Discover the best things to do in Phi Phi Islands, otherwise known as Koh Phi Phi in Thailand. Located 43 km west from the coast of Krabi, this small archipelago consists of 6 islands: Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai, Koh Phai (Bamboo Island), and Koh Young (Mosquito Island). The only inhabited island – and the largest – of the group is Koh Phi Phi Don.
What are the best things to do in Phi Phi ?
Our list of top things to see and do in Phi Phi below features the most popular sites the island have to offer. The natural beauty of the area is second to none and provides a great choice of tours and activities – you’re easily spoilt for choice on things to do in Phi Phi.
1. Phi Phi Viewpoint.
Phi Phi Viewpoint is one of the most popular landmarks on Koh Phi Phi Don. This large island has an unusual shape – like an ‘H’ – with its main village built on the horizontal bar, a 100-metre flat strip of sand between Dalum Bay to the north and Tonsai Bay to the south. You can find the viewpoint to the east of the flat strip of sand and overlooks the village and the 2 bays.
At an altitude of 186 metres, it roughly takes between 20 and 40 minutes to get there on a well-trodden and paved path. Photographers should consider climbing up there right before lunchtime to benefit from the best lighting (the viewpoint faces the sun in the afternoons). There’s a small store selling drinks and snacks at the top of Phi Phi Viewpoint.
2. Diving in Phi Phi.
Diving is one of the prime activities in Phi Phi. The island counts a large number of serious and professional PADI dive centres dispensing courses – from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster – and day trips to the many world-class dive sites available in and around Phi Phi’s waters.
Amongst the most notable dive sites of the area, Shark Point, Anemone Reef and the King Cruiser Wreck are located to the west between Phi Phi Islands and Phuket. Maya Bay, Koh Bida Nok and Nai are located on and near Koh Phi Phi Leh – all of these sites can be reached in less than 40 minutes from Koh Phi Phi Don.
3. Shark watch tours.
Shark-watching tours on Koh Phi Phi Don are one of the most popular things to do on the island. The waters around Phi Phi Islands host a good number of placid black-tip and leopard sharks. Phi Phi’s shark watching tours usually start very early – about 6am – and last half a day. Led by a professional guide, these tours are done in small groups with full snorkelling equipment provided
The most renowned site for shark watching is the small ‘shark point’ located 800 metres off Long Beach (there’s another Shark Point off Phi Phi Don’s west coast, which can only be visited on diving tours. Exciting and educational, a shark-watching tour will leave you with unforgettable memories. One of the most experienced shark tour companies is The Adventure Club.
4. Rock Climbing.
Krabi is a prominent rock-climbing spot in southern Thailand, thanks to its tall limestone cliffs which are also natural landmarks of the province. It offers world-class sites such as Tonsai Beach and Diamond Cave in Railay, and all along its coast. Phi Phi Don may lie 42 km off the Krabi coast, but it has the same topography.
Tonsai Tower, located at the western end of Tonsai Bay, is the rock climbers’ paradise in Phi Phi. This 200-metre-tall limestone tower hosts 48 different bolted routes featuring all levels of difficulty, from beginner to experienced climber.
5. Cliff Jumping.
Cliff jumping is a thrilling sport that’s quite popular on Phi Phi Island, thanks to the abundance of fantastic jumping spots. Not without its risks, it should be approached with an organised tour. Participants should try lower jumps, starting from 3 metres, and gradually working their way up to a 20-metre leap into the briny. It should be noted that combination tours are available, which include snorkelling with cliff jumps.