How to Spend 24 Hours on Koh Phi Phi, Thailand – Detailed Itinerary (2024)

Koh Phi Phi is one of those places that captures the essence of a tropical paradise—clear turquoise waters, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and jungle trails.

Even if you only have 24 hours on Koh Phi Phi Don, you can still pack in a day full of adventure and feel like you have seen more than few tourist traps.

If you are looking for a more unique experience beyond the usual visit to Maya Bay, you came to the right place. I spent a week on Koh Phi Phi Don and was able to discover more adventurous and less touristy spots on the island.

Koh Phi Phi doesn’t have to be overwhelming and I can prove that it’s worth staying there a bit longer than a few hours on a day trip.

Read on to learn how to make the most of your day on Koh Phi Phi, from sunrise to well past sunset.

Preparation

We’ll be snorkeling, swimming, and hiking. Remember to pack:

• towel
• comfortable shoes (flip-flops are fine too, but keep in mind that there will be some moderate hiking involved)
• swimsuit
• snorkeling gear (it can also be rented on the beach)
• sunscreen
• bug repellent
• water
• cash (you can get it at Tonsai Village)

Detailed Itinerary for 24 Hours on Koh Phi Phi

Morning: Breakfast at the Street Food Market by the Tonsai Pier

Let’s start our morning early. Even if you just arrived on Koh Phi Phi, there’s no time to waste. Around 9 am will be a great time to stroll near the Ton Sai Pier and between small streets without finding yourself in a huge crowd of tourists.

For the authentic Thai breakfast lets head to the small street food aisle with local restaurants. You can either find a table and enjoy a slow breakfast or browse the street food stalls and compose your breakfast from typical Thai snacks.

You will find plenty of options: a huge variety of satays with fish, seafood and meat, as well as rice dishes, pastry, fresh fruit, milk tea and much more.

This part of Koh Phi Phi Don is also full of more fancy, but less authentic restaurants. If you wish to eat something in a western style it will be easy to find a place with pancakes, oatmeal or eggs.

Mid-Morning: Discover Viking Beach

After breakfast, it’s time to hit the beach. We won’t go to the popular tourist beaches near the center, as they are too crowded and sometimes full of jellyfish, making it hard to swim and relax.

Instead we will head south to discover secluded beaches with stunning views and soft sand. From the Ton Sai Pier we will first head to Hippies Bar.

It’s another good destination for breakfast or lunch, with traditional Thai cuisines, but also with much higher prices. 

This restaurant is a lovely, but popular spot located right by the beach. In the evening you can listen to live music and see a fire show there. It’s a much more relaxed alternative to the louder parties in the Tonsai Village center. 

Continuing past Hippies Bar, we’ll follow the beach until the paved road transitions to sand and a path leading uphill into the forest along the shore.

This path will take us to Long Beach. The walk isn’t too challenging but offers stunning views of the turquoise sea and Koh Phi Phi Bay. It’s one of the most underrated destinations on Koh Phi Phi, close to the main town yet calm and with picturesque views.

Along the way, we’ll pass a few small, secluded beaches. My favorite is Viking Beach. Though remote, it has plenty of space and shade, a beach bar, and even kayak rentals.

It feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the main village. The soft sand and crystal-clear water make it an ideal spot for a peaceful break close to nature. You can snorkel and swim here too, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

Late Morning: Water activities at Long Beach – Snorkeling, Kayaking and/or Swimming

After some relaxation at Viking Beach, it’s time for more adventure at Long Beach, just a few minutes’ walk away.

You can either take the main road to the north side of Long Beach or opt for a short hike on the south—a little jungle passage with ropes and stones to climb. It’s not too difficult, and you’ll see many others taking this route. After descending, you’ll reach Long Beach.

Long Beach is one of Koh Phi Phi’s most famous beaches, and for a good reason—it’s an absolutely stunning destination. The clear waters here are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. 

You can snorkel right off the beach, with the best spot about 500 meters from the shore. Grab your gear and dive in to explore the vibrant marine life. You’ll find colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and if you’re lucky, a blacktip reef shark or two. 

However, be cautious when swimming, as you’ll need to navigate big rocks, coral reefs, and numerous boats in the area. There may also be jellyfish and strong currents, so always stay vigilant.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, consider renting a life jacket. I always wear one when snorkeling to feel safer while floating above the coral reefs. 

