Koh Phi Phi

A picturesque island group famous for stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Made iconic by the film 'The Beach,' it has become essential for visitors seeking tropical island paradise and snorkeling opportunities.

Things to do

• Maya Bay Snorkeling — Explore the iconic bay featured in 'The Beach' with shallow coral gardens and tropical fish visible from the surface.
• Monkey Beach Visit — Trek through jungle trails to encounter playful long-tailed macaques in their natural habitat along a secluded beach.
• Bamboo Island Day Trip — Take a boat tour to this nearby island renowned for pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and excellent snorkeling spots.
• Phi Phi Viewpoint Hike — Climb the steep trail to the hilltop viewpoint for panoramic views of both Ton Sai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay.
• Night Snorkeling at Bamboo Island — Dive after dark to witness bioluminescent plankton and nocturnal marine life in the shallow waters.
• Rock Climbing at Tonsai — Scale the dramatic limestone cliffs scattered around Ton Sai village with established routes for various skill levels.
• Loh Dalum Beach Sunset — Watch the sun set over turquoise waters from this crescent beach in the heart of Phi Phi Don village.

Food to try

• Tom Yum Goong — A spicy and aromatic Thai shrimp soup with lemongrass, galangal, and lime that's a staple in seaside restaurants throughout the islands.
• Grilled Fish with Nam Pla — Fresh-caught local fish grilled whole and served with a simple dipping sauce of fish sauce, lime, and chilies.
• Mango Sticky Rice — A beloved Thai dessert combining sweet glutinous rice with fresh ripe mango, commonly served at beachside cafes.
• Pad Krapow Moo — Stir-fried ground pork with holy basil and bird's eye chilies, a beloved Thai comfort dish available throughout the island.
• Fresh Seafood Barbecue — Nightly beachfront grills offer lobster, crab, squid, and fish cooked over charcoal and served with garlic and herb dipping sauces.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Sites — The islands have Buddhist temples and shrines; remove shoes before entering and dress modestly when visiting spiritual locations.
• High Season Crowding — November to February brings massive tourist influxes; visit Maya Bay early morning or consider less-crowded beaches like Loh Moo Dee for authentic experiences.
• Beach Conservation Ethics — Avoid touching coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and do not feed monkeys as they can be aggressive and human food disrupts their natural diet and behavior.
• Local Greeting Custom — Thais traditionally greet with a 'wai' (palms pressed together at chest level); reciprocating this gesture shows respect and politeness to locals and staff.