10 Best Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi With Kids: Family-Friendly Activities
The right beach and the right boat make Phi Phi family-friendly
Koh Phi Phi is famous as a backpacker party island, but it works well for families if you choose the right beach and the right boat. Here are 10 real family-friendly things to do, each with a Google Maps link.
An honest note on medical care and where to stay
1Base yourself on Long Beach
Long Beach (Hat Yao) is widely regarded as the best family beach on Phi Phi. It's far enough from the party scene to be quiet at night, but close enough to Tonsai by longtail. Family-friendly resorts here include SAii Phi Phi Island Village, with two-bedroom family bungalows, pools and a kids' club.
2Snorkel straight from the sand at Long Beach
One of Phi Phi's best free snorkelling reefs sits about 50 metres offshore from Long Beach. Kids who are confident in the water can see fish without a boat trip. Parents can also stay close the whole time.
3Relax on Laem Tong Beach
Laem Tong in the north of Phi Phi Don has a peaceful atmosphere and several family resorts. Phi Phi Holiday Resort here offers family suites, a kids' club, several pools and activities like snorkelling and kayaking.
4Take a family-friendly island tour
A day on the water is the highlight for most families. Choose a stable, spacious boat if you can. Families with young kids or anyone prone to seasickness often prefer catamaran-style boats for shade and a smoother ride. Speedboats suit older kids but can feel bouncy in choppy seas. Check that the operator gives a clear safety briefing and has life jackets sized for children.
5Walk the boardwalk to Maya Bay
Maya Bay's dramatic cliffs impress kids and adults alike. Swimming isn't allowed, so it's an easy visit for little ones who aren't confident swimmers. They can paddle in up to their knees and take in the view. Remember it's closed every year from 1 August to 30 September.
6Swim in Pileh Lagoon
Pileh Lagoon is often called a natural swimming pool, with calm, clear, shallow water enclosed by limestone walls. Older kids can jump in with life jackets straight from the boat. It's also fully enjoyable from the deck for non-swimmers.
7Snorkel at Loh Samah Bay or Bamboo Island
Loh Samah Bay is rated easy and good for beginners and kids, with clownfish, sea cucumbers and giant clams. Bamboo Island suits all levels too. Most operators suggest snorkelling for children who are comfortable in the water and can follow simple instructions, often from around age 7.
8Kayak at Loh Dalum Beach
Loh Dalum's calm, shallow bay is a good spot for a family kayak, with rentals from about 100 to 200 THB per hour. At low tide, kids can wander far out across the sand.
9Watch the monkeys at Monkey Beach, from a distance
Kids love spotting the resident macaques, but keep your distance. They can grab food and bags. One reviewer even describes them as sometimes aggressive. Viewing from the boat is the safest option with young children. Private tours can also skip this stop entirely.
10Catch a family-friendly fire show on Long Beach
Long Beach has a nightly fire show from about 9pm to 10pm, earlier than the late-night shows in Tonsai. It's a fun, relaxed way to end the day without heading into the party zone.
Sourced from getyourguide.com's family-friendly activities in the Phi Phi Islands, smartenplus.co.th's is Koh Phi Phi kid-friendly, lovephukettours.com's family-friendly Phi Phi tour 2026, Tripadvisor's Phi Phi island hospital forum, drewfamilyadventure.com's Koh Phi Phi with kids, divephiphiisland.com's family-friendly paradise on Koh Phi Phi, smartenplus.co.th's staying safe and healthy on Phi Phi Island, easy-go-thailand.com's Koh Phi Phi island guide 2026 and holidaytribe.ai's Phi Phi Island tour guide 2026.
Practical tips
Stay on Long Beach or Laem Tong rather than Tonsai. You'll sleep better and be away from the party crowds.
Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. Serious cases go to the mainland.
Bring child-sized life jackets or confirm the operator has them. Sizes vary between boats.
Plan your trip between November and April. Seas are calmest then, which matters with kids on boats.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking a hotel in Tonsai Village with young kids. Music and bars can run late.
- Choosing the cheapest speedboat tour for toddlers. A bumpy ride can ruin the day.
- Letting kids approach the monkeys. They can bite and steal.
- Assuming the island's hospital can handle serious emergencies. It's set up to stabilise and transfer.