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The cool sea wind will gently blow your hair, the sunset will bring you closer to peace, and the enchanting Bamboo Island will help you revitalise your spirit. Known as Koh Pai Island in Thailand, this breathtaking island is Thailand’s undiscovered gem. If you want to escape to a lonely yet gorgeous island, this is the place to be. So, if you are planning to visit this bizarre island, this blog will undoubtedly be your rescuer for the small things that count while you are on an adventurous vacation.
Bamboo Island Location
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons
Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai) is a small, uninhabited island in the Andaman Sea, part of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands archipelago. Located about 5 kilometres northeast of Phi Phi Don in Krabi Province, it’s known for its pristine beaches and clear waters. Easily accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from Phi Phi Don, it’s a popular day-trip destination. Despite its name, the island is mainly covered with casuarina and palm trees, offering you a picturesque tropical setting.
Suggested Read: Top Best Islands In Thailand For An Amazing Experience
How To Reach Bamboo Island
Photo: LN9267 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
You can reach this island only by boat. If you are somewhere around Phi Phi island, you can take a private longtail boat from Tonsai Village and reach there in about 40 minutes. You can also take the boat from Laem Thong Beach and reach there in only 15 minutes.
Places To Visit In And Around Bamboo Island
1. Maya Bay
Photo: Cybercap / Wikimedia Commons
Made famous by the movie ‘The Beach’, Maya Bay is a stunning cove surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The bay boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and a soft, white sandy beach. It reopened in 2022 after a period of closure for environmental recovery, with new regulations to protect its ecosystem. Here, you can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and cherish the breathtaking scenery.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 400 THB (foreigners), 40 THB (Thai nationals)
Suggested Read: Amazing Places To Visit In Thailand On Your Next Tropical Vacation
2. Phi Phi Don
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
The largest and only inhabited island of the Phi Phi archipelago, Phi Phi Don is the main hub for visitors to the area. It offers a range of accommodations, restaurants, and nightlife options. The island features beautiful beaches, viewpoints offering panoramic vistas, and opportunities for water sports. It’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding islands and marine park.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: NA
3. Monkey Beach
Photo: Cocu / Wikimedia Commons
Located on the northwestern coast of Phi Phi Don, Monkey Beach is known for its resident population of crab-eating macaques. The small, secluded beach is surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. Here, you can observe monkeys in their natural habitat but it is advised to exercise caution and avoid feeding them. The beach also offers good snorkelling opportunities.
Timings: Daylight hours
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Beaches In Thailand To Explore For A Scenic Vacation
4. Viking Cave
Photo: Deror Avi / Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the eastern side of Phi Phi Leh, Viking Cave is known for its ancient cave paintings and as a source of edible bird’s nests. The cave’s name comes from the painting of an ancient Scandinavian ship on its walls. Though you can’t enter the cave itself, boat tours often pass by, allowing you to see the impressive limestone formation from the water.
Timing: Daylight hours
Entry Fee: NA
5. Pileh Lagoon
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons
This stunning emerald lagoon is hidden within towering limestone cliffs on Phi Phi Leh island. The calm, crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and kayaking. The lagoon’s depth changes with the tides, creating different shades of blue and green throughout the day. It’s a popular stop on many island-hopping tours.
Timing: Daylight hours
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Thailand With Family
6. Shark Point
Photo: Gerald Schömbs / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located between Phi Phi and Phuket, Shark Point is a renowned dive site known for its diverse marine life. The site consists of three underwater pinnacles covered in soft corals and sea fans. Divers can spot leopard sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and a variety of tropical fish. It’s considered one of the best dive sites in the Andaman Sea.
Timings: Daylight hours
Entry Fee: NA
7. Koh Bida Nok
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons
This small, rocky island south of Phi Phi Leh is a popular spot for diving and snorkelling. The underwater scenery is spectacular, with steep walls, caves, and an abundance of marine life. Divers might encounter leopard sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and even the occasional whale shark. The island’s waters are also home to colourful coral gardens and schools of tropical fish.
Timings: Daylight hours
Entry Fee: NA
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Thailand For Couples For A Romantic Getaway
Where To Stay
Photo: Engin Akyurt / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Koh Mai Phai is a small, uninhabited island in Thailand with no permanent accommodations, but you can camp on the beach with your own equipment. Most tourists stay at the nearby Phi Phi Don Island and take day trips to this island. Phi Phi Don offers a range of lodging options, from budget-friendly Phi Phi Banyan Villa and Tropical Garden Bungalows to mid-range Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort and luxury stays like Zeavola Resort or SAii Phi Phi Island Village. From these hotels, you can easily arrange boat tours or water taxis to visit the island and enjoy its pristine beaches and clear waters, making it a convenient base for exploring this tropical paradise.
Where To Eat
Photo: Jeswin Thomas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For the main dining option, popular spots include Cosmic Restaurant for Thai and western cuisine, Papaya Restaurant for seafood and Thai dishes, and Anna’s Restaurant for Mediterranean and Thai options. Tonsai Bay offers choices like Phi Phi Bakery for breakfast and Chukit Seafood for fresh local catch. In Loh Dalum Bay, you can try Pad Thai Rock n Roll for street food or Banana Sombrero for Mexican cuisine with a view. The Long Beach area has options like Jasmin Restaurant, offering Thai food and seafood with beach views.
Suggested Read: The Ultimate List Of The Top Things To Do In Thailand
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Poohpachatpimuk / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Bamboo Island is during the dry season from November to April. This period offers ideal conditions with less rain, calmer seas, and clearer water for snorkelling. Temperatures are pleasant, typically between 24°C-32°C. December to February are particularly good months. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and higher prices. The dry season provides the most reliable weather for enjoying the island’s beaches and activities, despite the potential crowds.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rachel Claire / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of Trip: A trip to Bamboo Island typically costs between 2500-5000 THB ($75-$150 USD) per person for a day trip, including transportation, meals, and basic accommodation at the nearby Phi Phi Don Island. This estimate covers a longtail boat ride (1000-3000 THB), meals on Phi Phi Don (200-500 THB each), and budget for mid-range accommodation (500-2000 THB per night).
Tips For Travellers
- Don’t forget to carry your swimming costume.
- Do keep sunscreen to protect yourself from tanning.
- Book your speedboats on time so that you don’t face any delays.
- Don’t throw any waste material on the island and keep it clean.
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Thailand
A perfect location for a day trip, Bamboo Island is one of the six islands that comprise the Phi Phi Island group. It is called so because of a thick growth of bamboo trees right in the middle with pristine white beaches surrounding it. Enjoy the lush greenery reflecting in the clear waters at this unspoiled locale. Plan your trip with TripXL, and make sure to have a memorable experience.
cover Photo: Deror Avi / Wikimedia Commons
