The Best Things to See and Do in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Kayak around crystal clear water to hidden coves and experience the best of Koh Phi Phi
Kayak around crystal clear water to hidden coves and experience the best of Koh Phi Phi | © Elena-studio / Getty Images
Amanda Chain

Koh Phi Phi is a piece of Asian paradise boasting aqua waters, golden sands and idyllic seascapes. The stunning location for Danny Boyle’s critically acclaimed movie The Beach, Phi Phi’s tropical scenery and infectious island vibe have made it one of the biggest tourist attractions in Thailand. Here’s our rundown of the must-do activities while you’re here.

Visit Phi Phi Le

Phi Phi Le skyrocketed to fame after the release of The Beach (2000), as it provided the backdrop for the film. Expect unparalleled natural beauty here, with craggy cliffs plunging dramatically into the turquoise water. There’s no accommodation anywhere in the area, creating a peaceful atmosphere, especially after the group tour boats depart. Head to Maya Bay at sunset to watch the sky turn crimson pink.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Hire a sailing boat

Ditch the crowds by hiring your own private boat through SamBoat to explore Koh Phi Phi. They offer a plethora of vessels – from 12.8m (42ft) catamarans to speedy motorboats – for day rental from Phuket, many with a skipper included. Alternatively, Dream Yacht Charter offer multi-day sailing holidays for novices right up to licenced yachties. Their trips include Koh Phi Phi as well as Phang Nga Bay, Koh Kai and Koh Poda.

Try snorkelling in Hat Yao

For visitors with only one day to spend in Koh Phi Phi, snorkelling in Hat Yao should be the top choice of activity. The water is crystal clear and the temperatures warm, maximising the chance of seeing an array of colourful and exotic marine creatures. Black-tipped sharks and clownfish are often spotted here.

Hike to Ao Lo Dalam

Not just a beautiful beach destination, Koh Phi Phi also boasts many beautiful sights on land. One of the best and easiest ways to experience these is by hiking the island, a popular route being the comfortable 30-minute hike to a viewpoint at the southern end of Ao Lo Dalam. Expect a quiet, pretty bay with a curve of white sand, skimming the crystal blue water. It’s the perfect setting for a swim after a sweaty walk.

Escape to Ao Pileh Bay

Ao Pileh Bay is a secluded piece of Thai paradise. This large, shallow cove is surrounded by enormous limestone cliffs, covered in lush foliage. Below, the super clear water covers a colourful coral reef, teeming with tropical fish. Grab your snorkel and bikini – this is a prime swimming spot, as well as a good place for sunbathing. Get there early to beat the crowds.

Kayak around Koh Phi Phi

One of the most popular activities attracting visitors to Koh Phi Phi is kayaking. It’s a great way to explore secluded coves and caves that larger boats aren’t able to reach. They are readily available to rent across Phi Phi Don, so no need to book ahead. Ask the rental staff where the best places are to visit nearby – just make sure you arrive back before sunset.

Visit Mosquito Island

Aptly titled, Mosquito Island is home to a plethora of bothersome mosquitoes, so don’t forget to bring your bug spray. But don’t let these pesky critters put you off, as this island boasts some of the most famous shipwrecks in the region. The well-known King Cruiser wreck is one of the most popular sights, a premier wreck diving destination measuring 85m (279ft) from bow to stern. This is a top diving spot and provides hours of activity for keen divers.

Go shark watching

Blacktip reef and leopard sharks patrol the waters around Koh Phi Phi. You’ll need to get up early to see these beautiful predators on a boat tour from Phi Phi Don. The best place to see them is at Shark Point, located just off Long Beach. Make sure you choose a responsible tour operator who gives the sharks plenty of space and does not feed them.
Escape the crowds around Koh Phi Phi by hiring a boat through SamBoat – no experience necessary. Alternatively, book a week-long sailing adventure with Dream Yacht Charter.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article