11 AWESOME Things to Do in the Koh Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Looking for the best things to do in the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand? You just found them!

The Phi Phi Islands are amongst the most popular islands in Thailand, if not all of Southeast Asia, and it’s easy to see why.

With their crystal clear sea, towering green cliffs, rich marine life and chill laid-back vibe, there’s nowhere else quite like it.

I’ve been to Thailand four times, and I actually returned to the Phi Phi archipelago three times out of four, that’s how beautiful this part of Thailand is!

In this article I share with you all of my top tips on the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi, where to stay, the best tours to book, how to get there, what to pack and more!

So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and start planning your perfect trip to the Phi Phi Islands!

About Koh Phi Phi

The Phi Phi archipelago is the jewel of the Andaman Sea.

Scattered across the turquoise ocean, it’s made up of two main islands — Koh Phi Phi Leh and Koh Phi Phi Don — with other smaller islands dotted around, mostly uninhabited.

Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest island, and a wonderland for fun-seeking travellers, who come here to let their hair down and partake in the main town’s bars and restaurants.

Its white sand beaches offer up the chance for daytrippers to kick back and relax.

Staying in Koh Phi Phi Don was the highlight of my first Phuket itinerary, and even after four trips to Thailand, it’s still one of my favourite places to visit.

On the other hand, Koh Phi Phi Leh is a beautiful spot that’s long enticed travellers.

It’s uninhabited, boasts coral reefs, and is famous for being home to Maya Bay, which featured in the iconic Leonardo di Caprio travel movie; The Beach.

How to get to the Phi Phi Islands

Koh Phi Phi can be easily reached by ferry, either from Phuket or Krabi. From Phuket Town, it takes around two hours by ferry to reach Phi Phi Don. However, whilst the fast ferry takes just one hour.

From Krabi, the distance is a little shorter, taking 90 minutes to make the journey on the slow ferry, whilst the fast ferry is much quicker (around 45 minutes). The price varies depending on the boat.

It’s also possible to visit the Phi Phi islands on a day tour. There are lots of tours on offer, but generally speaking they all include the same Koh Phi Phi Island attractions on a comprehensive day trip.

That said, I don’t recommend joining a Phi Phi island day trip. Koh Phi Phi Don is a lovely island with a laid-back and chilled town centre, which you will be glad to spend a few nights in.

Plus, if you stay overnight, you can visit the famous Maya Bay super early in the morning, before the day trips from Phuket and Krabi arrive.

I have linked below some options both for ferries and day trips to Phi Phi, in case you decide to ignore my advice and go ahead with a day trip instead.

Phuket: One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi: Book your ferry to Koh Phi Phi online beforehand, so that you’re sure about timings and availability!

Click here to book your ferry fransfer between Koh Phi Phi and Phuket!

Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch: This is the classic Maya Bay tour from Phuket. It includes a buffet lunch, a visit to Viking Cave and a snorkel at Bamboo Island.

Click here to book your Phuket to Maya Bay tour with lunch!

From Krabi: Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour: This is the classic Maya Bay and Phi Phi Islands day trip, with stops at Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach and Pi Leh Lagoon. The only difference is it sets off from Krabi.

Click here to book your speedboat day trip to Maya Bay from Krabi!

Best things to do in Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is an enticing destination. Who can resist the lure of multiple paradise islands with gorgeous beaches, dramatic cliffs and rich marine life, all within easy reach of the next?

That’s not to mention all the hidden coves, the chill town, or even the coral reefs hiding under the waves. 

While it would be easy to simply spend your time lounging around on the beach in the Phi Phi islands, there’s plenty to see and do, from natural sights to local fun and even a bit of culture!

Visit Maya Bay

A staple on any Thailand itinerary, Maya Bay has long been a favourite of global travellers — yes, even before the hit Leonardo di Caprio movie The Beach.

Even though it sees way more crowds than it did 30 years ago, this hidden cove still excites the imagination.

Bordered by sky-reaching karst cliffs, the tropical vibe of the beach at Maya Bay brings streams of daytrippers to snorkel and swim in the coral-filled bay.

But it is possible to see Maya Bay without the crowds — just head on an early bird tour and you’ll get to glimpse this beauty spot in all its unspoilt, untouristy glory.

This should definitely be up there on your list of Koh Phi Phi things to do, even if it does mean waking up super early!

Click here to book your private long tail boat tour in the Phi Phi Islands!

