How Many Islands in Phi Phi Archipelago? Complete 6-Island Guide

Sep 23

3 min read

When planning a trip to Southern Thailand, one of the most common questions travelers ask us is: how many islands in Phi Phi archipelago make up this famous tropical paradise?

While many visitors assume there are only one or two main islands, the Phi Phi archipelago is actually made up of six distinct islands located in the Andaman Sea. Each island plays a completely different role in the region—ranging from lively resort hubs and famous film locations to uninhabited marine sanctuaries and world-class dive sites.

Below is our complete guide breaking down all six islands in the archipelago, what each one is used for, drone pictures of each island, and how to visit them on your trip.

Aerial views of turquoise Phi Phi islands with bold text: HOW MANY ISLANDS IN PHI PHI ARCHIPELAGO?

How Many Islands in Phi Phi Archipelago and What Is Each One Used For?

Here is the full breakdown of all six islands that form the Koh Phi Phi island group:

1. Koh Phi Phi Don (The Main Hub)

Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest island in the group and the only island with hotels, resorts, restaurants, and nightlife.

What it’s used for: Tourism, accommodation, and local living.
Key Highlights: This is where you will stay during your visit. Tonsai Pier, located in the main village, is the primary transport hub where all ferries, speedboats, and island-hopping tours depart. It is also home to the famous Phi Phi Viewpoints, local markets, and vibrant beach bars.

Aerial view of turquoise bay with many boats, a pier, and lush green cliffs under a blue sky at Phi Phi Don Island. — Tonsai Pier at Phi Phi Don Island, a true paradise.

2. Koh Phi Phi Leh (The Sightseeing & Lagoon Highlight)

Koh Phi Phi Leh is the second-largest island and is completely uninhabited. It is protected as part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

What it’s used for: Day tours, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling.
Key Highlights: Almost every boat tour in the region visits Phi Phi Leh! It houses world-famous natural wonders including Maya Bay (made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio's movie The Beach), the crystal-clear emerald waters of Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, and the historic Viking Cave. The waters around Phi Phi Leh offer incredible snorkeling opportunities filled with vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and harmless blacktip reef sharks.

Aerial view of lush limestone islands in turquoise sea with small boats, serene tropical coastline and coves at Phi Phi Leh Island with Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay.

3. & 4. Koh Bida Nok & Koh Bida Nai (The Twin Diving Reefs)

Located just south of Koh Phi Phi Leh lie two dramatic, vertical limestone islets rising sharply out of the ocean: Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai.

What they’re used for: World-class scuba diving and deep-water marine exploration.
Key Highlights: These two islets do not have sandy beaches, making them almost exclusively used by professional dive centers. They are widely considered two of the best dive sites in Thailand, offering outstanding underwater visibility, rich coral walls, regular sightings of blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and occasional visits from gentle whale sharks.

Aerial view of tropical limestone cliffs around a turquoise bay with a white beach and several boats under a soft blue sky at Maya Bay. — In the front you see Maya Bay at Phi Phi Leh. Do you see the 2 islands behind it? That is Bida Nok and Bida Nai!

5. Bamboo Island / Koh Mai Phai (The Tropical Beach Paradise)

Situated roughly 5 kilometers off the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island is a small, flat islet surrounded entirely by powdery white sand.

What it’s used for: Sunbathing, relaxing, and shallow reef snorkeling.
Key Highlights: Bamboo Island is a favorite stop on full-day island-hopping itineraries. Unlike the steep, towering cliffs of the main islands, Bamboo Island is low-lying and features wide stretches of pristine beach and shallow, neon-turquoise water perfect for a swim.

Aerial view of a lush green tropical island ringed by white sand and turquoise reef waters, with a few boats nearby at Bamboo Island. — Bamboo Island, a picturesque tiny island with magnificent beaches and turquoise waters.

6. Mosquito Island / Koh Yung (The Protected Nature Reserve)

Located directly next to Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island features dramatic rock formations and high-quality coral reefs.

What it’s used for: Ecological preservation and coral rehabilitation.
Key Highlights: Mosquito Island was once a popular snorkeling stop on island tours, but it was closed to the public in mid-2016 by the Thai Department of National Parks to protect its delicate marine ecosystem from coral bleaching and human impact. It remains temporarily closed to tourists with no official reopening date, allowing its coral reefs and marine life to fully recover in peace.

Aerial view of a rocky tropical island with steep green cliffs, white beaches, and turquoise water in a calm blue sea at Mosquito Island. — Mosquito Island is a currently closed to the public.

Plan Your Dream Trip to the Phi Phi Islands

Now that you know how many islands make up the Phi Phi archipelago, you are ready to start planning your island-hopping adventure!

Looking for more hidden spots, viewpoints, and secret beaches across these islands? Read our detailed guide on the 19 Best Places to Visit in Phi Phi Island.
Ready to explore Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Bamboo Island by boat? We offer premium speedboat and longtail boat tours with a local, English-speaking crew. Book your tour online today and get an exclusive 10% discount!