Ko Phi Phi, a stunning archipelago in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, is the epitome of tropical paradise. Known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, Ko Phi Phi offers some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Let’s take a closer look at the top beaches on this incredible island that you absolutely need to visit.
1. Maya Bay
Maya Bay is perhaps the most famous beach in Ko Phi Phi, if not all of Thailand, thanks to its starring role in the movie "The Beach." Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, the bay is a stunning crescent of soft white sand and turquoise waters. The beach is located on the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh island and is part of a national park, which helps preserve its natural beauty. Snorkeling here is a must, with vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life just below the surface. Due to its popularity, Maya Bay can get crowded, but its breathtaking scenery makes it well worth the visit.
Location: Ko Phi Phi Leh
How to Get There: Maya Bay is accessible by boat from Phi Phi Don or Phuket. Longtail boats and speedboats offer daily trips, and many tours include snorkeling stops along the way.
Rating: 4.9/5
Local Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and experience the bay at its most tranquil.
2. Long Beach (Hat Yao)
Long Beach, also known as Hat Yao, is one of the best beaches on Phi Phi Don, the larger of the Phi Phi Islands. It’s a beautiful stretch of soft sand with stunning views of Phi Phi Leh in the distance. The water here is incredibly clear, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is less crowded than some of the more famous spots, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. Just a short walk or boat ride from Tonsai Village, Long Beach strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion.
Location: Southern Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Long Beach is accessible by a short longtail boat ride from Tonsai Village or a 20-minute walk along a scenic path.
Rating: 4.7/5
Local Tip: Stay late to catch the sunset over the Andaman Sea, and don’t forget your snorkeling gear to explore the nearby coral reefs.
3. Loh Dalum Bay
Loh Dalum Bay is the heart of Phi Phi Don’s beach scene, located just a short walk from Tonsai Village. This bay is known for its shallow, calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Loh Dalum Bay is also famous for its lively atmosphere, with beach bars and restaurants lining the shore. By day, it’s a perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun, while by night, the beach comes alive with fire shows and parties that last until the early hours. The combination of natural beauty and vibrant nightlife makes Loh Dalum Bay a must-visit.
Location: Northern Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Loh Dalum Bay is easily accessible on foot from Tonsai Village, just a short walk from the pier.
Rating: 4.6/5
Local Tip: If you’re looking for a quieter experience, head to the far end of the bay where the crowds thin out, and you can enjoy the stunning scenery in peace.
4. Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is a small, picturesque beach located on the western side of Phi Phi Don. True to its name, this beach is home to a troop of playful monkeys who often come down to the sand to interact with visitors. The beach itself is a beautiful stretch of white sand backed by lush jungle, with clear waters perfect for snorkeling. The surrounding coral reefs are teeming with marine life, making it a great spot for underwater exploration. While Monkey Beach is a popular stop on many boat tours, it remains a peaceful and serene spot.
Location: Western Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Monkey Beach is accessible by longtail boat from Tonsai Village or by kayak from Loh Dalum Bay.
Rating: 4.5/5
Local Tip: Be cautious around the monkeys—they’re used to humans and can be quite bold, so keep your belongings secure and avoid feeding them.
5. Bamboo Island (Koh Phai)
Bamboo Island, or Koh Phai, is a small, circular island located just a short boat ride from Phi Phi Don. This island is surrounded by a stunning coral reef, making it one of the best spots in the area for snorkeling and diving. The beach is a pristine stretch of soft, white sand with shallow, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming. Bamboo Island offers a more peaceful alternative to the busier beaches on Phi Phi Don, making it an ideal spot for a day trip. The island is uninhabited, so it remains wonderfully unspoiled.
Location: North of Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Bamboo Island is accessible by longtail boat or speedboat from Phi Phi Don, with many tours offering trips that include snorkeling stops.
Rating: 4.8/5
Local Tip: Pack a picnic and plenty of water, as there are no facilities on the island. Spend the day snorkeling around the coral reef and relaxing on the beach.
6. Nui Beach
Nui Beach is a hidden gem on Phi Phi Don, a secluded cove that’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. This small beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery, creating a secluded and intimate atmosphere. The waters here are incredibly clear, making it a great spot for snorkeling. The beach itself is a mix of sand and small rocks, giving it a rugged, untouched feel. Due to its remote location, Nui Beach is often less crowded than other beaches on the island, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and exploration.
Location: Western Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Nui Beach is accessible by boat or by a challenging hike through the jungle from Loh Lana Bay.
Rating: 4.7/5
Local Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear and spend the day exploring the underwater caves and rock formations just offshore.
7. Laem Tong Beach
Laem Tong Beach is a tranquil and pristine beach located on the northern tip of Phi Phi Don. This beach is part of a more exclusive area of the island, with a few luxury resorts offering a peaceful and luxurious escape. The beach is a long stretch of soft white sand, with calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Laem Tong is less crowded than the beaches near Tonsai Village, providing a more serene and relaxing atmosphere. The surrounding coral reefs are home to a variety of marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling.
Location: Northern Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Laem Tong Beach is accessible by boat from Tonsai Village or by walking along the coast from Loh Bagao Bay.
Rating: 4.8/5
Local Tip: If you’re staying in Tonsai, consider taking a longtail boat to Laem Tong for a day of relaxation and luxury. The beach is also a great spot for a romantic sunset walk.
8. Loh Lana Bay
Loh Lana Bay is one of the quieter and more secluded beaches on Phi Phi Don, located on the northern coast of the island. This bay is surrounded by lush hills and is only accessible by boat or a challenging hike, making it a great spot for those seeking a more adventurous beach experience. The beach itself is a beautiful stretch of sand with calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming. Loh Lana Bay is less developed than other parts of the island, giving it a more natural and untouched feel.
