Koh Phi Phi Bucket List: The Best Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi (2026)

Koh Phi Phi is, genuinely, one of those places. You arrive by ferry, the islands come into view from the water, and you understand immediately why everyone you’ve ever met who came to Thailand talked about this place with that slightly glazed look in their eyes. The water is a colour I don’t have a good word for (not quite turquoise, not quite green, brighter than teal) and it sits against limestone cliffs that shoot straight up from the sea as if someone placed them there for maximum dramatic effect.

I visited in late April, which put me just at the edge of peak season, and even then it was less chaotic than I’d feared. The islands have a certain energy (part beach paradise, part party destination, part protected national park) that somehow all coexists. There’s something really special about Koh Phi Phi, and I came away a little obsessed with it.

Whether you’re planning a two-day stopover or a full week of island life, here’s everything to put on your Koh Phi Phi bucket list.

KOH PHI PHI: THE ESSENTIALS

Getting There / Koh Phi Phi has no airport. You arrive by ferry. From Krabi, the crossing takes around 1.5 hours; from Phuket, around 2 hours. Ferries run daily and can be booked through Ferryhopper. If you’re flying into Phuket or Krabi first, book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups to get to the ferry pier without the taxi negotiation faff. Search for flights into Phuket or Krabi on Skyscanner.

Getting Around / There are no cars or motorbikes on Koh Phi Phi. The island is car-free, which is one of its great charms. You get around on foot (Tonsai Village is walkable) or by longtail boat (to reach more remote beaches and neighbouring islands). Budget around 100–500 THB (£2–£12) per longtail boat trip depending on distance.

Tours / There are countless tours across Koh Phi Phi but these are the most popular ones:
Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay with Snorkeling
7 Island Tour by Longtail Boat
From Phuket: Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands: Premium Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch
Avoid The Crowds Speedboat to Maya Bay at Sunrise
Speedboat Day Trip with Shark Snorkeling

Stay / Although it’s a tiny island there are a few hotels in Koh Phi Phi to choose from, and which you choose will depend on your budget and location. Some of the most popular, and highly rated include:

Zeavola Resort $$$
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort $$$
Phi Phi The Beach Resort $$
Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort $$
ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort $$
Casa Maya House $

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Koh Phi Phi, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use HolaFly, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Koh Phi Phi involves boats, snorkelling, and diving: all things you want to be covered for. World Nomads covers 150+ activities including water sports, emergency medical, and trip cancellation. Don’t skip this one.

Koh Phi Phi Bucket List: 17 Things to Do

1. Visit Maya Bay (the Setting of The Beach)

Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh is the one: the beach that made these islands famous when it featured in the 2000 film The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio. The dramatic limestone cliffs encircling a perfect crescent of white sand are genuinely as spectacular in real life as they look in every photograph you’ve ever seen.

Since its 2022 reopening after a four-year conservation closure, the rules have changed significantly. Swimming is restricted to knee-depth only (the shallows are a nursery for blacktip reef sharks and the replanted coral is fragile); visitor numbers are capped at 380 people simultaneously with a one-hour on-site limit; and you now access the bay via the back beach at Loh Samah rather than directly from the famous front beach.

Practical info: National Park entrance fee is 400 THB (around £9) per adult, 200 THB for children, 40 THB for Thai citizens. This fee also covers Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island on the same day. Most tour operators include this in the price. Always double-check. Maya Bay is open daily 7am–6pm; closed approximately August–October for conservation. Book well in advance, particularly for sunrise tours. The Phi Phi Private Longtail to Maya Bay lets you set your own pace.

2. Swim and Kayak in Pileh Lagoon

Pileh Lagoon is my personal favourite spot in the entire Phi Phi archipelago, and I’ll fight anyone who disagrees. It’s a sheltered emerald lagoon completely enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs on Koh Phi Phi Leh, calm, impossibly clear, and genuinely otherworldly. You can only access it by longtail boat, and because it’s on the same national park ticket as Maya Bay, most tours stop here on the same trip.

Kayaking through the lagoon is even better than swimming: the stillness of the water and the way the cliffs reflect into it is something I keep thinking about. Covered under the same 400 THB national park ticket as Maya Bay.

3. Explore Viking Cave

Viking Cave (Tham Phaya Nakhon) is another stop on most longtail boat tours around Koh Phi Phi Leh. The cave is famous for its ancient boat paintings on the walls (believed to have been made by sea nomads centuries ago) and for the elaborate bamboo scaffolding built inside it by workers who harvest swiftlet nests for bird’s nest soup. It’s a genuinely strange and fascinating place.

You can’t enter the cave independently; it’s viewed from the boat. Look out for it as you loop around Phi Phi Leh on a half-day longtail boat tour.

4. Snorkel at Monkey Beach

Monkey Beach (Hat Ling) is a small crescent of sand on the eastern side of Koh Phi Phi Don, reachable by longtail boat from Tonsai Pier (around 200–300 THB return). The beach is home to a colony of macaques who will absolutely steal your food if you give them the opportunity, and it’s brilliant fun watching them. The snorkelling in the bay is decent, with coral and reef fish close to shore.

