Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi: Top Attractions, Beaches & Tips

Things to Know About Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular stops on a road trip through Thailand. You’ll find stunning nature, great snorkeling spots, and really cool beach parties.

Technically, Koh Phi Phi is an entire island group made up of six islands. It includes the main island of Koh Phi Phi Don (where all the hotels are), Koh Phi Phi Leh, and Bamboo Island, among others.

The island group sits in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand. To the northwest lies Phuket, to the east is Krabi, and to the southeast is Koh Lanta.

Largely because of Koh Phi Phi Leh, Koh Phi Phi is now considered one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand — it’s home to Maya Bay, where the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed.

Admittedly, Koh Phi Phi is one of the most touristy islands in Thailand. But based on our time here, we can tell you that a visit is absolutely worth it regardless!

Our tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the off-season. You’ll deal with the occasional rain shower, but the island is much less packed and hotel prices drop considerably.

The Top 10 Highlights and Beaches of Koh Phi Phi on a Map

To give you a solid overview of the Phi Phi island group — where Koh Phi Phi Don, Maya Bay, and all the other key spots are — we’ve mapped everything out for you above.

Now let’s get into the most beautiful sights on Koh Phi Phi. After that, we’ll cover the best activities and excursions, plus some extra tips.

The Coolest Natural Highlights On and Around Phi Phi

Among the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi, exploring the island group’s natural beauty ranks at the top. Here you’ll find some of the most stunning bays in all of Thailand.

Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint

What you need to know: The Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint is probably one of the most iconic photo spots on the island. There are three viewpoints in total: number 1, 2, and 3 — and you can walk to all of them one after another. From the center, head up a staircase to the main entrance (open in Google Maps), where Viewpoint 1 is located. Admission is 50 Baht.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The Viewpoint is a must-do on Koh Phi Phi. Be prepared for stairs and steep paths. Viewpoint 2 is a definite yes. Viewpoint 3 is optional — the path cuts through the jungle and is seriously strenuous.

Our tip: The view at sunset is truly stunning. And the café at Viewpoint 2 is well worth a stop too!

Important: Apply insect repellent before you go and pack some with you — there are plenty of mosquitoes on the way up.

Maya Bay

What you need to know: Maya Bay is the famous filming location for The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio. You can only get here by boat tour, as it’s located on Koh Phi Phi Leh (more on that below). After being closed for years to protect the ecosystem, it’s now open again — though swimming in the bay is no longer allowed.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Maya Bay is genuinely one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. We don’t even have the right words for it. During peak season — and after 10 AM in the off-season — you’ll be sharing it with plenty of other tourists, so set your expectations accordingly.

Our tip: If you want to see Maya Bay without the crowds, book the earliest boat tour. That’ll be a speedboat rather than a longtail, though. In the off-season, we took the 8 AM boat and were the first group in the bay.

Note: The entrance fee for Maya Bay is 400 Baht, paid when entering the bay. This fee is often included in the boat tour price.

Phi Leh Bay

What you need to know: Also on Koh Phi Phi Leh is the breathtaking Phi Leh Bay. It’s surrounded by towering cliffs and, unlike Maya Bay, has no beach — so you can only explore it by boat. Nearly every Maya Bay tour also includes a stop here.

Is it worth it? Even without Maya Bay, a trip to Phi Leh Bay would be worth it on its own — it’s one of the most magical Koh Phi Phi sights. The highlight: you’re actually allowed to jump in and swim here. And photos from the boat with the bay in the background? Seriously stunning, we promise!

Our tip: If you’re on a longtail boat, sit at the front. That way you can get that classic shot as you enter the bay. We missed the moment ourselves but watched other tourists nail it — don’t make the same mistake!

Bamboo Island

What you need to know: Bamboo Island is a small, picturesque island in the Phi Phi Archipelago. You’ll find white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a huge variety of plant life. It’s only reachable by boat — you’ll need to book a full-day excursion. There’s even a small snack kiosk on site.

Is it worth it? We’d recommend the full-day boat excursion including Bamboo Island to everyone visiting Koh Phi Phi. If you’re already here, don’t skip this idyllic island! You can snorkel, relax, or — like us — take loads of unforgettable vacation photos on the beach and in front of the longtail boats.

The Most Beautiful Beaches for Swimming on Koh Phi Phi

Beyond the bays and viewpoints, Koh Phi Phi has some seriously gorgeous beaches. Perfect for swimming, beach walks, and letting your mind completely switch off.

Here are the six most beautiful beaches on Koh Phi Phi.

