Phi Phi Island is a tropical paradise located in the Andaman Sea. Here you can find stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant nightlife, it offers an unforgettable experience. In this blog post I want to go over some insights and ideas for “What Can I do in Phi Phi?” and the best hidden gems found on this island. Whether you’re seeking an adventure, a beach bum, or a party enthusiast, Phi Phi has something for everyone. I won’t cover every activity available but will mention some of those that have a little bit for any type of traveler.
Before I go over the exciting things to do on the Phi Phi island, let’s take a moment to get familiar with the island itself. This paradise is comprised of two main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leg. Phi Phi Don is the larger and more populous island, this is where most of the island’s accommodations, restaurants, and nightlight are centered. In contrast, Phi Phi Leh is renowned for its beautiful Maya Bay. Both islands have their own uniqueness and activities to explore.
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One of the best highlights of the Koh Phi Phi island, of course, has to be the beaches, where soft, powdery sand meets crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re seeking an escape or an opportunity for aquatic adventures, the beach of Phi Phi has something to offer every traveler.
Kayaking is our gateway to exploring the coastal wonders, coves, and nearby islands at our own glorious pace. Picture yourself gliding through crystal-clear waters, getting up close and personal with nature, and soaking in the serene surroundings like the independent badass you are.
Rental facilities for kayaks can be found chillin’ on the main beaches of Koh Phi Phi, such as Tonsai Bay and Long Beach. Prices may vary, so prepare yourself to shell out some cash. It’s common to rent kayaks by the hour or for a full day, because who wants to be rushed when you’re trying to conquer the open waters?
Paddleboarding is here to offer you a whole new perspective of the coastal scenery. Stand tall on that stable board, grab that paddle, and command the elements like the water queen you were born to be. It’s a fun and relaxing activity that lets you appreciate the beauty around you while getting in a solid arm workout.
And for those of you who crave an adrenaline rush, windsurfing is the thrill-seeking water sport that combines surfing and sailing. Stand on that board like a boss, catch that wind in your sails, and glide across the water like a majestic mermaid in search of adventure. Oh, and don’t forget to balance like a tightrope performer to avoid any unexpected dips in the water.
Popular beaches like Tonsai Bay and Long Beach are your go-to spots for all your water sport rental needs. You’ll find multiple facilities offering water sports equipment, so you can pick and choose your aquatic weapon of choice.
The calm and clear waters surrounding Koh Phi Phi create the perfect playground for water sports enthusiasts like you and me. Whether you’re lazily paddling along the coastline, uncovering hidden coves with your trusty kayak, or soaring with the wind while windsurfing like a supernatural goddess, you’ll have the chance to soak in the jaw-dropping natural beauty that surrounds you.
The first to go over is Long Beach Serenity, which is a secluded stretch of beach on the eastern side of Phi Phi Don. This is the perfect spot to unwind, sunbathe, and experience the serenity that Phi Phi offers. The calm waters make it an ideal place to go swimming. This is one of the exceptions where you don’t need a boat to reach here, if you don’t mind hiking in the jungle, you can reach this area from Tonsai Village.
If you are in more for an adventure and explore the underwater wonders, head to Loh Samah Bay, known for its great snorkeling opportunities. The bay has diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Make sure to have or rent snorkeling gear and immerse yourself in the warm inviting waters. You can encounter an array of tropical fish, sea turtles, and the occasional reef shark. This would also be a good opportunity to have an underwater camera to take pictures of the wildlife.
If you’re looking for a place to end your beautiful day, then Ao Ton Sai Bay would be a great choice, Treat yourself to a breathtaking spectacle of Phi Phi island at sunset. This west-facing beach offers unobstructed views of the horizon, giving you a front seat to the sunset. Grab a refreshing cocktail, find a comfortable place in the sand, and enjoy the sunset. Some other activities here include kayaking if you want to burn off some calories from your vacation dining. There is also a rock-climbing location close to Ao Ton Sai Bay for brave travelers.
These locations will help you make the most out of your time on the Phi Phi island, ensuring you have a memorable experience.
Phi Phi Island is not just about sunbathing and relaxation; it’s also a great place for adventure seekers. From hiking to island hopping, this tropical paradise has many options for those with an adventurous spirit.
Time to lace up your hiking boots and trek to the Phi Phi viewpoint on Phi Phi Don. This adventure is a great place to see the beautiful landscape; it rewards you with panoramic vistas that are nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you choose to hike in the morning to catch the sunrise or late afternoon to view the sunset, the view from the top is truly inspiring. The total hike is not that long at all, it takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace, to the top of the 186 meters.