Snorkel in Pi Leh Lagoon

You simply have to visit Pi Leh Lagoon. Situated on the eastern coast of Phi Phi Leh, this long cove cuts into the island, with cliffs surrounding the sea turning it into a tropical gorge.

The crystal clear waters here bobs with boats filled with tourists who jump off the sides and into the sea for the number one activity: snorkelling.

Snorkelling in Pi Leh Lagoon is another one of the classic things to do in Phi Phi, which is includes in all boat tours from Koh Phi Phi Don, and it’s easy to see why.

The visibility is second to none, the marine life is everywhere, and the surrounding scenery couldn’t get more dramatic.

See the monkeys at Monkey Beach

Also located on Koh Phi Phi Leh, Monkey Beach is a limestone cliff-backed stretch of sand that runs for 150 metres along the turquoise seas that lap the gleaming crescent.

Obviously, Monkey Beach gets its name from the troops of monkeys that live in and around the cliffs that surround the beach.

These sometimes over-familiar mammals often venture onto the sand in search of food, and it’s probably best not to feed them (don’t encourage them!), but aside from the wildlife, the scenery is top-notch.

The water here is also super clear and is great for snorkelling, thanks to it also being calm and populated by colourful coral.

A lot of people choose to kayak here from Tonsai pier, or they come here on a long tail boat tour.

Boat trip to Bamboo Island

Situated around five kilometres from Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island (also known by its Thai name of Koh Pai) is one of those places that you dream of visiting on a rainy day back at home.

The 700 metre-long island is pretty much paradise and boasts warm, calm waters to snorkel and swim around in. The reef that edges the shoreline here actually makes snorkelling particularly good.

At its centre, there’s a lush jungle and bamboo trees (hence the name), while on the beach there’s a small shack where you can grab a snack or a meal.

I would recommend heading here in the morning, as most of the Phi Phi island day trips arrive here in the afternoon after visiting Maya Bay.

The easiest way to do so, is to book a private long-tail boat, so that you can ask your crew to take you where you want and when you want.

Click here to book your private long tail boat charter in Koh Phi Phi Don!

Explore Viking Cave

Vikings actually never came here, clearly!

This misleading name comes from the fact there’s some graffiti painted on the side of the cave — a Chinese fishing junk, to be exact — said to have been done 400 years ago by passing Chinese fisherman.

Nevertheless, the cave still draws attention, but this time in the form of locals hunting for valuable swifts’ nests, which are a crucial ingredient in the Chinese speciality; bird’s nest soup.

It’s not actually possible for visitors to enter the cave, but most trips and tours do spend some time lingering in the waters just outside of it.

Your guide will most likely tell you about the history of the cave, and you may even see some locals praying and offering tobacco and other items at a shrine before ascending up bamboo ladders to the cave.

Go scuba diving

Keen scuba divers should not miss the chance to head below the surface of the waves in the Phi Phi islands.

These islands are an amazing place to glimpse marine life, and area actually ranked amongst the best diving spots in all of Thailand. 

Not least because it can be done year-round, with a fair few dive spots (20 or so in total) that are worth travelling for. The best conditions for diving are between February and May.

Depending on your level of diving experience, there’s a choice of different tours you can join. If you’re nowhere near experienced, don’t worry: one option even includes a three-day PADI open-water certification.

This is where I went scuba diving for the first time in my life, and while scuba diving isn’t really my think (you can read my thoughts on scuba diving vs snorkelling here), I was very happy with all the fish and coral we saw.

Click here to book your 3-day PADI course in Phi Phi!

Kayak to hidden coves and beaches

Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Phi Phi islands are best reached by kayak. And even though it’s a pretty touristy part of Thailand, there are still a fair few beaches that are relatively untrodden.

Case in point: Nui Beach. This tiny cove on the west coast of Phi Phi Don is protected by karst formations and boasts ideal snorkelling conditions.

Also on Phi Phi Don’s west coast is Loh Lana Bay, a near-perfect 500-metre crescent of white sand where snorkelling and exploring the beach is the name of the game.

Another popular spot for many kayak or boat tours is Mosquito Island, a small island located close to Phi Phi Don. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the shallow waters, soft white sand and beautiful scenery of Koh Phi Phi.

See the sunset from the iconic Koh Phi Phi viewpoint

Though sunsets are ten a penny on pretty much any beach, one of the must-do things to do on Phi Phi Island is seeing a sunset from the Koh Phi Phi Don viewpoint.

It involves climbing up a steep staircase with hundreds of steps that twists up to the top, but trust me, it’s worth it.