Koh Phi Phi Long Beach

What you need to know: You can already spot Long Beach from the ferry as you approach Ton Sai Pier. The roughly 3-kilometer-long sandy beach is perfect for relaxing or snorkeling. There are a few beachside restaurants, and sun loungers are available to rent from the hotels for a small fee.

Is it worth it? Long Beach is one of the absolute highlights on Koh Phi Phi. You can spot fish in knee-deep water — so cool! If you want to really soak it up, consider booking your hotel right here. The beach is at its most peaceful in the mornings and from late afternoon onward.

How to get there: You can take a longtail boat, but we actually prefer the small jungle path along the beach — it takes about 30 minutes and is a nice walk in itself.

Our tip: About 200 meters offshore from Long Beach is Shark Point, one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Koh Phi Phi. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to spot sharks there.

Ton Sai Bay

What you need to know: Ton Sai Bay stretches to the left and right of Ton Sai Pier. The farther you get from the ferry dock, the nicer it gets. The sandy beach is fairly narrow, but a lovely beachfront promenade runs right alongside it. The classic Thai longtail boats are anchored here too.

Is it worth it? Ton Sai Bay is great for a stroll. You can walk along the beach or the sidewalk, browse restaurants and small shops, and watch tourists come and go. The farther you get from the pier, the better the swimming gets. It’s not the quietest spot — but the vibe is lively and fun.

Our tip: There’s also a swing on this beach (open in Google Maps) — great for photos!

Nui Beach

What you need to know: Nui Beach is tucked into a small bay in the north of Koh Phi Phi. The sand is soft and light, the water turquoise. It’s a perfect spot to relax or snorkel. There are no restaurants on site, so bring enough water and snacks.

Is it worth it? Nui Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Phi Phi — an absolute standout. Not many tourists make it out here, and if you’re lucky, you might have the whole place to yourself. The sunset is especially beautiful!

How to get there: Your best options are a taxi longtail boat or kayak (both available at Loh Dalum or Ton Sai Beach). On foot, it’s about 1.5 hours from the center. If you’re staying near Loh Ba Kao Beach, it’s only a 20-minute walk.

Our tip: The coolest way to reach Nui Beach is by kayak on your own. We’ll tell you more about that in the activities section below.

Loh Ba Kao Bay

What you need to know: The beach at Loh Ba Kao Bay is a truly paradise-like stretch on Koh Phi Phi. Powder-soft sand, turquoise water, and towering palm trees — it’s a dream. Note that you can only swim at high tide, as the water recedes quite far at low tide. A small selection of restaurants can be found in the village behind the beach.

Is it worth it? At Loh Ba Kao Bay, you experience a completely different side of Koh Phi Phi — far from the parties and tourist crowds. The beach is incredibly beautiful and a great place to genuinely unwind. That said, many sections belong to the luxury resorts located there.

How to get there: Your best bet is a taxi longtail boat from Ton Sai Pier. On foot, it’s nearly a two-hour walk through the jungle from the center.

Our tip: If you want to fully enjoy Loh Ba Kao Bay and aren’t interested in the parties, book a resort right here — like the Saii Phi Phi Island Village.

Laem Tong Beach

What you need to know: North of Loh Ba Kao Bay lies Laem Tong Beach — a 600-meter-long stretch that’s a real gem. The sand is wide and the water crystal clear. Just a few meters offshore, there’s a beautiful coral reef perfect for snorkeling. A few nice restaurants line the beach.

Is it worth it? Laem Tong Beach is truly stunning. Very few day-trippers make it out here — the longtail boat ride alone takes 30 to 40 minutes — so you’ll mostly share it with a handful of guests from the nearby resorts. Occasionally an excursion boat stops for lunch, but the peaceful atmosphere remains!

How to get there: Same as Loh Ba Kao Bay — take a taxi longtail boat from Ton Sai Pier.

Loh Dalum Beach

What you need to know: Loh Dalum Beach is THE party beach on Koh Phi Phi. This is where the best beach parties happen every evening. The beach sits in a small bay — the sand is fine but usually pretty packed down. During the day you can swim here normally, and plenty of young people come to recover from the night before.

Is it worth it? Honestly, Loh Dalum Beach isn’t the most beautiful beach on Koh Phi Phi — largely because of the trash that tends to pile up after the parties. Still, it earns a spot on our list because in the evenings, it’s the place to be. Parties right on the ocean, a great atmosphere — it’s really something.

