The beaches of Koh Phi Phi are undoubtedly breathtaking. The towering limestone cliffs and colorful longtail boats create a truly iconic Thai landscape. However, the constant crowds on the island's two main beaches – Tonsai and Loh Dalum – can be a little disappointing. Therefore, we recommend visiting the quieter and relatively untouched Nui Beach, located on the northwest coast of Phi Phi Don.

This beach, also known as Nui Bay, boasts classic limestone cliffs, yet without the tourist crowds of Tonsai village. Here you'll find white sand, a peaceful jungle setting, and some of the most emerald-green water we've seen in Thailand. As with all secluded bays, however, some planning is necessary to ensure a successful visit. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information on how to get there, the best time to visit, and a packing list for a day trip – so you too can discover one of Koh Phi Phi's hidden gems.

What makes Nui Beach so special

We arrived at Nui Beach in the morning, so much of the bay was in shadow. It wasn't until around 10:00 AM that the sun peeked over the cliffs and bathed everything in bright light. At that moment, we truly appreciated the beauty of Nui Beach, and we spent the next two hours swimming, exploring the rock formations along the shoreline, and admiring Camel Rock (a small karst rock formation resembling a camel's hump). Snorkeling is also possible here, but we simply enjoyed the peace and quiet.

The best part was that we practically had the beach to ourselves: only three or four others joined us in the morning. Around midday, however, more longtail boats arrived, so we decided to return to Loh Dalum for lunch. Even with the few tour groups that gradually arrive, the beach still feels untouched and idyllic – there are no restaurants, beach bars, sun loungers, or other facilities (not even toilets).

How to get to Nui Beach on Koh Phi Phi

Arrange a private longboat

We arranged for a longtail boat driver to take us from Tonsai Pier to Nui Beach. Normally, you go directly from Loh Dalum Beach (which is closer), but we wanted to visit another, hidden spot along the way. We set off promptly at 8:00 a.m. and spent a good 90 minutes in the idyllic Wang Long Bay before continuing our journey further west on the island. Nui Bay is just a 10-minute boat ride from Loh Dalum Beach, and a private longtail tour costs between 1,000 and 3,000 baht for half a day.

And that's exactly how you should view longtail boats: as an experience, not just a means of transport. The trip along the limestone cliffs offers breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities, even if it can get quite rough in some exposed spots (even in the dry season). The ride can change from relaxing to unpleasant within minutes – something we experienced firsthand when we passed a treacherous spot near Pirate Beach Cove. The boat crashed violently over the waves, and Kat clung on desperately.

Be sure to check the sea conditions before you set off, especially if you're planning a longer island tour (like we did). You can find longtail boat captains at both Tonsai Pier and Loh Dalum. Just approach them directly to arrange a meeting point and departure time. Our captain was fantastic: he was open to negotiation, wore a cool bandana, and most importantly, was punctual. Most travelers reach Nui Beach by longtail boat, but there are other options as well.

Arrival at Nui Beach by longtail boat

Rent a kayak and paddle there.

Another way to explore Nui Beach is to rent a kayak from Loh Dalum and paddle there. This trip takes about 45 minutes each way and costs only 300–400 THB per day. Again, it's advisable to check the weather forecast before setting out to avoid strong winds or rough seas. We recommend starting early in the morning and returning well before sunset so you don't have to paddle back in the dark.

Kayaks at Loh Dalum beach

Hike on the challenging jungle trail

The third and final route to Nui Beach leads via the jungle trail. From Tonsai village, the path first ascends to the Phi Phi viewpoint and then continues downhill past Bob Bar. This trail leads you towards Loh Lana Bay, where you will eventually see the signs for Nui Beach. This steep and somewhat treacherous path takes approximately 75 minutes. Therefore, it is more practical to go by kayak or rent a longtail boat.

Important tips for your visit

  • What to pack: No matter how you get to Nui Beach, bring a small backpack with the essentials. First, pack drinking water, reef-safe sunscreen, and towels. Insect repellent is also advisable, especially if you plan on a jungle hike. Kayakers should protect their phones and cameras from splashes in a waterproof bag.
  • Plan your visit according to the tides: Nui Beach is narrow and becomes even smaller at high tide. If you'd like more space to relax on the beach, try visiting at low or mid-tide. At low tide, the limestone formations and small sea caves along the shoreline also become visible, which are worth exploring once the water recedes.
  • Respect the environment: The saddest thing about Thailand's beaches is the sight of trash lying around in some places. This is especially noticeable on tourist islands like Phi Phi. Remember to take your trash with you and be mindful of your food and drinks. Of course, when snorkeling in the bay, you should not touch any coral or other marine life.

    • FAQs about Nui Beach, Koh Phi Phi

    How clean is the beach?

    In our experience, Nui Beach was absolutely clean; we didn't see any trash at all. However, we also read online reviews that mentioned litter in the jungle. Sometimes the beaches in Thailand are spotlessly clean, sometimes polluted – depending on the time of year (and the amount of marine debris washed ashore) and whether you travel during peak or off-peak season.

    Is Nui Beach suitable for snorkeling?

    Nui Beach is great for snorkeling, even if you go out to Camel Rock, which is known for its excellent opportunities to observe coral and marine life. If you arrive by longtail boat, you can ask your captain to stop at this famous karst rock – making getting in and out of the water very easy – or, if you are a strong swimmer, you can simply swim out from the beach.

    How does Nui Beach compare to Maya Bay?

    While Nui Beach can't compete with the breathtaking scenery of Maya Bay—few beaches worldwide can—it's definitely unbeatable for a more intimate experience. Maya Bay is sadly far too popular, and even stricter visitor regulations haven't been able to stem the tourist crowds. Keep in mind that swimming is no longer permitted in Maya Bay, giving Nui Beach another advantage.

    Read more: Is Maya Bay worth a visit? Rules, visitor numbers & what to expect