17 Best Things To Do On Phi Phi Islands (2025)

The Phi Phi Islands and Koh Phi Phi in particular, are one of Thailand’s most iconic island escapes, famous for dramatic cliffs, crystal clear waters, and legendary beach parties. 

There are some many things to do on the Phi Phi Islands such as snorkelling through the coral reefs, watching fiery sunsets from the cliffs, or partying in the sand, and in this post we’re going to go through all of the must-dos along with some hidden gems you won’t see online.

We’re experts on all things to do with Thailand here at Feel Free Travel as we run group trips throughout the country where we spend time on Koh Phi Phi, and we’re always looking for new and exciting things to do.

So let’s get straight into it!

Things To Do In Koh Phi Phi

The Phi Phi Islands are on pretty much every traveller’s bucket list when they touch down in Thailand, and with such amazing scenery, fun activities and great vibes, it’s easy to see why.

Here are the top 17 things to do on Koh Phi Phi that you should have on your itinerary:

1. Hike Phi Phi Viewpoint

If you only do one thing on Koh Phi Phi, make it the hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint. It will be one of the best views you ever see – guaranteed.

It’s a pretty short but steep trail that rewards you with absolutely stunning views of the islands’ bays and beautiful cliffs, which are especially magical at sunrise and sunset.

There is a small entrance fee of 30 baht (£0.67), but the photos are more than worth it. Put on some good shoes, pack some water and prepare to be wowed by the view!

2. Island Hopping Day Trip

Island hopping is a must while you’re visiting Koh Phi Phi. Make sure to visit Maya Bay, one of the most iconic spots in all of Thailand. It was made famous by the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. You should also check out Phi Phi Leh Lagoon for swimming and Bamboo Island to catch some sun.

If you’re up for a bit of a bigger adventure then we also highly recommend a trip to Shark Point for snorkeling and spotting blacktip reef sharks (totally harmless of course!)

You can often get boat tours that cover these spots all in one go which is great value for money!

3. Kayak or Paddleboard to Nui Beach

If you’re looking for an escape from the busier beaches, then making your way to Nui Beach by renting a kayak or paddleboard is the perfect solution.

Nui Beach is a quiet stretch of sand hidden away under the cliffs on the north side of Phi Phi Don. On your way, you’ll likely spot lots of fish and maybe even a sea turtle ducking its head out of the water.

Make sure to check the tides before you set off and pack some snacks and water to keep you going – you’ll want to chill at Nui Beach for quite a while.

4. Get a Massage

With so much sun, sea and sand to enjoy on Koh Phi Phi, you’ll likely find yourself in need of a relaxing spa session, and a traditional Thai massage is the perfect solution. 

You can find great massage spots all over the island, from small beachside huts to expansive wellness studios offering hundreds of treatments.

We suggest you go for the classic massage, or if you’re a little bit sunburnt (it happens to us all!), then opt for an aloe vera treatment.

Prices are pretty budget-friendly, and it’s the perfect way to unwind before dinner or after a long day of exploring.

5. Beach Party Night Out (Buckets!)

You haven’t really been to Koh Phi Phi until you’ve experienced one of its legendary beach parties. 

Our top recommendation is to head to Slinky’s Bar for fire shows, DJs, and buckets of Thai rum and Red Bull – be careful though, the cheap prices can bring a hangover on much quicker than back home!

The party spills onto the sand and goes well into the night. Expect to dance barefoot, meet travellers from all over the world, and maybe even join a limbo contest.

6. Visit Monkey Beach

Monkey Beach is another popular spot for people visiting the Phi Phi Islands, and it’s exactly what it sounds like – a stretch of white sand where wild monkeys rule the roost.

It’s a great spot for photos from the boat, but we don’t recommend getting off and approaching the monkeys. For both safety and ethical reasons, it’s best to admire them from a respectful distance. 

