Koh Phi Phi Don

เกาะพีพีดอน

The larger inhabited island of the Phi Phi group with beachfront resorts, restaurants, and bars centered around the main village and twin bays of Ton Sai. It's a hub for island-hopping tours, snorkeling excursions, and features vibrant nightlife alongside natural beauty.

Things to do

• Snorkel at Bamboo Island — Take a day trip to this nearby island famous for pristine coral reefs, tropical fish, and clear shallow waters ideal for snorkeling.
• Explore Maya Bay — Visit the iconic limestone-cliffed bay featured in 'The Beach' film, accessible by longtail boat and offering swimming and photography opportunities.
• Sunset viewpoint hike at Ton Sai Village — Climb the hillside trail above the main village for panoramic views of both Ton Sai bays and surrounding Andaman waters at golden hour.
• Island-hopping by longtail boat — Book a full-day tour visiting Phi Phi Leh, Monkey Beach, and other nearby islands with swimming and snorkeling stops.
• Scuba diving excursion — Explore deeper coral gardens and marine life through certified diving courses or guided dives offered by several operators in the village.
• Relax on Loh Bagao Beach — Walk to this quieter northern beach lined with coconut palms for a more serene swimming and sunbathing experience away from Ton Sai's crowds.

Food to try

• Tom Yam Goong — A spicy and tangy shrimp soup infused with lemongrass, galangal, and lime juice that exemplifies Thai coastal cuisine.
• Pad Thai — Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp or chicken, peanuts, and tamarind served at beachfront restaurants throughout the village.
• Grilled Fish with Nam Pla — Fresh-caught local fish grilled whole and served with a simple fish sauce dipping sauce, showcasing the island's seafood quality.
• Mango Sticky Rice — Sweet sticky rice topped with fresh mango and coconut cream, a beloved Thai dessert available at cafes and night markets.
• Fresh Fruit Smoothie Bowls — Blended tropical fruits like papaya, pineapple, and dragon fruit served as refreshing bowls at casual beachside cafes.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the monks and temples — Remove shoes when entering Wat Pho Prachuap temple in the village and dress modestly; Buddhist shrines are sacred spaces worthy of reverence.
• Use the wai greeting — Greet locals with a wai (palms pressed together at chest level) which is appreciated more than handshakes and shows respect for Thai culture.
• Practice beach conservation — Avoid stepping on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and participate in keeping the beaches clean as environmental preservation is increasingly important to locals.
• Embrace island time pace — The island operates on a relaxed schedule; services may close unexpectedly during low season, and starting times are often flexible rather than strictly punctual.