What are the best snorkeling places and Beaches in Koh Phi Phi?
ALL BOAT TRIP LOCATIONS IN PHI PHI ISLAND
Accessibility
When planning your snorkeling adventure in Koh Phi Phi, it’s important to consider seasonal weather conditions, as they greatly affect which areas are accessible — especially if you’re traveling by traditional longtail boat.
High Season (November to May):
During these months, strong winds typically blow from the east. This can make trips to Bamboo Island difficult or even impossible on some days for smaller boats due to large waves.
Low Season (May to November):
In the rainy season, the wind direction shifts, and the west coast of Phi Phi Don — including Wang Long Bay, Monkey Beach, and Nui Bay — is often inaccessible by small boats for most of the season due to rough seas and strong currents.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, always check weather conditions and consult with local tour operators before heading out.
1. Monkey Beach
2. Viking Cave
3. Phi Lay Lagoon
4. Loh Samah Bay
5. Maya Bay
6. Wang Long Bay
7. Monkey Bay
8. Nui Bay
9. LOH LANA BAY
10. Leam Tong Beach
11. Loh Ba Kao Bay
12. Bamboo Island
13. Pak Nam Bay (Relax Beach)
14. Runtee Bay
15. Loh Modee Beach
16. Long Beach & Shark Point
1. Monkey Beach (Ao Ling)
This 150-meter stretch of soft white sand is backed by steep limestone cliffs covered in lush greenery — the perfect natural habitat for its famous residents: wild monkeys.
The monkeys are what make this beach one of the most unique spots to visit in the Phi Phi Islands. It’s not just about sunbathing or snorkeling here — it’s also a chance to observe wildlife in a stunning tropical setting.
Important note: While the monkeys may seem friendly or curious, avoid feeding or getting too close to them. They are wild animals and can be unpredictable.
Viking Cave
Snorkeling + Photo Opportunity
Located at the base of a towering limestone cliff on the northeastern side of Phi Phi Leh, Viking Cave — or Tham Phaya Nak in Thai — is a popular photo stop and snorkeling spot. The cave gets its name from ancient paintings on its walls, which resemble Viking-style ships, although they are believed to have been drawn by sailors in more recent centuries.
Viking Cave is also an important site for the harvesting of bird nests, a local delicacy used in bird’s nest soup. You’ll often spot tall bamboo ladders and scaffolding used by locals to collect the nests from the cave ceiling.
Please note: Entry into the cave is not permitted, but you can admire and photograph it from your boat and enjoy the excellent snorkeling nearby.
3. Pileh Lagoon
Swimming + Sightseeing
Pileh Lagoon (also spelled Phi Lay Lagoon) is a breathtaking natural inlet surrounded by towering limestone cliffs on Phi Phi Leh Island. Tucked just around the corner from Maya Bay, this serene spot feels like a hidden paradise.
The lagoon is famous for its unbelievably clear, turquoise water — so still and shallow that it feels like you’re floating in a giant warm bathtub. The sandy bottom is soft and white, making it perfect for a relaxing swim. There’s no coral here, so it’s a safe and peaceful place to simply float, paddle, and take in the spectacular surroundings.
Whether you jump in from a boat or glide in by kayak or longtail, Pileh Lagoon is a must-visit gem in Phi Phi.
4. Loh Samah Bay
Snorkeling + Swimming
Situated at the southern tip of Phi Phi Leh Island, Loh Samah Bay is one of the top snorkeling spots in the Phi Phi archipelago.
However, since the opening of the Maya Bay pier, this area has become quite busy with many boats, making it less suitable for snorkeling during peak times. It’s best to plan your visit early in the day or during less crowded periods for a better experience.
5. Maya Beach
SNORKELING + SWIMMING + BEACH
Maya Bay is the classic representation of the ultimate beach paradise. Made famous worldwide by the Hollywood movie The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, it became an iconic destination in the 2000s. The beach itself is stunning, and the bay offers excellent swimming opportunities, often visited by turtles and small reef sharks.
There is an entry fee of 400 THB per person as part of the national park admission.
Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views and walk along the beach, but swimming directly from the beach is not allowed to protect the environment.
Maya Beach is closed annually during August and September for environmental restoration and reconditioning.
6. Wang Long Bay
SNORKELING + SWIMMING + BEACH
Wang Long Bay is located on the main island of Phi Phi Don but is accessible only by boat. A narrow entrance leads into a stunning lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. At low tide, a beautiful little beach emerges, adding to the charm of the spot.
This is truly an amazing place and definitely a must-see when visiting Phi Phi. Expect turquoise waters and excellent snorkeling with hundreds of colorful little fish.
7. Monkey Bay
BEACH + SNORKELING
Monkey Bay boasts a beautiful white sandy beach, perfect for relaxing and swimming. One of the best ways to explore this hidden gem is by kayaking from Loh Dalum Bay. If you set out early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you might be lucky enough to see wild macaque monkeys coming down from the cliffs to the beach, attracted by visitors feeding them.
