Quiet shores, crystal waters, and the adventure of the untouched.

Just a short boat ride from the famous Phi Phi Islands lies a quieter paradise: Koh Mai Phai, also known as Bamboo Island. Don’t let the name fool you—there’s no actual bamboo here, just powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and a sense of tropical escape that’s hard to find on the more developed islands nearby.

If you’re looking to ditch the crowds and lean into your adventurous spirit, Koh Mai Phai is your next stop. Here’s how to explore it—and what to do when you get there.

📍 Where Is Koh Mai Phai?

Koh Mai Phai (Bamboo Island) is located about 5 km northeast of Koh Phi Phi Don, and it’s often included in day trips from Phuket, Krabi, or Phi Phi. It’s part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, so expect natural beauty with minimal development.

🚤 How to Get There

From Phi Phi Don:

Longtail boat: 20–30 minutes

Speedboat tour: Usually part of a half-day or full-day island-hopping package

From Phuket or Krabi:

Most organized Phi Phi tours include Bamboo Island as one of the highlights.

💡 Tip: Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid tour group crowds.

🌊 What to Do on Koh Mai Phai

🏖️ 1. Beachcombing & Swimming

This island is basically one big beach—soft, white, and surrounded by clear, shallow waters. Perfect for:

Sunbathing under pine trees

Swimming in calm, safe areas

Walking the entire coastline in less than an hour

🤿 2. Snorkeling Adventure

The waters around Koh Mai Phai are excellent for snorkeling, especially on the eastern and southern sides.

🌈 What you'll see:

Colorful coral gardens

Butterflyfish, parrotfish, and clownfish

Sometimes baby reef sharks (don’t worry—they’re harmless!)

🔸 Bring your own snorkel gear or rent it as part of a boat tour.

📸 3. Photography

The contrast of white sand, deep green trees, and turquoise sea makes this one of the most photogenic islands in the region.

📷 Don’t miss:

Drone shots (if permitted)

Underwater GoPro footage while snorkeling

Panoramas from the beach’s north tip

🧺 4. Picnic or Chill Under the Trees

There are no restaurants or shops on the island—just a few shaded picnic spots.

🧃 Bring:

Water and snacks

Reef-safe sunscreen

A mat or sarong to sit on

♻️ Leave no trace—take your trash back with you.

🚣‍♀️ 5. Combine with Island-Hopping

Koh Mai Phai is often part of adventure combo tours, where you can also explore:

Maya Bay (The Beach)

Pileh Lagoon

Viking Cave

Monkey Beach

🗺️ These combo trips are ideal for first-timers wanting a bit of everything: snorkeling, sightseeing, swimming, and beach chilling.

🧭 What to Know Before You Go

🕐 Best time to visit: November to April (dry season)

🎫 Entry fee: As part of a national park, you’ll need to pay a fee (~400 THB for foreigners)

🚫 No overnight stays: It’s a protected area, so there’s no lodging

🚿 No facilities: No toilets, no restaurants—pack accordingly

✨ Final Thoughts: Why Koh Mai Phai Is Worth the Trip

Koh Mai Phai might not have bars, hotels, or nightlife—but that’s the point. It's an escape into raw island beauty, perfect for a half-day adventure. Whether you’re snorkeling through coral reefs, reading a book under the trees, or snapping that perfect sunset photo, Bamboo Island is a peaceful highlight of any trip to southern Thailand.