With stunning beaches, limestone cliffs, and a laid-back vibe, Ko Phi Phi Island in southern Thailand is the perfect escape from reality. Now that you’re here, where should you go first? As a frequent visitor, I’ve explored every corner of this island and found some hidden gems. Let me share with you the best places to visit in Ko Phi Phi Island. Whether you want to party on the beach, go rock climbing, or find a secluded cove to call your own, this list has you covered. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The hardest part will be deciding where to go each day!
Koh Khai Nok
One of the best spots to visit in Ko Phi Phi is Koh Khai Nok, a gorgeous little island just off the coast of Ko Phi Phi Don. To get there, you’ll take a longtail boat from Tonsai Pier – the ride only takes about 15 minutes.
Once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon a secret tropical paradise. Soft white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and turquoise blue waters await you. The snorkeling here is fantastic, with coral reefs teeming with colorful fish just offshore. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle!
After working up an appetite swimming and sunbathing, head to the beachfront restaurant for some authentic Thai cuisine and a cold Chang beer. The laid-back reggae vibe and jaw-dropping sunset views will make it a meal to remember.
When night falls, you can either camp on the beach under a blanket of stars or take the boat back to the livelier Tonsai Beach. Either way, Koh Khai Nok is a perfect escape and a must-see for any trip to Ko Phi Phi. The natural scenery will leave you in awe of this little slice of paradise in southern Thailand.
You’ll no doubt leave Koh Khai Nok with a smile on your face and sand between your toes, dreaming of the day you can return. This secluded island oasis is what tropical beach dreams are made of!
Ko Yao Yai
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head to Ko Yao Yai. This laid-back island is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
- Rent a scooter and explore the island at your own pace. The roads are quiet and you’ll discover secluded beaches, rice paddies, and rubber tree plantations. Stop for fresh coconut water or noodles at a roadside stand.
- Check out Klong Jark Beach, a picturesque bay with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. You may have it all to yourself! Bring a picnic basket, plop down under the shade of palm trees and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and reading.
- For sweeping views, hike up to Koh Yao Yai Viewpoint. The 30-minute trail winds through jungle to a wooden platform at the top of a hill. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the island and surrounding islets.
- As the sun sets, stroll through Ban Tha Khao village. Smiling locals will greet you as you walk past traditional wooden houses, shops, and food stalls. Grab an ice-cold Chang beer and watch the sky turn brilliant shades of pink and orange.
Ko Yao Yai moves at a slower pace. No nightclubs, no traffic, no hassles. Just empty beaches, open roads, and simple pleasures. For a taste of old-school Thai island life, this secluded paradise is hard to beat. Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and laid-back vibe of this hidden gem.
Klook.comLaem Tong Beach
Laem Tong Beach is one of the most secluded beaches on Ko Phi Phi Island. To get there, you’ll have to take a longtail boat from Tonsai Pier, but the scenic ride and peaceful surroundings are well worth it.
Once you arrive at Laem Tong Beach, you’ll feel like you have the whole place to yourself. Flanked by limestone cliffs and lush greenery, the soft white sand beach stretches for over a mile with not a soul in sight. The clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. It’s the ideal escape from the crowds and a chance to experience the natural beauty of Phi Phi -archipelago.
Unlike the bustling party scene of Tonsai Village, Laem Tong Beach has remained largely undeveloped. There are only a few small beach bungalow resorts with basic facilities. Electricity only runs for a few hours in the evening. But for many visitors, the simplicity is part of the appeal. Fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves and wake up to a vibrant sunrise over the water.
Just because Laem Tong Beach is secluded doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. You can go beachcombing along the shore, hike through the jungle to scenic viewpoints, or climb over the rocks to secluded coves. The reef just offshore is home to tropical fish and small sharks. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore at your own pace. As night falls, gaze up at the Milky Way stretching across the sky, free of light pollution.
