There's a reason the Phi Phi Islands appear on more travel wish lists than almost anywhere else in Southeast Asia. Rising dramatically from the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi, this cluster of six islands delivers a combination of jaw-dropping scenery, world-class diving, vibrant nightlife and some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, all within a compact, walkable area. Whether you're here for a long weekend or using it as a base for a broader island adventure, here's what you shouldn't miss.
1. Visit Maya Bay
Ko Phi Phi Leh (accessible by longtail or speedboat from Ko Phi Phi Don)
Made famous by the film The Beach, Maya Bay needs little introduction. The lagoon is flanked by towering limestone cliffs on three sides and opens onto water that shifts from jade green to brilliant turquoise depending on the light. After years of closure for environmental restoration, it has bounced back beautifully, coral has regenerated, marine life has returned and the bay is more stunning than ever. Access is by boat from Ko Phi Phi Don (around 20–30 minutes) and arrival in the early morning before the tour boats arrive makes the whole experience significantly more magical.
2. Go snorkelling or diving
Various sites around Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Leh
The waters around the Phi Phi Islands are among the best in the country for snorkelling and scuba diving. Visibility is excellent, the coral is healthy following recent conservation efforts and the marine life — leopard sharks, reef sharks, sea turtles and vast schools of fish is extraordinary. Phi Phi island things to do underwater is a category unto itself: dive sites like Shark Point, Hin Bida and the King Cruiser Wreck rank among the finest Thailand diving sites in the whole Andaman region. PADI courses and guided dives are available from multiple operators on Ko Phi Phi Don.
3. Watch the sunset from the Phi Phi viewpoint
Phi Phi Viewpoint, Ko Phi Phi Don — 20–30-minute hike from Tonsai Village
One of the most iconic views in Thailand sits at the top of a steep but manageable trail from Tonsai Village. The reward for the climb is a panoramic lookout over the twin bays of Ko Phi Phi Don — Tonsai Bay on one side, Lo Dalam on the other with the Andaman Sea stretching out beyond. It's a 20–30-minute hike each way and best done in the late afternoon to arrive in time for sunset. Bring water, wear proper footwear and don't skip it.
4. Explore Monkey Beach
Ao Ling (Monkey Beach), Ko Phi Phi Don — accessible by longtail boat
A short longtail ride around the headland from Tonsai Bay, Monkey Beach is exactly what it sounds like: a small, secluded cove populated by long-tailed macaques who have made the rocky shore their territory. It's chaotic, brilliant and very funny. The monkeys are bold, entertaining and completely unbothered by visitors. Don't bring food, keep bags zipped and just enjoy the spectacle. Longtail boats to Monkey Beach can be arranged directly from the beach at Tonsai Bay.
5. Cliff jump at Viking Cave
Viking Cave, Ko Phi Phi Leh — accessible by boat from Ko Phi Phi Don
Viking Cave on the northeastern coast of Ko Phi Phi Leh is named for the ancient murals found inside its walls and the surrounding limestone formations provide some of the more dramatic cliff jumping spots in the area. The cave itself is also the site of the bird's nest harvesting operations that supply nests for the Chinese delicacy bird's nest soup, which makes it genuinely interesting to visit beyond the jumping. Most island-hopping boat tours stop here as part of a wider day trip.
6. Take a long-tail boat island-hopping tour
Departs from Tonsai Pier, Ko Phi Phi Don
One of the best things to do on Phi Phi Islands is simply to get out on the water and explore. Full-day longtail boat tours typically take in Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Lagoon, a stunning enclosed lagoon surrounded by sheer limestone walls that glows an almost unreal shade of green. Tours depart from Tonsai Pier and can be booked directly on the island the evening before. If you want to explore the wider archipelago, there are also organised trips to the islands near Phuket that make for a brilliant full-day excursion.
7. Kayak around the coastline
Available from beach operators on Ko Phi Phi Don
For something more independent, kayaking around the coastline of Ko Phi Phi Don gives you access to sea caves, hidden coves and calm bays that longtail boats can't always reach. Single and double kayaks are available for hire from operators along the main beach and the calm waters on the sheltered eastern side of the island are ideal for beginners. The stretch between Tonsai Bay and Lo Dalam Bay is particularly good. Paddling between the two gives you a sense of just how narrow the island's central isthmus really is.
8. Laze on Loh Dalum Bay
Lo Dalam Bay, Ko Phi Phi Don — 5-minute walk from Tonsai Village
If the question is what to do in Phi Phi Islands when you just want to switch off, Loh Dalum Bay is the answer. This sweeping crescent of white sand on the northern side of the isthmus is a world-class beach by any measure, calm, clear and lined with beachfront bars and restaurants. At low tide the bay retreats significantly, revealing a vast expanse of sandflats that catch the evening light beautifully. It's also the main hub for the island's nightlife once the sun goes down with fire shows and beach parties running most evenings. For more inspiration on the finest stretches of coastline in the region, see our guide to the beaches in Thailand.
9. Try local food at the night market
Tonsai Village, Ko Phi Phi Don
The small night market in Tonsai Village is one of the most underrated things to do in Phi Phi. You’ll find a few dozen stalls serving fresh pad thai, massaman curry, grilled seafood, mango sticky rice and cold Chang beer for a fraction of what the beachfront restaurants charge. It's noisy, fragrant and completely authentic. Go hungry, eat everything and pick up some fresh fruit from the market stalls for the following morning's beach trip.
10. Day trip to Bamboo Island
Koh Mai Phai (Bamboo Island) — approximately 40 minutes by longtail from Ko Phi Phi Don
For a full day of proper, secluded beach time away from the crowds of Ko Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island is the perfect escape. The island is uninhabited, fringed by powdery white sand and crystal-clear shallows, and sees far fewer visitors than Maya Bay. Snorkelling around the northern tip is excellent and the lack of any facilities (bring your own food, water and sun cream) is part of the charm. It's one of those rare beaches that still feels genuinely undiscovered, so make the most of it.
Ready to book your Phi Phi Islands trip?
The Phi Phi Islands are one of those places that exceed expectations however well-prepared you are. For a trip to the Phi Phi islands that covers the highlights without the stress of planning it all yourself, the Away Holidays team can help, from finding the right resort to building an itinerary that makes the most of every day. Get in touch and let's start planning your Thailand adventure.
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