15 Best Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi: Beaches, Islands & Top Activities
Two islands, one unforgettable trip
Koh Phi Phi is two islands in one trip. Phi Phi Don is where you stay, eat and hike, while Phi Phi Leh is the uninhabited national park home to Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and the Viking Cave. Here are 15 real things to do, each with a Google Maps link.
An honest note on Maya Bay and the park fee
1Maya Bay
The famous beach from The Beach, ringed by about 100-metre limestone cliffs on Phi Phi Leh. Boats now drop you at Loh Samah Bay. From there you walk a short jungle path to the beach. Go on the first tour of the morning, ideally before 8am, for soft light and fewer people.
2Pileh Lagoon
An emerald lagoon enclosed by towering limestone walls, often called a natural swimming pool. Boat drivers usually cut their engines at the back of the lagoon so you can swim in calm, clear, shallow water. It's the main swim stop on most Phi Phi Leh tours.
3Viking Cave
A cave on the northeast coast of Phi Phi Leh, known for wall paintings believed to be several centuries old. Swiftlet nests are still harvested here for bird's nest soup. You'll see it from the boat, as landing isn't allowed.
4Loh Samah Bay
The bay on the back side of Maya Bay's headland, where boats now moor. It's a beginner-friendly snorkelling stop with clownfish, sea cucumbers and giant clams. Snorkelling is allowed here even though swimming isn't allowed in Maya Bay itself.
5Bamboo Island
A small island with white sand and clear water, a regular stop on full-day tours. Snorkelling here suits all levels, with reef sharks, parrotfish and coral reported. One source says the same national park ticket covers it on the same day as Maya Bay.
6Phi Phi Viewpoint
The hike to the island's three viewpoints is one of the best things you can do on Phi Phi Don. Viewpoint 3 gives the classic panorama over both bays and the narrow isthmus. The trail starts north of Tonsai Village and crosses private land, with a small fee of about 20 THB at the gate. Go at sunrise or sunset.
7Monkey Beach
A small cove on Phi Phi Don with a resident troop of macaques. You can reach it by longtail from Tonsai Pier (about 200 to 300 THB return) or kayak from Loh Dalum. The snorkelling is decent, but keep your distance from the monkeys. One recent reviewer describes them as fast, curious and sometimes aggressive.
8Loh Dalum Beach
The beach in the middle of Phi Phi Don, on the opposite side from Tonsai Pier. At low tide you can walk out a long way across the sand. Kayaks rent for about 100 to 200 THB per hour. The beach also turns social from mid-afternoon.
9Long Beach
A quieter beach about 15 minutes by longtail from Tonsai (100 to 150 THB) or a 30-minute walk. It has views of Phi Phi Leh and one of the best free snorkelling reefs, about 50 metres offshore.
10Nui Beach (Camel Rock)
A small bay on Phi Phi Don's west coast with coral and a cave swim. Snorkel tours often choose it in calm high-season conditions.
11Shark Point snorkelling
A snorkel site known for black-tip reef sharks. It's best for confident swimmers, since conditions can be moderate.
12A full-day island-hopping tour
The easiest way to see Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island in one go. Tours from Phi Phi Don cost about 800 to 1,800 THB per person. If you're staying on the island, book the early-morning departure.
13Rock climbing at Tonsai
Tonsai has good limestone routes for beginners and experienced climbers. Half-day courses cost about 1,500 to 2,000 THB.
14Beach fire shows
Fire shows run most nights on the beach, usually starting around 10pm. Popular spots include Slinky Beach Bar, Carlito's and Sunflower Beach Bar.
15Explore Tonsai Village
Tonsai is the island's hub, packed with cafés, shops, dive centres and tour desks. It's lively and can be noisy at night, so stay elsewhere if you're a light sleeper.
Sourced from thainationalparks.com's Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, tisland.travel's Maya Bay reopens on 1 October 2026, phuket101.net's Maya Bay 2026, travelwithpau.com's Koh Phi Phi bucket list 2026, Tripadvisor's Maya Bay 400 THB fees review, adventure-thailand.com's Koh Phi Phi guide, easy-go-thailand.com's Koh Phi Phi island guide 2026, nomadasaurus.com's 18 best things to do in Koh Phi Phi, Tripadvisor's best cheap things to do in Ko Phi Phi Don, theworldtravelguy.com's Phi Phi Island travel guide, holidaytribe.ai's Phi Phi Island tour guide 2026 and simbaseatrips.com's things to do in Phi Phi.
Practical tips
Stay at least two nights on Phi Phi Don. Day-trippers miss early Maya Bay visits, viewpoint sunsets and calm morning snorkelling.
Book the first Maya Bay boat of the day. You'll beat the day-tour crowds from Phuket and Krabi.
Carry cash for park fees, viewpoint fees and pier fees. Ask for a ticket every time you pay.
Plan your trip between November and April. Seas are calmest then. Maya Bay is also open.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking a Phi Phi trip in August or September expecting to see Maya Bay. It's closed for coral recovery.
- Packing for a swim in Maya Bay. Wading is limited to knee depth.
- Feeding or getting close to the monkeys at Monkey Beach. They can grab bags and bite.
- Paying a park fee without a ticket. You may be asked to pay again.