Phi Phi Island, known for its stunning natural beauty and clear turquoise waters, is a famous travel destination in Thailand.
While many visitors flock to its popular beaches like Maya Bay, there are still some hidden gems where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful, intimate experience.
Whether you’re seeking solitude, snorkeling adventures, or a relaxing spot to bask in the sun, Phi Phi has several secret beaches that remain relatively undiscovered by most tourists.
Why Seek Out Hidden Beaches?
Exploring hidden beaches not only offers a quieter atmosphere but also gives you the chance to connect with the natural surroundings without the distractions of tourist crowds. These hidden treasures often boast untouched beauty, clear waters, and unique marine life, making them ideal spots for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the more popular tourist spots.
By venturing beyond the busy areas, you’ll discover a more diverse side of Phi Phi, including secluded coves, hidden cliffs, and underwater treasures that are not easily visible from the main beaches.
These secluded areas provide not only a peaceful retreat but also a unique opportunity to engage with the island’s diverse ecosystems. The coral reefs around these beaches are typically in better condition due to the lower number of visitors, offering superior snorkeling and underwater photography experiences.
Additionally, the calm and pristine nature of these beaches is ideal for meditation, relaxation, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of your surroundings without any disturbances.
Long Beach – A Calm Retreat Near Tonsai
Although Long Beach is located relatively close to the bustling Tonsai Village, it remains a quieter spot compared to some of the more tourist-heavy beaches. It’s accessible via a 30-minute walk or a short boat ride from Tonsai.
The beach itself offers soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for swimming or snorkeling. One of the main attractions here is Shark Point, which is just a short swim from the shore and known for regular sightings of harmless blacktip reef sharks.
Long Beach is the perfect combination of accessibility and tranquility, giving visitors the chance to enjoy the beauty of Phi Phi without the overwhelming crowds. The waters around Long Beach are teeming with marine life, making it a fantastic spot for snorkeling and observing underwater biodiversity.
While the beach is not completely isolated, it provides a serene contrast to the busier beaches, and its proximity to Tonsai ensures that visitors can enjoy some solitude without venturing too far from the island’s main hub.
Nui Beach – A Hidden Cove for Adventurers
Nui Beach is a secluded, small beach that is ideal for those who love a bit of adventure. Tucked away between high cliffs, it is not easily accessible by foot, requiring a kayak ride from Loh Dalum Bay or a long-tail boat to reach it.
This remoteness means fewer people visit, making it a tranquil spot where you can truly unwind away from the crowds. The beach is known for its dramatic rock formations, which create a striking contrast with the clear blue waters, and it’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling, with plenty of coral and colorful fish to discover.
For the adventurous traveler, Nui Beach offers a unique experience where you can feel completely immersed in nature. The beach’s rugged landscape, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, adds a sense of adventure to your visit, making the effort to reach this secluded spot even more rewarding.
Whether you’re kayaking to the beach or arriving by boat, the sense of isolation and serenity you’ll experience here is unmatched by more accessible beaches on the island. It’s the perfect place for those who enjoy exploring hidden gems and want to avoid the more touristy areas.
Ao Toh Koh – Serenity and Solitude
Ao Toh Koh is a lesser-known beach that is perfect for travelers seeking tranquility. Located on the eastern side of the island, it is far away from the busy tourist areas, offering a peaceful retreat for those who want to relax in a serene environment.
The beach is an excellent spot for sunbathing or simply enjoying the view of the surrounding nature. While Ao Toh Koh is not completely isolated—there are a few resorts nearby—it remains a peaceful location compared to the more central beaches on Phi Phi.
The beauty of Ao Toh Koh lies in its simplicity and quietude. With fewer visitors, it’s easy to find a spot to call your own, where you can spend the day reading, relaxing, or swimming in the clear waters.
The gentle waves and soft sand create a calming atmosphere, perfect for anyone looking to escape the noise of the more popular beaches. The presence of a few small resorts means you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink without leaving the beach, making it a convenient yet peaceful choice for a day of rest and relaxation.
Phak Nam Bay – A Quiet Fisherman’s Hideaway
Phak Nam Bay, also known as Relax Beach, is a quiet bay located on the eastern coast of Phi Phi Island. Primarily used by local fishermen, this beach has an authentic, laid-back vibe that offers a stark contrast to the more tourist-centric areas of the island. Accessible via a hiking trail or by boat,
Phak Nam Bay’s remote location ensures it remains much less crowded than the beaches on the western side of the island. The calm, shallow waters here are ideal for swimming, and the beach itself is surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
Phak Nam Bay’s connection to local life makes it one of the most authentic beach experiences on the island. Visitors can enjoy the simplicity of life at the beach, watching the fishermen as they go about their day and interacting with the local community in a relaxed, unobtrusive way.
This beach offers more than just relaxation; it provides an opportunity to connect with Phi Phi’s traditional way of life while still enjoying the beautiful, untouched environment. For those who seek a more genuine, slower-paced experience, Phak Nam Bay is an excellent choice.
Wang Long Bay – A Snorkeler’s Paradise
Wang Long Bay is a hidden gem accessible only by boat. This small, rocky inlet is known for its crystal-clear waters and incredible opportunities for snorkeling. While Wang Long Bay doesn’t have a long, sandy beach, it more than makes up for it with the beauty that lies beneath the water.
Located on the western side of Phi Phi, this spot is home to vibrant marine life, including colorful corals, tropical fish, and occasionally sea turtles. Because of its secluded location, Wang Long Bay remains off the beaten path, allowing you to enjoy its underwater wonders without the crowds.
Snorkeling in Wang Long Bay is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and marine enthusiasts. The bay’s unique underwater landscape, with its coral reefs and diverse marine species, creates a mesmerizing world beneath the surface.