Tip: Don’t feed the monkeys, and keep bags zipped.

5. Hike to the Viewpoint

The hike up to Koh Phi Phi’s three viewpoints is one of the best things you can do on the island, and it costs almost nothing. Starting from the centre of Tonsai Village, a staircase leads up through the jungle; it takes around 30 minutes to reach Viewpoint 1, with Viewpoints 2 and 3 progressively higher and more spectacular. There’s also a longer, stair-free route by road that’s less direct but gives you a proper look at local life along the way. I did the long way up by accident and the stairs down, but I’d genuinely recommend doing it the other way round.

Viewpoint 3 is the one you want: from up there you get the full panorama of both bays on either side of the island’s narrow isthmus, the turquoise water, and Koh Phi Phi Leh in the distance. Go at sunrise for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, or an hour before sunset for the golden light. Water, snacks, and sunscreen are sold at Viewpoint 3. There’s a small entrance fee payable in Thai Baht at the gate.

6. Watch the Sunset from the Viewpoint or Loh Dalum Beach

Sunsets in Phi Phi are spectacular: the light over the Andaman Sea turns everything gold and pink and you’ll understand in about ten seconds why every Instagram account that visits here posts the same shot. The viewpoint gives you the classic elevated panorama; Loh Dalum Beach gives you the same colours at sea level with your feet in the sand and a cocktail in hand.

For a more special sunset experience, book the Maya Bay Sunset & Bioluminescent Plankton Speedboat Tour: you watch the sun go down from the water and then stay for the bioluminescent plankton show after dark. One of the most memorable things I’ve ever done.

7. Spend a Day on Loh Dalum Beach

Loh Dalum Beach, on the north side of Tonsai Village, is where most people head to actually swim and sunbathe, and with good reason. The sand is soft, the water is that signature colour, and the beach is lined with cocktail bars that put sun loungers out on the sand. Kayak hire is available along the beach (around 100–200 THB per hour), the snorkelling is good in the shallower sections, and the vibe from mid-afternoon onwards is relaxed and social. My favourite spot is the small bar beside the hut that rents out the kayaks and snorkelling gear, amazingly laidback, and there’s nothing better than sitting there with your feet in the sand.

Tonsai Bay on the south side is more accessible but much busier with longtail boat traffic. Loh Dalum is the better swimming beach.

8. Snorkel at Shark Point on Long Beach

Long Beach (Hat Yao) is about an hour’s walk from Tonsai Pier. You can also get there by longtail boat. The walk takes you through some smaller, quieter beaches and is worth doing for the journey alone. The beach itself is calmer and less touristy than Loh Dalum, but the main draw is Shark Point at the eastern end of the beach.

In the morning and late afternoon, you can snorkel with blacktip reef sharks: they’re small (40cm to 1.2m), completely harmless, and absolutely thrilling to swim alongside. This is one of those experiences that feels almost too good to be true, and it’s completely free once you’re at the beach.

If you’d rather see Shark Point properly underwater, there’s also a fun dive covering Shark Point and the Racha Islands for a longer look at the reef below the surface.

9. Do a Full-Day Island Hopping Tour

One of the best ways to see the full Phi Phi archipelago is to book a full-day longtail or speedboat tour that hits multiple islands and beaches in a single day. A typical itinerary covers Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and a snorkelling stop: you get to see everything without having to organise each leg separately.

The Full-Day Island Hopping Tour including Shark Point and Bamboo Island is a great option that covers the main highlights. Most tours include snorkelling equipment, lunch, and national park fees.

10. Visit Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai) is a small, uninhabited island about 9km north of Phi Phi Don, with some of the finest white sand in the Andaman Sea and water so clear you can see the bottom at 5 metres depth. There’s next to nothing there (no restaurants, no development, just beach), which makes it a genuinely peaceful contrast to the buzz of Tonsai Village.

It’s usually included in island hopping tours, but you can also hire a longtail boat privately for a half-day trip. The 400 THB national park ticket covers Bamboo Island as well.

11. Relax at Nui Beach

Nui Beach, on the northwest coast of Koh Phi Phi Don, is a genuine hidden gem compared to the main beaches. Dramatic limestone cliffs wrap around crystal-clear turquoise water and a quiet stretch of sand, and because it’s only reachable by boat, it stays properly peaceful even in high season. It’s usually included as a stop on longer private longtail itineraries rather than being a destination in its own right, so ask your boat driver to add it on, or book a private longtail boat that includes Nui Beach on its route.

12. Try Scuba Diving

The waters around Koh Phi Phi are some of the best diving in Thailand, with sites including Hin Daeng (Red Rock) and Hin Muang for experienced divers, and shallower reef sites for beginners. The Bida Islands (Bida Nok and Bida Nai), Anemone Reef, and the King Cruiser Wreck are also popular for their variety of marine life and are commonly included on Phi Phi dive centre schedules. Visibility is excellent between November and April. Koh Phi Phi Don has several PADI-certified dive centres along the main village strip offering fun dives (from around 2,500 THB / £57) and Open Water certification courses.

Book through a reputable dive centre in person once you arrive, or check browse’s Phi Phi diving options for pre-bookable options.

