The Best Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi: An Insider's Island Guide

Many travelers make the mistake of visiting the Phi Phi Islands on a rushed, single-day tour. By doing so, you miss out on the incredible culture, vibrant nightlife, and hidden natural gems this archipelago has to offer.

To truly experience the island at a relaxed pace, we highly recommend staying at least 3 nights on Koh Phi Phi Don. Booking an extra night also gives you a perfect safety buffer in case of unpredictable tropical weather.

What to do in Phi Phi Island?

From hidden beaches to world-class diving, here is our definitive guide to the absolute best activities in Koh Phi Phi.

Kayaking is one of the many things to do in Koh Phi Phi

1. Kayaking to Hidden Bays

Kayaking is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the rugged coastline at your own pace. You can easily rent a kayak at a very affordable rate directly from the local operators stationed along Loh Dalum Beach.

Top Tip: For an unforgettable experience, rent your kayak 1 to 2 hours before golden hour to catch a spectacular sunset out on the open sea.

From Loh Dalum Beach, there are two main tropical spots you can paddle to:

• Nui Bay: A gorgeous, secluded inlet with a small beach that offers fantastic swimming and snorkeling. Best of all, it is completely free to visit.

• Monkey Beach: A famous stretch of sand known for its wild residents. Because this beach is technically part of the Phi Phi Islands National Park, park rangers are often stationed here. If you plan to step ashore, make sure to bring sufficient cash for the national park entry fee.

⚠️ Important Kayaking Safety: The paddle to Nui Bay or Monkey Beach takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes each way, depending on your physical fitness and sea conditions. Always check the daily tide tables at this link before heading out—kayaking is significantly easier during high tide. For your safety, avoid paddling if the waves are large, and always give yourself plenty of daylight to return before dark.

A boat tour to Maya Bay cannot be missed when in Koh Phi Phi

2. Take an Island-Hopping Boat Tour to Maya Bay

You cannot leave the Phi Phi Islands without booking an island-hopping boat tour. This is the ultimate way to see legendary locations like Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave.

Depending on your travel style, you can choose between two excellent options:

• Shared Speedboat Tours: The ideal, budget-friendly choice if you are a solo traveler looking to meet like-minded adventurers.

• Private Longtail Boat Tours: A highly personalized experience perfect for couples, families, or groups who want full control over their itinerary and timing.

We offer a wide variety of curated excursions ranging from quick 4-hour highlights to comprehensive 9.5-hour epic day trips.

👉 Click Here to Explore and Book Our Koh Phi Phi Boat Tours Today!

Sunset at one the viewpoints is an unforgettable experience

3. Hike the Famous Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints

While most visitors only know about one or two lookouts, there are actually four distinct viewpoints scattered across the hills of Koh Phi Phi Don. Viewpoints 1, 2, and 3 look west over the iconic sandbar sunset side, while Viewpoint 4 looks toward the sunrise (though Viewpoint 4 is currently overgrown jungle and not recommended for visitors).

• How to Get There: Do not rely on standard Google Maps directions, as they will route you the long way around the island. Instead, use this Custom Google Maps Route to find the exact stairs leading up from the town center.

• Viewpoint 1: A steep, 15-minute climb up the stairs brings you to the first stop. Take a moment to rest at the shaded hut and view the historical photo display dedicated to the devastating 2004 tsunami.

• Viewpoint 2: An additional 15-minute walk brings you to the most popular panoramic view on the island. This spot gets incredibly crowded right at golden hour, so arrive early to secure a good photo spot.

• Viewpoint 3: If you want to escape the crowds, hike another 20 minutes deeper into the jungle trail to reach Viewpoint 3. The path is less marked—feel free to ask a friendly local if you need directions—and make sure to pack plenty of water and mosquito spray.

Go scuba diving and discover an underwater paradise

4. Scuba Diving in an Underwater Paradise

Koh Phi Phi is universally recognized as one of the premier scuba diving and marine education hubs in Thailand. The surrounding waters boast healthy coral reefs, massive schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and resident blacktip reef sharks. If you are incredibly lucky, you might even cross paths with a majestic whale shark.

Whether you are looking to complete a multi-day certification course, join a certified fun dive, or simply try diving for the very first time without a license (Discover Scuba Diving), the island accommodates all experience levels.

While we do not operate dive courses directly, the local village is packed with reputable, high-quality dive shops. Prices across the island are standard and highly competitive, so feel free to walk into a local dive center upon arrival to check their current schedules.

An entertaining fire show at the beach in Koh Phi Phi

5. Experience Vibrant Beach Fire Shows

As night falls, the island transitions into a vibrant sensory experience. Every single evening—regardless of the travel season—local Thai performers showcase their incredible acrobatic skills and fire-twirling choreography right on the sand.

The absolute best place to witness these energetic performances is along Loh Dalum Beach, where several beach bars set up comfortable seating right on the shore. Simply order a refreshing drink and enjoy the entertainment. If you are staying on the southeastern side of the island near the pier, Carlito's Bar is widely known for hosting the absolute best fire show on that side of the bay.

Ibiza Pool Party is the biggest pool party of Thailand

6. Dive Into the Legendary Nightlife

It is no secret that Koh Phi Phi is home to one of the most famous open-air party scenes in Southeast Asia.

• For the Party Goers: Start your afternoon early at the famous Ibiza Pool Party, which serves as the ultimate daytime warm-up. By nightfall, head back to the shores of Loh Dalum Beach, where the beachfront venues transform into massive, open-air nightclubs running late into the night.

• For a Quieter Stay: If nightlife isn't your priority, don't let the island's reputation deter you. Simply book your accommodation on the quieter southeastern side of the island or near the standard town area close to Tonsai Pier, where you will be completely undisturbed by the music.

Enjoying the views from a private longtail boat at Pileh Lagoon

Plan Your Phi Phi Adventure With Us

From tranquil hidden beaches to high-energy fire shows, the Phi Phi Islands offer a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. If you are ready to plan your perfect itinerary or have any logistical questions about getting around the islands, please reach out to our team at any time. We are happy to help!