Dive into paradise with our ultimate guide to Phi Phi island tours and activities. These are the adventures you don’t want to miss.

The Phi Phi Islands, nestled in the heart of Thailand’s Andaman Sea, beckon with turquoise waters and rugged cliffs. But beyond the postcard-perfect beaches lies a whole host of thrilling experiences.

We adored our time spent on Koh Phi Phi Don (one of the six islands that make up this haven.) So much so, that we’ve written this stellar guide to help you plan your trip to Phi Phi. 

Whether you crave the adrenaline rush of island hopping or the serene beauty of a sunrise paddle, we’ve got you covered. 

Dive into the crystal-clear waters with vibrant coral reefs and playful marine life, conquer the challenging hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint, or simply bask on pristine sands as cheeky macaques frolic nearby. Here’s what not to miss.

Phi Phi Islands Tours and Activities

Head Out on a Maya Bay Sunrise Tour

We recommend booking a tour in advance to secure the best rates, though it’s possible to book a boat ride once you get to the island.

To see one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, you need to book a Maya Bay sunrise tour. This is the tour we booked – though we visited during the wet season and were unable to enter Maya Bay as it closes regularly to battle over-tourism.

We were super excited to use the Phi Phi Islands as a base to explore some of the smaller nearby islands. However, we found that many of the tours around Phi Phi started in Phuket, rather than Phi Phi. You can even opt for a private tour if you want total flexibility throughout the day.

There was a plus to taking a tour from Phi Phi, though – we found that we managed to get to the sites slightly earlier than the tours coming from elsewhere. Result.

Out of all the places we visited in Thailand, the Phi Phi Islands were our favourite.

This tour is perfect for early risers who want to beat the crowds and experience the beauty of Phi Phi Leh Island at sunrise. Start your day at the stunning Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach,” before heading to Pileh Lagoon for a refreshing dip.

Next (though this was our first stop) it’s time to visit Monkey Bay to see playful macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. You’ll then be able to enjoy a snorkelling experience with blacktip reef sharks. Or you can opt to stay near the boat and admire schools of colourful fish. 

Other spots included the Viking Cave and Bamboo Island, where we jumped into the water for another swim. The best part of the day, though, was waiting to swim with the bioluminescent plankton in the dark. It was magical.

Rent a Kayak at Loh Da Lum Bay

Renting a kayak is so easy on Koh Phi Phi Don – you’ll find small shops dotted along the beaches.

Kayaking is one of the best things to do on the Phi Phi islands. And there are so many options for rental on Loh Da Lum Bay. With its turquoise waters and emerald cliffs, it’s a kayaker’s dream. 

Numerous vendors line the beach, offering single and double kayaks for solo adventurers or tandem paddling fun. Prices are reasonable, and most shops also rent snorkeling gear and dry bags to keep your belongings safe.

Once you’re in your kayak, the possibilities are endless. Head left towards Monkey Beach, a secluded cove accessible only by boat or kayak. Watch cheeky macaques frolic on the shore, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, or simply bask on the pristine sand.

For a longer paddle, continue past Monkey Beach to Nui Bay, a hidden gem with its own mangrove forest and crystal-clear waters. Kayak through the emerald tunnel formed by the overhanging cliffs, and keep an eye out for colorful fish darting between the rocks.

The best time to kayak is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower and the waters are calmer. Be aware of tides and currents, especially near the limestone cliffs.

Hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint

One of our favourite things to do on Phi Phi was the hike to the viewpoint. Located on the eastern side of Koh Phi Phi Don, this is where to head to snap some impressive photos.

A word of warning – it costs 70 Baht to get to the top (there are a couple of checkpoints where you’ll pay 50 and 20 Baht to proceed.) While the views were incredible, we just climbed as far as we could without paying the fee and still got to enjoy the scenery.

Chill Out on the Stunning Beaches on Koh Phi Phi Don

The beaches are idyllic on the Phi Phi Islands.

Koh Phi Phi Don is the main island and, handily, most of the accommodation sits on the beach. This means that spending your day soaking up the sun is all too easy.

Loh Da Lum Bay and Andaman Beach are the undisputed stars of the show. Loh Da Lum is a postcard come to life – it’s where we spent most of our beach time on Phi Phi. It boasts emerald cliffs sheltering a haven of calm turquoise waters. 

Andaman Beach, on the west coast, stretches out far and is fringed by swaying palm trees. Here, the vibe is laid-back and luxurious, with upscale resorts lining the shore and offering direct access to the beach. 

Learn to Scuba Dive (Or Head Out on a Pro-Friendly Trip)

Thailand is known for its brilliant snorkelling opportunities, and the waters near the Phi Phi Islands offer near-perfect conditions.

Scuba Diving in Phi Phi is an experience that will leave you breathless. Here, it’s possible to glide through the crystal-clear waters of Hin Klang, a coral pinnacle teeming with vibrant marine life.

But the underwater magic of Phi Phi extends far beyond this iconic spots. Explore the coral-fringed coves of Loh Sama Bay, where turtles graze on the seagrass meadows. Get your adrenaline pumping at Shark Point, where blacktip reef sharks patrol the coral walls (best accessed by experienced snorkellers during high tide). 

Or, drift with the current through the underwater tunnel at Mosquito Island, emerging into a hidden lagoon teeming with fish.

Fancy learning to dive? The team at Princess Divers is the best on the island – especially if you’re a total beginner. Though, if you’re already a pro, you can book a scuba diving trip with them.

Phi Phi Islands Tours: What to Know Before You Go

How Do You Get to the Phi Phi Islands?

Getting to the Phi Phi Islands is fairly straightforward from most places in Thailand. Ferries run from the likes of Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta. We book our travel through 12GoAsia as we find it has the best deals for buses, trains, and ferries.

How Many Days Are Enough for the Phi Phi Islands?

This completely depends on your itinerary, but we recommend two or three days on the Phi Phi islands. We spent two nights there and managed to see and do everything we had on our bucket lists.

Is Phi Phi a Party Island?

One of the reasons we loved Ko Phi Phi Don so much is because it caters to every kind of traveller. While it’s not necessarily a “party island” like Koh Phangan or Koh Samui, there are so many bars and clubs (and plenty of places to get the popular bucket booze.) 

Likewise, if you just want to relax on the beach or explore the nearby bays, it’s an idyllic escape. The island also boasts a mix of hostels, high-end hotels, and everything in between.