Koh Phi Phi Travel Guide: What to See and Do on Thailand’s Stunning Islands

Koh Phi Phi is one of Thailand’s most beautiful island groups, known for its crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, vibrant nightlife, and incredible marine life. Located in the Andaman Sea, between Phuket and Krabi, these islands offer a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.

1, Best time to visit Koh Phi Phi

• November - April: The best time to visit, with clear skies, calm seas, and warm temperatures (28-32°C). Perfect for diving, snorkeling, and beach activities.
• May - October: The monsoon season brings heavier rainfall and rougher seas, but it’s also the low season, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices.

2, Top islands in the Koh Phi Phi Archipelago

Koh Phi Phi consists of six islands, but the two main ones are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh.

2.1. Koh Phi Phi Don - The Heart of the Island

Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited island, famous for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, beach parties, and breathtaking viewpoints.

2.2. Koh Phi Phi Leh - Home to Maya Bay

A protected national park, this island is famous for Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach (2000). It’s known for its towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and incredible snorkeling spots.

Other islands in the archipelago include Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai), Mosquito Island (Koh Yung), Bida Nok, and Bida Nai, which are great for snorkeling and diving.

3, Best beaches in Koh Phi Phi

3.1. Maya Bay - The Iconic Beach

Famous for its white sand and dramatic cliffs, Maya Bay is one of Thailand’s most stunning spots. It reopened to tourists with eco-friendly regulations to protect the coral reefs and marine life.

3.2. Long Beach - Best for Swimming & Snorkeling

Located on Phi Phi Don, Long Beach offers clear blue waters and soft sand, with excellent snorkeling just offshore.

3.3. Loh Dalum Beach - The Party Beach

This beach is the center of Phi Phi Don’s nightlife, with beach bars, fire shows, and lively crowds every night.

3.4. Nui Beach - A Hidden Gem

A small, secluded beach with stunning limestone formations, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

3.5. Bamboo Island - A Tropical Paradise

A small island with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for a day trip.

4, Top things to do in Koh Phi Phi

4.1. Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint

A must-do activity, the viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island, especially at sunrise or sunset.

4.2. Go Island Hopping

Take a longtail boat or speedboat to explore nearby islands, including Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and Mosquito Island.

4.3. Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Koh Phi Phi is home to some of Thailand’s best snorkeling and diving spots, including:

• Shark Point - Swim with harmless blacktip reef sharks.
• Loh Samah Bay - Clear waters with coral reefs and colorful fish.
• Bida Nok & Bida Nai - Great for diving with manta rays and leopard sharks.

4.4. Explore Viking Cave

A fascinating cave known for its ancient cave paintings and bird’s nest harvesting, an important local industry.

4.5. Experience Koh Phi Phi’s Nightlife

• Slinky Beach Bar & Apache Beach Bar - Known for fire shows and beach parties.
• Reggae Bar - Famous for Muay Thai boxing matches, where travelers can even join the fight.
• Carlito’s Bar - A great place to enjoy cocktails and relax by the beach.

4.6. Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Rent a kayak to explore the coastline and discover hidden lagoons and caves around the island.

5, How to get to Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi has no airport, so the only way to reach the island is by boat.

From Phuket

• Speedboat: 1 hour
• Ferry: 2 hours

From Krabi

• Speedboat: 45 minutes
• Ferry: 1.5 hours

Most ferries and speedboats arrive at Tonsai Pier, the main entry point to Phi Phi Don.

Koh Phi Phi is a tropical paradise with stunning scenery, lively nightlife, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're looking for beach relaxation, island-hopping, snorkeling, or partying, this island has something for everyone.