Since this area is less frequented by tourists, the coral reefs are in excellent condition, and the marine life is abundant and active. Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a beginner, Wang Long Bay offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Phi Phi’s vibrant underwater ecosystem in peace.
Loh Moo Dee Beach – A Peaceful Escape
Loh Moo Dee Beach is a quiet, crescent-shaped beach located southeast of Tonsai Village. Accessible by long-tail boat or a 45-minute hike through the jungle, this beach is one of the less-visited on Phi Phi, making it an ideal spot for those looking to relax in a peaceful environment.
With its white sand and calm, clear waters, Loh Moo Dee is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the beach. Unlike some of the more developed beaches, Loh Moo Dee remains relatively untouched, with just a small shack selling drinks and snacks, preserving its natural charm.
The peacefulness of Loh Moo Dee Beach is a major draw for those who want to escape the noise and activity of the more popular tourist spots. The lack of large-scale development ensures that the beach maintains its natural beauty, and the journey to reach it adds to the sense of adventure and discovery.
Whether you’re spending the day swimming in the calm waters or enjoying a quiet afternoon on the sand, Loh Moo Dee offers a tranquil escape that feels worlds away from the busier parts of the island.
Rantee Beach – A Secluded Paradise
Rantee Beach, located on the eastern side of Phi Phi, is a secluded, peaceful spot perfect for those wanting to avoid the crowds. Accessible by boat or by hiking from Tonsai, Rantee Beach is quiet and laid-back, with only a few bungalows lining the shore.
The beach’s relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place to spend a lazy day sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling in the clear waters. The rich marine life in the waters off Rantee Beach makes it a great spot for snorkeling, with colorful fish and vibrant coral reefs just offshore.
For those looking to spend a day in total tranquility, Rantee Beach provides the perfect setting. The beach is less developed than many of Phi Phi’s other beaches, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the island without the distractions of large crowds or noisy beach bars.
The crystal-clear waters are ideal for both swimming and snorkeling, and the beach’s secluded location ensures that you’ll have plenty of space to yourself. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or exploring the underwater world, Rantee Beach offers a peaceful retreat from the island’s busier spots.
Laem Tong Beach – A Remote Slice of Heaven
Laem Tong Beach is located on the northern tip of Phi Phi Island and is one of the more remote beaches. This beach is primarily frequented by guests staying at the nearby resorts, but it remains relatively quiet compared to other parts of the island.
The long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach. The beach’s remoteness ensures that you’ll have plenty of space to yourself, making it an ideal escape from the busier areas of the island.
The serenity of Laem Tong Beach is perfect for travelers who want to disconnect from the busy tourist areas and enjoy a quiet day by the sea. The beach’s pristine sand and calm waters make it an ideal spot for a relaxing swim or a leisurely walk along the shore.
The nearby resorts provide some amenities, but the beach itself remains largely undeveloped, preserving its natural beauty. Laem Tong’s remote location also means that it’s often overlooked by day-trippers, giving you a more private and peaceful experience than the more accessible beaches on the island.
Monkey Beach – Early Morning Serenity
Monkey Beach, while known for its population of monkeys, can also offer a serene experience if you visit early in the morning. Located just off Tonsai Bay, this beach can get crowded later in the day, but if you head there early, you can enjoy the beach’s beauty and calm before the tour boats arrive.
The shallow waters are perfect for a morning swim, and you might even get a chance to observe the monkeys before the area becomes too busy with tourists.
The best way to enjoy Monkey Beach is to arrive early in the morning, before the majority of tourists descend on the area. At this time, you’ll have the beach almost entirely to yourself, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding cliffs and lush greenery.
The clear waters are ideal for a refreshing swim, and the chance to observe the monkeys in their natural habitat without the distractions of large crowds is a unique experience. For those willing to rise early, Monkey Beach offers a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the day’s activities.
Viking Cave – Hidden Wonders Beneath the Surface
While Viking Cave is not a traditional beach, it’s an interesting spot worth visiting for its cultural significance and underwater beauty. Located on the northeastern side of Phi Phi Leh, Viking Cave is famous for its ancient cave paintings and the harvesting of bird’s nests.
While visitors are not allowed to enter the cave itself, the waters around it are perfect for snorkeling, offering an abundance of coral and marine life to explore. Since this spot is off the usual beach track, it’s often less crowded, providing a unique and peaceful snorkeling experience.
Viking Cave offers a fascinating glimpse into Phi Phi’s cultural history, as well as an opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life that thrives in the waters around it. Snorkeling near Viking Cave is an excellent way to observe the diverse coral reefs and tropical fish that inhabit the area, and the relative seclusion of the spot means that you can enjoy the underwater beauty without the distractions of large crowds.
For those interested in both culture and nature, Viking Cave provides a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond the typical beach visit.
Tips for Exploring Hidden Beaches
- Early Morning Visits: Many hidden beaches are best visited in the early morning to avoid crowds and tour boats.
- Bring Supplies: Some of these beaches are secluded and may not have shops or facilities, so be sure to bring enough water, snacks, and sunscreen to last the day.
- Respect Nature: Many of these hidden spots are pristine, so take care to leave no trace by taking all your trash with you and avoiding any disturbance to the local wildlife.
Conclusion
While Phi Phi Island is famous for its iconic tourist spots, venturing off the beaten path allows you to discover its hidden beaches, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature in peace.
From snorkeling in quiet bays to relaxing on remote stretches of sand, these lesser-known spots offer a unique way to experience the magic of Phi Phi away from the crowds.
Whether you’re seeking solitude, underwater adventures, or simply a place to unwind, the hidden beaches of Phi Phi Island are the perfect escape for travelers looking to enjoy a more intimate and tranquil experience.