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17 Best Beaches on Koh Phi Phi (Hidden Bays Most Tourists Miss)
The Phi Phi Islands are famous for their turquoise waters, but there is so much more to explore beyond Maya Bay.
While Tonsai and Loh Dalum beaches are the go-to spots for nightlife, the island’s true magic lies in its harder-to-reach gems like Nui Beach and Wang Long Bay.
After a week on Koh Phi Phi Don, I’ve mapped out the best spots for everything from serene seclusion to world-class snorkeling.
Read on for my honest guide to the island’s top beaches and how to reach them.
Best Beaches on Koh Phi Phi Summary
Koh Phi Phi is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise bays.
If you’re planning your trip, check out my Koh Phi Phi travel guide for hikes, itineraries, and essential travel tips.
Beach Name
Highlights & Access
The “Convenient & Lively” Beaches (Tonsai Area)
Ton Sai Beach
Located right by the main pier
Busiest hub for transportation
Soft white sand and calm water
Loh Dalum Beach
Situated on the opposite side of Tonsai beach
Famous curved shape
Primary party spot at night; relaxed during the day
Laem Hin Beach
15-minute walk from the pier
Quieter than the main center
Home to Hippie Bar (fire shows and live music)
The “Nature & Snorkeling” Favorites
Long Beach (Haad Yao)
40-minute coastal hike or 10-minute boat ride
Widely considered best spot for off-beach snorkeling
Home to Shark Point
Nui Beach
Secluded cove with limestone cliffs
Reached by private boat or challenging jungle hike
Perfect for swimming; crowded with boats in the afternoon
Loh Moo Dee Beach
Long, quiet beach opposite Long Beach
Peaceful alternative to busier southern spots
Views of Bamboo Island
The “Remote & Adventurous” Spots
Loh Ba Kao Bay
Located on the east coast (1-hour jungle hike or boat)
Near mangrove forest
Perfect for kayaking to spot monitor lizards
Pak Nam, Ran Tee, & Toh Koh
Isolated east coast beaches reachable via steep jungle treks
Total seclusion
Excellent off-shore snorkeling
Loh Lana Bay
Secluded spot on the northwest coast
Quiet and rugged
Lacks amenities; can suffer from washed-up trash
Off-Island Icons (Requires a Boat)
Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi Leh)
World-famous location from “The Beach”
Protected area (no swimming allowed)
Must-visit for iconic scenery
Bamboo Island
Small island north of Phi Phi Don
Essentially one giant, pristine beach
Top-tier snorkeling destination with “perfect” blue water
Koh Phi Phi is one of the most famous islands in Southern Thailand. See this Southern Thailand travel guide for a full overview of the region.
1. Ton Sai Beach
Ton Sai Beach is located near the busy Ton Sai Pier, you can easily walk there along a paved path.
The area is well-developed, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and public toilets nearby.
Being close to the main attractions, it’s one of the easiest beaches to access.
You’ll find soft, white sand here, and the water is calm and clean.
You can rent a chair, grab a drink from local vendors, or treat yourself to a massage.
You can enjoy picturesque views of blue water, limestone cliffs, and boats sailing in the distance.
This beach gets quieter at night, as parties take place on the opposite side of the island.
Though you might encounter jellyfish both on the beach and in the water. Keep safe and avoid swimming with the jellyfish.
Unfortunately with the number of boats around, the swimming area is limited to the designated spaces between them.
Best for: Convenience, arrivals, and easy dining.
Tip: Stick to the designated swimming zones to stay safe from the heavy long-tail boat traffic.
Access: 0-minute walk from the main pier.
2. Loh Dalum Beach
Loh Dalum Beach is situated on the backside of Tonsai Bay.
It’s a wide, sandy beach, not as busy with boats as Tonsai Beach.
This is famous for its curved shape and stunning views of cliffs covered with green jungle.
The relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a daytime visit, though finding a shady spot can be challenging.
The western side of the beach is more relaxed with coffee shops and beach bars.
The eastern side is the main party area on Koh Phi Phi Don, with clubs and bars open all night.
Due to its central location, accommodation near Loh Dalum Beach tends to be more expensive.
Best for: Sunset views and vibrant nightlife.
Tip: Visit during high tide; at low tide, the water retreats several hundred meters, making swimming difficult.
Access: 5-minute walk from Tonsai Village.
3. Laem Hin Beach
Just a short 15-minute walk from Ton Sai Pier, you’ll find the quieter Laem Hin Beach.
