Anyone who says you shouldn't visit tourist destinations has probably never been to Koh Phi Phi. This archipelago is one of our absolute favorite islands in Thailand, not because it's untouched and off the beaten track, but because of its unique atmosphere. The two-island islands combine spectacular natural beauty, a diverse range of leisure activities, and a vibrant nightlife into a compact yet energetic package. Your days can begin leisurely aboard a longtail boat, gliding you to hidden coves nestled among imposing limestone cliffs, and end with a breathtaking fire show on the beach.
There are two main islands that need to be distinguished: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. One is inhabited and serves as a tourist center, while the other is completely uninhabited and became famous through the film "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
While Phi Phi Don may not be quite as breathtaking as Maya Bay, the island still offers plenty of natural beauty: limestone cliffs, golden beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, and stunning sunsets await you on this hourglass-shaped island. For us, however, the absolute highlight is the vibrant village of Tonsai. Simply stroll through the narrow, winding streets and discover all sorts of things – from fish grills and craft stalls to dive schools and beer pong bars.
There's no denying that tourism has impacted Koh Phi Phi, and not always positively. Maya Bay had to close temporarily to allow the ecosystem to recover. Now it's open again, and stricter conservation measures have been implemented—such as prohibiting direct boat access—which will hopefully help preserve it for many years to come.
Despite the crowds, Koh Phi Phi has retained its charm. The car-free environment on the island makes everything feel calmer and more relaxed. There are a few hidden spots to enjoy the sunset over the bay, and it's easy to strike up a conversation with the locals at their popular markets just off the main road in Tonsai. Anyone coming to Koh Phi Phi expecting deserted beaches will certainly be disappointed. But those who embrace the island with all its quirks and imperfections will experience one of the most unforgettable island adventures of their lives.
Discover the hidden treasures of Koh Phi Phi
Hidden beaches of Koh Phi Phi
Why we love Koh Phi Phi
We've had the pleasure of visiting Koh Phi Phi four or five times now – sometimes for longer stays where we focus entirely on the island, sometimes just for short stopovers before exploring Koh Lanta or the Trang Islands. For us, the island marks the transition from mainland to island life, and the arrival is always a special experience: the journey across the Andaman Sea, the speedboats whizzing by, and the limestone cliffs rising from the sea on the horizon. Then Cam puts Moby's "Porcelain" on his AirPods, and we sit back and enjoy the view.
Arriving at Tonsai Pier after disembarking from the ferry is always an exciting moment. You see backpackers streaming towards their hostels, friendly porters greeting guests with signs, and a McDonald's right on the pier – the epitome of rampant commercialization. But honestly, none of that bothers us. We simply strap on our backpacks and stroll through the narrow streets to our accommodation, before plunging into the vibrant atmosphere of Tonsai village.
This is one of the main reasons we love Koh Phi Phi so much: you can reach everything on foot, and—believe it or not—Google Maps actually works! You can follow the map or simply follow your instincts to discover beaches and restaurants, jungle trails and dry cleaners—and everything in between. In our opinion, Koh Phi Phi offers everything you could want for a perfect island getaway, and it's easy to see why some expats have never left. You can party all night, relax on the beach all day, and still find quiet corners on the outskirts of Tonsai village.
We went to the hotel with our backpacks.
Longtail tours in Koh Phi Phi
20 Top Things to Do on Koh Phi Phi
1. Take the morning speedboat tour to Maya Bay
A visit to Koh Phi Phi isn't complete without a speedboat tour through Maya Bay. After all, this beach, framed by massive limestone cliffs, is what made the islands a global icon. Due to overtourism, the beach was closed between 2018 and 2022, but has since reopened under much more sustainable conditions.
Visitors now reach the island via a pier at the rear and arrive at the beach after a short walk through the jungle. The view, winding its way through the jungle, is simply spectacular. The limestone cliffs surround the bay like an amphitheater, and the water shimmers emerald green. We opted for the early morning tour from Phi Phi Don to avoid the tourist crowds. Although it was quite busy, we still managed to find a quiet spot on the beach.
Unfortunately, swimming in Maya Bay is no longer possible. This is a bitter pill for many travelers to swallow, but preserving this pristine beach is currently a top priority for the Thai authorities. Another highlight of the day is Pi Leh Bay, where you can swim and snorkel in a breathtaking lagoon.
