Activities in Koh Phi Phi

Don't make the mistake to just book a day tour to the Phi Phi Islands. You are missing out as there are many activities to do in Koh Phi Phi. In this post we will give you a brief overview of what to do. We recommend to stay at least 3 nights at Koh Phi Phi Don to be able to do all these activities at a relaxed pace. It is also good to have an extra night as buffer in case the weather is not that great.

A woman with a paddle on a kayak next to limestone cliffs and crystal clear water in Koh Phi Phi. — Kayaking is one of the many things to do in Koh Phi Phi

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the most fun activities to do on the island. Simply go to Loh Dalum Beach, where you can find multiple local people renting out their kayak at a cheap rate. For an incredible sunset at sea from the kayak, make sure to leave 1-2 hours before the sunset time.

There are 2 spots that you can visit from Loh Dalum Beach by kayak: Monkey Beach and Nui Bay. Monkey Beach is technically a part of the national park and often park rangers are there. If you want to visit, make sure to bring sufficient cash with you. Otherwise, it is better to visit Nui Bay as you can visit for free. Nui Bay is a gorgeous spot with a small beach where you can swim and snorkel.

Some tips:

It takes about 30-60 minutes one-way to reach Nui Bay or Monkey Beach, depending on the waves and your strength. Make sure to calculate some buffer to be back in time before it is completely dark.
When the waves are very big, it is hard to reach the places and not recommended for your safety.
It is hard to kayak when it is low tide. Check the tide of the day at this link, and preferably go when it is high tide.

A girl posing at the turquoise waters of Maya Bay beach in Koh Phi Phi. — A boat tour to Maya Bay cannot be missed when in Koh Phi Phi

Boat tour to Maya Bay

The highlight when coming to the Phi Phi Islands is without a doubt taking a boat tour. There are many Shared Speedboat Tours and Private Longtail Boat Tours.

A shared tour is perfect if you are traveling solo, whereas a couple or family would perhaps prefer to have more privacy on the private longtail tours.

Discover Phi Phi offers a lot of tours ranging from 4 hours to even 9.5 hours as the longest tour. Check all of our tours at below link, where you can book as well.

Discover All Tours

Sunset at a viewpoint overlooking the island and limestone cliffs, palm trees and sea. — Sunset at the viewpoint is an unforgettable experience

Viewpoints

Most people don't know this, but there are actually 4 viewpoints on Koh Phi Phi Don. Viewpoint 1, 2 and 3 are all overlooking the sunset side. Viewpoint 4 is overlooking the sunrise side, and is not recommended to visit as it is raw jungle now since nobody maintains it.

Do not follow Google Maps to the viewpoints directly, as it will take you through the very long way. Instead, follow this Google Maps link. You will end up at the stairs that are leading to Viewpoint 1. Be prepared and bring a lot of water as the stairs are steep and seem to be never-ending. After 15 minutes you will reach Viewpoint 1. Walk to the hut and you can see pictures of the devastating tsunami in 2004.

Walk 15 minutes more and you will end up at Viewpoint 2. This is arguably the best view that you will get, and also the busiest viewpoint of them all. Especially at sunset it gets really crowded.

If you want less crowds, Viewpoint 3 is the best option and still offers great views. It is 20 minutes more walking in the jungle and there are not many signs leading there. If you are lost, you can ask a local to show you the way. Take mosquito spray as well.

Scuba diving

Koh Phi Phi is one of the best spots in Thailand to do and learn scuba diving. There is an abundance of colorful corals, turtles and fish to be seen. Spot blacktip reef sharks, leopard sharks and when you are really lucky, even a whale shark.

There are scuba diving courses, or you can simply do a fun dive if you have your license already, or do a try dive without any license.

At Discover Phi Phi, we don't offer diving courses. Koh Phi Phi is full of diving shops, simply walk in and ask them about the current offers. The prices in all the shops are more or less the same.

A fire show by locals at the beach in Koh Phi Phi — An entertaining fire show at the beach in Koh Phi Phi

Fire shows

Many bars in Koh Phi Phi are doing a fire show every evening, regardless the season. Be fascinated by the local Thai people showing off their incredible acrobatic skills with fire.

At Loh Dalum Beach you can find the most bars doing a fire show. There are many seats available, just order a drink and enjoy the show. On the southeastern part, Carlito's Bar probably has the best fire show on that side.

Many people in the pool spraying water guns at a party with party flags. — Ibiza Pool Party is the biggest pool party of Thailand

Parties

It is not a secret that Koh Phi Phi is known for its party scene. Don't let that scare you though. If you don't like partying, you can stay at the southeastern part of Koh Phi Phi near Tonsai Pier and you will not be bothered by the party people.

If you do like to party, you are in for a treat! Get ready to drink and dance to cheesy tunes blasting your ears off at the beach. It will surely be a night you will never forget.

Check the calendar of Ibiza Pool Party when you are in Phi Phi. This is a good warm-up for your party day which opens in the afternoon already. In the evening, go to Loh Dalum Beach where you can find the most bars which turn into open-air nightclubs at night.

Woman posing on a longtail boat at Pileh Lagoon in Koh Phi Phi with limestone cliffs at the background. — Enjoying the views from a private longtail boat at Pileh Lagoon

Are you convinced?

As you can see, the Phi Phi Islands are amazing. Lots of things to discover, lots of fun guaranteed on the island. Plan your trip now, and don't hesitate to ask us any questions if you have!