Laem Hin Beach isn’t always well-marked on maps – to reach it, head towards Hippie Bar, a popular spot located right by the beach.
At this restaurant, tables are set right next to the beach, offering an excellent location to enjoy the seaview, however prime spot to eat also means higher prices.
Beach is sandy and calm, much less crowded than the central beaches, although it’s also a common stop for day trips.
Nearby, you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants, hotels, and even a local mosque.
And at night, Hippie Bar becomes even more lively with fire shows and live music.
Laem Hin Beach’s location is very convenient – far from the loud parties and crowds, yet still within a short walk of Koh Phi Phi’s main attractions.
Laem Hin Beach usually gets busier when large groups arrive at lunchtime.
Best for: A relaxed dinner with a view.
Tip: Head here at night for the fire shows at Hippie Bar—it’s much more chill than the clubs on Loh Dalum.
Access: 15-minute flat walk from Tonsai Pier.
4. Viking Beach
Viking Beach is about a 20 minute walk south from Ton Sai Pier.
Once you pass Hippie Bar, you’ll continue along the coast, walking via the scenic pathway near seaside bungalows.
Viking Beach offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the larger, busier beaches.
The breathtaking views of the bay with cliffs in the distance, make it an excellent spot for sunsets.
The beach rarely gets crowded with boats, so most of the time it remains peaceful.
You’ll also find a beach bar and some accommodation options nearby.
Best for: Quiet relaxation near the main village.
Tip: This is a great “halfway” break point if you are hiking from Tonsai to Long Beach.
Access: 20-minute coastal walk from Tonsai.
5. Long Beach (Haad Yao)
Long Beach is a popular destination located farther from Tonsai Village on the southwest side of Koh Phi Phi Don.
To reach Long Beach, you can hike along a stunning coastal trail, following the same path as if you were heading to Viking Beach.
The hike takes at least 40 minutes and includes some steeper parts, but it’s not very challenging.
Alternatively, you can take a parallel route through the jungle via the village road.
This path might be a bit easier, but it takes you directly to Long Beach, so you won’t have the opportunity to stop by Viking Beach along the way.
Soft, white sand makes Long Beach perfect for enjoying the sun.
You can also reach Long Beach by jumping on a taxi boat, it’s a short ride from Tonsai Pier, taking less than 10 minutes.
There are a few big beachfront resorts at Long Beach, as well as restaurants, bars, shops, and a diving center.
Long Beach is a snorkelling highlight, especially at Shark Point.
To avoid boat traffic and enjoy the best marine life visibility, get in the water by early morning.
Best for: The island’s best snorkeling (Shark Point).
Tip: Rent a mask and fins from a beachfront resort for about 100 THB (3.2 USD) to see the blacktip reef sharks just offshore.
Access: 40-minute hike or 10-minute taxi boat (100 THB).
6. Loh Moo Dee Beach
Loh Moo Dee Beach is situated opposite Long Beach.
You can reach it with a 15-minute walk from Long Beach or a 40-minute trek from Tonsai Pier.
This long, stunning, and secluded beach is less crowded with boats and people than Long Beach, making it a more peaceful spot.
The clear water is great for snorkelling.
Although Loh Moo Dee isn’t highly developed, you can still find a beach bar and rent a chair.
The water is beautifully blue, and you’ll enjoy a picturesque view of Bamboo Island.
Best for: Escaping the crowds and finding total peace.
Tip: There is very little natural shade here; bring an umbrella or a hat if you plan to stay for the afternoon.
Access: 15-minute walk from Long Beach.
7. Loh Ba Kao Bay
Loh Ba Kao Bay is located on the east side of Koh Phi Phi Don.
You can reach it by taking a taxi boat or by hiking through the jungle.
There are two main routes: one along the coast and another via a steep jungle path that passes by the Phi Phi Viewpoints.
This beach is one of the longest on Koh Phi Phi, but it’s not very popular with tourists due to its remote location and lack of nightlife.
Unfortunately, much of the bay is occupied by a resort, limiting access for visitors.
In the area, you’ll also find a small local village and a street with shops and restaurants.
It’s worth taking a guided tour with them to learn about their traditional fishing methods and sea life.
Best for: Upscale atmosphere and visiting the local Urak Lawoi community.
Tip: This is the quietest part of the island; perfect for those who want to avoid the “party” reputation of Phi Phi.
Access: 2-hour hike or the ferry from the mainland (it stops here before Tonsai).