Read more: Is Maya Bay worth a visit? Rules, visitor numbers & what to expect
Speedboat tour to Maya Bay
Maya Bay early in the morning without crowds
Admire the limestone cliffs of Maya Bay
2. Take a longtail boat trip to Nui Beach.
One evening on Koh Phi Phi, we were returning from a fire show at Carlito's Bar when we happened to meet a longtail boat captain returning from the sea. We weren't quite sure how to book private longtail tours, but we asked him anyway. He knew Nui Beach like the back of his hand and offered to take us the next morning. Of course, we jumped at the chance.
We negotiated a price of 2,000 THB for a half-day excursion, which in retrospect was perhaps a bit expensive, but the experience was worth it. Nui Beach is beautiful. A small bay surrounded by limestone cliffs and unique rock formations. There were very few other people there when we arrived, which was very pleasant. This part of Koh Phi Phi is relatively quiet and more peaceful than, for example, Loh Dalum.
Since we didn't arrive until around 9:00 AM, the beach was in shadow, and we couldn't start sunbathing and swimming until around 10:00 AM when the sun was high enough. After a few hours, the sun bathed the beach in warm light, and we spent our time swimming in the incredibly clear, emerald-green water. If you'd like to take a similar trip, we recommend departing early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the small group tours that arrive around midday.
Read more: Nui Beach: The ultimate travel guide to Koh Phi Phi's hidden bay
Our captain will take us back from Nui Beach
3. Discover Wang Long Bay (A hidden gem)
Wang Long Bay is without a doubt our favorite spot on Koh Phi Phi. We spent another wonderful half-day here on a private longtail boat tour from Tonsai Pier. It's still a bit of a hidden gem among locals, so don't tell too many people! You reach it through a small gap in the limestone cliffs – a backdrop that makes for dramatic and breathtaking photos.
Once you've navigated between the cliffs, the longtail boat anchors just a few meters from one of the most beautiful little beaches imaginable. Then you can jump into the turquoise water and swim a short distance to the shore. The bay is completely still and echoes, giving it a magical, almost eerie atmosphere. We also remember seeing many birds circling overhead, which enhanced the ambiance even further.
Secluded beach in Wang Long Bay
Beautiful times in Wang Long Bay
4. Relax on the main beaches of Phi Phi Don
What surprised us most about Koh Phi Phi's main beaches was their cleanliness, considering the high volume of tourists. We spent some lovely afternoons at Loh Dalum Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying delicious street food snacks in the shade. Restaurants and cozy bars line the beach, perfect for lunch or a few cocktails after a day in the sun.
The best thing about these beaches is that they are all easily accessible on foot from Tonsai village. It's simply fantastic to have so many amenities so close together. Another popular beach, though it requires a bit of a walk, is Long Beach – reachable via a 25-minute coastal path through the jungle. It's quiet, relaxing, and offers excellent snorkeling conditions.
Read more: The 15 most beautiful beaches in Thailand: Famous spots and hidden gems
5. Rent a kayak and go exploring.
At Loh Dalum Beach, you can also rent kayaks – a great way to explore the bay and discover the beach from different perspectives. You can rent by the hour or for the whole day, depending on your preference. We recommend bringing a waterproof bag, sunscreen, and a hat. The best time to paddle is in the morning or late afternoon when the sea is calm.
Kayaks at Loh Dalum beach
6. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the village of Tonsai
In our opinion, Tonsai is one of the coolest places on Thailand's island. There are no cars, just the occasional scooter or porter with a luggage cart. Just wander around, turn down any corner, and stop wherever catches your eye: it could be a tattoo parlor, a massage parlor, a boat tour office, a seafood restaurant, or a pop-up bar.
We stumbled upon our favorite food market by chance while simply strolling around. We ate there every night for a fraction of the price. We don't know its exact name, but if you look long enough, you'll definitely find it. The food is authentic, street food style, and most of the customers are locals—a sure sign of good quality (more on that below).
Local market in Koh Phi Phi
7. Eat at the local food markets
Eating out at beach restaurants can be expensive, so we recommend visiting the local markets and food courts, where you'll find much cheaper (and tastier) food. We eat there on all our Phi Phi trips because we love the atmosphere: plastic chairs, wooden stalls, cold beer, and huge portions of pad thai, beef noodle soup, spicy papaya salad, and mango sticky rice. We enjoy chatting with the locals and find them friendlier than the staff in some fancier restaurants. For tips on what to order at Phi Phi's local markets, check out our Thailand food guide.