Our tip: For daytime swimming, relaxing, and sunbathing, head to one of the other beaches on Koh Phi Phi instead.

The Best Activities on Koh Phi Phi

Beyond the natural highlights and beaches, there’s plenty to keep you busy on Koh Phi Phi. Here are our five favorite things to do in Koh Phi Phi.

Kayaking to Nui Beach

What to expect: We already mentioned that you can reach Nui Beach by kayak. From Loh Dalum Beach, it takes 30 to 40 minutes one way, depending on the waves.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Kayaking has a lot going for it on Koh Phi Phi. You get a workout, you dodge the crowds, and you get to take in those one-of-a-kind views at your own pace — and photograph them.

Where to start: Rent your kayak at Loh Dalum Beach (no reservation needed — just show up). Then paddle your way to Nui Beach.

Our tip: Even though Nui Beach is beautiful at sunset, make sure to paddle back while it’s still light out.

Snorkeling on Koh Phi Phi

What to expect: The underwater world around Koh Phi Phi is fascinating — easily among the most beautiful in Southeast Asia. You’ll find colorful coral reefs, clownfish (Nemos), parrotfish, and with a bit of luck, smaller sharks or giant sea turtles.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! We love snorkeling, and it’s always a blast around Koh Phi Phi — even if you sometimes have to share the best spots with other tourists.

Top snorkeling spots on Koh Phi Phi Don (no boat needed): Long Beach, Shark Point, Ao Nui Bay, Monkey Beach, Loh Moo Dee Beach

Top snorkeling spots reachable by boat: Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Leh, Hin Klang

Our tip: Every boat tour to Maya Bay includes at least one snorkeling stop — often at Phi Phi Leh or Bamboo Island.

Diving on Koh Phi Phi

What to expect: Diving lets you explore the underwater world even more intensely. You’ll get up close with macro life — seahorses, octopuses, crabs, and all kinds of creatures that live near the ocean floor.

Is it worth it? Thailand is one of the best places in the world for divers. We did our diving course on Koh Tao rather than Koh Phi Phi, but the conditions here are perfect for beginners too.

Where: Dive spots near Koh Phi Phi Leh

Day Tour for Beginners with 2 Dives

Parties and Nightlife on Koh Phi Phi

What to expect: Koh Phi Phi Don really comes alive after dark. The small island transforms into a colorful, loud party strip with beach bars, fire shows, and open-air clubs — every single night. You’ll mostly meet backpackers, young travelers, and some Thais.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Aside from the Full Moon Party — probably the coolest activity on Koh Phangan — Koh Phi Phi has the best parties in Thailand. We had an incredible time here. You quickly get chatting with other travelers, the vibe is carefree, and the music is all bangers everyone somehow knows — all we’ll say is I Got A Hangover, whoa oh oh!

Where: At Loh Dalum Beach and in the center.

Our tip: We find the vibe on the beach a bit cooler and more relaxed than in the bars in the center.

Muay Thai Fight on Koh Phi Phi

What to expect: A Muay Thai fight on Koh Phi Phi is a mix of sport, show, party, and entertainment. Alongside professional bouts, you’ll also see tourist fights. Admission is free, but you’re expected to buy at least one drink.

Is it worth it? The fights on Koh Phi Phi are mostly for show. The pro bouts are pretty impressive, but during our visit it was mainly young British guys boxing each other — funny, but with a fair amount of secondhand embarrassment. For a proper Muay Thai experience, add it to your list of things to do in Bangkok instead.

Where: At the Reggae Bar in the center

Our tip: The fights are super popular. If you want a good seat with a table, get there early.

The Most Beautiful Excursions from Koh Phi Phi

A boat excursion from Koh Phi Phi is an absolute must — because the most impressive sights aren’t on the main island. They’re all around it.

Here are the two best day trips from Koh Phi Phi.

Boat Tour to Maya Bay

What to expect: On the boat tour, you’ll see what is probably THE top attraction near Koh Phi Phi: Maya Bay. But the half-day tour also takes in more highlights — Phi Leh Bay and great snorkeling spots. A full-day tour continues on to Bamboo Island.

Is it worth it? A boat tour to Maya Bay is on our must-do list. Standing on the beach where Leonardo DiCaprio once stood is genuinely surreal! But even beyond that, the tour is simply breathtaking. If you have time, we’d recommend the full-day version — the sunset on the open ocean is so beautiful.

Our tips: We’ve done the tour once by longtail boat and once by speedboat — and if we went a third time, we’d go longtail again and accept a slightly busier Maya Bay in the morning.

