October 10, 2024

Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lipe? Wondering which island to visit during your Thailand trip? Let's break down all the characteristics and highlights of these two southern Thai islands to help you make the right choice.

Visiting Koh Phi Phi: What to Expect

Koh Phi Phi isn't a single island but an archipelago of six islands nestled in the Andaman Sea, off Thailand's southwestern coast, between Phuket and Krabi. The two main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley, while the other four remain uninhabited and rocky.

Famous for its idyllic beaches, mountains and soaring limestone cliffs, the archipelago ranks among Thailand's most precious natural jewels. It's also become one of the country's most popular destinations since the 1999 release of The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio, which made the legendary Maya Bay beach a household name worldwide.

What to Do at Koh Phi Phi?

See Maya Bay, the World's Most Famous Beach

Made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio's film The Beach, Maya Bay is arguably the world's most iconic beach. Accessible only by boat, this pristine stretch of sand lies on the uninhabited Koh Phi Phi Ley.

Unfortunately, it fell victim to its own success, as mass tourism wreaked havoc on the ecosystem: water pollution, degraded coral reefs, disappearing species, coastal erosion... To give you an idea, the beach welcomed over 5,000 visitors daily during peak season in 2018.

Faced with this ecological crisis, Thai authorities made the decision to close the bay for four years. Reopened since January 2022, the beach is once again open to visitors, with new regulations in place to protect the ecosystem. Daily visitor numbers are capped and swimming is prohibited.

Lounging on Pristine Beaches

The Koh Phi Phi archipelago boasts numerous beaches perfect for relaxation. Some are accessible only by boat or hiking trail, offering an enchanting escape, while others buzz with vibrant energy and nightlife.

Among Koh Phi Phi's most stunning beaches, you'll find:

• Loh Ba Kao Bay,
• Loh Moo Dee Beach,
• Long Beach,
• Wang Long Bay,
• Loh Dalum Beach,
• Monkey Bay (known for its monkey population),
• Nui beach,
• Phak Nam Bay,
• Ao Toh Ko,
• Ao Rantee...

Diving and Snorkeling

Koh Phi Phi Marine National Park (also called Hat Noppharat Thara) is home to some of Thailand's finest diving sites. You'll find spots suited to both beginners and experienced divers.

The dive sites are remarkably diverse: caves and caverns, canyons and dramatic coral-covered drop-offs... Marine life includes leopard sharks, reef sharks, whale sharks (February to March), barracudas, tuna, groupers, parrotfish, seahorses, moray eels and much more. The area also features a few wrecks, including the Kledkaeo and King Cruiser.

Taking in Views from the Lookout Points

To admire the beauty of the Koh Phi Phi archipelago, head to the Koh Phi Phi Don viewpoint. Accessible from Tonsaï village, the Phi Phi View Point offers breathtaking panoramas of the sand bar-connected island and the surrounding islets.

The viewpoint is divided into three sections: Viewpoint 1, 2 and 3. The first is most accessible and popular. We recommend venturing to the final viewpoint for the best vistas and to avoid crowds.

Note: Viewpoint access is fee-based (expect less than 50 baht).

Exploring the Archipelago

To discover the uninhabited islands and islets of the archipelago, travelers can embark on day-trip island-hopping excursions. Islands worth exploring include Bamboo Island (also called Koh Pai), Koh Bida Nok & Koh Bida Nai, and Mosquito Island. Beyond their dreamy beaches, these islands offer excellent snorkeling spots.

Outdoor Activities

The Koh Phi Phi archipelago offers numerous activities for sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. You can rock climb the towering limestone peaks characteristic of the region or rent a kayak to explore the beaches of the main islands.

Party and Nightlife

While Koh Phi Phi's main island does have tranquil corners, it's equally renowned for its lively, animated atmosphere. Every evening, Tonsaï village and Loh Dalum Beach come alive, much to the delight of party-goers. Bars feature international DJs and beach shows light up the night.

Koh Phi Phi: For Which Types of Travelers?

