Looking for the ultimate 4-day Koh Phi Phi itinerary?
Updated: June 2025
Koh Phi Phi is truly unlike anywhere else in Thailand. Beyond the iconic postcard-perfect views of Maya Bay that you see in brochures and on Instagram, this island paradise offers so much more.
I highly recommend staying on the island for a few nights to fully experience its natural beauty and unique underwater world. Where else in Thailand can you snorkel alongside reef sharks or swim in the crystal-clear waters of one of Asia’s most stunning lagoons?
This carefully crafted Koh Phi Phi itinerary highlights some of the best things to do on the island and will make you fall in love with its charm.
Don’t just come for a one-day trip—the real magic happens in the quiet mornings and peaceful afternoons, once the day trippers have left.
Ready to dive into an authentic Koh Phi Phi experience? Here’s my carefully crafted four-day itinerary to help you make the most of paradise on Phi Phi Island.
Before You Go
Timing is everything on Koh Phi Phi — visiting at the right time makes all the difference.
First of all, weather plays a huge role when visiting any island. While Koh Phi Phi is beautiful year-round, if you want to enjoy water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving at their best, I recommend visiting during the high/dry season—from November to April. The prime months for clear water and great visibility are usually January through March.
About 95% of activities and tours operate throughout the year, so there’s no need to worry. However, you’ll likely experience better weather and clearer water during the winter months.
Where to Stay
The location of your hotel plays a big role in how much you enjoy your stay on Koh Phi Phi. The island has four main areas, and I’ll briefly explain each so you can get a better sense of what to expect.
Make sure to book your hotel well in advance. Unlike larger islands, Phi Phi fills up quickly—especially during Thai holidays, Christmas, and New Year, when all the best accommodations are often booked months ahead.
All hotels are located on the main island, Phi Phi Don. The surrounding islands are part of the national park and are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach hopping adventures.
Tonsai Bay is a great spot to stay. Both ends of the bay feature lovely hotels and beautiful beaches for swimming. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the town center, yet it feels like a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Some great options here include Mama Beach Residence and, on the opposite end, Phi Phi Villa Resort and U-rip Resort.
One of my personal favorites is Long Beach. This area is ideal if you’re after a quieter, more relaxing stay with a stunning beach and excellent snorkeling right off your hotel’s doorstep. Check out The Beach Resort or Phi Phi Paradise Bungalows for a memorable stay.
For those seeking a romantic getaway or honeymoon vibe, the northern part of the island along Leam Tong Beach and Loh Ba Kao Bay is perfect. Here you’ll find luxury 5-star resorts like Saii, Holiday Resort, or Zeavola. Keep in mind, these secluded beaches are about 30–40 minutes from the pier, so they’re less convenient if you want to explore town frequently or join day trips.
Finally, the heart of the action is in the town and Loh Dalum Bay. This lively area is best for those who want to socialize, party, and enjoy the island’s vibrant nightlife. If you like being close to the buzz but still want a stylish stay, Phi Phi Princess Resort is a great choice. For clean, comfortable rooms right in the middle of town, I recommend P2 Woodloft.
Have a look at all the best hotel options in my latest post:
HOTELS IN KOH PHI PHI
Your First Night
Once you’ve settled in and found your bearings, it’s time to start soaking up the island vibes. After the boat ride, I highly recommend treating yourself to a relaxing Thai massage—it’s the perfect way to shake off any travel fatigue.
After that, head over to Loh Dalum Bay for some sunset cocktails. This beach is known for its incredible views as the sun dips behind the cliffs, casting golden light across the bay. It’s a beautiful and laid-back way to ease into your first evening on Phi Phi Island.
Check out Baan Sabai Massage on Soi Plabai Road—the ladies there are always kind and professional. I also love Anita Massage for its peaceful atmosphere and the best relaxing foot massages on the island.
After your massage, take a leisurely stroll through town toward Loh Dalum Bay. It’s the perfect time for a drink with a view. Stop at Freedom Bar or Cottage Bar—both are great spots for a sunset cocktail or a cold beer. Just don’t get too carried away—you’ll have an early start the next morning.
Dinner
For dinner, I recommend Aqua Restaurant. It has a lovely atmosphere and serves a good mix of Thai and Western dishes, along with some excellent cocktails. During the high season, make sure to book a table in advance—it’s often fully booked every evening.
Helpful Tip
If it’s your first time in Phi Phi, the little streets and narrow alleyways can feel a bit disorienting at first. Don’t worry—everyone feels that way! I recommend picking a landmark or a familiar shop near your hotel to use as your orientation point. It makes navigating the island a lot easier until you get your bearings.
Day 1: Explore the islands
EXPLORE EARLY
Start your first full day in Koh Phi Phi with the sunrise—or as early as you can manage. Timing your visit to Maya Bay is everything. To truly enjoy this iconic spot, you’ll want to get there early in the morning, before 9 a.m. The beach starts to fill up quickly with day-trippers around mid-morning, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., it becomes extremely crowded. Visiting outside of these peak hours will give you a far more peaceful and magical experience of this stunning national park.
