15 Most Instagrammable Places in Koh Phi Phi: Best Photo Spots & Viewpoints
Limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and a famous twin-bay view
Koh Phi Phi is one of the most photogenic islands in Thailand, with limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and a famous twin-bay view. Here are 15 real photo spots, each with timing tips and a Google Maps link.
An honest note on timing, fees and crowds
1Phi Phi Viewpoint 3
The island's signature shot, a panorama over both bays and the narrow isthmus, with turquoise water on either side and Phi Phi Leh in the distance. The trail starts north of Tonsai Village. Go at sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer people.
2Maya Bay
Limestone cliffs about 100 metres high surround a white sand beach almost 200 metres long. Arrive on the first boat of the morning, ideally before 8am, for soft light and the emptiest beach. Remember swimming isn't allowed, so plan for shoreline shots.
3Pileh Lagoon
An emerald lagoon enclosed by towering limestone walls. Boat drivers usually cut their engines at the back of the lagoon, giving you calm water and a still moment for photos. The prow of your boat makes a classic vantage point.
4Viking Cave
A cave on the northeast coast of Phi Phi Leh, known for wall paintings believed to be centuries old and swiftlet nests still harvested today. Landing isn't allowed, so you'll photograph it from the boat.
5Loh Samah Bay
The bay on the back side of Maya Bay's headland, with clear water and cliffs all around. It's where boats moor, so it's easy to capture the scale of the cliffs from the water.
6Bamboo Island
A small island with white sand and clear water, a regular stop on full-day tours. It's ideal for wide beach shots.
7Long Beach
A quieter beach with views across to Phi Phi Leh. One guide notes it has sunrise views of Phi Phi Leh, making it a strong early-morning spot.
8Loh Dalum Beach at low tide
At low tide you can walk a long way out across the sand, creating wide, reflective shots of the bay. Kayaks add colour to the foreground.
9Monkey Beach
A small cove with a resident troop of macaques. Keep your distance and hold on to your phone, as the monkeys can grab bags and belongings.
10Nui Beach (Camel Rock)
A small bay on Phi Phi Don's west coast with coral and a cave swim. It's a less crowded alternative for beach shots in calm, high-season conditions.
11Longtail boats in Tonsai Bay
Colourful longtail boats lined up in the bay are an iconic Thai island image. You'll find them around Tonsai Pier throughout the day.
12Beach fire shows
Fire shows run most nights on the beach, usually from around 10pm in Tonsai. Long Beach has an earlier show from about 9pm to 10pm.
13Laem Tong Beach
A peaceful beach on the northern tip of Phi Phi Don, lined with a small number of quiet resorts. It's ideal for calm, uncrowded beach photos.
14Tonsai's limestone climbing walls
Tonsai has good limestone climbing routes. Climbers on the cliffs make striking action shots. Half-day courses cost about 1,500 to 2,000 THB if you'd rather be in the photo.
15Khai Island
A small island between Phuket and Phi Phi, often added to day tours for snorkelling or floating on the way back. It's a good spot for clear-water shots.
Sourced from thainationalparks.com's Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, tisland.travel's Maya Bay reopens on 1 October 2026, travelwithpau.com's Koh Phi Phi bucket list 2026, simbaseatrips.com's things to do in Phi Phi, click2gothailand.com's Phi Phi Islands 2026 travel guide, visitthailandtoday.com's Koh Phi Phi guide 2026, nomadasaurus.com's 18 best things to do in Koh Phi Phi, holidaytribe.ai's Phi Phi Island tour guide 2026, easy-go-thailand.com's Koh Phi Phi island guide 2026, divephiphiisland.com's family-friendly paradise on Koh Phi Phi, Tripadvisor's Ko Phi Phi Don beach hotels and idctravel.com's Phi Phi Island travel guide 2026.
Practical tips
Shoot Maya Bay on the first boat of the day. You'll get softer light and fewer people.
Hike the viewpoint at sunrise or sunset. Bring water, as the trail is steep.
Use a dry bag for your camera. Boarding and landing often mean wading.
Stay on Phi Phi Don for at least a night. It gives you access to early and late light that day-trippers miss.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Planning Maya Bay photos in August or September. It's closed for coral recovery.
- Getting too close to the monkeys for a selfie. They can grab phones and bite.
- Expecting swimming shots at Maya Bay. Swimming isn't allowed.
- Arriving at the viewpoint at midday. Harsh light and crowds make for flat photos.