Thailand is home to many stunning islands of golden sands, limestone karsts, and crystal waters. One of the most well known of these is Phi Phi Island. With such a large party vibe, other Phi Phi sights can be easily overlooked. On top of sensational diving, what to do on Phi Phi Island becomes easier to choose from when you know what is on offer!
Please note: Some links below are affiliate links. I earn a small amount through certain purchases you make, this does not increase the cost for you and helps support this site.
Phi Phi Sights – Viewpoints
Phi Phi Don (the only island that accommodation is available) is a beautiful island in itself, add on top of that, two viewpoints overlooking both Loh Dalum and Ton Sai Bay, and a setting sun to the mix and it only enhances the magic.
An immediate right-hand turn from my hotel, Scenery Guesthouse leads to some steep, sweat-inducing stairs. A 20 Baht fee ($060 USD) is required to continue to the first viewpoint. A great view already, but by taking the left path, leads to the second viewpoint. This is no extra cost and is such a beautiful view of the islands main two bays. At a much higher altitude, a rocky ledge is a favorite spot to watch the sunset over the mountains of Phi Phi Leh – the uninhabited island where diving and most tours take tourists.
Phi Phi Sights – Kayaking from Loh Dalum Bay
Kayaks are available for rent at Loh Dalum Bay for only 100 Baht per hour ($5 AUD). A short paddle, hugging the left shoreline is easily done, with minimum effort but high reward. Constant white sand was only broken by the black spines of sea urchins. The water here was the extremely shallow, not really swimmable territory. Not far along the left shore, Monkey Bay is found. A much quieter swimming beach – and bonus; away from all urchins in the area. As the name suggests, there are supposedly monkeys inhabiting this beach, however, the signs made it quite clear to be cautious of them (not that I saw any while paddling around).
Phi Phi Sights – Diving Phi Phi Leh Island
Having just completed my open water and advanced open water diving certificates on Koh Tao Island, the temptation was too much. Diving here is a bit more costly than Koh Tao, but I would have paid double! Visibility was perfect until the sunlight filtered out through the deep water and the sheer amount of aquatic life is staggering. You can even have a “test dive” without completing any courses under your belt! For more information on diving in Phi Phi Island, check out this post! For a diving company, check out Princess Diving! I did three dive trips (six dives total) for 2,500 Baht ($102 AUD) each trip. A fair bit more expensive than Koh Tao, but totally worth the price! Phi Phi Leh Island was made famous by the 2000 film “The Island”, with Leonardo Di Caprio.
Phi Phi Sights – “Early Bird Tour”
As Phi Phi is such a tourist hotspot, tours can be extremely crowded as well as the sights visited. To visit Phi Phi Leh, specifically the incredible but immensely popular Maya Bay, my suggestion would be to go early. This is where the “Early Bird Tour” comes into play. While you won’t have the bay entirely to yourself, by the time your speedboat pulls out of the bay, the crowds will have multiplied tenfold. For more information about this early morning tour, check out my specific blog post detailing all you need to know!
Phi Phi Sights – “Fight Night”
Every other Phi Phi sight has been mentioned for its beauty and inspiring views. Time for something a little different. Affectionately named “Fight Night” by my friends and me, it is a unique addition to Phi Phi, and is certainly NOT for everyone. It is a boxing arena, pitting any willing participants – usually intoxicated – against each other. No booking is required, just put your hand up or jump in the ring. Contestants wear safety pads, plus a helmet, and have a referee adjudicate the proceedings.
The most enjoyable part is the crowd, as their end-of-round cheers decide the winner. The chants, the atmosphere, and the overall sweaty scene make for a very interesting night! For admission, you must purchase one (extremely over-priced) beer.
Phi Phi Island Sights – Infomation
Only Phi Phi Don has accommodation, as the island of Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited.
I journeyed from Koh Tao to Phi Phi Island, and this is a very easy trip. For 1,000 Baht per person ($33 USD), it starts with an overnight ferry to Surat Thani – with proper bunk beds! A shuttle bus from Surat Thani pier then goes to Krabi before heading on a couple hours of transit by another ferry to the dock of beautiful Phi Phi Don. The overnight ferry from Koh Tao to Surat Thani is like a giant hostel of around 40-50 beds (I’ve stayed in larger rooms than that!) except on water!
You can book a wide range of Phi Phi Island tours online, and check out the best accommodation on Phi Phi Island – hostels and hotels.
I suggest beating the majority of the crowds by taking an early morning tour of Phi Phi Leh.
Indian food is extremely common on Phi Phi Don. I ate at least one meal a day at Himalaya Restaurant, a mix of Indian and Nepali food.
For more information about diving, check out my Phi Phi scuba diving post, or the more cost-efficient option of Koh Tao Island, in southern Thailand.
Phi Phi Sights – Highlights
- Diving around Phi Phi Leh Island, specifically Bida Nok, was amazing! Turtles and sharks galore! Read all about the amazing diving here!
- Kayaking was a great activity to do along the bay of Loh Dalum. Plenty of areas to paddle around!
- Early bird tour! Visit Maya Bay with almost no one there! Plus amazing other sights – read all about this tour here!