Things to do on Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is a picture of paradise for most, but there’s more to it than meets the eye – it’s not just about Koh Phi Phi beaches.
The island, made up of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, is a playground for those interested in a bit of activity and adventure. One of the most popular things to do is island hopping to explore the various neighbouring islands to discover life beneath the sea, whether it’s snorkelling or diving.
But if you want something above sea level (really above!) Phi Phi is a top rock-climbing destination with its karst limestone cliffs drawing in climbers from across the world to take on the tropics. As a National Park, Phi Phi has plenty of verdant landscape to take in as well as crystal clear seas.
Island-hopping from Koh Phi Phi
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty that Koh Phi Phi promises is to go island hopping and snorkelling in the number of amazing spots dotted around the area.
With many tours to choose from and tickets sold all over the island, you can’t really go wrong with any – just make sure you’re paying a fair price. Most trips run for a half day, either 9am-2pm, or 2pm-7pm depending on if you want to enjoy sunset from the boat or not (fins and snorkels are also provided).
One of the main islands to visit is the stunning Bamboo Island – which is usually one of the quieter ones, with boats arriving at staggered times – and where you can swim in the crystal waters and enjoy the stunning coral below the surface.
Pi Ley Bay is another jaw dropper, with its huge steep cliffs hiding an inlet tucked away, only accessible at high tide. If you really want an underwater wonderworld, Hin Klang is a must; a ‘coral mountain’ home to some of the most exotic sea life and corals – undoubtedly one of the best snorkelling spots in the Andaman Sea.
Diving on Koh Phi Phi
It only makes sense that there would be just as many amazing diving spots as snorkelling, if the island-hopping is anything to go by.
Serious divers consider Phi Phi to have some of the most exotic sea life and corals to admire. If you like wreck diving, the King Cruiser Wreck is waiting to be explored, and many combine this dive with other sites like Anemone Reef and Shark Point. Some of the more experienced divers might like to venture further afield to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang dive sites (some of the best sites not only in Thailand, but some say in the world). Hin Daeng is well known for the marine life living at the steep wall, and Hin Muang for its bright violet coral. Keep your eyes peeled for whale sharks, too, as well as grey reef sharks, and leopard sharks.
If you’re not a diver yet but want to learn, there are plenty of diving schools on the island where you can learn your PADI Open Water in just a few days. Perfect if you plan on staying on the island for a while.
Rock Climbing
You only have to look at the imposing natural landscape to understand why Koh Phi Phi is a top destination for climbers. Its karst limestone cliffs are just calling out for chalk and carabiners!
Krabi is a well-known area for rock climbing and Phi Phi is no different, sharing the same rock formations. Ton Sai beach is where you’ll find most of the climbing walls with pre-fixed bolts. Tonsai Tower at the western end of the bay stands at an impressive 200m tall and is a favourite among climbers of all ages and abilities. Ao Ling Wall you’ll find just south of Tonsai Tower, best accessed by longtail boat, and which offers a range of routes graded between 3 and 8b. Just south of Ao Ling Wall, Hin Tak is another challenging climb overlooking Ton Sai Bay with 19 routes graded between 5 and 8b.
Make sure you check in with a reputable climbing shop first, and borrow any equipment you might need. Many companies also offer courses and half or full day climbing tours, which are good for beginners.