8. Try a little DIY yoga.
Although some luxury resorts on Koh Phi Phi offer yoga classes and there are a few open studios in Tonsai Village, yoga is best practiced independently. Rise early to experience the sunrise and head to Long Beach or the Phi Phi Viewpoint (Platform 1). Enjoy some stretching exercises there as the island slowly awakens. It's a wonderful, meditative practice that provides a nice balance to the partying.
9. Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint for sunset
Every list of things to do on Koh Phi Phi includes the famous viewpoint because it's simply fantastic! The hiking trail starts in the village of Tonsai and winds uphill for about 30-40 minutes. The hike isn't too strenuous, but the heat can be a bit of a drag (Kat, for example, was sweating buckets). Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with a stunning view over the two bays. You won't be the only one at the viewpoint for sunset, but the convivial atmosphere up there is just wonderful.
10. Diving or snorkeling in the nearby islands
Koh Phi Phi typically attracts two types of visitors: partygoers and divers. Naturally, the island boasts some fantastic dive sites like Koh Bida and Shark Point. But there are also plenty of options for more relaxed travelers – snorkeling trips to Bamboo Island or Mosquito Island are just as worthwhile. You'll find many dive schools and travel agencies in the village of Tonsai. Just drop by and inquire about a tour.
11. Take a fun photo with Ronald McDonald
Yes, it's totally cheesy (pun intended), but taking a photo with the Ronald McDonald statue in front of Tonsai Pier has practically become a tradition. However, we advise against eating there, as Thai food is a thousand times healthier and more nutritious. If you absolutely must eat there, though (perhaps to cure a hangover), you should definitely drink fresh fruit and coconut water with it.
12. Book a boat tour to Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island, also known as Koh Mai Phai, offers the ultimate Robinson Crusoe experience. Just a 30-minute longtail boat ride from Phi Phi Don, this tiny island boasts powder-white sand, vibrant turquoise waters, and gently swaying casuarina trees. A snorkeling tour is the easiest way to explore Bamboo Island, as snorkeling is often included in other tours. However, more adventurous travelers can book a private longtail boat tour, allowing more time to discover the island at their own pace—whether swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing under the trees. The reef is shallow but beautiful, known for its colorful clownfish, sea urchins, and vibrant coral.
13. Visit a fire show at Carlito's Bar.
Outside Carlitos Bar, we saw a sign advertising "Fire Show at 9:00 PM" and decided to end the evening there. We arrived a little early, secured front-row seats on plastic chairs, ordered a sharing bucket of cocktails with straws, and relaxed as the other guests slowly arrived. Three performers took to the stage and began the show by juggling flaming staffs and even forming a human pyramid. Finally, they invited the guests onto the stage to become part of the show and wave some torches themselves.
Carlito's is by no means the only place on Koh Phi Phi that hosts fire shows. The Slinky Bar, the Stones Bar, and the Ibiza Pool Party also offer their own, rather daring versions, but we found Carlito's good for a more relaxed (less party-like) atmosphere.
Fire show at Carlitos Bar
14. Attend a Muay Thai fight event in a reggae bar.
The Reggae Bar is a Koh Phi Phi institution, famous for its nightly Muay Thai fights in a mini-stadium. Various fights take place throughout the night, sometimes featuring professional Muay Thai fighters, sometimes with tipsy backpackers who volunteer for a duel with their friends. Certainly not for everyone, but if you want to start your evening with a bang, the Reggae Bar is the place to be.
Muay Thai fight in the reggae bar
15. Enjoy the nightlife of Koh Phi Phi
Many young people come to Koh Phi Phi solely for its nightlife, and for good reason. From relaxed beach bars to trendy clubs with electrifying DJ sets, there's something for everyone. While we're in our mid-30s and our party days are definitely behind us, we've still had some fantastic nights on the island. We played beer pong with other travelers, partied until the early hours at the Slinky Bar, and drank beer with locals at the markets. Anyone coming to Phi Phi to party should definitely arrive well-rested. You won't get much sleep there.
16. Shopping in the village of Tonsai
If you need a break from the beach and boat trips, a little shopping is always a good idea. Simply stroll through the stalls in Tonsai village and discover your favorite items. You might find a comfortable sarong, a new swimsuit, a handwoven bracelet, carved wooden souvenirs, or a beautiful painting or framed photo of Koh Phi Phi. There are also boutiques with a mix of Thai and surf fashion, so there's something for both men and women. Remember: prices are negotiable. Haggle politely, and everyone will go home happy.