As you can see, the Koh Phi Phi archipelago offers an array of activities for all travelers. The main island, Phi Phi Don, attracts diving enthusiasts, nature lovers and party-seekers from around the world. While quieter pockets exist, Koh Phi Phi remains one of Thailand's most visited destinations. It's therefore not the ideal place to escape the beaten path and avoid crowds.

Visiting Koh Lipe: What to Expect

Koh Lipe is also located in the Andaman Sea but sits further south, near the Malaysian border. Literally translated as "paper island" due to its relatively flat topography, it's a tiny island measuring just 2 km². It's the only inhabited island in the Adang archipelago.

Nicknamed "the Maldives of Siam," Koh Lipe ranks among Thailand's most beautiful islands. It has all the ingredients to inspire dreams: white-sand beaches, crystalline emerald-green waters, exceptional marine life...

What to Do at Koh Lipe?

Relaxing on Postcard-Perfect Beaches

Known for its storybook beaches, Koh Lipe is the perfect place to surrender to relaxation. The island features three main beaches:

• Pattaya Beach: a lively beach with plenty of amenities, where ferries dock. For a quieter experience, visit the tiny Sanom Beach just next door.
• Sunrise Beach: ideal for snorkeling. We recommend renting a kayak and heading to the sublime and isolated Patai Galah Beach.
• Sunset Beach: as its name suggests, this is where to catch the sunset.

Diving and Snorkeling

Koh Lipe ranks among Thailand's premier diving destinations. This is largely because it's part of the Tarutao Marine National Park reserve, established in 1974, which contains 25% of the world's tropical fish species.

The island features around twenty dive sites for all levels, featuring rock formations and pinnacles. You'll encounter abundant soft corals, countless exotic fish, bioluminescent plankton (seasonal), and occasionally pelagic species like sea turtles, whale sharks, minke whales, sperm whales, and dugongs... Dolphin sightings from boats are common.

Wreck enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Yong Hua shipwreck, a 48-meter cargo vessel that sank in 1996.

Exploring the Island on Foot

Given its tiny size, Koh Lipe is easily explored on foot. You'll find no vehicles on the island except a few motorcycle taxis. You can stroll leisurely and meet some of the approximately 1,000 residents, most of whom belong to the "sea gypsies."

Also called the Chao Ley, they're members of a semi-nomadic ethnic minority who were the first to settle on the island. Today, they live primarily from fishing and tourism.

Excursions to Neighboring Islands

As part of the Adang Rawi archipelago, Koh Lipe isn't the only island in the area worth exploring. On a boat excursion, you can reach nearby islands for an enchanting getaway where isolation and nature reign supreme. Notable options include Koh Adang, also situated within the Tarutao Marine Park.

Activities include nature hiking, dreamy beaches, snorkeling, and ascending the viewpoint for sweeping island vistas... Note that it's possible to stay overnight on the island through the national park office.

Kayaking the Surrounding Waters

For the more adventurous, kayaks are readily available for rent from Koh Lipe's main beaches, allowing you to explore the coastline and neighboring islands. You can circumnavigate the island in about three hours or paddle to nearby Koh Kra and Koh Usen. Don't forget your snorkel gear for underwater stops!

Koh Lipe: For Which Types of Travelers?

Renowned as one of Thailand's best diving destinations, Koh Lipe primarily attracts diving enthusiasts. It's also the ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and beach getaways.

In Summary: Which Island to Choose Between Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi?

As you've gathered, both Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lipe feature diving as their signature activity. If you want to maximize activities during your stay, we recommend choosing Koh Phi Phi. However, if you simply want to unwind and dive, we suggest Koh Lipe.

But rather than having to choose, why not do both? You can reach both islands by ferry. Popular companies include Tigerline Ferry, Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club and Bundhaya Speed Boat. Expect approximately four hours of travel between the two islands.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A travel writer with over a decade of experience, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by a deep desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. For her, travel isn't about checking countries off a map, but about weaving connections—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples and creatures of the animal kingdom. Her motto? Advise travelers with integrity, awaken their consciousness about animal welfare, cultural respect, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories often emerge far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in a quiet conversation, or in the gentle whisper of a world we finally take time to hear…