10 Amazing Things You Must Do on Phi Phi Island
WHERE TO STAY ON PHI PHI — QUICK PICKS
Phi Phi is compact, but choosing the right hotel still matters. Below are three excellent stays, each matched to a different travel style.
Affordable & Central — Best for Budget Travelers
View Affordable Hotel
A solid budget-friendly option located close to the main village area.
Ideal if you plan to explore Phi Phi on foot, join boat tours, and spend
most of your time outside rather than in the hotel.
Great Location — Walk Everywhere
View Hotel in Prime Location
Perfectly positioned near beaches, restaurants, and tour meeting points.
This is a great choice if you want maximum convenience without relying on boats or taxis.
Comfortable Stay — Relax After a Long Day
View Comfortable Hotel
A more comfortable option for travelers who value a quiet room,
good amenities, and a relaxing atmosphere after snorkeling,
hiking viewpoints, or island hopping.
Tip: Phi Phi has no cars, so staying within walking distance of the pier and main beaches makes your stay far more enjoyable.
Phi Phi Island, Thailand is a magical destination with something for every traveler. From snorkeling in crystal clear water to relaxing on white sandy beaches, the island offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
You can hike to breathtaking viewpoints, explore nearby islands by longtail boat, or simply enjoy the laid back beach atmosphere. Sunsets here are stunning, and after dark the island comes alive with vibrant nightlife.
Phi Phi Island is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, all surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and tropical beauty.
If you’re planning your stay, be sure to check out our blog 7 Reasons Why We Chose to Stay at Phi Phi The Beach Resort, for all the details on why this resort was the perfect choice for our island getaway!
Experience the Unforgettable Sunsets of Phi Phi
On our first night on Phi Phi Island, we watched an unforgettable sunset. As the sun slipped behind the cliffs, the sky filled with deep reds, oranges, and soft purples. For a moment, everything felt completely still.
We sat on Long Beach, our resort’s beach, with our feet in the sand as the island glowed in the warm evening light. It was calm, quiet, and incredibly beautiful.
If there’s one thing you must do on Phi Phi Island, it’s watch the sunset. Find a spot, slow down, and take it all in. It’s a simple moment, but one you’ll remember long after you leave.
Have the Perfect Romantic Dinner on the Beach
Phi Phi is well known as a honeymoon destination, and for us it was the perfect place to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Being there together, surrounded by such beautiful scenery, made the moment feel truly special.
That evening, we enjoyed a sunset dinner right on the beach. A small table was set by the water, soft lights glowed around us, and the sound of the waves filled the air. As the sun went down, the sky turned gold and pink, reflecting across the sea.
We ordered the catch of the day, and it was fresh, simple, and delicious. If you are celebrating something special, a sunset beach dinner on Phi Phi Island is an experience you will never forget.
And if you’re curious about incredible eats from Thailand and beyond, don’t miss all the food blogs we’ve written in Wondrous Eats: your ultimate guide to the most unforgettable bites wherever your travels take you.
Short on time?
Relax on Phi Phi Island’s Beaches
The beaches on Phi Phi Island are truly beautiful, with soft white sand and clear, calm water. Set aside at least one day to relax by the sea and enjoy a refreshing swim in the warm water.
We spent a quiet day on the beach, resting and taking in the peaceful surroundings before heading out on a longtail boat for island hopping. It was the perfect way to slow down, recharge, and fully enjoy the island atmosphere.
Book Your Dream Tour in Phi Phi
Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoints
Hiking to the three viewpoints on Phi Phi Island is an unforgettable experience. The trails take you through lush jungle, with stunning views of turquoise water appearing as you climb higher. We enjoyed it so much that we did the hike twice.
Along the way, we even ran into some wildlife, including a baby cow that suddenly ran toward us and gave us a real scare. That moment, along with the views, made the hike even more memorable. You can see this part of our adventure on our YouTube channel.
Our Phi Phi Vlog
Hike to the Second and Third Viewpoints
The hike to the second viewpoint is a bit challenging, but the views make it worth the effort. The trail winds through tropical jungle, and each turn reveals more of Phi Phi’s stunning landscape. Both the second and third viewpoints offer wide, beautiful views that are perfect for photos.
Before entering the third viewpoint, there is a small entrance fee of 30 THB. Once at the top, take your time to enjoy the breeze, relax, and soak in the scenery. On the way back down, stop by the small coffee stall for a quick break. Bring water, wear good shoes, and plan your hike for clear weather.
Visit the Surrounding Islands
We rented a longtail boat for six hours and explored the beautiful islands and lagoons around Phi Phi. One highlight was Phi Phi Lay Lagoon, which is best visited at low tide. If you stay too long, boats can get stuck until the water rises again.
We also stopped at Bamboo Island for a relaxing swim in clear water and soft sand. Many spots were quiet, which made the experience even better. Snorkeling at Maya Bay was another highlight, with colorful fish and coral. Island hopping by longtail boat is one of the best ways to see Phi Phi from the water.
Snorkeling at Maya Bay
Snorkeling at Maya Bay is an unforgettable experience and easily one of the best in Thailand. The water is warm and crystal clear, and colorful fish swim all around you, making it feel like a natural aquarium.
The coral is beautiful, and visibility is excellent, which makes snorkeling easy even for beginners. Maya Bay is also famous as the filming location of The Beach, so it can get busy, but we were lucky to visit when it was quieter.
Plan to spend one or two hours here to fully enjoy the underwater life and scenery. It is a must-do stop when visiting Phi Phi Island.
Visit Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is one of the most unique beaches on Phi Phi Island. It is known for its beautiful setting and the playful monkeys that live along the shore. Watching them interact is fun, but you should always keep a close eye on your belongings.
We saw a monkey grab a traveler’s bag, and the locals quickly stepped in and got it back using a simple distraction. It was funny to watch, but it is a good reminder to stay alert.
For a calmer visit, go in the late afternoon when the monkeys are usually fed and less active. The water is clearer then and great for swimming and spotting tropical fish.
If you’re in Krabi, we also highly recommend checking out the Monkey Trail. It’s a scenic hike where you can see monkeys in a natural setting and enjoy stunning views along the way.
Kayak Along the Limestone Cliffs
Kayaking around the limestone cliffs of Phi Phi Island is a great way to explore the island from the water. The sea is calm and clear, and paddling through lagoons and along the cliffs is both relaxing and scenic.
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially around midday. One of the best parts of kayaking is the freedom to stop anywhere, pull up on a quiet beach, swim, or relax in the sun. It is an easy and rewarding way to discover hidden spots around Phi Phi Island.
Exploring the Limestones of Phi Phi Island: A Natural Wonderland
Exploring the limestone formations around Phi Phi Island is a must. We hired a longtail boat and asked our captain to take us to the most impressive cliffs and rock formations in the area.
Sailing through turquoise water surrounded by towering limestone walls was unforgettable. We also stopped to swim and snorkel around the rocks, where the water was crystal clear and full of colorful fish. It is one of the best ways to experience Phi Phi’s natural beauty up close.
Visit Viking Cave
One of the most interesting stops near Viking Cave is learning about the Swiftlet bird nests collected inside the cave. These birds build their nests high on the cave walls using their saliva, and the nests are considered a delicacy in some cultures.
The nests are extremely valuable, with prices reaching around $4,500 per pound. Harvesting them is difficult and dangerous, as skilled climbers must scale the cave walls to collect them by hand. Visiting Viking Cave during a longtail boat trip offers a fascinating look into this unique local industry
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