Koh Phi Phi on a budget
Ferries, fees, beds and boat trips on Thailand's most expensive backpacker island.
Koh Phi Phi is the most beautiful and the most expensive of Thailand's backpacker islands. Beds, beer and boats all cost more here. With a plan, you can still do it for about ฿1,130–1,300 a day before tours.
Getting there
| Route | Price |
|---|---|
| Phuket (Rassada Pier), ferry | ฿490–700 |
| Phuket, speedboat | ฿750–850 |
| Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier), ferry | from ฿490 |
| Krabi, speedboat | ฿790–1,300 |
| Tonsai Pier fee on arrival | ฿20 |
All prices from Visit Thailand Today, updated August 2026. A budget return trip costs about ฿900–1,200.
What Phi Phi costs
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Hostel bed, Tonsai | ฿400–700 |
| Guesthouse room, Tonsai | ฿1,200–2,500 |
| Meal | ฿100–200 budget |
| Beer | ฿80–150 |
| Viewpoint entry | ฿30–50 |
| National park fee (Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay) | ฿400 |
| Group longtail tour of Phi Phi Leh | ฿1,200–1,500 + park fee |
| Private longtail, half day | ฿2,500–3,500 + park fee |
| Longtail taxi to Long Beach | ฿100–150 |
| Two fun dives | ฿2,500–3,500 |
The Maya Bay trip
Phi Phi Leh, with Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave, is the trip everyone takes. A group longtail costs ฿1,600–1,900 with the ฿400 park fee. Swimming at Maya Bay itself is not allowed, and the bay closes for part of the low season most years to let the reef recover, so check before you book. Go on the earliest boat to beat the crowds.
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Save money on Phi Phi
- Stay at least one night: day trips from Phuket cost almost as much and you miss the quiet mornings.
- Buy water and beer at 7-Eleven, not beach bars.
- Sleep away from the Tonsai bar strip if you want sleep.
- Walk to the viewpoint for sunrise (฿30–50) instead of a sunset boat.
- Book refundable rooms: weather can change your plans in the shoulder season.
Partner links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Questions people ask
How much is the Phi Phi national park fee?
฿400 per adult for trips to Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay, usually paid in cash on the boat or at the pier. There is also a ฿20 pier fee when you arrive at Tonsai.
How do I get to Koh Phi Phi cheaply?
Take the ferry from Krabi or Phuket for about ฿490. Speedboats are faster but cost more.
How much is a hostel on Koh Phi Phi?
Hostel beds on Tonsai cost about ฿400–700 a night.
Can you swim at Maya Bay?
No, swimming at Maya Bay is not allowed. You can walk on the beach and view the bay.