The best time to spot blacktip sharks is early in the morning when the sea is calm, and visibility is at its peak. It’s also less crowded, making for a quieter, more enjoyable experience.

Another great activity at Long Beach is to rent a kayak and paddle further into the Thai Andaman Sea or around the island. You can also combine kayaking with snorkeling and swimming.

All equipment—snorkeling gear, kayaks, and life jackets—can be rented right on the beach, so there’s no need to search for a shop. Local beach bars also serve as rental points.

Noon: Lunch by the Beach

For lunch, head to one of the beachfront restaurants near Long Beach. I highly recommend trying the locally sourced fish and seafood, which are always fresh.

As the midday heat intensifies, relax in a shaded spot and recharge with a delicious meal and refreshing cold drinks.

Depending on how hungry you are after hiking to Long Beach, you can adjust your itinerary to have lunch first and enjoy water activities later.

Early Afternoon: visit to Loh Moo Dee Beach and Return via the Village (Optional)

If you’re up for more exploring, consider taking a different route back to Tonsai Village. Instead of retracing your steps along the coast, walk through one of the small local villages.

Loh Moo Dee Beach is worth visiting if you enjoy exploring beaches—it’s spacious yet secluded, with only one restaurant. It may not be as charming as Viking Beach, but if you have time and energy, it’s worth a stop.

The path through the jungle and small villages offers a chance to see a different side of Koh Phi Phi—away from the beaches and bars, where life moves at a slower pace. Although it’s not the most stunning or eventful route, it provides a glimpse into the lives of the island’s inhabitants.

I’ve marked this path as optional because the coastal hike to Long Beach offers better views than the jungle hike, so I won’t blame you if you want to walk there again.

An alternative way to return to Tonsai Village is to take a boat from Long Beach.

Late Afternoon: Sunset Hike to the Viewpoint

After coming back to the Tonsai Village we can have a rest for a second in a local bar. Honestly the choice is so big that you will find something for yourself, I couldn’t resist fresh fruit sold by the small food stalls.

Let’s relax for a bit because we’re about to go on another hike. No trip to Koh Phi Phi is complete without a hike to one of its famous viewpoints, and this will be our sunset spot.

Sunset in Southern Thailand is usually around 6:30 pm, so it’s best to head to the viewpoint by 5:30 pm. Depending on when you visit Koh Phi Phi, be sure to check the exact sunset time to be well prepared.

The climb to the viewpoints is steep but manageable, with more than 300 steps to conquer. You’ll need to navigate through crowds of tourists, so stay cautious. Before reaching the first viewpoint, there’s an entrance fee of 50 baht. 

This is just the beginning of the climb, but you’ll soon walk through colorful, lush gardens and enjoy stunning views. True to Thailand’s typical scenery, you’ll also see interesting sculptures and friendly cats roaming around.

Our goal is to reach the top viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of Koh Phi Phi’s Tonsai Village, Loh Dalum Bay, surrounding waters, and limestone cliffs in the distance. 

Unfortunately, this spot is usually very crowded. Although the view is truly unique, the experience can feel less special with so many people around, all vying for the perfect photo.

The best approach is to find a spot to sit and enjoy the view. Despite the crowds, this place shouldn’t be missed while on Koh Phi Phi. There’s also a restaurant and a small bar where you can get drinks at the top viewpoint.

The hill we climb also serves as an entrance to the jungle and more adventurous hiking trails on Koh Phi Phi Don. If you’re interested in discovering local wildlife and unspoiled nature, these trials will take you to more secluded destinations. 

But avoid starting these hikes after sunset or late in the evening, as the dense jungle and steep sections make it unsafe to explore at night.

Evening: Dinner at Tonsai Village

Our itinerary brings us back to the center of Tonsai Village, where we’ll find a wide range of dining options. After descending from the viewpoint, it’s time to treat ourselves to dinner. 

Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, a classic Thai dish, or something more international, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Depending on how hungry you are, you can either have a big dinner in a restaurant or enjoy some local street food.

I recommend finding a nice local place to enjoy some southern Thai dishes. The most popular (and more expensive) restaurants are located along the busiest roads. 

To find a more authentic experience, look for small establishments with plastic chairs and just a few tables. Don’t worry; these restaurants serve fresh dishes and are safe to eat at, plus they’re very affordable.

One of my favorite places was Only Noodles, but that might be because I’m a huge Pad Thai lover. Don’t hesitate to explore on your own and check out places beyond Google Maps.