Note: All boat tours also stop at Monkey Bay, where tourists feed the monkeys.

Our two tour recommendations are available as either a half-day or full-day outing:

Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay with Snorkeling

Maya Bay Without the Crowds: Speedboat at Sunrise

7-Island Tour by Longtail Boat

What to expect: Admittedly, the 7-island tour is pretty similar to the Maya Bay boat tour. The difference: Maya Bay isn’t the main focus here — you stop by it at some point along the way rather than as the first stop (which means it’ll be quite crowded). This tour also includes a stop at Shark Point, a popular snorkeling spot near Koh Phi Phi.

Is it worth it? The name is a little misleading — you don’t actually visit seven islands, you make seven different stops. But we really love this tour! A big plus: since it doesn’t center on Maya Bay, it’s considerably cheaper.

7-Island Tour by Longtail Boat – Full Day

Our Restaurant Recommendations on Koh Phi Phi

The cool food markets you’ll find in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or on Koh Phangan don’t really exist on Koh Phi Phi. But you can still find delicious Thai food here.

Alongside some international restaurants (yes, there’s even a McDonald’s on Koh Phi Phi), you’ll also find authentic Thai spots. Here are our two favorite restaurants on the island.

Pa-Noi Thai Food

We visited Pa-Noi Thai Food twice. The food is super authentic and simply delicious — the owner cooks herself, and if you peek around the corner, you can watch her in action.

We had Pad Kra Pao here — a classic Thai dish with ground meat and Thai basil. The Thai papaya salad is also really good.

Pa-Noi Thai Food is set in a small, covered food court. The shop right next door also serves a delicious Thai iced tea to go!

Garlic 1992 Restaurant

Garlic 1992 Restaurant is one of the most popular spots on Koh Phi Phi — so of course we had to try it. And we were equally impressed.

We ordered the Thai coconut soup and Khao Soy, a spicy coconut curry soup that originated in Laos and northern Thailand and is a beloved dish in Chiang Mai.

The restaurant was packed to the last seat when we visited — yet the atmosphere was really pleasant.

Hotel Tips for Koh Phi Phi

Before your trip, sort out your accommodation early and think about where on the island you want to be based.

No cars operate on Koh Phi Phi. So if you want to reach everything on foot, stay in or near the center. More remote areas mean you’ll usually depend on a taxi boat.

We’ve laid out exactly which areas we recommend — and why — in our Koh Phi Phi hotel tips article, along with some great hotel recommendations.

On our last trip, we stayed at the PP Insula. This small, family-run hotel sits right in the center — just a three-minute walk to the ferry dock.

The rooms are super cozy and there’s actually plenty of storage space for once! And a big plus: despite the central location, you can’t hear any music from the bars at night.

3 more top hotel picks for Koh Phi Phi:
CoCo Beach Resort: A dreamy property with a pool right on the beach. You stay in beautiful bungalows, though it’s a bit away from the center and you may hear bar music in the evenings.

Mama Beach Residence: A lovely hotel right on the beach in Ton Sai Bay. The rooms are really cozy — most with ocean views.

Phi Phi The Beach Resort: Probably the most beautiful hotel on secluded Long Beach. Spacious bungalows, a lovely pool, and a delicious breakfast included.

Getting to Koh Phi Phi

To reach Koh Phi Phi, you’ll always need to take a ferry, arriving at Ton Sai Pier. All things considered, getting here is pretty straightforward.

The most popular departure points are Phuket, Koh Lanta, and Krabi. No matter where you’re starting from, here’s what you should know before booking:

1. During peak season, book your ferry a few days in advance. Tickets are popular and sell out fast. In the off-season, you can usually grab tickets on the day.
2. Your mobile ticket usually needs to be exchanged for a paper ticket on site — so arrive at the pier with time to spare.
3. Online, you can also book combo deals that include a hotel transfer and ferry. You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel in Phuket, your hotel on Koh Lanta, or your accommodation in Krabi.
4. We always book ferry tickets and combo deals on 12Go. The platform is easy to navigate and booking is super simple. Highly recommended!

Check Ferries to Koh Phi Phi on 12Go

#1 Ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi

Where it departs from: Rassada Ferry Terminal (open in Google Maps)

Departure times: Between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM, every half hour

Duration: One or two hours depending on the vessel

Price: from 13 euros

Phuket is the most classic departure point — for example, if you were there beforehand or in Khao Lak, or if you flew into Phuket from Bangkok or Chiang Mai.

