7 Best Things To Do In Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Phi Phi Islands are a truly stunning set of tropical island and one of the gems in Thailand’s holiday destination. It’s a totally stunning area with so many of the best things to do in Phi Phi around all the islands.

The main island, Kho Phi Phi Don, is the mainstay of many a holiday maker, and is truly beautiful yet bustling with life and activity! Tourists going about their pursuit of sunshine fun while locals go about their daily lives. It’s just the tip of the iceberg though.

There’s still Kho Phi Phi Lee, the smaller island which is chock-a-block with more natural beauty than you can shake a stick at.

You know what, I’m done trying to explain these places in just words, here are the 7 places you need to see when you visit Phi Phi Islands, in glorious technicolour!

1.) Maya Bay

Made popular by the movie “The Beach“ (starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Danny Boyle) this Bay and it’s enclosed beach is absolutely stunning.

To get here, we had to get off our boats, swimming towards rocks, grab onto some ropes and make our way through a small cave opening.

It’s usually not quite as tricky during the dry season but somehow, this way of getting on to it added to the experience!

Boats weren’t able to come in directly to the beach so we ended up with an unobstructed view of the Bay (which is not always the case – particularly so during peak season).

When we visited, Maya Bay was open to the public but nowadays it has (rightly so) been closed off to recover. It really was one of the best things to do in Phi Phi. Nowadays, you can still head near the bay and take in the views by boat.

2.) Pileh Lagoon

Here you get to take in the lagoon, jump in for a swim and do some snorkelling. It’s so much fun and one of the best things to do in Phi Phi.

You see all sorts of amazing colourful fishes and even from the boat, you could see other interesting fish (there were some mini flying fish).

You do need to have your wits about you though. It’s fairly shallow and has lots of coral but one guy we were speaking to later that evening said how he didn’t have his snorkelling mask on properly and went to stand on a rock to try to adjust it properly but ended up standing on a sea urchin.

3.) Loh Samah Bay

This was the bay where we swam into the opening for Maya Bay (with the rope clutching bit to navigate through the rocks on to the beach). It’s easily one of the best things to do in Phi Phi if you love natural beauty.

This bay is also a perfect location for just docking your boat, soaking in some sunshine and perhaps even jumping in for a swim.

4.) Viking Cave

You can only really see this from afar and not actually go onto it (or at least so we were told) but here the locals harvest birds nests for a rather thriving ‘birds nest soup’ industry.

The cave is amazing to see in person though I have to admit, bird’s nest soup will probably be given a miss if I see it on a menu.

5.) Monkey beach

Name’s pretty obvious – you get to see and feed the monkey.

The monkeys here are a lot tamer than most wild monkeys but don’t hold out on food with them.

They will run after you to grab those slices of bread or watermelon if you’re too stingy. On the whole, they’re rather polite (strange but true) and even take the food from you rather delicately.

Honestly, you’ll find this one of the best things to do in Phi Phi if you love monkeys. Though, steer clear if you have a healthy fear of them. These monkeys aren’t scared. At all!

6.) The Kho Phi Phi Don Town

Home to many-a-bargain, bars and restaurants, wandering through the town is a great way immerse yourself even more into the lifestyle in Phi Phi.

It’s an experience in doing something that’s different from having to pick your jaw up constantly from looking at stunning natural scenery. Ha!

The best thing to do is not to over-plan how you intended of exploring the town and instead get lost in the streets of Phi Phi. It’s one of the best things to do in Phi Phi, especially after a long day exploring.

7.) Long Dalam Bay

This is the main bay of Kho Phi Phi Don and is the perfect spot for relaxing during the day and partying (or even having a few civilised drinks) at night.

Grab some dinner in town or at your hotel and head over to Lang Dalam Bay which boasts more coconut cocktails than you can shake a stick at and even fire breathers/dancers. best things to do in Phi Phi!