Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island
Ko Mai Phai, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thaïlande
A small islet within the Phi Phi Islands National Marine Park, northeast of the archipelago: beach, coral reefs accessible from shore and day excursions from Krabi or Phuket.
Bamboo Island, known locally as Koh Phai or Koh Mai Phai, is an islet located at the northeastern tip of the Phi Phi Islands archipelago, off the coast of Krabi. Its name is somewhat misleading: no bamboo actually grows here, and the name is believed to stem from a translation error. The island falls within the Phi Phi Islands National Marine Park and entry is subject to an entrance fee.
Why visit Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island's appeal lies in its small size and relative isolation. Without permanent accommodation or major infrastructure, the island consists simply of a pristine sandy beach, a fringe of coral reefs accessible from the shore, and a drinks stand. It makes an excellent half-day excursion focused on swimming and snorkeling, as a complement to a stay on Phi Phi Don or in Krabi.
What to see and do
Snorkeling and diving
Reefs surround the island on its north and east sides, just meters from the shore. With mask and snorkel, you'll commonly spot butterflyfish, schools of sergeant major fish and scorpionfish. Rarer species such as leopard sharks or hawksbill turtles are occasionally reported, though not guaranteed. Diving excursions organized from Phi Phi Don sometimes include Bamboo Island on their itinerary.
Swimming and beach
The main beach, on the northwest side, slopes gently and remains accessible for most of the year. Caution is advisable depending on the season: currents can strengthen during the monsoon period.
Camping
Camping is tolerated on the beach. Some visitors stay overnight to enjoy the sunset and sunrise. You'll need to bring a tent, water and food; only the drinks stand is present on the island, and its opening depends on the season.
Practical information
- Status: island within the Phi Phi Islands National Marine Park.
- Entrance fee: approximately 400 baht per person, paid on-site to the park ranger or your guide.
- Visit duration: half a day is sufficient to explore, swim and enjoy the reefs.
- Useful equipment: mask, snorkel, water shoes, coral-friendly sunscreen, plenty of water.
When to go
The most favorable period runs from November to April, during the dry season: calm seas, excellent visibility for snorkeling, minimal rainfall. From May to October, the monsoon makes the crossing less comfortable and certain excursions may be suspended depending on sea conditions.
How to get there
Bamboo Island has no port and is accessible only by boat, generally as part of an organized excursion:
- From Tonsai (Phi Phi Don): approximately 45 minutes by long-tail boat.
- From Sea Gypsy Village: approximately 15 minutes by long-tail boat.
- From Krabi or Phuket: speedboat ferry to Phi Phi Don, then transfer by local boat. Many day excursions combine Bamboo Island, Maya Bay and other sites throughout the archipelago.
Nearby attractions
Bamboo Island is naturally visited as part of a larger circuit around the Phi Phi Islands and Krabi Bay:
- Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Leh, about twenty minutes by boat.
- Koh Hong, an archipelago renowned for its enclosed lagoons.
- Ao Nang, a departure point for many maritime excursions.
- Ao Thalane, a mangrove bay ideal for kayaking.
Frequently asked questions
As the island is part of the Phi Phi Islands National Marine Park, an entrance fee of approximately 400 baht per person is required. Payment is made on-site to the park ranger or the guide accompanying your excursion.
You first need to reach Phi Phi Don by speedboat ferry from Krabi port, then take a long-tail boat: approximately 45 minutes from Tonsai, about 15 minutes from Sea Gypsy Village. Most visitors travel via an organized day excursion.
The dry season, from November to April, offers the best conditions: calm seas, excellent visibility for snorkeling and low probability of rain. During the monsoon, some boat services are suspended.
There is no permanent accommodation on the island, but camping on the beach is permitted. A stand sells drinks depending on the season; you'll need to bring your own tent, water and food.
The reefs are home to typical Andaman Sea wildlife: butterflyfish, sergeant major fish, scorpionfish. Rarer sightings of leopard sharks or hawksbill turtles are possible but not guaranteed.
To incorporate Bamboo Island into a broader itinerary across southern Thailand, explore our Thailand travel packages.
Photos
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