Comprised of islands and islets off the coast of Krabi province, the Koh Phi Phi archipelago is one of the jewels of the Andaman Sea. With some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, it's the perfect place for a seaside escape in an exotic setting. Discover the most stunning beaches of Koh Phi Phi!

Maya Bay

This beach is world-famous, even if you’ve never set foot there! Made famous by the movie *The Beach* starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay is breathtaking with its paradisiacal setting. Surrounded by limestone cliffs covered in dense jungle, the beach is framed by crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Due to its popularity, the beach was closed for four years to reduce the impact of mass tourism, such as coral reef damage, water pollution, coastal erosion, and the decline of some animal species. Visitors are now allowed back, but activities are limited, and swimming is prohibited.

Located on Phi Phi Leh Island, you can visit Maya Bay on a boat tour or by renting a private long-tail boat (traditional Thai boat).

Note:
The beach was closed for several years to allow the ecosystem to recover and reopened to the public in 2022. Despite restrictions (a daily visitor limit and a ban on swimming), Maya Bay’s biodiversity remains fragile. The beach was closed again for a month last summer, so check in advance if it's open during your travel dates.

Long Beach

As the name suggests, Long Beach is a long stretch of sand located southeast of Phi Phi Don. Known for its fine white sand and clear waters, many consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Phi Phi. Besides swimming, it's an excellent snorkeling spot. Shark Point, a nearby snorkeling and diving site, offers sightings of reef sharks along with coral and tropical fish.

To reach Long Beach, you can take a taxi boat from Tonsai (5-10 minutes) or walk along a coastal trail from Tonsai (about a 30-minute hike).

Loh Ba Kao Beach

Looking for a serene, idyllic beach on Koh Phi Phi? Head to Loh Ba Kao (also known as Lo Bagao), a quiet, uncrowded beach with powdery sand and clear water. Here, you’ll find a small village and some of the island’s most luxurious accommodations, making it the perfect spot for a romantic escape.

You can get there by boat taxi from Tonsai Pier or Loh Dalum Bay, or for the more adventurous, by hiking along the Phi Phi viewpoint trail.

Loh Lana Bay

Located on the west coast of Phi Phi Don, Loh Lana Bay is a 500-meter long square-shaped beach surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a relatively calm, peaceful beach with few amenities and is an excellent spot for snorkeling.

You can reach Loh Lana Beach by taking a taxi boat from Loh Dalum Beach or Tonsai Pier. For those who enjoy hiking, you can also access the beach via the Phi Phi viewpoint trail.

Good to Know:
Loh Lana and Loh Bakao beaches are connected by a 900-meter cement path, so you can visit two of Koh Phi Phi’s most beautiful beaches in one day!

Nui Beach

Situated on the northern part of Phi Phi Don, near Loh Dalum Beach, Nui Beach is often a favorite among travelers. With white sand, turquoise waters, karst cliffs, lush vegetation, and rocks jutting out of the water, it’s a total escape!

Due to its beauty, Nui Beach is quite popular, so don't expect solitude. To reach it, you can take a taxi boat from Loh Dalum or Loh Lana or follow a hiking trail from Loh Ba Kao Bay.

Note:
The beach is close to a dive site, Camel Rock, so remember to bring a mask and snorkel for snorkeling!

Laem Tong

Located at the northern tip of Phi Phi Don, Laem Tong Beach has all the elements of a dream beach: powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and palm trees. The vibe here is all about relaxation, with very few facilities.

This hidden gem has stayed pristine partly because it’s not easy to access. You can reach it by taxi boat or shuttle boat from Tonsai (several departures daily). For the adventurous, the Phi Phi viewpoint trail will take you there.

Monkey Beach

Northwest of Loh Dalam Bay on Phi Phi Don, Monkey Beach is a must-see on Koh Phi Phi. It’s a highlight on most boat tours around the archipelago because a group of monkeys (macaques) calls it home.

Monkey Beach isn’t the ideal spot for sunbathing (there’s barely any beach at high tide) but makes for a fun stop to observe the primates. You can get there by joining a tour, renting a taxi boat, or kayaking from Loh Dalum Beach (about 40 minutes).

Warning!
Follow safety guidelines when visiting Monkey Beach:

• Do not feed the monkeys.
• Do not touch them.
• Avoid making eye contact.
• Keep your belongings secure (store sunglasses and any items that can be easily snatched by monkeys).

Loh Dalum Beach

On the opposite side of Ton Sai (where boats and ferries arrive) on Phi Phi Don, Loh Dalum Beach is one of the easiest beaches to access on Koh Phi Phi. It’s just a 10-minute walk from Ton Sai. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the island's karst mountains and lush vegetation.

It’s a relatively quiet beach during the day, though not the best for swimming due to shallow water (especially at low tide), which can be great for a swim with kids. Starting at sunset, the beach transforms into a lively place with various entertainment options, including fire shows.

Bamboo Island

Also known as Koh Mai Phai, Bamboo Island lies northeast of the archipelago, measuring only 4 km long and 1.5 km wide! Unlike most of Koh Phi Phi's islands, it’s flat and has no karst formations. Fun fact: it was mistakenly named since no bamboo grows on its shores.

The island is home to gorgeous paradise beaches perfect for lounging. The surrounding waters are also excellent for snorkeling. The only way to get here is by boat (about a 40-60 minute journey from Tonsai).

To Remember:
Bamboo Island is one of the main stops on a Koh Phi Phi tour (along with Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and more). It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. Note that an entry fee to the national park is required.

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

For more travel ideas, check out our guide on choosing the best Thai island and our beach vacation itineraries in Thailand.

Florine Dergelet