Koh Phi Phi is on of the most popular holiday destinations not only in Thailand, but in the whole world. Not only is this destination popular because of its beautiful islands, bays, and beaches, but also because of the excellent scuba diving that it offers.
The islands in Phi are located in a national marine park and the dive sites here are substantially different from the other destinations in Thailand. The marine-life rich Phi islands have dramatic limestone walls decorated with healthy soft corals, dives ending in shallow coral gardens, and gorgonians branching out from these colorful walls.
Diving adventures at Phi Islands promise sightings of delightful small creatures such as razor fish, seahorses, and pipefish, as well as their larger cousins like turtles, crocodile long-time, reef sharks, and leopard sharks. The combination of the laid-back charm of the location, its beautiful movie-set beaches, and convenient sites that suit all skill levels make this Thai paradise the perfect destination for both divers and their non-diving companions. In this article we’ve offered a guide to Koh Phi Phi diving for those who are planning to visit this magnificent tourist destination.
Must-Visit Dive Sites
When in Koh Phi Phi, you can visit some of the Koh Phi Phi diving in Phuket. Among these sites are Shark Point and the Kingcruiser Wreck, which is the wreck of a World War II Japanese battleship. Below are some great dive sites in Phi Phi:
Koh Buda Nao
Meaning Inner Father Island in Thai, Koh Vida Nai is a limestone island that descends dramatically from the south of Phi Phi Leh into the sea. Together with its sister site of Koh Bida Nok, Koh Vida Nai is regarded as the best dive area in the Phi Islands.
Koh Bida Nok
Located 2 kilometers south of Phi Leh Island is the tiny limestone island of Koh Bida Nok. Jutting out from the sea, this island is the best and most popular dive site is Koh Phi Phi and is usually frequented by Thai live-aboard cruises as well as Phuket day trip dive boats.
Garang Heng
This is another great dive site in Phi Phi. Because it is a little too far for the Phuket day trip boats to reach, Garang Heng is only visited by the boats from Phi Island.
Hin Dot
Located on the south side of Phi Phi Don and just outside of Tonsai Bay, the Phi Islands’ main harbor, is Hin Dot. Known as Chimney Rock in Thai, this dive site is only visited by diving board from Koh Phi Phi and live-aboard cruises and just a short boat ride is required to reach it.
Loh Samah Bay
Situated next to Maya Bay on the south side of Phi Phi Leh is Loh Samah Bay. Diving at this snorkelers’ popular area is centered on a tiny cliff islet at the entrance to the bay.
Phi Phi Shark Point
Phi Phi Shark Point or Hin Bida in Thai is a submerged rock located 8 km south east of Phi Phi Leh. You shouldn’t mistake this dive site for another site situated about half way between Phi Phi Islands and Phuket Island called Shark Point.
