13 Best Things to Do in Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, the Phi Phi Islands are likely to be high on your list. With turquoise water, dramatic limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches and some of Thailand’s most famous scenery, it’s easy to see why so many travellers make their way here.
But with so many things to do in Phi Phi Islands, it can be difficult to know what is actually worth adding to your itinerary.
During our stay, we wanted to see the famous sights but also experience more of what Phi Phi has to offer. Instead of joining a group tour, we decided to hire a private longtail boat, which allowed us to explore at our own pace. We spent time snorkelling, swimming alongside blacktip reef sharks, spotting colourful parrotfish and visiting some of the incredible bays and beaches around the islands.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best things to do in Phi Phi Islands, including the famous attractions, the experiences we loved and a few tips to help you make the most of your time here.
I’d write these sections in your usual personal, practical style, with enough detail to be useful without making each section too long.
Best Things to Do in Phi Phi Islands
There is so much more to Phi Phi than simply visiting Maya Bay. While the famous sights are definitely worth seeing, some of our favourite moments came from being out on the water, snorkelling and exploring the quieter parts of the islands.
1. Visit Maya Bay
1. Visit Maya Bay
Maya Bay is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Phi Phi Islands. Made famous by The Beach, this incredible stretch of white sand surrounded by towering limestone cliffs has become one of Thailand’s most recognisable sights.
Maya Bay is located on Phi Phi Leh, the smaller and uninhabited island next to Phi Phi Don. The scenery looks incredible in photos, with crystal-clear turquoise water and huge limestone cliffs rising around the bay.
Unfortunately, we visited Phi Phi in September, when Maya Bay was closed for its annual conservation period, so we were unable to visit it ourselves. It was definitely disappointing as it was one of the places we had hoped to see during our stay.
If Maya Bay is high on your Thailand bucket list, September is a month you’ll want to avoid. The bay typically closes during this period to allow the environment and marine life to recover, although exact closure dates can vary from year to year.
Even though we couldn’t visit, I still wanted to include Maya Bay in this guide because it is such a major part of the Phi Phi experience. If you’re planning your trip around seeing it, make sure you check the latest opening dates before booking your accommodation and boat trips.
2. Explore Pileh Lagoon
Pileh Lagoon was another highlight of our time around Phi Phi Leh.
After seeing so many photos of this place before our trip, I wasn’t sure whether it would actually live up to expectations. Thankfully, it did. The lagoon is surrounded by enormous limestone cliffs and the water was an incredible shade of turquoise.
Unlike Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon is somewhere you can actually get into the water, making it a great stop if you enjoy swimming.
We visited as part of our private longtail boat trip, and being able to jump into the water and take our time here made the experience even better. The scenery is spectacular from the boat, but being surrounded by those huge cliffs while swimming made it feel completely different.
If you’re planning a boat trip around Phi Phi, I’d definitely make sure Pileh Lagoon is included.
3. Go Snorkelling in Phi Phi
If you love being in the water, snorkelling should be high on your list of things to do in Phi Phi Islands.
The clear water around the islands makes it easy to see plenty of marine life, and there are several different spots where you can stop for a swim and snorkel.
We were lucky enough to see loads of colourful fish during our trip, including parrotfish, as well as blacktip reef sharks at Shark Point.
One of the things I loved about snorkelling around Phi Phi was that every stop felt slightly different. Some areas had colourful fish around the rocks, while others gave us the chance to see larger marine life.
You don’t need to be an experienced snorkeller either. Many boat trips include snorkelling equipment, although I’d recommend checking this when booking.
4. Swim with Blacktip Reef Sharks at Shark Point
One of the most memorable things we did in Phi Phi was snorkelling at Shark Point.
As the name suggests, this is an area where blacktip reef sharks can often be spotted. We were lucky enough to see several while swimming and snorkelling in the water.
I’ll admit that I was slightly nervous at first. Swimming into the water knowing there could be sharks underneath you sounds quite intimidating! However, seeing them in their natural environment was an amazing experience.
