Phi Phi Islands, or Koh Phi Phi, is an archipelago of 6 small islands in the Andaman Sea. Basically, this place is located in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast, and falls under the administration of Krabi province. Having an area of 12.25 sq. km, these islands offer turquoise waters, a soothing environment, golden beaches, and lush green forests. That’s why every year a plethora of travellers explore this place, with the number topping 1.15 million last year. If you are also thinking of going to Phi Phi Island, here are the top 10 famous attractions of this area.
1. Maya Beach
One of the most famous places on this island is Maya Beach. In fact, it is the main reason for the publicity of these islands because of the shooting of “The Beach” in 2000, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The unequivocal beauty led to the attraction of thousands of visitors, increasing every year. Although authorities closed this place in 2018 due to a sharp hike in travellers, it was reopened in October 2023, with better facilities. The only way to reach this beach is via water. You can use any ferry or speedboat from Phuket or Krabi. The main area of this place is about 250 metres and is incredibly pretty. You can expect towering cliff stones, crystal clear waters, and soft white sand to make it a perfect spot for staying. Owing to its popularity, you can find good hotels as well as a range of activities to spend a luxurious yet dreamy vacation. Do mind that there could be a big crowd during your visit – hence, take safety measures accordingly.
2. Bamboo Island
Also known as Koh Mai Phai, Bamboo Island is located 5 km off the northwest side of Koh Phi Phi Don. As the name indicates, this island is covered with bamboo trees. Due to this relevance, its beach is also named Bamboo Beach. When visiting Phi Phi Island, many visitors also include this place because of its serene views. The following are the famous points of this island:
- Hin Klang Reefs: These are the large rocks in the clear waters and are one of the major attractions. The site is also famous for rock climbing, making it a perfect spot for adventure lovers. Here you can also spot marine life such as Leopard Shark, LionFish, and Hawksbill Turtle.
- Casuarina Groves: Apart from bamboo, you can also find various Casuarina trees on this island. These offer a serene and picturesque experience for incoming tourists.
Keep in mind that there are no hotels on Bamboo Island. Therefore, you can only plan a short stay or day trip. Further, you can also enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving, and underwater exploration.
3. Koh Phi Phi View Point
Another worth-seeing site on the Phi Phi Islands holiday is koh phi phi holidays View Point. You can find this place on the main island, Phi Phi Don, and it takes a walk of 30 minutes to access from the land as it is 186 metres above sea level. At this location, there are 3 viewpoints – the first 2 costs 50 THB, and the third one charges around 20 THB per person. At viewpoint 2, you can find one of the best sights of the island while giving you a bird’s-eye view from the top. Here, you can also find a few cafes to relax and take in some drinks after a tiring hiking walk. If you are planning to see these points, the best time is 10 AM in the morning as there are fewer crowds. However, you can expect a busy time during the evening as a lot of people are there to enjoy the sunset views.
4. Koh Bida Nok & Nai
For fans of diving and snorkelling, Koh Bida Nok & Nai make the perfect spot. These are two small islets, famous for their clear waters and pretty beaches. They are located 1.5 km away in the south of Koh Phi Phi Leh and can be accessed via boat/private air transfers from Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi Don. At Koh Bida Nok, there are also many reefs that extend 28 metres in the deep sea. On the west side, you can find white corals, formed due to the activity of over tens of thousands of years. While on the east side, explore shallow reefs and plateaus, such as blacktip reef sharks. Similarly, a variety of marine life and beautiful views are also at Ko Bida Nai. In fact, it has one of the best wall dives, starting from the west and going all the way to the north.
5. Viking Cave
This place got its name because of ancient drawings of the fighters that resemble Vikings. You can find this cave at the bottom of a tall limestone cliff on the northeastern side of the island. Further, there are many edible bird nests here, which are used to make bird soaps and various medicated things. Mind that you need special passes to access the Viking cave, as this place is not available for tourists to see. On the other hand, you can see it from the outside, take part in activities such as snorkelling, or even feed the nearby birds.
6. Monkey Beach
A 150-metre-long shore, Monkey Beach is known for tranquillity and clear waters. Also, it is full of various playful macaque monkeys, giving it this name. These animals are quite friendly and are seen interacting with tourists in return for a little bit of edibles. Don’t forget to keep a distance from these monkeys, as they can get prompted and attack you. During your stop here, you can take part in snorkelling, diving, or kayaking. Phi Phi Islands is a group of 6 small islets that cater to millions of tourists every year. The famous attractions of this area include Maya Beach, Bamboo Island, as well as Koh Phi Phi View Point. While travelling to this place, respect the local norms and enjoy a luxury holidays.