11. Pak Nam Bay
Reaching Pak Nam Bay requires a trek from Tonsai Village via the Phi Phi Viewpoints.
The trail continues deep into the jungle and includes several steep, challenging sections.
If you’re carrying food while hiking through the jungle, be cautious as monkeys may approach you in this area.
Another adventurous way to reach Pak Nam Bay is to rent a kayak at Loh Ba Kao Bay and paddle along the east coast.
You can also get there by taking a boat from Tonsai Pier, though it’s not a popular destination, so the ride might be a bit expensive (around 350 baht per person one way).
The area also has a few resorts with restaurants available for visitors.
If you want to try snorkeling, this a great spot, as a coral reef can be found just around 100 meters from the beach.
However, be cautious when swimming, as the shore is rocky, requiring you to navigate between large stones.
During the monsoon season, reaching the bay can be more difficult, as hiking conditions worsen and taxi boat availability can change.
Pak Nam Bay is also a popular stop for day trips, so it can get crowded at times.
Best for: Adventure seekers and quiet snorkeling.
Tip: The trail starts behind Viewpoint 3; be prepared for a steep descent and keep your food tucked away to avoid attracting monkeys on the path.
Access: 1-hour challenging jungle hike or a 350 THB taxi boat ride from Tonsai.
12. Ran Tee Beach
Ran Tee Beach is a remote spot on the east coast of Koh Phi Phi Don.
You can reach it by hiking through the Phi Phi Viewpoints, but it’s not an easy trek—the jungle is dense, and the path down to the coast is steep.
During the monsoon season, getting there can be dangerous due to potential landslides.
Fortunately, taxi boats are also available, departing regularly from Tonsai Pier.
A one-way ride costs around 200 baht, but be mindful of the schedule—if you miss the last boat, you’ll need to hike back.
Ran Tee Beach is small and secluded, with white sand mixed with large black rocks and plenty of trees providing shade for rest.
A coral reef just offshore offers excellent snorkelling opportunities.
While Ran Tee Beach doesn’t attract large crowds, you can find bungalows and resorts where you can enjoy a peaceful stay surrounded by nature.
If you decide to stay overnight, wake up early to witness a breathtaking sunrise.
Best for: Experiencing a “deserted island” feel with local bungalows.
Tip: Visit early in the morning to catch a stunning sunrise over the Andaman Sea—it is one of the best spots on the east coast for it.
Access: 45-minute trek via the viewpoints or a 200 THB (6.5 USD) taxi boat ride (one way).
13. Toh Koh Beach
South of Ran Tee Beach on the east coast of Koh Phi Phi Don, you’ll find Toh Koh Beach, an equally secluded and hard-to-reach spot.
To get there, similarly to Pak Nam Bay and Ran Tee Beach, you’ll need to hike through the Phi Phi viewpoints and deep jungle.
The hiking trail is not very popular, so be careful as it can be difficult to follow.
Safer option will be renting a kayak at Ba Kao Beach or looking for a boat either from Ba Kao Beach or Tonsai Pier.
Ran Tee Beach, though not long, is spacious and sandy.
You can snorkel in the clear water to explore the nearby coral reef, and enjoy swimming without the crowds or boats you’ll find at other beaches.
Toh Koh Beach is home to two resorts, that provide guest transportation directly from the pier if you book a stay with them.
But due to its remote location, you might have trouble with data coverage, so it might not be the best spot for remote work.
Best for: Total isolation and getting off the beaten path.
Tip: This is the hardest beach to reach by foot; the trail is often overgrown, so an offline map (like Maps.me) is absolutely essential.
Access: 1-hour+ difficult jungle trek or a private long-tail boat from Loh Ba Kao.
14. Monkey Beach (Yong Kasem Bay)
Monkey Beach is a popular stop during boat tours and day trips to Maya Bay, known for its population of wild monkeys.
You can only reach it by boat or kayak, and it’s best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Despite its popularity, Monkey Beach is my least favorite spot on Koh Phi Phi.
While the cliffs are stunning, the sight of tourists chasing after monkeys for photos just feels wrong.
I’d prefer to see the animals left in peace, with their habitat undisturbed by the visitors.
If you decide to visit, don’t bring food with you, and be cautious with your belongings—monkeys are known to snatch phones or glasses.
Best for: Seeing monkeys (from a distance).
Ethical Tip: Do not feed the monkeys or leave bags unattended; they can be aggressive and feeding them disrupts their natural diet.
