Top 12 Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi – Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors

Imagine turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, golden beaches, and a vibrant island vibe—that's Koh Phi Phi, one of Thailand’s most famous island destinations. As your virtual tour guide, I’ll help you explore everything that makes Koh Phi Phi such a must-visit paradise: breathtaking landscapes, underwater wonders, nightlife, and hidden gems.
 

Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or island romance, Koh Phi Phi offers an unforgettable tropical experience that perfectly blends natural beauty with Thai hospitality.

Quick Facts About Koh Phi Phi

📍 Location: Krabi Province, Southern Thailand

🏝️ Archipelago: 6 islands (Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are the most famous)

🚫 Cars: No cars or motorbikes on the islands

🎒 Best for: Backpackers, couples, divers, beach lovers

📅 Best time to visit: November – April (dry season)

The Islands of Koh Phi Phi

1. Koh Phi Phi Don – The Heart of the Action

The only inhabited island in the group, Phi Phi Don is where you’ll find hotels, bars, restaurants, beaches, and tour operators. It’s the hub for all adventures and the best place to base your stay.

2. Koh Phi Phi Leh – Home of Maya Bay

Uninhabited and part of a protected marine park, Phi Phi Leh is famous for Maya Bay, featured in the movie The Beach. It’s a day-trip destination and a key part of any visit to the Phi Phi Islands.

Top Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi

1. 🏖️ Visit Maya Bay

Arguably the most famous beach in Thailand, Maya Bay reopened in recent years with conservation limits. It’s a picture-perfect crescent of soft white sand surrounded by towering cliffs.

✔️ Visit by boat on a guided tour

✔️ Swimming may be restricted (check ahead)

✔️ Limit visitor numbers to protect marine life

Quick Summary: Maya Bay is a must-see. Come early to avoid crowds and respect nature rules.

2. 📸 Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint

Get your camera ready! The short but steep hike to the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the twin bays: Ton Sai and Loh Dalum.

⏱️ Time: ~20–30 minutes

🥵 Wear good shoes and bring water

💰 Entry fee: ~30 THB

Quick Summary: A great way to catch sunrise or sunset while overlooking the island’s unique shape.

3. 🐠 Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

Koh Phi Phi is part of a marine national park known for coral reefs, sea turtles, and tropical fish. You can snorkel right off the beach or go on a diving tour.

Popular Sites:

Shark Point – See reef sharks up close

Bida Nok & Bida Nai – Teeming with marine life

King Cruiser Wreck – A top wreck dive site

Quick Summary: Phi Phi is a diver’s dream, with vibrant coral and accessible dive schools.

4. 🚤 Take an Island-Hopping Boat Tour

Hire a private longtail boat or join a group tour to explore hidden lagoons, caves, and beaches.

Top Stops:

Viking Cave – Historic site and swallow nest harvesting

Pileh Lagoon – A turquoise bay perfect for swimming

Monkey Beach – Home to playful macaques

Quick Summary: Customize your own island-hopping route for a day of exploration and relaxation.

5. 🌊 Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Rent a kayak and paddle out from Loh Dalum or Long Beach to nearby coves and viewpoints.

🛶 Easy and cheap activity (around 100–200 THB/hr)

📸 Great for photos and quiet exploration

Quick Summary: A peaceful way to enjoy Phi Phi’s coastline and explore on your own.

6. 🌅 Watch the Sunset

Koh Phi Phi has some of the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand.

Best Sunset Spots:

Phi Phi Viewpoint

Loh Dalum Bay

Beach bars at Long Beach

Quick Summary: Grab a cocktail, sit back, and watch the sky light up with color.

7. 🎉 Experience Phi Phi’s Nightlife

When the sun goes down, the beach parties begin.

Top Spots:

Slinky Bar – Live fire shows and DJs

Stones Bar – More relaxed with beanbags and drinks

Blanco Boat Party – A famous party at sea

Quick Summary: Expect music, fire shows, and fun until late—but don’t worry, quieter areas exist too.

8. 🍛 Take a Thai Cooking Class

Learn to make pad Thai, green curry, or mango sticky rice from local chefs.

Popular Cooking Schools:

Pum Thai Restaurant & Cooking School

Phi Phi Cooking School

Quick Summary: A tasty way to take Thai culture home with you.

9. 🧘‍♀️ Relax with a Beach Massage

After all the hiking and snorkeling, treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage right on the beach.

💆 Available all over Phi Phi Don

🕯️ Affordable: 300–500 THB/hr

Quick Summary: Rejuvenate with a beachfront massage and fall asleep to the sound of waves.

Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi

Budget:

Blanco Beach Hostel – Great for backpackers and parties

Freedom Hostel – Clean and central

Ibiza House – Social and poolside

Mid-range:

Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort – Stunning views and peaceful

Phi Phi Villa Resort – Central with good amenities

Luxury:

Zeavola Resort – Eco-luxury and ideal for couples

SAii Phi Phi Island Village – Private beach and upscale dining

Quick Summary: Party in the center or relax at the island’s quiet northern beaches.

Where to Eat in Koh Phi Phi

Unni’s Restaurant – Western-Thai fusion

Anna’s Restaurant – Great vegetarian options

ACQUA – Italian food with a view

Papaya Restaurant – Local favorite for Thai food

Quick Summary: Whether it’s pad Thai or pizza, Koh Phi Phi’s food scene won’t disappoint.

When to Visit Koh Phi Phi

Quick Summary: November to April is ideal, but off-season has its perks too.

How to Get to Koh Phi Phi

From Phuket:

🚢 Ferry: ~2 hours

🚤 Speedboat: ~1 hour

From Krabi:

🚢 Ferry: ~1.5 hours

🚤 Speedboat: ~45 minutes

All boats arrive at Ton Sai Pier on Phi Phi Don.

Quick Summary: Ferries and speedboats are frequent, and hotels often help with bookings.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrive and check in

Hike to the viewpoint

Sunset and beach dinner

Day 2:

Island-hopping tour (Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon)

Snorkeling at Shark Point

Party at Loh Dalum Beach

Day 3:

Thai cooking class or kayak trip

Relax at Long Beach

Ferry back to Phuket/Krabi

Responsible Travel Tips

🥤 Use reusable water bottles (free refills are available)

🌱 Choose eco-friendly tours

🚯 Don’t litter beaches or touch coral

🐒 Don’t feed monkeys or disturb wildlife

Quick Summary: Keep Koh Phi Phi beautiful for future generations.

Final Thoughts

Koh Phi Phi is more than just a postcard-perfect island. It’s a vibrant destination with nature, nightlife, and adventure, all packed into one breathtaking place. Whether you’re a solo traveler or on a honeymoon, your time on Phi Phi will leave you with memories of crystal waters, colorful reefs, and unforgettable sunsets.

Ready to plan your tropical getaway? Koh Phi Phi is waiting for you.