Whether you’re looking to escape the crowds, reconnect with nature or have an adventure, Laem Tong Beach has something for everyone. Make the journey out to this hidden gem—you’ll be rewarded with an experience you won’t soon forget.
Monkey Beach
One of the must-see places in Ko Phi Phi is Monkey Beach. As the name suggests, this secluded beach is home to monkeys that inhabit the surrounding jungle. To get there, you’ll need to take a longtail boat from Ton Sai Pier, which only takes about 15 minutes.
Once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a tropical paradise. Soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and the Andaman Sea with its clear turquoise waters stretching out before you. The monkeys emerge from the jungle, curious to see the visitors. You may spot them swinging from the trees or coming down to the beach in search of snacks. Be very careful with your belongings, as the monkeys are known to grab things that interest them!
While the monkeys are the main attraction, there’s more to do at Monkey Beach than just monkeying around. You can go snorkeling right off the beach to see tropical fish and even sea turtles in their natural habitat. The reef here is quite shallow, making it ideal for beginners and families. For a thrill, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard and explore the coastline.
If you get hungry, there are a few beach bars that sell snacks, fresh coconuts, and Thai cuisine. Relax in the shade and enjoy the laid-back vibe. Spend a few hours here swimming, sunbathing, spotting monkeys and enjoying a cocktail—you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated by the simple pleasures of this island escape.
Monkey Beach offers a perfect blend of wildlife, natural scenery and beach activities. No wonder it’s considered one of the highlights of Ko Phi Phi. On your next visit, make sure to put Monkey Beach at the top of your list. You’ll go bananas for this tropical oasis!
Nui Beach
Nui Beach is a secluded paradise located on the eastern coast of Ko Phi Phi Don. To get there, you’ll have to take a longtail boat from Ton Sai Pier, but the scenic ride and pristine beach are well worth it.
Nui Beach features a long stretch of soft white sand and turquoise waters, with jungle-covered limestone cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop. The beach is especially stunning during sunrise and sunset when the golden light illuminates the cliffs. The secluded cove offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, with only a few longtail boats and kayaks on the shore.
There are no resorts or shops at Nui Beach, just a few small bungalows and beach bars where you can grab a drink, rent a hammock, and enjoy the laid-back vibe. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, reading in a hammock, or trying beach activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and beach volleyball. The shallow, calm waters make it a great spot for families with kids.
If you get tired of relaxing, go on a jungle trek to a hidden lagoon, spot tropical birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. You can also climb up to Phi Phi Viewpoint for panoramic views of the beach and surrounding islands. The secluded coves around Nui Beach are perfect for snorkeling and seeing tropical fish in their natural habitat.
Whether you want to do nothing at all or go on an adventure, Nui Beach has something for everyone. This tropical paradise is ideal for a relaxing beach getaway surrounded by natural beauty. The hardest part will be leaving this secluded haven behind.
Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island is one of the most popular spots for snorkeling and beach activities in Ko Phi Phi. With crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand, this little slice of paradise is perfect for a day of relaxation.
The beaches on Bamboo Island feel secluded and private, even though many tour groups visit each day. The island is uninhabited, so the beaches remain pristine without any development. You can easily find your own little cove to unwind, sunbathe or read a book under the swaying palms.
The reefs surrounding Bamboo Island teem with tropical fish and colorful coral gardens, making it a premier snorkeling destination. You’ll spot angelfish, clownfish, parrotfish and many more. The shallow, calm waters provide ideal conditions for snorkeling, even for beginners. Many snorkeling tours visit the island, or you can rent gear and explore on your own.
Despite its small size and lack of permanent structures, Bamboo Island does have some basic facilities for visitors. There are public restrooms and showers, as well as picnic tables and BBQ pits if you want to cook your own lunch. No shops are on the island, so bring everything you need for the day.
A trip to Bamboo Island offers a perfect escape in an island paradise. With postcard-worthy beaches and some of the best snorkeling in Ko Phi Phi, you’ll find it hard to leave this secluded oasis. Catch an early longtail boat and enjoy a full day immersed in the natural beauty of this tropical gem.