The blacktip reef sharks we saw kept their distance and were much more interested in swimming around the reef than us.
We also saw loads of colourful parrotfish, which made the snorkelling even more enjoyable.
If you’re visiting Shark Point, remember that these are wild animals. Give them plenty of space, don’t try to touch or chase them, and follow the instructions of your boat crew or guide.
For us, Shark Point was one of the biggest highlights of our Phi Phi trip and definitely an experience I’d recommend adding to your itinerary if you enjoy snorkelling.
5. Take a Private Longtail Boat Trip
One of our favourite things we did in Phi Phi was hiring a private longtail boat to explore the surrounding islands.
We didn’t really fancy joining one of the larger group tours, so we decided to book a private boat instead. It cost us 1,500 baht for the boat, and for us, it was well worth it.
Having a private boat meant we could choose where we wanted to go and spend more time at the places we enjoyed. We weren’t tied to a strict group itinerary or constantly worrying about keeping up with a large tour group.
Our trip included some of the best places around Phi Phi, including snorkelling spots and beautiful areas of coastline. It also meant we could spend more time in the water, which was exactly what we wanted from our day.
If you’re travelling as a couple or a small group, I would definitely look into the cost of a private longtail boat before automatically booking a group tour. Depending on how many people you have, the price can work out surprisingly reasonable when split between everyone.
6. Visit Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is another popular stop around Phi Phi and is exactly what you’d expect from the name: a beautiful beach where you can often spot monkeys.
The beach itself is surrounded by the dramatic limestone scenery that Phi Phi is famous for, making it a popular stop on boat trips around the island.
The monkeys are wild animals, so it’s important to keep your distance and never feed or try to touch them. They may look cute, but they can become aggressive, particularly if they think you have food.
Monkey Beach is usually a fairly quick stop rather than somewhere you need to spend hours, but it’s worth adding to your boat itinerary if you’d like to see some of Phi Phi’s wildlife.
7. Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint
If you’re looking for one of the best views on Phi Phi Don, make your way up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint.
The viewpoint looks down over the narrow part of the island between Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay, giving you that classic postcard view of Phi Phi.
The climb is fairly steep in places, so take some water and give yourself plenty of time. You’ll definitely feel the walk, particularly in Thailand’s heat, but the view at the top makes it worthwhile.
I’d recommend going earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when temperatures aren’t quite as intense. It’s also a great way to see just how small the central part of Phi Phi Don actually is.
8. Relax on Long Beach
After spending time exploring Phi Phi by boat, sometimes you just want to slow down and have a proper beach day.
Long Beach is a great option for this. It’s away from the busiest parts of Tonsai and offers a more relaxed atmosphere, making it a good place to spend a few hours swimming, sunbathing or simply enjoying the views.
The water is clear and the beach has beautiful views across to the surrounding islands.
Long Beach is also close to Shark Point, so if you’re interested in snorkelling, you can combine the two and make a day of it.
If you find the centre of Phi Phi a little too busy, Long Beach is definitely somewhere I’d consider visiting.
9. Explore Tonsai Village
Don’t spend your entire time on Phi Phi out on the water. Take some time to wander around Tonsai Village and explore the centre of Phi Phi Don.
Tonsai is where you’ll find most of the island’s restaurants, shops, bars, cafés and tour operators. It’s also a good place to grab something to eat or pick up anything you might need during your stay.
One of the nice things about Phi Phi Don is that you can explore much of the central area on foot. There are no cars taking you from one attraction to another, so wandering through the little streets is part of the experience.
It’s also worth exploring during both the day and evening, as the atmosphere changes considerably once the sun goes down.
10. Visit Viking Cave
Viking Cave is located on Phi Phi Leh and is another popular stop on boat trips around the islands.
The cave is famous for the paintings found on its walls, including drawings of boats that are thought to have been created by sailors who sheltered in the cave.
Today, visitors generally see Viking Cave from the water rather than entering the cave itself, so don’t expect to spend a huge amount of time here.
