Koh Phi Phi Don
Phi Phi Don · Ko Phi Phi Don
7°44.3'N 98°46.7'E
Depth
5–20m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
Set 90m radius in the main anchorage areas. Holding is fair in sand between coral patches — snorkel to verify placement. Significant swell can develop from S/SW. Multiple anchorage spots around the island.
About This Anchorage
Koh Phi Phi Don is the main island of the Phi Phi group and one of Thailand's most iconic destinations. The distinctive twin-bay waist of the island (Ton Sai Bay and Lo Dalam Bay) is the main village and ferry hub. Anchorage around the island is in clear water but holding varies over coral. The island is very busy with tourists. National park fees apply. Note: Maya Bay (Phi Phi Leh) is on a separate island with anchoring banned.
Protected From
N · NE
Exposed To
S · SW · SE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- National park fee: 200–400 THB per person
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Had Noppharat Thara–Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park fee required on entry.
Restrictions: Do not anchor on coral — find sandy patches only. Mooring buoys available at some dive sites — use buoys instead of anchoring near coral reefs.
Hazards
- !Fair holding over mixed coral and sand — snorkel before setting anchor
- !Very heavy ferry and speedboat traffic in Ton Sai Bay
- !National park regulations strictly enforced — no coral damage
- !Significant swell from S/SW can enter anchorage areas
Skipper's Tips
- →Snorkel carefully to find sandy patches before anchoring
- →Ton Sai Bay is very busy — consider anchoring in smaller bays around the headlands
- →Visit the Phi Phi Viewpoint (45-min hike) for extraordinary views of the twin bays
- →Dive sites around the island are world-class — use mooring buoys at dive sites
Facilities
Extensive restaurants, bars, and dive shops in Ton Sai Bay village
Nearest provisions: Ton Sai Bay village (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon season (November–April). The island can be fully encircled by swell in SW monsoon — plan exit routes carefully.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
Around the Phi Phi Islands and Krabi coast, swell can enter bays unexpectedly and the large Andaman tidal range means your position changes constantly. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy the rock climbing, snorkeling, and sunsets with complete confidence.
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