It’s best to get an early start on day one so you can beat the crowds. I recommend starting your Maya Bay adventure between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.—this is when the beach is at its most peaceful, and you’ll have a chance to enjoy the bay before the tour boats arrive.
The best way to explore is by renting a private long-tail boat. This gives you total flexibility—you’re not tied to any group schedule, and you can stay at each location as long as you like. The cost for a 6-hour private tour is around 4,500 THB, and most captains are happy to start as early as 6:00 a.m.
If you’re traveling solo or on a lower budget, don’t worry—you can still experience the beauty of Maya Bay and the surrounding islands by joining a group trip. There are plenty of well-run options for both half-day and full-day tours, with prices starting from 650 THB per person (plus an additional 400 THB for the national park fee).
Some of the most beautiful places you should visit apart from Maya Bay Beach are the Lagoon, Viking Cave, Shark Point, Bamboo Island, and Wang Long Bay with Nui Bay. You will be amazed by the crystal clear waters around Phi Phi Lay and Bamboo Island and enjoy some lovely snorkeling and beach hopping.
Don’t forget Phi Phi Lay and Bamboo Island are a national park and will have to pay entry 400THB per person.
AFTERNOON
After all the snorkeling and island hopping, you’d want to relax on the beach or by the pool.
If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, consider visiting Phi Phi Princess Resort. On weekends, the vibe is chilled with great music, and you can buy a drink, order tasty food, and enjoy their pool (there is usually some small entry fee).
For party lovers, don’t miss the famous Ibiza Pool Party held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday—perfect for mixing a little fun with your island relaxation. Free entry when you buy drink.
EVENING
Enjoy some authentic local Thai food at Pa Jit Restaurant or grab a comforting meal at Only Noodles.
On your way to the party beach, stop by Paddy Shack near the Irish Bar for one of Phi Phi’s infamous bucket drinks — the Strawberry Daiquiri bucket is a great way to kick off your night.
The fire show at Loh Dalum Bay starts around 9 pm, followed by dancing and fun beach games. The heart of the party is Slinky Bar and Freedom Bar, where the night really comes alive.
If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, head over to Dojo Bar or Hippies Bar on the other side of the bay. Sip on cocktails while watching the sun set over Tonsai pier, all to the soundtrack of chilled tunes.
Day 2: Exploring Phi Phi Don
Day two of the perfect Phi Phi itinerary is all about exploring the beaches of Phi Phi Don.
MORNING
For a great start to your day, head to Cafe 9.89 or Bakery Hut by Payjay for lovely coffee and a delicious selection of pastries and breakfast options.
After breakfast, take a stroll through town and along the coastline to the beautiful Long Beach — my favorite beach on Koh Phi Phi. The scenic walk leads you through lush forest and past small secluded beaches, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Long Beach stretches for about a kilometer, boasting crystal-clear waters and soft sand. At the far end, you can try snorkeling at Shark Point, a rock formation where you might spot small reef sharks if you’re lucky.
For a bite or refreshment, stop by the Paradise Bungalows Resort restaurant, or treat yourself to a refreshing coconut shake at The Beach Resort Restaurant.
When you’re ready to leave, you can either walk back or take a taxi boat to the port — it costs 300 THB for two people, or 100 THB per person if there are more passengers.
AFTERNOON
After a midday break, get ready for a rewarding hike up to the Phi Phi Viewpoint. This is the perfect spot to soak in the iconic panoramic views of the Phi Phi Islands, especially magical during sunset.
For all the details on how to get there, the best times to visit, and what to expect, check out: Phi Phi Viewpoints.
If you love trekking and want to dive deeper into the island’s hidden gems, definitely book the JUNGLE TREK. It’s one of my favorite activities on Phi Phi — an amazing way to explore multiple viewpoints, wander through lush jungle trails, and catch some stunning sunset vistas.
DINNER
Eat like a local and explore the vibrant Phi Phi Talad food market near the main port. Here, you can sample authentic Thai dishes, fresh seafood, flavorful soups, and for dessert, traditional Thai sweets and fresh fruit.
After a day of exploring, have an early night to recharge for tomorrow’s adventures. Treat yourself to a relaxing head and neck massage and enjoy a quiet evening in.
Day 3: Scuba Diving
Koh Phi Phi is the perfect place to try scuba diving, where you’ll be amazed by the stunning beauty of the deeper waters around the islands. Vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and clear visibility make it an unforgettable underwater experience.
MORNING
The diving trips here are all-inclusive, so you just need to bring a towel and 600 THB for the national park entry fee (collected by park rangers before boarding the dive boat).
During your dives, you can expect to see small reef sharks, sea turtles, vibrant tropical fish, and stunning coral formations — truly an underwater paradise!