We viewed it as part of our boat trip, and while it wasn’t the main highlight of our day, it was an interesting stop to see while exploring Phi Phi Leh.
If you’re booking a boat trip that visits Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave is often included along the way, so you may not need to arrange a separate visit.
11. Take a Trip to Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island is another popular day-trip destination near Phi Phi and is known for its beautiful white sand and clear turquoise water.
The island is much smaller and quieter than Phi Phi Don, making it a lovely place to spend some time swimming, relaxing on the beach and enjoying the scenery.
Bamboo Island is often included on longer boat trips around the Phi Phi Islands, although it can also be visited as part of a separate island-hopping trip.
If you’re already planning a full day on the water, it’s worth checking whether Bamboo Island can be added to your itinerary. Just be aware that popular boat stops can get busy, particularly during the peak season.
12. Watch the Sunset in Phi Phi
Watching the sunset is one of those simple things to do in Phi Phi that doesn’t require booking a tour or spending any money.
After a busy day of exploring the islands and snorkelling, finding somewhere to sit and watch the sun go down is a great way to slow things down.
Loh Dalum Bay is a popular place to watch the sunset, with the surrounding limestone cliffs creating a beautiful backdrop as the sky changes colour.
If you’re staying on Phi Phi Don, I’d definitely recommend checking the sunset time and finding a spot with a good view. It’s an easy addition to your evening and a nice break from the busier side of Phi Phi.
13. Experience Phi Phi’s Nightlife
Phi Phi is well known for its nightlife, particularly around Tonsai and Loh Dalum Bay.
Once the sun goes down, the island becomes much livelier, with beach bars, music and plenty of places to grab a drink. Loh Dalum is particularly popular for its beach bars and evening atmosphere.
You don’t have to be a big party person to enjoy an evening in Phi Phi either. There are plenty of restaurants and quieter bars if you simply want to have dinner and enjoy the atmosphere.
If you are looking for a peaceful night’s sleep, however, where you stay in Phi Phi matters. Some areas close to the main nightlife can be noisy late into the night, so it’s worth checking the location of your accommodation before booking.
For us, Phi Phi was about much more than partying, but it was still interesting to see how different the island felt once the sun went down.
Tips for Visiting Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi is beautiful, but there are a few things I wish I’d known before visiting. From the heat to the number of boats around the popular spots, a little preparation can make your time on the islands much more enjoyable.
Get Up Early for Popular Attractions
If there are particular places you really want to see, getting up early is worth it.
Popular attractions such as Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and the Phi Phi Viewpoint can become busy, especially during the peak season. Starting your day early can mean cooler temperatures and fewer people around.
We also found that having a private longtail boat gave us more flexibility with our day, as we weren’t tied to the schedule of a large group tour.
Bring Plenty of Water and Sun Protection
Thailand can get extremely hot, and spending hours out on a boat makes the heat feel even stronger.
Make sure you take plenty of water with you, along with sun cream, sunglasses and a hat. If you’re planning to snorkel or spend a lot of time in the water, reapply your sun cream regularly.
I’d also recommend taking a dry bag for your phone, camera and other valuables. Even when the sea looks calm, getting on and off a longtail boat can involve getting wet.
Respect Marine Life
One of the biggest highlights of our Phi Phi trip was seeing marine life in its natural environment, including blacktip reef sharks and colourful parrotfish.
It’s important to remember that these are wild animals. Don’t chase, touch or feed marine life, and give animals plenty of space.
If you’re snorkelling near sharks, stay calm and follow the instructions of your guide or boat crew. Watching the animals from a respectful distance is far better than trying to get a closer photograph.
Check Maya Bay Restrictions Before You Visit
If visiting Maya Bay is one of the main reasons you’re travelling to Phi Phi, check the current opening dates before booking your trip.
We visited in September, when Maya Bay was closed for its annual conservation period, so unfortunately we weren’t able to visit.
