Things to do in Koh Phi Phi – 10 Best Tourist Attractions
Koh Phi Phi, or the Phi Phi Islands, are the location of some of the most strikingly beautiful natural scenery in Thailand. They are instantly recognizable with their massive limestone cliffs, blindingly white sand, sparkling blue ocean and scalloped bays, and traditional Thai long-tail boats pulled up onto the beach. The Phi Phi Islands are actually an archipelago of 6 “islands” – Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest island, with the most tourist activity and infrastructure, Koh Phi Phi Leh, which was the location for the famous film The Beach, and three other tiny islands that are little more than rocky outcrops jutting out of the sea. Find out the 10 Best Tourist Attractions in Koh Phi Phi below!
1. Take postcard-perfect snapshots of maya bay, Koh Phi Phi Don
The most well-known beach in Koh Phi Phi has to be Maya Bay – a stunningly beautiful stretch of beach that is almost always swarming with tourists and full of boats, but still manages to offer exceptional photography opportunities of the seemingly-deserted tropical paradise that lies before you. You can get there by boat – visiting in the early morning or late afternoon is the best time for avoiding the majority of the crowds!
2. Sunbathe on loh moo dee Beach
Looking for a beach where you can zone out and enjoy the tropical island nature? Loh Moo Dee Beach is utterly perfect – large stretches of white sand to relax on, clear blue water, refreshments on sale nearby, and easily accessible by long-tail boat – what more could you ask for? Arrive before 12 pm to enjoy a bit of privacy before other tourists start arriving en masse!
3. explore Koh Phi Phi Don village on foot
Get some supply shopping done, check out how the locals make a living in the tourist trade, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Koh Phi Phi Don village as you explore it on foot.
4. Go snorkelling!
Dive into a colourful underwater world when you go snorkelling in Koh Phi Phi! There are a few excellent snorkelling spots around the 6 islands – simply charter a boat for the day and let your guide take you to the best coral reefs and swimming holes!
5. Watch the sunset from Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
This stunning viewpoint is accessed by a pretty strenuous climb up many stairs, but those who have seen the sun set over the island below have said that the effort to get there is more than worth it. Wear good hiking shoes, take plenty of water with you, and some cash for the entrance fee at the top.
6. Take a look at Viking Cave
Viking Cave is situated on Koh Phi Phi Leh, and it’s the home to hundreds of swallows whose nests are harvested for Bird Nest Soup! You cannot enter the cave (tourists would disturb the birds), but most bat tours of the island pass by the cave and give you a bit of information. Good for a quick and interesting sightseeing trip!
7. Rock climbing & cliff jumping
Are you an adventurous traveller or adrenaline junkie? You should seriously consider rock climbing and cliff jumping when visiting the Phi Phi Islands! Find a good guide and instructor on Koh Phi Phi Don, and take a boat out to one of the climbing locations. Once you have climbed up to a comfortable height, simply jump down into the blue water below!
8. Explore Pileh Bay by sea kayak
Pileh Bay is only accessible by boat, but it so worth the trip! The water is impossibly blue, and instead of a beach, the bay is surrounded by steep, sharp limestone cliffs. Most tourists arrive by boat and stop for swimming and snorkelling, but you can also hire a sea kayak / canoe and paddle in!
9. Go bananas at Monkey Beach!
Get up close and personal with some of the cute and naughty inhabitants of Koh Phi Phi on Monkey Beach! Feed them some fruit, and enjoy the close proximity whilst also respecting boundaries – no touching!
10. enjoy the beautiful scenery at Ao Ton Sai beach
Soak up the beautiful natural scenery at Ao Ton Sai Beach in Koh Phi Phi Don! Settle in for a day of sunbathing, photo-taking, swimming in the blue-green ocean, and generally just enjoying your time in paradise!
Related:
Places to visit in Thailand
Photo by steve higgins2011