Mosquito Island
Mosquito Island, also known as Koh Phi Phi Leh, is a pristine uninhabited island located just a short boat ride from Ko Phi Phi Don. Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush greenery, it’s the perfect escape from the crowds.
Made famous by the movie The Beach, Maya Bay is one of the top attractions here. Its secluded white sand beach and dramatic limestone cliffs provide a picturesque backdrop for photos. Due to environmental concerns, Maya Bay is closed for a few months each year to allow the coral reefs and beach to recover. When open, it’s best to arrive early before the day trippers to experience it without the crowds.
The vibrant coral reefs surrounding Mosquito Island make it a premier snorkeling and scuba diving destination. You’ll spot tropical fish like clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish as well as reef sharks and sea turtles in their natural habitat. For the best snorkeling, head to Loh Samah and Maya Bay where the water is shallow and calm. Scuba divers can explore deeper reefs and even shipwrecks.
For panoramic views of the island, climb up to the Ko Phi Phi Leh viewpoint. The moderately challenging hike up a jungle trail rewards you with stunning vistas of Maya Bay on one side and Loh Samah Bay on the other. It’s best to go early in the morning before the heat and crowds. The top of the trail opens onto massive boulders where you can sit, rest and soak in the scenery.
Whether you want to lounge on a secluded beach, snorkel pristine reefs or hike to scenic viewpoints, Mosquito Island has something for everyone looking to escape the ordinary. Its raw natural beauty will leave you in awe of this island paradise.
Klook.comKoh Bida Nok & Nai
Just a short longtail boat ride from Phi Phi Don, you’ll find the twin beaches of Koh Bida Nok (Big Bida Island) and Koh Bida Nai (Small Bida Island). These secluded beaches offer a perfect escape from the crowds.
Koh Bida Nok is the larger of the two islands, with a scenic beach and small hiking trails. You can trek up to the top of the island to get panoramic views of the turquoise waters and limestone cliffs. The beach here has soft white sand and clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. You may spot tropical fish like clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish.
- Bring your own snorkel gear or rent from nearby shops on Phi Phi Don. The reefs here are pristine and filled with marine life.
- Pack a picnic lunch, beach towel, sunscreen and bug spray. There are no facilities on the islands.
- Longtail boats depart from Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. The ride takes about 20 minutes and costs around 200 baht per person roundtrip.
Koh Bida Nai is the smaller of the two, with just a small beach and limited shade. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in seclusion. You may have this little paradise all to yourself! The beach is also a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming and beachcombing. You can walk between the two islands at low tide, but take care not to get stranded.
A trip to these twin islands offers a perfect escape in an island paradise. With postcard-perfect beaches, clear waters and little development, Ko Bida Nok & Ko Bida Nai showcase the natural beauty of Phi Phi -archipelago. A visit here will make you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon your own secret slice of tropical heaven.
Maya Bay
Maya Bay is one of the most popular spots to visit in Ko Phi Phi. This stunning bay surrounded by limestone cliffs was made famous by the 2000 film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
To reach Maya Bay, you’ll need to take a boat tour from Ko Phi Phi Don or one of the other nearby islands. The bay itself is only accessible by boat, as there are no roads leading into it. Most tours last around 3 to 5 hours and stop at a few other locations around the islands in addition to Maya Bay.
Once you arrive, you’ll instantly see why this secluded paradise attracts so many visitors. The soft white sand and turquoise waters are postcard-perfect. Massive limestone cliffs tower over the bay, providing shade and seclusion. It’s easy to find your own little patch of sand to lounge on, go swimming or snorkeling in the crystal clear waters.
Things to Do
- Swim or snorkel in the vibrant turquoise waters. You’ll see colorful fish and coral reefs teeming with sea life.
- Sunbathe on the soft white sand beach. Find a secluded spot tucked against the cliffs or in the open sand.