Access: Kayak from Loh Dalum (20–30 mins) or boat.
15. Wang Long Bay
Wang Long Bay is located in the south of Koh Phi Phi Don, similar to Monkey Beach.
You can reach it on a snorkeling day trip, by renting a private boat, or by kayaking – about an hour of paddling.
This bay is a stunning spot, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.
The beach itself is small and accessible through a narrow passage between rocks.
Since bigger boats don’t reach the beach, most visitors focus on swimming and snorkeling in the deeper water.
This leaves the small beach peaceful, perfect for relaxing and parking your kayak.
You might encounter monkeys here, so be cautious with your belongings and food.
Best for: Stunning “hidden lagoon” scenery and rock formations.
Tip: The entrance is a very narrow opening in the cliffs; it is only accessible by boat at high tide.
Access: Private boat or kayak from Loh Dalum.
16. Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh
Maya Bay is undoubtedly the most famous beach on Koh Phi Phi, located on the island of Phi Phi Leh.
It draws massive crowds of tourists every day during the high season in southern Thailand.
Made famous by the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay is celebrated for its stunning beauty, with turquoise waters and magnificent limestone cliffs.
You can only reach Maya Bay by boat, either through an organized tour or by renting a private longtail boat.
However, I found the place too crowded to fully appreciate its natural beauty.
Swimming is not allowed due to ongoing coral reef restoration efforts.The only activities available are taking pictures and strolling along the beach.
Best for: Iconic sightseeing.
Important: No swimming allowed. You must walk on the wooden boardwalks to protect the environment.
Access: Boat only + 400 THB (13 USD) National Park fee.
17. Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island is located north of Koh Phi Phi Don and is accessible only by boat.
Most tours to Maya Bay also include a visit to Bamboo Island.
The island is famous for its stunning soft, white sand and perfectly blue water.
It’s an ideal spot for snorkeling, typically not too crowded, with plenty of trees offering shade.
On the island, you’ll find a public restroom and a beach bar.
An entry fee to the national park is required, but if you visit both Maya Bay and Bamboo Island on the same day, one ticket covers both locations.
Best for: “Maldives-style” white sand and pristine snorkeling.
Tip: There is almost no shade in the center of the island; stay near the trees on the edge to avoid sunburn.
Access: 45-minute boat ride from Tonsai + 400 THB (13 USD) National Park fee.
How to Choose Best Location to Stay on Koh Phi Phi Don
When choosing accommodation on Koh Phi Phi Don, consider the following factors to find the perfect spot for your stay:
Prices
Koh Phi Phi Don offers a wide range of accommodations, with Tonsai Village providing the most options across all price ranges.
The most expensive resorts are typically located next to the beach.
Crowds and Noise
The central part of the island, especially around Tonsai Pier, can be overwhelming due to constant crowds and non-stop parties.
If you prefer a quieter environment, it may be better to avoid staying in the center or near the hostels along Loh Dalum Beach.
Nightlife
If you enjoy nightlife, choose accommodation near beach clubs, restaurants, and bars.
Staying in Tonsai Village is ideal, as this part of the island is very walkable, with easy access to vibrant evening activities.
Seclusion
For a more tranquil experience, opt for a secluded spot close to nature. Koh Phi Phi Don has many remote resorts built next to the beach, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Consider areas like Pak Nam Bay, Ran Tee Beach, Toh Koh Beach, or Laem Tong Beach.
Accessibility
While Tonsai Village is very walkable, Koh Phi Phi Don is quite vast. Some remote beaches are accessible only by boat or a long hike through the jungle.
Your hotel will likely assist with transportation from the Pier upon arrival, but visiting the central part of the island daily might be less convenient.
Internet
Secluded beaches may have less reliable internet.
If you plan to work on your laptop, double-check the Wi-Fi speed with your hotel.
Mosquitoes
Bungalows near the jungle, though rustic and serene, are more likely to have mosquitoes.
While accommodations in Tonsai Village typically have fewer mosquito issues, be prepared for bites on the beach and in the jungle.
Best Time to Visit Koh Phi Phi
To experience the island’s full potential, including its vibrant nightlife and popular activities, visit during the dry season.
This place is known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous accommodation options and beautiful beaches.
Famous spots, like Maya Bay or Viking Cave, are located on Koh Phi Phi Leh.
Koh Phi Phi has mostly mountainous terrain with steep cliffs, making much of it uninhabitable.