Location: Northern Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Loh Lana Bay is accessible by boat or by a hike through the jungle from Loh Bagao Bay.
Rating: 4.6/5
Local Tip: Visit Loh Lana Bay early in the day to enjoy the beach in solitude, and bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities available.
9. Loh Bagao Bay
Loh Bagao Bay is a peaceful and secluded beach located on the northeastern coast of Phi Phi Don. This beach is surrounded by lush jungle and is less developed than the more popular spots on the island. The beach itself is a long stretch of sand with calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and kayaking. Loh Bagao is home to a few small resorts and restaurants, offering a tranquil escape from the busier areas of the island. The beach is also a great spot for watching the sunset, with stunning views over the Andaman Sea.
Location: Northeastern Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Loh Bagao Bay is accessible by longtail boat from Tonsai Village or by walking along the coast from Laem Tong Beach.
Rating: 4.7/5
Local Tip: Consider staying at one of the small resorts on Loh Bagao for a truly relaxing and secluded beach experience.
10. Viking Beach
Viking Beach is a small, hidden beach located just a short walk from Tonsai Village. This beach is named after the nearby Viking Cave, a popular tourist attraction known for its ancient cave paintings. Viking Beach is a beautiful and peaceful spot, with soft sand and clear waters that are perfect for swimming. The beach is less crowded than other nearby spots, making it a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The surrounding cliffs and jungle add to the beach’s secluded and intimate atmosphere.
Location: Southern Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Viking Beach is accessible by a short walk from Tonsai Village or by longtail boat from other parts of the island.
Rating: 4.5/5
Local Tip: Visit the nearby Viking Cave after spending some time on the beach, and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.
11. Ao Poh Beach
Ao Poh Beach is a secluded and lesser-known beach located on the eastern coast of Phi Phi Don. This beach is a peaceful and quiet spot, surrounded by lush greenery and offering stunning views of the Andaman Sea. The beach itself is a mix of sand and small rocks, with calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Ao Poh is less developed than other parts of the island, giving it a more natural and untouched feel. The beach is also a great spot for watching the sunrise, with breathtaking views over the ocean.
Location: Eastern Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Ao Poh Beach is accessible by boat or by a challenging hike through the jungle from Tonsai Village.
Rating: 4.6/5
Local Tip: Visit Ao Poh Beach early in the morning to catch the sunrise, and bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities available.
12. Tonsai Bay
Tonsai Bay is the main hub of Phi Phi Don, offering a vibrant and lively beach scene. The bay is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular spot for both day and night activities. The beach itself is a beautiful stretch of sand with calm waters that are perfect for swimming. Tonsai Bay is also a gateway to many of the island’s other attractions, with numerous boat tours departing from the pier. While the area can get crowded, the vibrant atmosphere and stunning views make it a must-visit spot on the island.
Location: Southern Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Tonsai Bay is easily accessible on foot from Tonsai Village, with the pier serving as the main entry point to the island.
Rating: 4.4/5
Local Tip: Explore the nearby cliffs and caves by kayak or on foot for a more adventurous experience.
13. Loh Moo Dee Beach
Loh Moo Dee Beach is a hidden gem located on the southeastern coast of Phi Phi Don. This beach is a peaceful and quiet spot, surrounded by lush greenery and offering stunning views of the Andaman Sea. The beach itself is a long stretch of sand with calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Loh Moo Dee is less developed than other parts of the island, giving it a more natural and untouched feel. The beach is also a great spot for watching the sunset, with breathtaking views over the ocean.
Location: Southeastern Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Loh Moo Dee Beach is accessible by longtail boat from Tonsai Village or by a short hike from the village.
Rating: 4.5/5
Local Tip: Pack a picnic and spend the day relaxing on the beach, and bring your snorkeling gear to explore the nearby coral reefs.
14. Hin Klang
Hin Klang is not a beach, but rather a spectacular snorkeling site located between Phi Phi Don and Bamboo Island. This underwater reef is one of the best spots in the Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling, with vibrant coral gardens and an abundance of marine life. The clear waters make it easy to see the colorful fish, sea turtles, and other creatures that call this reef home. Hin Klang is a popular stop on many boat tours, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the underwater world of the Phi Phi Islands.
Location: Between Phi Phi Don and Bamboo Island
How to Get There: Hin Klang is accessible by boat from Phi Phi Don or Bamboo Island. Many snorkeling tours include a stop here.
Rating: 4.8/5
Local Tip: Visit during the morning when the water is calmest and visibility is at its best. Don’t forget your underwater camera!
15. Rantee Bay
Rantee Bay is a peaceful and secluded beach located on the eastern coast of Phi Phi Don. This beach is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea. The beach itself is a mix of sand and small rocks, with calm, clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Rantee Bay is less developed than other parts of the island, giving it a more natural and untouched feel. The beach is also a great spot for watching the sunrise, with breathtaking views over the ocean.
Location: Eastern Phi Phi Don
How to Get There: Rantee Bay is accessible by boat or by a challenging hike through the jungle from Tonsai Village.
Rating: 4.6/5
Local Tip: Visit Rantee Bay early in the morning to catch the sunrise, and bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities available.
From the iconic shores of Maya Bay to the hidden gems of Nui Beach and Bamboo Island, Ko Phi Phi’s beaches offer something for every traveler. Whether you’re looking to dive into vibrant coral reefs, relax on soft sands, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery, Ko Phi Phi is the ultimate beach destination.