For a unique and unforgettable experience, make your way to Monkey Beach. As the name indicates, this beach is the home to friendly and playful monkeys. While interacting with these curious monkeys, you will have the opportunity to observe their antics up close and personal and even capture some memorable photos. You can get there a few ways,
The first is renting a Kayak from Loh Dalum beach, which is just around the other side of the mountain. The second option is you can take a private longtail boat, which can sometimes be part of tours, which leads me to the 3rd option. You can also book a tour around the area, where most of them will stop at Monkey Beach.
To explore the natural surroundings and beauty of Koh Phi Phi island, consider booking one of the many boat tour options for island hopping. Bamboo Island has pristine shores and inviting waters, it’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Mosquito Island is named for its mosquito-like shape, this location also offers beautiful marine life and colorful reefs. Spending a day of island hopping is a great way to discover natural beauty. Most of these tours will also stop at Shark Point, taken from its name here, you will discover black-tipped sharks swimming in the area. In general, most of these tours are all-day excursions, usually lasting around 6-9 hours, so be prepared.
Whether you’re scaling cliffs, interested in wildlife, or exploring hidden coves, adventure awaits at every corner of Koh Phi Phi. So, gear up and embark on a thrilling adventure that will make your experience unforgettable.
No visit to Thailand or Phi Phi for that matter, is complete without savoring the exciting flavors of Thai cuisine. The island offers a diverse selection of food that caters to every palate, from authentic street food to gourmet dining experiences.
You can start your food adventure at Ton Sai Village, which is the bustling heart of Phi Phi Don. Here, you can find a wide range of local restaurants and beachside shacks offering both foreign food and authentic Thai dishes. Don’t miss the chance to savor classics like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, and mouthwatering fresh seafood caught daily. A few popular places in the area are Dow Restaurant, The Mango Garden, and Pa-Noi Thai Food.
For a different food experience, make your way to the Phi Phi Night Market. This is only open during the evenings; this vibrant market offers a variety of street food stalls. Wander around and see firsthand the wide range of dishes and food available, Sample grilled skewers, fried spring rolls, fruit smoothies, and the famous Thai package. This is something worth visiting at least once on your trip.
If you are looking for something a bit more romantic of an upscale dining experience, head to Viewpoint Restaurant in Phi Phi Don. This restaurant is perched on the cliffs of Phi Phi Viewpoint, this restaurant not only offers a wide range of Thai cuisine but a breathtaking panoramic views of the island. Try out dishes like Phad Prik Khing (stir-fried chili paste with your choice of meat) or fresh grilled fish while enjoying the ambiance.
Exploring the island’s culinary scene is not just about nourishing your body but also about connecting with the culture of Phi Phi. So be sure to sample the rich and diverse flavors that Thai cuisine has to offer on your visit to this tropical paradise.
Experience the vibrant nightlife at beachfront bars like Slinky Beach Bar. These venues host fire shows, lively music, and dancing that will keep you entertained well into the early hours.
Don’t leave without trying the famous Phi Phi Bucket, a potent cocktail that’s become a rite of passage for many travelers. Sunflower Beach Bar is a popular spot to enjoy this iconic drink while socializing with fellow adventurers.
Take a boat trip to Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach.” Explore the serene bay and its crystal-clear waters. Please note that access to Maya Bay may be restricted at times to protect its fragile ecosystem, so check for any closures before planning your visit.
Visit the Viking Cave on the Phi Phi island. It’s to admire ancient paintings and learn about the island’s history. The cave is named after the drawings resembling Viking ships found on its walls. While you can’t enter the cave itself, it’s an intriguing stop on your island tour.
If you want to soak up the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Koh Phi Phi, you gotta check out the fire dancing shows on the beaches. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a little fire poi action, am I right?
These shows feature some seriously skilled and talented performers who have mastered the art of fire poi and other mesmerizing props. And let me tell you, these performers didn’t just wake up one day and become flaming poi experts. Oh no, they go through EXTENSIVE training to ensure safety and precision in their routines.
Koh Phi Phi is a dream destination where there are many things to find and do, whether you want relaxation, adventure, or partying. With its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder that so many people around the world have this destination on their bucket list. Embrace the allure of Koh Phi Phi and I hope that you can enjoy and create unforgettable memories, and always remember to Travel Till You Drop!
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Hi, Jill Here
Hi! I’m Jill, a Dallas, Texas girl traveling the world. After a career in the Air Force and touring over 50 countries later, my need to explore keeps going! It’s time to rock & roll and find all those places I never knew I was missing.
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