- Kayak or stand up paddle board. Some tours offer equipment for rent or include it as part of the package. It’s a fun way to explore the bay at your own pace.
- Hike to the viewpoint. A short trail leads up to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the entire bay. It’s a bit of a climb but worth it for the panoramic vistas.
- Take photos. Maya Bay’s scenic beauty provides endless opportunities for gorgeous travel photos. Snap photos of the limestone cliffs, beach scenes, or sunsets over the water.
Maya Bay’s natural splendor and seclusion make it easy to see why it attracts so many visitors each day. Even with the crowds, it remains an island paradise and a must-see destination on any trip to Ko Phi Phi. Spending a few hours exploring the soft white sands and turquoise waters will leave you with memories that last long after you’ve left the bay.
Viking Cave
One of the top places to visit in Ko Phi Phi Island is Viking Cave. This large limestone cave gets its name from the Viking-like drawings found inside, though their origin remains a mystery.
To reach Viking Cave, you’ll need to take a longtail boat or kayak from Ton Sai Bay or Laem Tong Beach. The only way to enter is by climbing up a wooden ladder, so be prepared for the short but steep climb. The cave opening faces the sea, so go early in the day when the tide is in to avoid a slippery ascent.
Once inside, you’ll find the cave surprisingly spacious. Look up to see swiftlets swooping around—their edible nests are harvested here for bird’s nest soup. The cave walls feature ancient rock paintings of various animals, humans, and handprints. Archeologists believe they date back 3,000-4,000 years, though their exact age and cultural significance are unknown.
After exploring the cave, spend some time swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking around the area. The waters off Viking Cave are part of Ko Phi Phi Leh National Park, with stunning coral reefs and marine life. You may spot tropical fish like clownfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, as well as small sharks and sea turtles.
Viking Cave offers a glimpse into the natural and cultural history of Ko Phi Phi Island. While the cave itself is quite small, the surrounding waters and rock formations make it a worthwhile half-day trip. The mysterious cave paintings and swiftlets provide an extra element of intrigue to this secluded natural wonder. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, Viking Cave is one of the more unique attractions to discover in this island paradise.
Loh Samah Bay
Loh Samah Bay is one of the most secluded beaches on Ko Phi Phi Island. To get there, you’ll have to take a longtail boat from Ton Sai Pier and navigate around the southern tip of the island. The bay is surrounded by limestone cliffs covered in greenery, with soft white sand and turquoise water. It’s the perfect escape from the crowds.
Once you arrive, you’ll feel like you have the entire beach to yourself. There are no resorts or shops here, just you and nature. Set up your towel, umbrella and picnic basket and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, kayaking or snorkeling. The reefs around Loh Samah Bay are teeming with tropical fish and other marine life. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins playing in the distance.
When you start to feel peckish, there are a few rustic restaurants along the beach that serve fresh seafood, Thai curries and cold drinks. Or you can pack your own picnic lunch to enjoy in this island paradise. As evening falls, stay to witness one of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see, with the sky ablaze in orange and red.
To get back to Ton Sai Pier before dark, flag down one of the longtail boat taxis that regularly pass by the bay. A day trip to Loh Samah Bay is the perfect way to escape the crowds and experience the natural beauty of Ko Phi Phi Island. The secluded beach, lush surroundings and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing will make you feel like you’ve found your own secret slice of paradise.
Klook.comConclusion
So there you have it, the best places to visit in Ko Phi Phi Island. With stunning beaches, scenic viewpoints, and exciting activities around every corner, this little slice of paradise in southern Thailand should be at the top of your bucket list. Whether you want to party the night away at Tonsai Village, find solitude on the pristine shores of Loh Dalum Bay, or get your adrenaline pumping while rock climbing the limestone cliffs, Ko Phi Phi has something for everyone. The natural beauty and laid-back island vibe will leave you feeling recharged and longing to return. What are you waiting for? Start planning your Thai getaway today. The turquoise waters and swaying palm trees of Ko Phi Phi Island await!