10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In The Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

non touristy things to do in phi phi
Andrew
Andrew 
Updated
| 4 min read

Located between the Straits of Malacca and the large island of Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are an archipelago just a 90-minute ferryboat ride or a 45-minute speedboat ride away from both Krabi and Phuket. This beautiful paradise is famous for its stunning rock formations, tropical beaches, and rich marine life. The two main islands are Ko Phi Phi Lee and Ko Phi Phi Don. Given the countless activities that you can indulge in during your stay here, it can be quite impossible to run out of things to do. You can enjoy exciting water activities such as snorkelling, diving, and boating. You can also explore other interesting attractions such as Phi Phi View Point and Bamboo Island. If you want to know more, check out the best non-touristy things to do in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand.

1. Snorkel with sharks (from USD 27.49)

non touristy things to do in phi phi | snorkel with sharks
Source: www.klook.com

Have you always wondered how it would be like to go snorkelling with sharks? This half-day tour can allow you to experience just that. Ride an eco-friendly longtail boat that can take you to the best places to spot sharks. After you enjoy shark watching, you can visit Pileh Lagoon, which is one of the favourite spots for tourists who want to enjoy a refreshing swim. You can also get the opportunity to see Maya Bay and Monkey Beach.

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Reef Shark Snorkeling Eco Tour in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand - Klook

Duration: 4hrs30 Min Duration

2. Kayak to Monkey Beach

Non-Touristy Things To Do In The Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Source: Photo by Flickr user Roberto Faccenda used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Considered as one of the most popular destinations on the island, Monkey Beach is known for its rock formations, where you can spot plenty of monkeys, hence its name. You can also spot some gorgeous lush trees from the water. You can enjoy a relaxing kayak tour on your way to this beautiful beach. With clear waters, you can enjoy snorkelling, allowing you to conveniently explore what is underneath. The beach also boasts white sand. Beware of the little monkeys though as they can be quite wild.

Kayak to Monkey Beach

Address: Krabi 81000, Thailand

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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3. Take a class on cooking

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Pum Thai Restaurant & Cooking School Phi Phi Island on Friday, January 31, 2020

If you want to explore Thai cuisine, then taking a cooking class might be ideal. There are several establishments that can offer tourists a unique cooking experience like Pum’s Cooking School. With an informative and knowledgeable instructor, you can be able to create authentic Thai dishes you are sure to enjoy. You can learn how to make Thai sauces and traditional dishes such as tom yum goong and green curry.

Pum's Cooking School

Address: 125/40 Moo 7, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District Krabi 81000, Thailand

Website: Pum’s Cooking School

Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Wed, Sun: 4pm - 9pm

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4. Explore Tonsai Village

Tonsai Village
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tuderna used under CC BY 3.0

At the centre of Phi Phi Don, you can find Tonsai Village, which features plenty of shopping destinations. Here, you can also find clubs, bars, restaurants, and shops, all lined up in the village’s narrow alleys. Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay are the most popular beaches in the area, so you can explore the clear waters and enjoy some water activities while you are here. You can witness the most amazing sunset views from these beaches as well.

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5. Catch a Muay Thai fight

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


If you are looking for something exciting to do during your visit to the Phi Phi Islands, you can try catching a Muay Thai fight. Muay Thai brings together the sport and art of Thai boxing in a welcoming bar scene. The fighting, paired with the cheering of the crowd, is enough to make Muay Thai a major attraction in the area. The famous Reggae Bar is popular for being a great site for watching Muay Thai.

Reggae Bar

Address: 125/55 Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

Website: Reggae Bar

Opening hours: 6pm - 1am (daily)

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6. Enjoy a disco party at Slinky Beach Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Slinky Beach Bar Phi Phi Island on Friday, February 1, 2019

Located right on Loh Dalum Beach, Slinky Beach Bar is considered to be one of the liveliest places to party on Phi Phi Island. Slinky Beach Bar is famous for playing the hippest and the trendiest dance music. The bar also offers live performances including fire skipping, fire limbo, mechanical bull riding as well as face and body painting. Apart from the entertainment that Slinky Beach Bar offers, you can also love the affordable buckets of drinks and lip-smacking cocktails. The bar does not serve food, however, you can bring your own from nearby pizza and barbecue establishments. Note that the bar does not allow alcohol from outside.

Slinky Beach Bar

Address: Andaman Sea, Thailand

Website: Slinky Beach Bar

Opening hours: 7pm - 2am (daily)

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7. Rent a longtail boat to visit Mosquito Island

Koh Yung (Mosquito Island)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Christophe95 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Are you looking for a relaxing way to enjoy your getaway in this tropical paradise? Why not hire a longtail boat and visit Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island? Also known as Ko Mai Phai, Bamboo Island boasts pure white sand and perfect turquoise waters, perfect for a day of basking in the sun. You can head to Ko Yung Island, also known as Mosquito Island, and explore the wonders of the sea. Here, you can also enjoy water activities such as boating, swimming, and snorkelling.

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8. Go diving at Shark Point

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Ready to make your vacation more entertaining? Diving is a popular activity in the area. For the best diving experience, you can visit Shark Point, which is a famous diving spot in Phi Phi. Here, you can spot and swim with leopard sharks. Apart from the leopard sharks, divers can also enjoy the colourful soft corals that embellish this beautiful limestone pinnacle. Divers can spend several days exploring the countless interesting facets that can be found on the site. Shark Point also has several trainers offering PADI courses and guided dives.

Shark Point

Address: Unnamed Road, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand

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9. Explore Moo Dee Bay

Loh Moo Dee
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Yuriy Surov used under CC BY 3.0

A secluded beach that travellers will surely want to explore, Moo Dee Bay is popular for its abundant white sand. If you want to explore the area’s rich marine life, you can enjoy snorkelling. If you are planning to stay here all day, the beach has shacks where you can purchase refreshing beverages. There are also big swings in the area, so do not forget to bring your camera and capture your fun moments at the beach.

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10. Learn scuba diving in Koh Phi Phi (from USD 449.0)

If you have always wanted to try scuba diving, the Phi Phi islands can surely give you an unforgettable experience, with stunning waters and an abundant marine life. If it is your first time, you need not worry as you can be guided by experienced instructors. Explore the clear waters in this intensive three-day training. No need to bring your own scuba gear as this course is inclusive of all necessary scuba equipment.

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Koh Phi Phi: PADI Open Water Certification 3-Day Scuba Course

Duration: 3 days

6 reviews

Have a wonderful time in the Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands can offer tourists plenty of things to do. If you do not want to visit crowded places, this archipelago boasts lots of hidden gems that can allow travellers to enjoy an authentic Thai experience. Explore the best non-touristy things to do in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand, for an unforgettable vacation

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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