The Rassada ferry terminal is located a bit outside the center — your best bet is a taxi or Grab.

Several operators run the Phuket–Koh Phi Phi route, so multiple boats often depart at the same time.

There are larger, traditional ferries that take about two hours, and speedboats that reach Koh Phi Phi in just one hour — though these tend to cost a bit more.

Good to know: In rougher seas, speedboats can rock quite a bit. If that’s an issue for you, we’d strongly recommend booking the slower ferry.

#2 Ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi

Where it departs from: Saladan Pier (open in Google Maps)

Departure times: Between 8 AM and 3:30 PM, approximately every 1.5–2 hours

Duration: 30 minutes to one hour depending on the vessel

Price: from 11 euros

If you’re starting your Thailand trip in the south — for example coming from Malaysia (check our Thailand travel tips article for everything on entering Thailand) — Koh Lanta is a common departure point.

Saladan Pier is in the north of the island, in the town of Saladan. Either stay the night before your departure there, or arrange a transfer from your accommodation.

Several operators also depart from Koh Lanta, often at the same times. And here too, you can choose between a traditional ferry and a speedboat.

#3 Ferry from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi

Where it departs from: Multiple ferry terminals

Departure times: Between 9 AM and 4 PM, approximately every half hour

Duration: 30 minutes to three hours depending on the vessel and terminal

Price: from 11 euros

When traveling from Krabi, you’ll need to plan your departure a bit more carefully — there are several ferry terminals. Check on Google Maps beforehand which one is closest to your hotel.

Here too, there are multiple operators as well as traditional ferries and speedboats.

You can depart for Koh Phi Phi from the following ferry terminals:

Near Krabi center:

• Klong Jilad Pier
• Kong Ka Pier
• Chaofar Pier (right next to Kong Ka Pier)

Near Ao Nang center

• Wangsai Pier
• Nopparat Thara Pier (right next to Wangsai Pier)

Near Railay Beach

• Floating Pier East Railay (also known as Railay East)

Near Ao Nam Mao Beach

• Ao Nam Mao Pier

Getting Around: How Do You Get from A to B on Koh Phi Phi?

No cars, motorcycles, or scooters operate on Koh Phi Phi. So you only have two ways to get around: on foot or by boat.

Getting around on foot on Koh Phi Phi

Most routes on Koh Phi Phi can easily be done on foot. The island is small and most things happen in the center anyway — bars, restaurants, shops, and the ferry dock are all within walking distance.

That’s why most tourists stay around the center. Even more remote beaches like Nui Beach are reachable on foot, though you’ll need to hike about an hour through the jungle.

Taxi longtail boats and tourist boats on Koh Phi Phi

To reach more remote spots — like Long Beach, Loh Ba Kao Bay, or Laem Tong Beach — you’ll need a taxi longtail boat, unless you’re up for a jungle hike.

Most boats are based at Ton Sai Bay (near the ferry dock) or at Loh Dalum Beach.

Prices vary depending on the route and time of day. During the day, they start at around 100 Baht (approx. 3 euros); at night, from around 150 Baht (approx. 4 euros).

To reach popular spots like Maya Bay, you’ll also need a boat — but for that, as mentioned above, you’ll need to book a boat tour.

More Practical Tips for Koh Phi Phi

Here are three more practical pointers for your time on Koh Phi Phi.

How Many Days Should You Plan for Koh Phi Phi?

To get a solid first impression, plan for at least two full days. That gives you time for a Maya Bay tour, the Viewpoint, and a taste of the nightlife.

If you want more time to enjoy the beaches, kayak around, and snorkel at your own pace, we’d recommend at least four full days.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Koh Phi Phi?

The best time to visit southwest Thailand is from December to April. During these months, the sun shines almost constantly and temperatures sit between a warm 26 and 34°C (79–93°F).

December and April can see a bit more rain, as they border the rainy season — Koh Phi Phi’s off-season.

From May to November, rain is frequent in southwest Thailand — usually at least once a day. You can still visit all the highlights and do tours during this time.

On some days, though, the weather may mean that no longtail boats go to Maya Bay. Speedboats, on the other hand, always run — even in rain and rough seas.

Costs: Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?

Compared to other spots in Thailand, hotels tend to be pricier — but still cheaper than most destinations in Europe during peak season.

Especially in peak season, hotel prices are fairly high — for a simple but decent double room, budget at least 60 euros per night. In the off-season, you’ll often pay half that for the same room.

Food and tours offer similar value for money as the rest of Thailand — which means genuinely affordable by most international standards.

Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Phi Phi