Night: Muay Thai Boxing

Once you’ve had your fill of delicious food, it’s time for some evening entertainment. In the narrow streets of Koh Phi Phi, you’ll find a unique place called Reggae Bar.

The name might be misleading because this bar is actually known for its Thai boxing ring, where tourists can volunteer to fight each other. To enter the bar, you need to buy a drink, with the cheapest one costing around 100 baht (water is 80 baht).

To get a good view of the show, secure a table near the ring. The fights start around 9:30 or 10 pm, but the bar gets busier later in the night, so arriving early helps you get a good spot. 

The entertainment mainly involves looking for volunteers who want to step into the ring, with a bucket of drinks as a guaranteed reward.

Between the tourist bouts, you’ll see Thai boxers demonstrating their skills. While these aren’t real fights, they look impressive and showcase the traditional elements of Muay Thai, complete with music and ceremonial aspects.

I highly recommend visiting this place, even for just an hour. It’s a lively way to experience a bit of Thai culture, and the atmosphere is incredibly energetic.

Since there are no real Muay Thai arenas on Koh Phi Phi, this bar offers a less intense alternative to experiencing live Thai boxing.

Late Night: Night Life on the Beach 

As the night deepens, the party scene on Koh Phi Phi really comes alive. If you’re already tired and just want to head back to your bed, that’s totally fine. But if you’re curious to see what Koh Phi Phi’s famous nightlife is all about, stay out a little longer.

In the center of Tonsai Village, restaurants host karaoke (often with Western hits) and sports screenings. If you head to popular hostels like Ibiza Hostel, you will find a legendary pool party (though these aren’t hosted every night).

Further along Loh Dalum Beach, you’ll find bustling beach bars with various entertainment options. These places are perfect for dancing, watching fire shows, or participating in interactive activities.

If you don’t feel like joining any of these spots, consider taking a final stroll along the beach. It’s dark but lovely—a serene way to enjoy the night with the lights of boats twinkling in the distance.

Other Things to Do on Koh Phi Phi

If you have more time and decide to stay longer on Koh Phi Phi, there are plenty of other activities to choose from:

Active and Adventurous:

• Explore the best hiking trails: Traverse adventurous jungle trails to reach destinations like Loh Ba Kao Bay, Laem Tong Beach, Nui Beach, and many more.
• Explore nearby diving and snorkeling sites: Popular spots near Koh Phi Phi include Bida Nok, Bida Nai, and the King Cruiser Wreck.
• Snorkel off the beach: Check out Loh Lana Bay, Nui Beach, Pak Nam Bay, Ran Tee, and Toh Koh Beaches.
• Kayak around the island: Discover hidden coves and secluded beaches while admiring the dramatic limestone cliffs of Koh Phi Phi Don.
• Get a bamboo tattoo:  For a lasting souvenir, get a tattoo using the traditional hand-poking technique, which is quieter and less painful than machine tattoos.

Note: Rock climbing is no longer allowed on Koh Phi Phi, so please ignore outdated information you may find online.

Activities to relax:

• Get a traditional Thai massage.
• Find the perfect spot to sunbathe on the beach.
• Explore local restaurants and street food.

Final Thoughts is one day enough for Koh Phi Phi Don

While 24 hours might not be enough to discover all of Koh Phi Phi’s most interesting destinations, the island offers so many adventurous activities that you could spend several days here without ever getting bored. If you have more time, don’t rush.

You’ll also get a better experience of visiting Maya Bay if you stay on Koh Phi Phi Don, especially if you arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. 

After spending a day on the boat, you can follow my itinerary for an active day and discover the places I’ve visited and can guarantee are worth seeing.

Read My Other Posts about Visiting Koh Phi Phi:

• 11 Best Hikes on Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand – Detailed Guide (2024)
• How to Do Coastal Hike to Long Beach (Haad Yao) on  Koh Phi Phi – Detailed Guide (2024)
• How to Do Jungle Hike to Loh Ba Kao Bay on Koh Phi Phi – Detailed Guide (2024)
• How to Visit Famous Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand? – Detailed Guide and Review (2024)
• 17 Best Beaches on Koh Phi Phi, Thailand – Ultimate Guide (2024)
• 23 Pros and Cons of Visiting Koh Phi Phi, Thailand – 2024 Guide
• How to Travel to Koh Phi Phi from Bangkok and Other Places – 2024 Guide