You’ll often find that Monkey Beach is tied into island hopping boat tours, which makes it a cheap addition to the itinerary, but again, we do suggest that you stay onboard, even if everyone else rushes off!

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also opt to hire your own boat or kayak from Phi Phi Don to make the journey. 

7. Go Scuba Diving

Everyone knows that Thailand is one of the scuba diving capitals of the world, and with such amazing marine life and crystal clear waters, it would be silly to miss out on the opportunity.

There are plenty of great scuba spots around Koh Phi Phi for spotting fish, sharks and turtles and there are plenty of opportunities to earn your PADI certification if you still need it.

Some of the best spots include Anemone Reef, Shark Point and the King Cruiser Wreck which each offer unique diving experiences and fish to spot.

Dive shops also often rent out GoPros, so you can capture your ocean adventure and make all your friends jealous back home.

8. Go Shopping on the “Yellow Brick Road”

The “Yellow Brick Road” running right through the heart of the island is a popular spot if you’re searching for the perfect keepsake from the Phi Phi Islands.

You won’t spot Dorothy or the Tin Man along this yellow brick road, but you will find lots of great deals.

The yellow paving starts right at the pier on Koh Phi Phi and branches off in all directions, leading you to plenty of different treasure stores.

If you’re looking for shell necklaces, sarongs or other authentic island souvenirs, it’s definitely the place to go.

9. Try Fresh Seafood

There’s nowhere better in Thailand to try delicious seafood than on the islands where it’s freshest. Local fish dishes, including king mackerel and snapper, are particularly popular among tourists.

And the best part is, it’s cheaper than you would pay on the mainland as you don’t have to pay for it to be transported.

Or if you’d prefer, can even catch your own fish from a longtail boat, choose how you’d like it cooked and enjoy it on beach!

10. Play Volleyball at Loh Dalum Bay

If you’re looking for a great place to play volleyball, relax or swim, then we recommend you head to Loh Dalum Bay – it’s one of those places that really takes your breath away and makes you feel like you’re in a movie.

You can also paddleboard here, allowing you to take in the beautiful beach scenery even more.

While Loh Dalum Bay has definitely become more of a tourist spot in the past few years, it’s also the perfect place to meet some fellow travellers and have some fun.

11. Chill on the IG Worthy Beach Swings 

You haven’t truly travelled in South East Asia unless you’ve tested out the famous beach swings that every influencer has showcased on Instagram.

Koh Phi Phi has a few picture-perfect swing spots along its coast, with some stunning views out across the ocean.

If you want to make all your friends jealous back home, then this is one photo you’ll want to capture!

12. Visit the Muay Thai Reggae Bar

If you’re not afraid of witnessing a bit of rough and tumble, then heading to watch a Muay Thai fight night will be right up your street while visiting Thailand.

The best place to go is Phi Phi’s Reggae Bar, which promises a pretty memorable night. By the late evening, crowds are roaring, bleachers are full, and punches are flying left, right and centre in the bar’s in-house ring.

However, there is often a catch…the evening’s entertainment relies on the crowd picking up the gloves and giving it a go.

Most of the time, this is dependent on naive backpackers who’ve had one too many, but their grand prize of a cocktail bucket is often worth it. But if you have fighting experience, they can match you with someone else who has fighting experience too!

13. Refresh at a Yoga Class

Yoga is a huge deal across Thailand, and you don’t have to wander far before coming across a wellness studio offering classes.

Taking a class is a great way to relax and recentre yourself during a busy travel period. Two of the best places to go to “get your yoga on” include Island Yoga and PP Princess Yoga.

The classes are located right on the beach, so you can take in the views and appreciate the nature around you, creating a truly peaceful and zen atmosphere.

14. Try a 2 am Thai Pancake

Thai pancakes are a must-try when visiting the country, even with so many other delicious meals in the Thai cuisine.

And on Koh Phi Phi, pancake stalls serving hungry tourists well into the early hours of the morning, meaning heading to a pancake stall for a sweet treat is always a good idea – and after a late night of partying, it could be exactly what you’re craving.

