15 Best Things To Do in Ko Phi Phi Don
An idyllic retreat located between the large island of Phuket and the west Strait of Malacca coast, Ko Phi Phi Don is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. Since this archipelago is home to pristine beaches, limestone caves, and lush forests, the list of Ko Phi Phi Don Attractions mostly includes water sport activities like swimming, snorkelling, and diving. Majority of the places to visit in Ko Phi Phi Don are located on the coasts and boast of stunning natural beauty. Among the Ko Phi Phi Don points of interest, the Bamboo Island, the Maya Bay and beaches like Long Beach and Monkey Beach are most famous.
Here's the list of tourist attractions and 15 best things to do in Ko Phi Phi Don:
1. Climb up to The Phi Phi Viewpoint
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There is no better way to enjoy the lush greenery and the crystal-clear waters of the Phi Phi Island than by observing it from an elevation. The Phi Phi Viewpoint is the best place to do just that – located to the east of the flat strip of sand, it overlooks the village and the two bays, thus providing you with enchanting views of the shore as well as the jungle! A short but a rigorous climb takes you to the peak of the Phi Phi Viewpoint from where can admire the mesmerising views.
2. Explore the Bamboo Island
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A picturesque island which is a part of the Phi Phi archipelago, Bamboo Island is a quintessential tropical island which is covered by a dense Bamboo vegetation and surrounded by powdery-white sands. Most visitors come to this island for an overnight trip and camp in tents on the fringes of the jungle. Thanks to the exquisite coral reef framing the shores of the Bamboo Island, it is a popular snorkelling spot among tourists.
3. Dive in the Phi Phi waters
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The waters of the Phi Phi island are known for the exclusive marine diversity and colourful underwater flora and fauna. It thus comes as no wonder then that scuba diving is the favourite sport of the tourists who visit this island. Various famous diving sites like hark Point, Anemone Reef and the King Cruiser Wreck are located around the Ko Phi Phi Don. Here, you have a good chance of spotting sharks, glowing plankton, corals, and hundreds of vibrant fish! So, get your diving gear on and off you go into the turquoise waters of Phi Phi!
4. Go for a shark watching tour
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Due to the large population of the harmless black-tip and leopard sharks found around the Phi Phi islands, shark watching tours are highly popular among tourists. Starting quite early in the morning, these tours usually last for around half-a-day and are carried out under strict supervision of the guides, so you can rest assured that your experience is a safe and a memorable one.
5. Chill at the beaches
From the scenic Tonsai Bay to the secluded Phak Nam Bay, from the playful Monkey Beach to the popular Long Beach, and from the buzzing Loh Dalum Bay to the pristine Maya Bay, there is no shortage of beaches and coasts in Ko Phi Phi Don. One of the most bountiful and picturesque set of islands in Thailand, Phi Phi islands draw tourists from all around the globe due to their sandy shores boasting of turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and lush green forests.
6. Enjoy rock-climbing at the Tonsai Tower
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The 200-metre tall limestone tower called Tonsai Tower is a popular rock-climbing spot on the Phi Phi Islands. It hosts 48 different bolted routes of various difficulty levels, thus making it an ideal spot for novice as well as expert rock climbers. Nestled at the western end of Tonsai Bay, many tour operators and companies conduct specialised rock climbing tours of half-day and one-day to the Tonsai Tower.
7. Take a boat to the Viking Cave
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Named after the paintings found on the eastern southern walls of the cave that represent different kinds of boats, the Viking Cave is accessible from the Tonsai Bay by a long-tailed boat ride of 30 minutes. The Viking Cave is also famous for the large number of Swiftlet caves found inside its scaffolds. This limestone cave which lies on the eastern side of the Phi Phi Leh is a famous tourist attraction in Ko Phi Phi Don. It is imperative to not that you need prior permission from the authorities to access the Viking Cave.
8. Savour the local food at Phi Phi islands
Known for its tasty and fresh seafood, Ko Phi Phi Don is the perfect place to try mouthwatering fish delicacies. Almost all the islands in Phi Phi archipelago house beach shacks, Reggae bars, and local eateries where you can sample some of the most delicious Pad Thai, Tom Yum and Massaman curries. The local fares like barbecued fish dipped in sauces and served on a heap of rice, shrimp soup, and papaya salad, too are sure to blow your mind away.
9. Try Snorkelling in Hat Yao
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Warm water, exotic marine life, and clear underwater visibility makes Hat Yao a popular snorkelling spot in Ko Phi Phi Don. From clown fish to black-tip sharks, and from vibrantly coloured corals to bizarre flora, a Hat Yao snorkelling expedition will surely leave you mesmerised and awestruck!
10. Swim in the Ao Pileh Bay
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A secluded, shallow cove protected by colourful coral reef at its entrance, Ao Pileh Bay boasts of clean, emerald green waters which are perfect for swimming and skinny dipping. The lagoon is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, thus further enhancing the beauty of this region. The bright and pristine water of the Ao Pileh Bay is perfect not just for swimming but also for an exciting snorkelling adventure.
11. Kayak around Koh Phi Phi
A unique way to explore the breathtaking beauty of Phi Phi islands, kayaking is the best way to discover the hidden and unexplored areas of the turquoise waters. A kayaking trip will take you to the pristine and secluded caves and coves which are untouched by human interference. As you relax on the kayak and zip across the crystal-clear waters, you will be treated to an unobstructed view of the lush green coasts.
12. Discover famous shipwrecks at the Mosquito Island
As the name suggests, Mosquito Island has been named after the large number of mosquitos inhabiting this island. However, if you look past these pesky creatures, you will find that the Mosquito Island is home to some of the most famous shipwrecks in the region. Many tourists prefer to dive underwaters from the shores of the Mosquito Island to explore these fascinating shipwrecks. Of these, the eminent King Cruiser wreck is a popular wreck diving destination.
13. Opt for a Thai Cookery class at the Pum Thai Cooking School
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In love with the mouthwatering Thai cuisine and interested in learning all the secret ingredients, processes, and techniques that make this cuisine so delicious? If yes, then enrol yourself for a Thai Cookery class at the famous Pum Thai Cooking School located in Tonsai Village. From short 30-minute lessons to extensive sessions that last more than two to three hours, Pum Thai Cooking School features various options for you to choose from.
14. Have a cliff-jumping adventure at the Maya Bay
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The majestic cliffs of the Phi Phi islands make it an ideal site to embark upon a cliff-jumping adventure. The daredevils and adventure-junkies opt for this exciting sport in which you simply leave your fears behind and jump off the cliff, straight into the cold waters below!
15. Watch a Muay Thai Fight
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Muay Thai fight is a type of martial arts which is practised in most parts of Thailand. Tucked into the roads and lanes of Phi Phi islands are several Reggae bars which house a boxing ring in their premises! These are great spots to catch a live Muay Thai Fight