Tip: Hire an underwater photographer to capture your amazing diving experience! Prices start from around 2,500 THB — a perfect way to keep those unforgettable moments forever.
AFTERNOON
You can find kayaking and paddleboard rentals right on the beach. Take a kayak or SUP out for a couple of hours and explore the stunning bays of Loh Dalum or Tonsai Bay. Gliding over the crystal-clear waters and spotting vibrant marine life beneath you is truly spectacular.
For the best experience, head to Monkey Bay and Nui Bay—these spots offer some of the most beautiful and peaceful paddling adventures around Koh Phi Phi.
COCKTAIL HOUR
Check out Only Bar (now Zeus Bar), perched on the hill at the end of Loh Dalum Bay. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy refreshing drinks while soaking in stunning panoramic views. If you time your visit around 5 pm, you’ll catch the best sunset on the island—a truly magical experience!
End the night with a few drinks on the beach.
On Koh Phi Phi, every night feels like the weekend — there are parties and fun happening any night you’re there. So no matter when you visit, you can dive right into the island’s vibrant nightlife vibe!
Day 4: Explore the North of the Island
At the very north part of Phi Phi Don are couple secluded beaches where you can escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet. These beaches also have some lovely hotels where you can have a relaxing lunch while taking in the beautiful scenery.
To get there, you can take a taxi boat, walk over the viewpoint, or use the shuttle boat service to Leam Tong. The first shuttle boat leaves from Tonsai Pier at 9:40 am, costing 400 THB per person, and drops you off at the northern part of the island.
Once you arrive at Leam Tong Beach, you can take a scenic 30-minute walk along the coast to Loh Ba Kao, where you can explore the local village and mangrove forests.
After a leisurely lunch, you can make your way back to town by walking over the viewpoint, taking a long-tail boat taxi, or catching the last shuttle boat back to the port at 2 pm.
This trip offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the main town.
…after some much needed rest, get ready for a unique experience at night!
SUNSET TRIP WITH NIGHT SWIMMING
What better way to end your Phi Phi Island vacation than with a magical sunset on a beautiful beach, followed by night snorkeling with glowing bioluminescent plankton?
This experience feels like something out of a dream — as the sun sets and the sky turns golden, you’ll find yourself floating in warm waters, surrounded by tiny lights twinkling beneath the surface.
The trip usually starts in the late afternoon and returns around 19:30, just after the sun has dipped below the horizon. It’s the perfect final adventure — peaceful, unique, and unforgettable. A truly special way to say goodbye to paradise.
End the night with a game of pool and the coldest beers on the island! After your glowing plankton adventure, head back into town and unwind in one of the cozy local bars. Grab an icy beer, challenge your travel buddies to a friendly pool match, and soak in the laid-back island vibes one last time. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your Phi Phi adventure — relaxed, fun, and full of good memories.
Check out the cozy Relax Bar on the main party beach — a rooftop favorite among locals with great views and a chilled vibe.
For live music, head to Kong Siam Bar, where the band keeps the energy high and the beers cold. A perfect way to wrap up your last night on Phi Phi!
Bonus
Staying a bit longer on Phi Phi Island? It’s the perfect chance to get your PADI certification! It only takes three to four days, and you’ll have an amazing time earning your scuba license in paradise.
If diving isn’t your thing, join one of the famous party boats — hop aboard the PIRATE BOAT or BLANCO PARTY BOAT . There’s always something happening on the island, with daily activities and trips to keep the fun going.
Check out all the tours and adventures waiting for you here: Phi Phi Island trips and activities.
Screenshot here:
DAY 0, ARRIVAL
Sunset drink at Freedom or Cottage Bar
Dinner at Acqua Restaurant
DAY 1
Early morning boat trip
Afternoon at Princess Pool
Dinner at Only Noodles
Fireshow & Beach Party
DAY 2
Long Beach
Jungle Trek & Viewpoint
Dinner at Local Market
DAY 3
Scuba Diving
Kayaking or SUP from Loh Dalum Bay
Dinner & sunset drinks
DAY 4
Exploring Leam Tong and Loh Ba Kao Bay
Sunset trip with glowing plankton
Evening drinks in the town
DAY 5, DEPARTURE
Screenshot here:
DAY 0, ARRIVAL
Sunset drink at Freedom or Cottage Bar
Dinner at Aqua Restaurant
DAY 1
Early morning boat trip
Afternoon at Princess Pool
Dinner at Only Noodles
Fireshow & Beach Party
DAY 2
Walk to Long Beach
Jungle Trek & Viewpoint
Dinner at Local Market
DAY 3
Scuba Diving
Kayaking or SUP from Loh Dalum Bay
Dinner& sunset drinks
DAY 4
Exploring Leam Tong and Loh Ba Kao Bay
Sunset trip with glowing plankton
Evening drinks in the town
DAY 5, DEPARTURE