13. Go Cliff Jumping

For an adrenaline hit, several spots around Koh Phi Phi Leh and the smaller surrounding islands are set up for cliff jumping, usually as part of a longtail or speedboat tour rather than something you do solo. Heights and conditions vary a lot depending on the tide, so this is one to do with a local guide who knows the spot, never jump alone or without checking the water depth first.

14. Explore Phi Phi Don Village

The main settlement on Phi Phi Don, Tonsai Village, is more interesting than it first appears. Between the beach bars and tour operators, there are genuinely good Thai restaurants, fresh seafood stalls, a lively night market, and the kind of sociable, relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to spend longer here than you planned. Wander the alleys in the early morning before the day trippers arrive and it has a completely different energy.

The village is also good for browsing: stalls and small shops sell sarongs, beachwear, jewellery, and souvenirs at prices worth haggling on, and there’s no shortage of massage places if you want a foot or Thai massage after a day of hiking and boat trips. If you’re near Tonsai Pier, taking a photo with the Ronald McDonald statue outside is a bit of a running tradition among visitors, worth a quick detour for the novelty alone.

Try: pad thai from a street stall (around 80–100 THB / under £2.50), fresh mango sticky rice, green curry with seafood. Bring cash: the smaller places don’t take cards, and ATM fees in Tonsai can be high.

15. Go Out at Night

Koh Phi Phi Don has a surprisingly good nightlife scene for an island with no cars, and it all happens within easy walking distance of the beach. Reggae Bar in the village centre puts on Muay Thai fights most evenings: you can watch, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, participate for a free drink. Slinky on the beach is my favourite: neon-lit, fire jugglers who actually know what they’re doing, good music, and dancing on the sand until late. The fire shows are genuinely some of the best I’ve seen anywhere.

16. Join a Pool Party

Alongside the beach bars, Koh Phi Phi has a proper daytime pool party scene, with venues hosting DJ sets, drinking games, and a younger backpacker crowd through the afternoon. It’s a different kind of day out from the boat tours and beaches, worth building into your itinerary if that’s your scene, less so if you’re after a quiet trip. Ask around in Tonsai Village or check with your hostel or hotel for the current schedule, as line-ups and venues change frequently.

17. Relax at Loh Moo Dee

Loh Moo Dee (Moo Dee Bay) is a stunning 500-metre white sand beach on the eastern edge of Koh Phi Phi Don, best reached by longtail boat from Tonsai Bay. It’s home to a tiny, informal fishing settlement and gets almost no tourists: there’s not much to actually do here, which is exactly the point. The calm emerald waters are ideal for a quiet swim or snorkel well away from the crowds.

Tip: despite what you might read online about beach shacks selling drinks or snacks here, we didn’t see any when we visited. Bring your own refreshments if you’re planning to stay a while.

Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi

Because there are no cars on the island, you don’t need to overthink location in the way you might elsewhere. The main distinction is between Tonsai Village (central, walkable to everything, more lively) and quieter beaches (Laem Tong, Long Beach) that require a longtail boat to reach but offer more seclusion.

Budget: Casa Maya House
Small guesthouse right in Tonsai Village, a short walk to the beach and the pier. Basic but does the job if you’d rather spend your money on boat tours than a fancy room.

Mid-range: Phi Phi The Beach Resort
Hillside bungalows on Long Beach, about a 15-minute walk or short boat ride from Tonsai. Views over the Andaman Sea and a fair bit quieter than staying in the village itself.

Mid-range (alternative): Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort
Beachfront bungalows among palm trees on a quieter patch of coast. No frills, but you step straight onto the sand, which is really the whole point of staying here.

Splurge: OUTRIGGER Phi Phi Island Resort (formerly Zeavola)
Sixty-three suites and villas on Laem Tong Beach, the northern tip of the island and the quietest stretch of Phi Phi Don. Two pools, a spa, proper dining. You’ll need a speedboat from Phuket to get there (around 2,000 THB / £46 per adult), which tells you how remote it feels.

Those four are the ones I’d genuinely point a friend towards, but I know that’s not going to fit every budget or beach preference, so here’s the full list I’d start scrolling through myself if you want more options.

Getting to Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is located in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi, both common arrival points.

From Krabi: Ferries depart from Krabi Town (Klong Jilad Pier) and take approximately 1.5 hours. There are usually 2–3 departures per day. Flying into Krabi Airport first is a good option if you’re planning to visit Krabi as part of the same trip. Book your airport transfer from Krabi with WelcomePickups to get to the pier without hassle.

From Phuket: Ferries depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town and take approximately 2 hours. Several departures daily, with more options during high season. Phuket International Airport is a major hub with direct flights from the UK and Europe. Again, WelcomePickups for the airport-to-pier transfer. Search and compare international flights on Skyscanner.

From elsewhere in Thailand: If you’re coming from Bangkok or other Thai cities, you can book bus + ferry combinations through 12goasia (I used them for some of my own travel around Thailand and their service was genuinely good). Flying to either Krabi or Phuket and connecting by ferry is the most straightforward approach.

Book ferry tickets in advance via Ferryhopper.