bag for boat trips, motion sickness tablets, insect repellent, and a torch/flashlight (some areas of the island are poorly lit at night). Leave valuables and bulky luggage in Phuket.

Phi Phi is very popular with solo travellers and backpackers. The small size of Tonsai Village, the social hostel/guesthouse culture, and the communal beach nightlife make it easy to meet people. Standard precautions apply: don't swim drunk, secure valuables, and watch your step on unlit paths at night. The island has a medical clinic for minor issues, but serious injuries require evacuation to Phuket or Krabi by speedboat.

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