Koh Phi Phi Leh

Phi Phi Leh is an uninhabited island that lies 1.5 km off the southernmost tip of Phi Phi Don. The island features stunning vertical cliffs capped with green foliage that give way to small sandy beaches and tropical coral seas. Most visitors find their way around Phi Phi Leh on an organised Phi Phi boat tour. However, you can rent a longtail boat if you prefer a customised trip. Find more about some of this beautiful island’s highlights below.

1. Loh Sama (Sama Bay)

Good for: Photo, Adventure

Loh Sama lies on the southern side of Koh Phi Phi Leh. Most come to this bay for snorkelling as it has many beautiful corals and tropical fish. Boats drop anchor in the shallow waters, allowing you to swim, snorkel, and even feed the fish.

At low tide, you can get to Maya Bay from Loh Sama via a small hole which cuts through a 1-metre-high cliff. Sometimes when the sea is rough (from May to October), this is the only way to get into Maya Bay. Read more

2. Maya Bay

Good for: Photo, Adventure

Maya Bay is sheltered by 100-metre-high cliffs on 3 sides. There are several beaches within the bay, most of which are small while some only exist at low tide. Maya Bay has become one of the main tourist attractions of Phi Phi since The Beach was filmed here in 1999.

Maya Bay’s main beach is around 200 metres long, with soft white sand, colourful coral and exotic fish in exceptionally clear water. The whole bay is basically one big reef, so snorkelling is a popular activity. Read more

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3. Palong Bay

Good for: Adventure

Palong Bay, just outside Maya Bay to the north, is more of a dive site than a bay in Koh Phi Phi Leh. You can see many blacktip reef sharks and coral formations at depths of 12 metres. Strong currents are common, so it’s best to join an organised tour if you want to snorkel and dive in Palong Bay.

4. Pi Leh Bay

Good for: Photo, Adventure

Pi Leh Bay lies on the west coast of Koh Phi Phi Leh, with 100-metre-high vertical cliffs rising from the water. Most of the bay has shade, except at midday.

Pi Leh Bay is very beautiful and excellent for swimming, with excellent snorkelling opportunities at its entrance. This long thin bay is pretty shallow and only accessible to speedboats and longtail boats. It doesn’t dry out at low tide. Read more

5. Viking Cave

Good for: Photo

Viking Cave, to the north of Pi Leh Bay, is where swifts make their nests. It was named after a series of wall paintings that depict Viking ships. The nests are usually harvested from February to April by locals, who use rickety bamboo scaffolding to reach them. These extremely rare nests are used to make a traditional Chinese delicacy: bird’s nest soup. Read more

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