17. Treat yourself to a Thai massage
No matter where you are in Thailand, a traditional Thai massage is the surest way to regenerate and rejuvenate body and mind. On Koh Phi Phi, you'll find a mix of beach huts and spas almost everywhere: along the beaches, in the village of Tonsai, and in the resorts. We visited one on our last day on the island and enjoyed 90 minutes of pure relaxation.
18. Enjoy the sunset from a hidden bar
Phi Phi Viewpoint and Long Beach are considered two of the most beautiful sunset spots on the island, but in our experience, there are some equally stunning places outside of Tonsai Village. One evening, we were strolling through the streets and discovered a bar with a viewing platform overlooking the bay. We went inside, ordered drinks, watched the longtail boats returning home, and saw the sky turn a vibrant red – it was probably the most beautiful sunset we've ever witnessed on Koh Phi Phi.
19. Hike to Loh Moo Dee Beach
If you're tired of the crowds on Phi Phi's main beaches, head to Loh Moo Dee Beach and arrive before 10:00 AM. This beach on the southeast coast is a 30- to 60-minute walk from Tonsai Pier, depending on your fitness level. The path winds through shady forest and over a few hills before opening onto a perfectly curved stretch of sand. Unlike Loh Dalum, it's not as crowded, and you'll often find a small beach bar run by local Rastafarians selling snacks and drinks.
20. Plan your next island adventure
The next island on the route is usually Koh Lanta, which offers a completely different experience: larger, more open, and more focused on local experiences. Also nearby are the Trang islands of Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, and Koh Kradan (which we absolutely love), as well as Koh Lipe in the far south of Thailand. Booking your onward journey by ferry on Koh Phi Phi is very easy – whether you prefer a direct connection, a trip with stops, a leisurely ferry, or a fast speedboat.
When is the best time to travel to Koh Phi Phi?
The best time to visit Koh Phi Phi (where we typically go island hopping in Thailand) is from November to April. During this time, the sea is calm, the sky is blue, and the humidity is low. Visibility for diving and snorkeling is also excellent. However, keep in mind that hotel and resort prices increase between December and February.
The monsoon season (May to October) is probably the worst time to visit Koh Phi Phi. While the rain showers are usually short and heavy, they are not continuous or last all day, but the rough seas can severely restrict your activities and travel options. Very important: Maya Bay is closed every year from August 1st to September 30th to allow the ecosystem time to recover. Therefore, you should absolutely avoid booking during this period if you plan to visit the island.
April and October are considered the off-season on Koh Phi Phi and are a great alternative to the peak season. While the humidity is very high in April, the tourist crowds thin out (which is a plus if you tolerate the heat well). In October, hotel prices are lower, and the weather is still quite pleasant.
How to get to Koh Phi Phi
There is no airport on Koh Phi Phi, so you have to arrive by boat. Upon arrival at Tonsai Pier, you will usually have to pay a small environmental fee (I think it was 20 THB). From there, you can reach your hotel in a few minutes on foot or by luggage trolley.
Read more: Krabi travel guide: 20 top activities from Ao Nang Beach
Accommodation in Koh Phi Phi
Budget - Blanco Beach Bar Hostel
Blanco Beach Bar Hostel is a popular choice for backpackers and is ideally located on Loh Dalum beach. Only book here if you're comfortable with a lively atmosphere, parties, pub crawls, and especially loud nights. If you prefer a quieter setting and still want to save money, the affordable private accommodations on the outskirts of Tonsai village might be a good alternative.
Luxury – Phi Phi Coco Beach Resort
The Phi Phi Coco Beach Resort is located at the quieter end of Loh Dalum beach, away from the hustle and bustle of the Slinky Bar and the Ibiza pool parties. It offers bamboo bungalows and a swimming pool. Ideal for couples or groups of friends seeking a stylish and relaxing stay.
Luxury – SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort
The SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Andaman Sea. Guests enjoy access to a private section of Loh Ba Kao Bay, stay in elegant thatched-roof villas, swim in an infinity pool, and dine in several top-class restaurants. It is expensive, but a true paradise.
Tips for visiting Koh Phi Phi
Read more: 50 Thailand travel tips: What you should know before your trip
Longtail boats in Koh Phi Phi
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