.jpeg)
Top 5 Things to do in Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi Island is a unique and breathtaking place filled with a multitude of activities to pick and choose from. It may seem like a daunting task to pick out a couple of activities to do during your stay on Phi Phi Island. So, we have handpicked a few of the best selections you can explore and experience.
Before you go, make sure the have the essentials for Phi Phi Island so that your experience is as smooth as it can be. 👋
1. Maya Bay & Phi Phi Leh
While there are a vast number of islands you could choose to explore within the Phi Phi Islands, one particular island is essential. The smaller island of Phi Phi Leh is a must visit as it is booming with supple, bright color coral that makes this location a snorkeling hotspot.
More so than the vibrant marine ecosystem submerged under the crystal clear waters of Phi Phi Leh is the renowned Maya Bay. Maya Bay is a pristine, white powdered, beach that stretches over 250 meters. The scenery while on Maya Bay is nothing short of jaw-dropping; you can see the island stretch around the periphery of the beach, creating a circular shaped refuge for marine life.
We recommend you take a speed boat out to visit the lagoon, catching all the best sights within a day.
Do note that in 2022, due to heavy tourism, Maya Bay has been shut off to the general public in order to restore the natural beauty and ecosystem that has been damaged over years of tourism. Check with local websites to see the availability status of Maya Bay tours.
Who knows, if you’re lucky you might even catch the black tip reef sharks that occasionally visit the bay.
2. Enjoy Sunset Drinks at the UMA Beach Club
After a long day under the sun, bombarded by the loud, overbearing noises of boat motors and the mayhem of mass tourism, a quiet, uninterrupted space is exactly what you need. Try checking out UMA Beach Club.
UMA Beach Club is located on a private beach on the southern tip of Phi Phi Island. This Beach Club combines modern architecture and the five elements from the mythical mountain “Khanthanmat” to create a contemporary yet rustic feel.
Being a private beach away from the main areas of Phi Phi, we can guarantee that this is the perfect place for you to wind down and enjoy some drinks while admiring the sunset.
We must also mention that this chic location is the perfect place for you and your friends and family to snap a few gorgeous pictures of your trip to Phi Phi Island.
3. Viking Cave
If you’re looking for a scenic spot with historical ties, ask your boat’s captain to take you to Viking Cave. Although this cave is no longer open for tourists to enter, you are able to dock close enough to the cave’s opening. Look inside. Take pictures.
Located on the east coast of Phi Phi Ley, north of Pileh Bay, Viking Cave got its name from the various drawings of viking ships on the walls of the cave. It is believed that sea gypsies and pirates drew the viking ships on the cave walls while sheltering from monsoon storms.
More so than the drawings, there are swift birds that live amongst the ledges of the cave. The swift birds use their saliva to create nests, which are harvested and used to produce bird’s nest soup, a chinese delicacy.
4. UMA Nature Trail & Art Exhibit
The breadth of landscapes available for exploration on the Phi Phi Islands goes beyond its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters.
The UMA nature trail is a change of pace for those who have exhausted their beach spirit. Take a hike up the 3 major nature trails at UMA and discover the different native plant species of the Phi Phi Islands. Along the hike, art installations are displayed at different checkpoints to encourage your mindfulness and contemplation. During the hike, tune into UMA's handpicked playlist to make your experience much more immersive.
UMA’s nature trail is an experience for adventurous individuals who not only want to immerse themselves in Phi Phi’s offerings, but also those who want to take a step back and explore a different angle of mindfulness.
5. Monkey Beach
Are you an animal lover? Because this last location might just be the place you’re looking for.
Monkey Beach or Ao Ling, as the locals call it, is a small stunning white sand beach on the west coast of Phi Phi Island Don. Why is it called “Monkey Beach” you may ask. Well, you guessed it. This dazzling white beach is the home to the long tail macaques who have claimed the beach as their own.
This beach’s amazing clear waters is worth all the effort of getting there; however, we advise caution when visiting this location. Hungry monkeys may sometimes be aggressive and steal your food! So, going to Monkey Beach in the afternoon may be a good idea as the friendly monkeys will be fed and be a little less aggressive. For extra safety, go in larger groups to avoid any monkey attacks. Safety in numbers!
Nevertheless, there are nice and friendly monkeys, and for those who love seeing animals in their natural habitats, you might be able to get the perfect picture of a human-monkey interaction: a moment you won’t ever forget!
Summary
At the end of the day, there is a much longer list of unforgettable places you could explore in Phi Phi. Your Phi Phi Island experience is not about which location you visit, but what you make of it. Immerse yourself in the culture, in the people, in the experiences you share with your loved ones and will hold dear for the rest of your life.
.jpeg)
