Phi Phi Island group

Related article: Krabi

Characteristics: White sand beaches, nice beach views, sunbathing, swimming. Good underwater varieties.

Important Note: Thailand prohibits import and export of ivory even if it is for personal consumption or as souvenir, and tourists are strongly advised not to buy ivory or ivory products. Taking ivory or ivory products outside Thailand is illegal. Offenders could get a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine of up to four times the value of the item or both penalties, and could face arrest at their country of origin. (Thai Ivories and Elephant Legislations)

Phi Phi Island diving area

The Islands

• Bamboo Island or Koh Pai: Lying to the north eastern end of the Phi Phi group, this is generally not crowded with visitors. Beautiful views, relaxing beach time.

Bamboo Island

• Viking Caves or the Bird Nests Cave: This is at the bottom of a limestone cliff on the north-eastern tip of the Phi Phi Leh Island, accessed only by boat. Although the access to the cave is free, you can only visit the cave during high season which is November through January. The cave owes its name (Viking) to the paintings on its walls, depicting various boats, among which is what looks like a Scandinavian drakkar. Also known as the Bird Nests cave, it is associated with the hunting/harvesting of nests of swiftlet birds. In Chinese culture, these edible nests are believed to be healthy and good for skin, which makes this one of the most profitable local business. Legend has it, sailors lost their boat during a storm and got stuck without food on the limestone island. The cave, which was home to a colony of swiftlet, helped them survive by eating the nests, which gave them enough power to wait for the rescue. You can also notice tangles of platforms and altars those Thais have erected at the entrance of the cave. This is to honour the spirits of the cave. They meditate here before climbing their fragile scaffolding.

• Lohsamah Bay: This is a small bay on the other side of the Maya Bay. It offers decent snorkelling opportunity. There were colourful fishes. Corals were not very impressive.

Lohsamah Bay

• Maya Bay: Although the description of Maya Bay depicts it beautifully, all you can see here are boats lined up and crowd of people scattered around the entire area, of course thanks to the popularity it gained ever since the 1999 movie “The Beach”. I am sure it would be a delight to see the secluded beauty of this place but for day trippers that is not an option. Some operators offer on-board trips to Maya Bay where you can beat the crowd of day trippers and spend some quality time admiring the serene beauty of the place and staying overnight on board.

Remember The Beach movie ?? If that is your expectation, then is is the reality.. Maya Bay

• Pileh Bay: Large shallow inlet with a coral reef at its entrance. Limestone hills surrounding the emerald green lagoon, it is good for swimming and snorkelling.

• Monkey beach: As is evident from the name, this beach is inhabited by a troop of monkeys actively busy in their monkey business. It is advisable to be careful as the monkeys can cross over and climb the boat, although that is not very often.

Monkey Bay

• Phi Phi Don Island: Considered to be one of the loveliest islands, Phi Phi Don is the larger and the inhabited island of the two main islands of Phi Phi group (the other being Phi Phi Leh). Its beauty, however attracts many tourists from all over the world, making it quite crowded with day trippers. Accommodation is available in Phi Phi Don in case you want to explore the island taking your own sweet time and with a bit less crowd.

Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don

Getting Here:

From Krabi or Phuket, Thailand, regular trips are available. There are island hopping trips where you get more beach time, as well as dive / snorkeling specific trips where you get to spend more time admiring the marine creatures. Ferries are also available to take you to Phi Phi Don directly which is a good option if you intend to stay there and/or explore the island group at your own pace. 

Getting Around:

Island hopping is generally via speed boats and/or longtail boats. Exploring the island is by foot.

Happy Panda Notes:

The island of Phi Phi is known to be home to diverse marine life. A scuba diving experience is recommended here. Whether you are an experienced diver or a first timer, many dive schools offer dive trips to this region.

Recommended detour:
Instead of taking a day trip to Phi Phi, you may take the ferry and stay overnight at Phi Phi to explore the islands group at your own pace, or opt for the sleep aboard tour to Maya Bay.