03 Oct. 2024

Formed by several islands and islets off the coast of the Krabi province, the Koh Phi Phi archipelago is one of the jewels of the Andaman Sea. It is home to some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches. Are you dreaming of a beach getaway where you can lounge in a truly exotic setting? You've come to the right place! Discover the most beautiful beaches of Koh Phi Phi!

Maya Bay

This is a beach you've certainly heard of, whether or not you've ever set foot there! Made world-famous by the film 'The Beach' starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay captivates with its paradisiacal setting. Surrounded by limestone cliffs cloaked in dense jungle, the beach is caressed by turquoise, crystal-clear waters.

Due to its popularity, the beach was forced to close for 4 years to limit the damage caused by mass tourism, including coral reef degradation, water pollution, coastal erosion, and the disappearance of certain animal species. Today, visitors can return, but activities are restricted and swimming is prohibited.

Located on Phi Phi Leh island, you can visit Maya Bay as part of a boat excursion or by renting private services of a long tail boat (traditional Thai wooden boat).

Note:

Closed for several years to allow ecosystems to recover, the beach reopened to the public in 2022. Despite restrictions (limited daily visitor numbers, swimming prohibition...), Maya Bay's biodiversity remains fragile. Even last summer, the beach was closed to the public for a month. If you're planning to visit, check ahead to confirm it's accessible during your travel dates.

Long Beach

True to its name, Long Beach is an expansive stretch of sand on the southeastern side of Phi Phi Don. Renowned for its ultra-fine white sand and pristine waters, the beach is considered by many to be among the most beautiful beaches of Koh Phi Phi. Beyond swimming, it's an excellent snorkeling spot. The bay sits adjacent to Shark Point, a diving and snorkeling site where reef sharks can be spotted alongside corals and countless tropical fish.

To reach Long Beach, you have two options: take a boat taxi from Tonsai (5 to 10 minutes) or take a short hike from Tonsai on a coastal trail (approximately 30 minutes on foot).

Loh Ba Kao Beach

Looking for a paradise beach that's peaceful and quiet at Koh Phi Phi? Head to Loh Ba Kao beach (also called Lo Bagao), a preserved, uncrowded beach characterized by powdery sand and crystalline waters. You'll find a small village here along with some of the island's most luxurious accommodations. Here, you'll definitely find your own little corner of tranquility to relax in. One thing's for sure—it's the perfect spot for a romantic getaway for couples.

To access it, you can take a boat taxi from Tonsai pier or Loh Dalum bay. For the more adventurous, you can also reach the beach via the viewpoint trail of Koh Phi Phi.

Loh Lana Bay

Situated on the western coast of Phi Phi Don, Loh Lana Bay is a 500-meter-long beach with a distinctive square shape. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it's a relatively calm and peaceful beach where infrastructure is almost nonexistent. It's also an excellent snorkeling spot.

You can reach the beautiful Loh Lana beach by boat taxi from Loh Dalum beach or Tonsai pier. For hiking enthusiasts, you can access the beach via the Koh Phi Phi viewpoint trail.

Good to know:

Loh Lana and Loh Ba Kao beaches are connected by a 900-meter cemented path. Perfect for discovering two of Koh Phi Phi's most beautiful beaches in a single day!

Nui Beach

Located in the northern part of Phi Phi Don island, near Loh Dalum beach, Nui Beach is often a favorite among travelers. And rightfully so—it has plenty to inspire dreams: white sand, translucent turquoise waters, karst cliffs, lush vegetation, rocks emerging above the water... There's no doubt about it—you'll feel utterly transported!

Due to its beauty, the beach is quite crowded. So don't expect to have the world to yourself. To access it, the easiest way is to take a taxi boat from Loh Dalum or Loh Lana, or follow a hiking trail from Loh Ba Kao bay.

Note:

The beach is located near a diving site, Camel Rock. Remember to bring your snorkel and mask for snorkeling!

Laem Tong

Located at the far northern tip of Koh Phi Phi's main island (Phi Phi Don), Laem Tong beach has all the ingredients of a paradise beach: powdery white sand, turquoise and crystal-clear water, coconut palms. But most importantly, the atmosphere is conducive to relaxation since there are very few facilities.

This hidden gem has remained preserved because it's not easily accessible. You can get there by boat: via boat taxi or shuttle boat from Tonsai (several departures available daily). For the more adventurous, you can also reach the beach using the Koh Phi Phi viewpoint trail.

Monkey Beach

Located northwest of Loh Dalam Bay on Ko Phi Phi Don island, Monkey Beach (not to be confused with Monkey Bay) is among the must-visit beaches of Koh Phi Phi. It's also one of the main stops on most boat excursions around the archipelago. And for good reason—numerous monkeys (macaques) have made it their home.

As you might gather, Monkey Beach isn't the ideal spot for sunbathing (there's almost no beach at high tide), but it makes for an entertaining stop to observe the primates. To get there, you can arrange an excursion, rent a boat taxi, or paddle by kayak from Loh Dalum beach (roughly 40 minutes).

Important!

Be sure to follow safety guidelines when visiting Monkey Beach: * Don't feed the monkeys, * Don't touch them, * Don't make direct eye contact, * Don't leave your belongings unattended (secure your sunglasses and anything else that can be easily taken by the monkeys).

Loh Dalum Beach

Located on the other side of the port and Ton Sai beach (where all boats and ferries arrive) on Phi Phi Don island, Loh Dalum beach is one of Koh Phi Phi's most accessible beaches. It takes just a 10-minute walk from Ton Sai to reach it. You'll appreciate its stunning views of the island's karst mountains and vegetation.

It's a relatively peaceful beach during the day, but it's not the most practical for swimming due to shallow water (especially at low tide). That said, it can be ideal for swimming with children. From sunset onward, the beach transforms into a party venue where numerous entertainments (such as fire shows) take place.

Bamboo Island

Also called Koh Mai Phai, Bamboo Island is an island located northeast of the archipelago. It measures just 4 km long and 1.5 km wide! Unlike most Koh Phi Phi islands, this one is flat: no karst formations provide relief. As a fun aside, it owes its name to a misnomer since no bamboo plants actually line its shores.

Here you'll find magnificent paradise beaches where you can enjoy leisurely relaxation. The waters surrounding the island are also renowned as excellent snorkeling spots. To get there, the only means is by boat (allow 40 to 60 minutes of travel from Tonsai).

To remember:

Bamboo Island is one of the main sites to visit during a Koh Phi Phi excursion (along with Maya Bay, Monkey Beach...). We recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid crowds. Also note that you'll need to pay a national park entrance fee to access it.

Planning a visit to Koh Phi Phi during your Thailand trip? Here's how to get to Koh Phi Phi from Bangkok.

To learn more, also discover which Thai island to choose and all our packages for a beach getaway in Thailand.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, listen, and understand. Because for her, traveling isn't about checking countries off a map, but about weaving connections (often invisible yet always powerful) with places, peoples, and all sorts of creatures from the animal kingdom. Her motto? Advise travelers with integrity, raise their awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories often bloom far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take the time to listen to…