Updated: June 2025
Looking for the best ways to enjoy paradise? Here’s our ultimate guide to the top 10 things to do in Koh Phi Phi—from thrilling adventures to unforgettable viewpoints. Make sure you tick each one off your Phi Phi bucket list!
KOH PHI PHI’s BUCKET LIST:
- kayak to monkey beach √
- Hike to the phi phi viewpoint √
- go on a scuba diving trip √
- spend a day on Long Beach √
- visit maya beach √
- chilled day by THE pool √
- visit Bamboo Island √
- swim with fluorescent Plankton √
- enjoy fire-show and beach party √
- hike to the north part of Phi Phi Don √
1. Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard
Explore Phi Phi from a different angle—on the water! You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from Loh Dalum Beach and paddle to nearby gems like Monkey Beach or the serene Nui Bay.
💡 Tip: Don’t forget your snorkel gear—both spots are great for swimming and snorkeling!
🐒 Monkey Beach is around 25 minutes away. Be cautious with food and personal items—cheeky monkeys are known to raid bags!
🌊 Nui Bay is about a 45-minute paddle and offers peaceful surroundings with fewer crowds.
Make sure to secure your belongings to the kayak and avoid bringing snacks to Monkey Beach unless you want to share them with the local wildlife.
2. Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint
Get the best panoramic view of the Phi Phi Islands from the famous Viewpoint Trail. It’s a moderately easy 30 minute hike and offers three stunning viewpoints along the way.
🌅 Sunrise: Head out early if you want a quiet, peaceful moment.
🌇 Sunset: Expect breathtaking views—but also a crowd. It’s one of the most popular sunset spots on the island.
👉 For everything you need to know, including entrance fees and trail tips, check out our full guide: Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
3. Scuba Dive with Sharks and Turtles
Phi Phi’s underwater world is just as magical as the islands themselves. Whether you’re a beginner or a certified diver, you’ll find amazing dive sites filled with:
🐢 Graceful sea turtles
🦈 Reef sharks (harmless and exciting to see!)
🐠 Colorful coral reefs and huge schools of tropical fish
✅ Never dived before? No problem! Join a half-day Discover Scuba Diving course—no experience needed.
👉 Want to dive deeper? See our full guide on dive sites and prices here: Scuba Diving in Koh Phi Phi
4. Enjoy a Day on Long Beach
Long Beach is one of Phi Phi’s most beautiful stretches of sand—perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The calm, clear water makes it a relaxing spot, but it’s also a great place to spot blacktip reef sharks if you’re feeling adventurous.
🐟 Shark Point, located just in front of The Beach Resort, is a well-known snorkeling area where these harmless sharks often cruise around the rocks. Bring your snorkel gear and keep your eyes peeled!
🚶 How to Get There:
Walk the scenic coastal trail from Tonsai town (approx. 30 minutes)
Or take a longtail boat taxi from the pier
💰 100 THB per person (if 3 or more people)
💰 150 THB per person (for 2 people)
This is a great half-day escape if you want a peaceful beach vibe with a little adventure thrown in.
5. Visit the Famous Maya Beach
A trip to Koh Phi Phi isn’t complete without seeing the legendary Maya Beach—made famous by the movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear water, it’s truly one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations.
🌅 Pro tip: Join an early morning tour to experience Maya Beach before the crowds arrive. The midday rush can get overwhelming, so the earlier would be better for peaceful vibes.
👉 You can check out and book early bird tours here: EARLY BIRD TO MAYA BEACH AND PHI PHI LAY
6. Enjoy a Chilled Day by the Pool
Need a break from the beach? Spend a relaxed afternoon at the Princess Resort pool, which offers stunning views over Loh Dalum Bay. It’s a great spot to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy a cocktail or two.
🎧 On DJ days, entry is free—just grab a drink at the bar.
💸 On other days, there’s a 200 THB entrance fee, still worth it for the views and vibes.
🔥 Looking for more energy? Head over to the IBIZA Pool Party, held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 🎶 Free entry, 🎉 Live DJs, 🍹 Non-stop fun from day to night.
Perfect for anyone who wants to mix chill with a splash of party!
7. Visit Bamboo Island
If you’re looking for crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand, Bamboo Island is an absolute must. It’s one of the most stunning islands in the Phi Phi archipelago—and a favorite for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
🏝️ The island is part of a protected national marine park, so there’s a 400 THB park fee (unless you join a tour that includes it).
🛥️ How to get there:
Around 15 minutes by speedboat
Or 45 minutes by longtail boat from Koh Phi Phi
📸 Best way to visit:
Book a private boat for total flexibility and crowd-free moments
Or join a day trip that includes Bamboo Island in its itinerary
8. Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton
One of the most magical experiences you can have in Koh Phi Phi happens after the sun goes down—swimming with bioluminescent plankton.
These tiny organisms glow when disturbed, creating a sparkling light show in the water with every movement. It’s like swimming in stardust! ✨
🌌 To see the glow clearly, you’ll need complete darkness, so it’s best to go out in open water away from town lights.
🚤 How to do it:
Rent a private boat for a more personal, flexible experience
Or join a night tour that includes plankton swimming as part of the itinerary
👉 For more details on tours and pricing, check out: BOAT TOURS AROUND KOH PHI PHI
9. Check Out the Beach Party & Fire Show
When night falls, Koh Phi Phi comes alive with its famous beach parties and fire shows. Around 8 PM, the beach along Loh Dalum Bay lights up with fire dancers spinning, juggling, and performing jaw-dropping tricks to the rhythm of the music.
🔥 Top spots to catch the show:
Slinky’s or Freedom Bar
🎟️ Entry is free—just grab a drink and enjoy the show.
🎶 Looking for a more relaxed vibe? Head over to Carlito’s Bar or Hippies Bar on Tonsai Bay, where you can enjoy a mellow atmosphere with fire performances and chill music.
Whether you’re in the mood to dance barefoot on the sand or just sip a cocktail while watching sparks fly, the beach party scene is a must-see on the island.
10. Spend the Day in the North of the Island
Looking for a peaceful escape from the crowds? Head to the northern part of Koh Phi Phi for a day of relaxation and exploration.
🏝️ Lo Ba Kao Bay is a quiet gem, home to SAII resort and beautiful mangroves. You can get there by:
🚤 Renting a longtail taxi boat
🥾 Hiking over the viewpoint trail (great for active travelers!)
Once there, you’ll find a small local village with authentic Thai restaurants, perfect for a laid-back lunch, and a shop or two for drinks and snacks.
🌿 Feeling adventurous? From Lo Ba Kao you can:
Walk to Loh Lana Beach or Nui Bay
Take a scenic 30-minute hike to the northern tip of the island, Laem Tong Beach
🌴 Want to dive deeper into Phi Phi’s hidden nature trails? Join the JUNGLE TREK —led by passionate local guides and consistently rated as one of the best activities on the island.
I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in Koh Phi Phi and keeps you happily busy exploring all the island has to offer. I truly believe you’ll fall in love with Phi Phi—just like I did!
follow me on my Instagram @phiphiisland_diary