You can see the dip below the horizon on a backdrop of islands and beaches, which makes for a dreamy, unforgettable scene.

It has the best view over the island, and you can see the distinctive shape of Tonsai Bay and the town, with the towering limestone cliffs at the end of it.

Discover the cute town centre

There aren’t that many places to visit on Phi Phi Island which can call themselves towns, but Tonsai is where it’s at.

This village is scattered with beach bars and eateries and is the main magnet for backpackers and independent travellers looking for some tropical nightlife.

By day, it’s a laid-back spot and a pleasant place to wander around, grab a coffee, and take it all in. There’s also a lovely little seaside promenade, where colourful boats bob in the bay, which is worth a stroll.

See a Muay Thai match

Thailand’s homegrown martial art of Muay Thai is an exciting thing to see. If you’ve never seen it, or want to see a match while you’re in the Phi Phi Islands, then you’re in luck.

Reggae Bar in Tonsai village is the place to go to catch a Muay Thai match. It’s fun, it’s rowdy, and it’s very much a memorable place to sip down a few alcoholic beverages while you cheer on your favourite fighter. Pretty cool!

Try the delicious local cuisine

When you’re visiting the Phi Phi islands, things to do here don’t get much more delicious than devouring some of the archipelago’s local delicacies.

Even though the islands are small, there are a number of places to tuck into the local cuisine. 

Most people head to the food market on Koh Phi Phi Don to pick up the most authentic and affordable eats. Here there are food stalls aplenty serving up all manner of tasty bites.

Elsewhere, vegans and vegetarians can sample delights at Dau Restaurant. For something a little more polished, you can eat on the sand at Paradise Pearl Bungalows’ restaurant — complete with views of Phi Phi Leh.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi Don

I stayed in Phi Phi Don twice, and loved it both times. It’s such a chill, laid-back town, with lots of great accommodation options for every budget. Here are some of the best.

Budget: Sweet Dee Hostel – Phi Phi is a bit of a party destination, so if that’s what you’re looking for, a hostel like this is a great place to be. They only offer dorms with lockers, and are centrally located in Phi Phi.

Click here to book your stay at Sweet Dee Hostel in Phi Phi!

Mid-range: Papaya Phi Phi Resort – This is where I stayed on my second trip to the Phi Phi Islands. It’s not particularly fancy, but has a lovely view, and all the rooms have small balconies where you will be served breakfast in the morning.

Check out the latest prices and availability at Papaya Phi Phi Resort

Luxury: Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort – I stayed here on my first trip to Phi Phi and can honestly say it’s great. It’s a 10-minute walk from the harbour, in a quieter part of the island, with a great pool and view.

Check out the availability & prices at Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort

What to pack for the Phi Phi Islands

For a full breakdown of what you should pack for Thailand, check out my Thailand packing list. Here I just included a few essentials that you will need for the Phi Phi Islands.

Fast drying towel – With all that island and boat hopping, you will need one of these! I love these towels because they are quick to dry and they don’t take up much space.

Waterproof jacket – If you visit in rainy season, you’ll be glad to have one of these!

Sun protector – The sun in Thailand can get very intense, make sure to stay protected!

Dry bag – To keep your valuables safe and dry during the boat trip.

Power bank – You don’t want your phone to die on you just as you’re about to snap a gorgeous photo of that beautiful Koh Phi Phi landscape! 

Do you need travel insurance to visit Koh Phi Phi?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance.

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo.

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance!

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Final thoughts on the best things to do in the Phi Phi islands

There you have it, the ultimate guide to the best things to do in the Phi Phi Islands! Have you been to Koh Phi Phi before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

The Phi Phi archipelago is amongst the most popular places in Thailand, and it’s easy to see why. That said, this means it can get incredibly busy.

They actually had to close Maya Bay for almost four years, to allow it to recover from the effects of over tourism. If you really want to visit the Phi Phi islands, I don’t blame you, they were a big item on my travel bucket list too.

However, if you want to explore other beach destinations in Thailand, which are less touristy, you could head to the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Lipe or Railay Beach.

One of the things I love about Thailand is the rich variety. After visiting Koh Phi Phi, you could head to the north, play with elephants in Chiang Mai, discover the temples of Chiang Rai or Ayutthaya, explore the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, and even learn to cook pad Thai during a Thai cooking class.

So yes, visit the Phi Phi archipelago, but don’t forget to go beyond and see the other beautiful places in Thailand! I hope you found this article useful, and that it helped you discover the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi.

If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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