The snorkeling here is also worth trying, especially around the rocky areas on the right side of the beach, where you can spot vibrant marine life in clear waters.
8. Nui Bay
SNORKELING + SWIMMING + BEACH
Nui Bay is a beautiful, secluded beach located on the northeast side of the main island, Phi Phi Don. It features a stunning stretch of white sand surrounded by dramatic limestone rock formations, including one of Phi Phi’s famous landmarks — Camel Rock — which rises majestically from the sea just in front of the beach.
The entrance to the bay offers excellent spots for snorkeling and diving, with clear waters and vibrant marine life, making it a favorite for those looking to explore beneath the surface.
9. Loh Lana Bay
BEACH + SNORKELING
Loh Lana is a long, rustic, and relatively untouched beach located on the northwest coast of Koh Phi Phi Don. Stretching about 500 meters, this quiet bay remains mostly undeveloped except for an abandoned hotel project that’s been halted since 2014. The shallow, calm waters of this square-shaped bay offer excellent snorkeling opportunities along both sides, making it a peaceful spot for underwater exploration away from the crowds.
10. Leam Tong Beach
BEACH + RELAXING
Away from the hustle and bustle of Tonsai Village, this peaceful 1-kilometer-long beach on the northeast coast of Phi Phi Don offers a secluded and calm spot to unwind. Here, you can relax while listening to the soothing sound of waves gently crashing on the shore. This area is also home to some upscale resorts like Zeavola and Holiday Resort., providing a more luxurious stay for visitors seeking tranquility.
11. Loh Ba Kao Bay
BEACH + RELAXING
Loh Ba Kao Bay is an 800-meter-wide bay located on the northeastern coast of Phi Phi Don Island. It is famous for hosting one of the island’s most popular resorts, the SAII Resort . Beyond its stunning sandy beach lined with a picturesque coconut grove, Loh Ba Kao Bay offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere, perfect for those seeking to unwind away from the crowds. The traditional Thai-style bungalows nestled among the palms add to the charm and peaceful vibe of the area.
12. Bamboo Island
SNORKELING + SWIMMING + BEACH
Bamboo Island (Koh Phai in Thai) is one of the six islands in the Phi Phi archipelago, located about five kilometers northeast of Koh Phi Phi Don. This small, tropical paradise measures roughly 600 meters wide by 700 meters long, and is encircled by powdery white sand, while its center is covered in lush, green vegetation.
Bamboo Island is ideal for a peaceful day trip and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, particularly along its western shore where vibrant coral reefs await just offshore. A small beach bar provides drinks and snacks for visitors. Please note: there is a 400 THB national park entry fee per person to visit the island.
13. Pak Nam Bay (Relax Beach)
SNORKELING + SWIMMING + BEACH
Pak Nam Bay, also known as Relax Beach, is one of Phi Phi’s quieter and lesser-known gems. Nestled on the east coast of Phi Phi Don, this peaceful bay offers a serene escape from the busier parts of the island. Visitors can unwind at the beachfront bar and restaurant of Relax Beach Resort,, which is open to non-guests as well.
With calm, clear waters, this bay is perfect for snorkeling and swimming, and makes a great stop for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty away from the crowds.
14. Runtee Bay
SNORKELING + SWIMMING + BEACH
Runtee Bay is a hidden gem on Koh Phi Phi, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. This peaceful beach boasts turquoise waters, soft sand, and a relaxed vibe. Shaded by palm trees and tropical foliage, it’s an ideal spot to unwind. While it can get a bit livelier during lunchtime with visiting day-trippers, the ends of the beach remain tranquil. You can swing in a hammock, sip on a fresh smoothie, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere while still having access to decent snorkeling right off the beach.
15. Loh Modee Beach
SNORKELING + SWIMMING + BEACH
Loh Modee Beach is a beautiful, 500-meter stretch of soft white sand located on the east coast of Koh Phi Phi Don. Tucked away from the main tourist areas, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking peace and quiet. The beach is framed by emerald-green waters and tropical trees, creating a perfect setting for a relaxing day. Snorkeling is best at both ends of the bay, where colorful reef fish and coral formations can be found. It’s one of Phi Phi’s best-kept secrets—serene, scenic, and blissfully uncrowded.
16. Long Beach & Shark Point
SNORKELING + SWIMMING + BEACH
Long Beach is one of the most popular and scenic sandy beaches on Phi Phi Don, offering excellent swimming conditions all day long, even during low tide. Its long stretch of soft white sand and crystal-clear water make it a favorite for beach lovers and snorkelers alike.
Just offshore lies Shark Point, a rocky outcrop known for regular sightings of blacktip reef sharks. Early morning is the best time to spot them while snorkeling. Don’t worry—these sharks are harmless and a true highlight for underwater enthusiasts.