This was disappointing as Maya Bay was high on our list, so if it’s somewhere you really want to see, I’d recommend planning your trip around its opening period rather than assuming it will be accessible all year round.
The exact closure dates can change, so always check the latest information before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Things to Do in Phi Phi Islands
What is Phi Phi Islands famous for?
The Phi Phi Islands are famous for their dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise water, beautiful beaches and incredible marine life. Maya Bay is probably the most well-known attraction, thanks to its appearance in The Beach. The islands are also popular for snorkelling, boat trips, swimming and nightlife.
How many days do you need in Phi Phi Islands?
I would recommend spending at least 2 nights in Phi Phi Islands if you have the time. This gives you enough time to explore Phi Phi Don, take a boat trip around the surrounding islands, go snorkelling and enjoy some time on the beaches without rushing.
If you only have one day, you can still see some of the highlights, but staying overnight gives you a much better chance to experience Phi Phi after the day-trippers have left.
Is Phi Phi Island good for snorkelling?
Yes, Phi Phi is a great destination for snorkelling. The surrounding waters are home to plenty of colourful fish and other marine life, and there are several popular snorkelling spots around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh.
We particularly enjoyed snorkelling at Shark Point, where we were lucky enough to see blacktip reef sharks as well as loads of colourful parrotfish.
Can you swim with sharks in Phi Phi?
Yes, it is possible to see and swim near blacktip reef sharks while snorkelling around Phi Phi. Shark Point is one of the places where they can often be spotted.
We were lucky enough to see several during our trip. They kept their distance and were more interested in swimming around the reef than us.
Remember that these are wild animals, so never chase, touch or feed them. Give them plenty of space and follow the advice of your guide or boat crew.
Is Maya Bay worth visiting?
Maya Bay is one of the most famous attractions in Thailand and is certainly worth considering if it’s on your bucket list. However, your experience will depend on when you visit.
We visited Phi Phi in September, when Maya Bay was closed for its annual conservation period, so unfortunately we weren’t able to see it ourselves.
If Maya Bay is one of your main reasons for visiting Phi Phi, make sure you check the current opening dates before planning your trip, as the bay can close during certain periods of the year.
Can you visit Phi Phi Islands without a boat tour?
Yes. You can stay on Phi Phi Don without booking a boat tour and spend your time exploring the beaches, viewpoints, restaurants and village on foot.
However, many of the most impressive sights are around the surrounding islands and are easiest to reach by boat. If you want to visit places such as Pileh Lagoon, Shark Point or other snorkelling spots, you’ll need some form of boat trip.
We chose to hire a private longtail boat, which gave us much more flexibility than joining a group tour.
What is the best beach in Phi Phi Islands?
There isn’t necessarily one best beach, as it depends on what you’re looking for. Long Beach is a great option if you want somewhere more relaxed away from the centre of Phi Phi Don, while Loh Dalum Bay is closer to the main village and nightlife.
There are also plenty of beautiful beaches and bays around the surrounding islands that can be visited by boat.
Is Phi Phi Islands expensive?
Phi Phi can be more expensive than some other destinations in Thailand, particularly when it comes to accommodation, food and boat trips. Prices can also vary considerably depending on the time of year and where you stay.
That said, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy Phi Phi. You can explore Tonsai Village, visit beaches, swim and enjoy the scenery without booking an expensive activity every day.
We also found that hiring a private longtail boat for 1,500 baht was a good option for us, particularly because we could split the cost between us and have the boat to ourselves.
Is Phi Phi Islands worth visiting?
For us, yes, Phi Phi Islands were worth visiting. We loved getting out on the water, snorkelling and seeing marine life such as blacktip reef sharks and colourful parrotfish.
I would also recommend staying for at least a couple of nights rather than visiting only as a day trip if you have the time. This gives you more opportunity to explore at your own pace and experience a quieter side of the islands.
Just keep in mind that Phi Phi is popular and can get busy, so choosing where you stay and planning your activities carefully can make a big difference to your experience.