While you’ll find an endless selection of flavour combos on offer, our personal favourite would have to be banana and Nutella – the GOAT!

15. See a Fire Show on the Beach

There aren’t many places that would happily allow fire shows without a health and safety nightmare, but Thailand is certainly one of them!

The performers put on amazing fire shows on the beach each evening, swinging flames in all directions. Head to Carlitos or Slinky’s at around 9 pm, grab a seat and prepare to be amazed (and perhaps a little scared!).

16. Try street food

As we mentioned earlier, the food in Thailand is incredible. Whether you’re a big foodie or not, the street food scene can have a pull on pretty much everyone and Koh Phi Phi is one of the best places to dive into it. With such cheap prices, it would be rude not to after all!

Here’s some dishes you should keep an eye out for:

• Tom Yum Goong – a famous Thai soup that is sour and spicy made with prawns, lemongrass, lime juice, and chilli.
• Congee – A comforting rice porridge, often served with egg, pork, or chicken. It’s the perfect breakfast choice!
• Yum Woon Sen – A refreshing noodle salad with minced pork, prawns, fresh herbs, and a zesty lime dressing.
  

17. Get Your Nails Done or Hair Braided

If you’re up for a bit of a pampering session while relaxing on Thailand’s islands, then the Phi Phi Islands are the best place to be.

There are plenty of hair and beauty salons across the island waiting to give tourists a fresh makeover – perfect if you’re heading out for the evening!

The best part is they do a great job while charging a fraction of the price you would pay at home. Plus it’s some of the friendliest service you will ever have.

Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting? 

Koh Phi Phi is definitely one of those places that lives up to the hype. With beautiful limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and a lively beach scene, it has a great mix of natural beauty and island buzz that appeals to all kinds of travellers. 

By day, you can hop between hidden coves or hike to panoramic viewpoints, and by night, you can enjoy fire shows, parties at beach bars, and bustling night markets. As we’ve shown throughout this post, there are so many things to do on the Phi Phi Islands.

It’s a place where you can pack your itinerary full or do absolutely nothing – and you won’t regret either choice! While it has become more popular and developed over the years, it still holds that laid-back island vibe that keeps people coming back.

How Many Days in Phi Phi Islands? 

For most travellers, 2 to 3 days is the good go-to for the Phi Phi Islands. That gives you enough time to see the main sights without rushing, like Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and the famous Phi Phi Viewpoint, and some extra for relaxing on the white sand. 

That said, if you’re keen to unwind at a slower pace or want to dive deeper into activities like scuba diving and island hopping, staying an extra day or two can be well worth it. 

Just keep in mind that Koh Phi Phi is relatively small and walkable, so a long stay isn’t essential unless you’re really in the mood for some down-time.

Best Time to Visit Phi Phi Islands

The best time to visit the Phi Phi Islands is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. These months offer sunny skies, calm seas, and warm temperature, which are perfect for beach days, snorkelling excursions, and exploring the surrounding islands by boat. 

December to February are the most popular (and busiest) months on the islands – particularly with solo backpackers – so booking ahead is a good idea.

The wet season (between May and October) brings heavier rainfall and occasional storms, especially in September and October. 

However, travelling during this time has its perks: fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more chill atmosphere. Just be prepared to get a little bit wet while exploring and experience possible boat trip cancellations.

FAQs 

Below are some frequently asked questions related to things to do in Koh Phi Phi, along with our expert answers to them.

Conclusion: Things to Do in Koh Phi Phi 

In a nutshell, Koh Phi Phi is rammed with things to do and you’ll not be short on filling an itinerary. 

From snorkelling in crystal-clear water and hiking up to the iconic viewpoint, to watching fire shows on the beach or sampling local street food (especially sea food dishes), there’s something for every kind of traveller. 

Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Koh Phi Phi won’t let you down.

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