The main tourist area is concentrated on a narrow strip of land near Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don.
However, there are a few other locations on both the south and north of the island, where resorts and villages were built next to more remote beaches.
Table Summarising Key Features of 17 Beaches on Koh Phi Phi
Island
Beach Name
Location
Accessibility
Key Features
Phi Phi Don
Ton Sai Beach
Near Tonsai Pier
Close to Ton Sai Pier, walking on paved path
Popular area, soft white sand, calm water, busy with boats; picturesque views of cliffs and sea
Phi Phi Don
Loh Dalum Beach
Backside of Tonsai Bay
Central location, easy to access
Wide sandy beach, stunning cliff views; relaxed on the western side, party area on the eastern side
Phi Phi Don
Laem Hin Beach
Near Tonsai Pier
15-minute walk from Tonsai Pier
Quieter beach, sandy and calm; close to shops, restaurants, and Hippie Bar; lively at night
Phi Phi Don
Viking Beach
South of Tonsai Village
20-minute walk from Tonsai Pier
Quieter atmosphere, scenic pathway, breathtaking views, turquoise water, one beach bar
Phi Phi Don
Long Beach (Haad Yao)
Southwest of Tonsai Village
40-minute hike or 10-minute boat ride
Excellent snorkeling at Shark Point, soft white sand, beachfront resorts, and restaurants
Phi Phi Don
Loh Moo Dee Beach
Opposite Long Beach, south of Tonsai Village
15-minute walk from Long Beach, 40-minute walk from Tonsai Pier
Long, secluded beach, clear water, beach bar, view of Bamboo Island
Phi Phi Don
Loh Ba Kao Bay
East coast
1-hour hike or taxi boat
Long beach, remote area, small village, mangrove forest for kayaking; limited access due to resort
Phi Phi Don
Loh Lana Bay
Northwest coast
15-minute walk from Loh Ba Kao Bay, 1-hour hike from Tonsai Pier
Smaller and secluded; abandoned resort, good for snorkeling, but not well-maintained
Phi Phi Don
Nui Beach
Northwest coast, near Loh Lana Bay
Jungle hike or private long-tailed boat
Scenic, secluded, white sand, turquoise water, limestone cliffs, perfect for swimming and snorkeling
Phi Phi Don
Laem Tong Beach
Northernmost beach, east coast
2-hour hike from Tonsai Village, boat service during high season
Remote location; home to a few hotels, restaurants, beach bars, and a diving center; near Urak Lawoi tribe village
Phi Phi Don
Pak Nam Bay
East coast, near Loh Ba Kao Bay
1-hour hike or taxi boat; kayak from Loh Ba Kao Bay
Secluded beach, popular stop for day trips; coral reef for snorkeling, but rocky shore
Phi Phi Don
Ran Tee Beach
East coast
1-hour hike or taxi boat from Tonsai Pier
Small and secluded; white sand mixed with black rocks, excellent snorkeling, peaceful bungalows
Phi Phi Don
Toh Koh Beach
South of Ran Tee Beach, east coast
Hike through jungle, kayak, or boat
Secluded, home to two resorts; great snorkeling, quiet atmosphere, limited data coverage
Phi Phi Don
Monkey Beach (Yong Kasem Bay)
Southeast
Only by boat or kayak
Known for its monkey population, stunning cliffs, often crowded; monkeys can be aggressive
Phi Phi Don
Wang Long Bay
Southwest
Only by boat or kayak
Surrounded by limestone cliffs; small and peaceful; popular for snorkeling and swimming
Phi Phi Leh
Maya Bay
South of Koh Phi Phi Don
Only by boat
Famous from “The Beach” movie; picturesque views; overcrowded; swimming and flying drones is not allowed
Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island
North of Koh Phi Phi Don
Only by boat
Soft white sand, perfect blue water, great for snorkeling; public restroom and beach bar available
Final Thoughts on Best Beaches on Koh Phi Phi
Each beach on Koh Phi Phi offers a unique experience, from lively party spots with drinks and foot massages to secluded, hard-to-reach hideaways.
You could easily spend several days on Koh Phi Phi, dedicating your time to exploring the island’s diverse beaches.
You will be able to choose from the most unique experiences like hiking via the scenic, coastal trail, kayaking in the mangrove forest, snorkeling in crystal-clear water or fishing with a local guide.
Consider your favorite activities and plan the perfect itinerary to make the most of your time on Koh Phi Phi.