Top things to do in Phuket
Bamboo Island tours | Coral-rich reefs & soft golden beaches
Bamboo Island is a small, scenic island in Thailand’s Phi Phi archipelago, just 5km northeast of Phi Phi Don. It gets its name from the bamboo that once grew here, though today it's mostly covered in soft sand and casuarina trees. Known for its clear waters, rich marine life, and coral reefs located up to 500m from the shore, it’s a top spot for snorkeling and swimming. Since it’s uninhabited, there are no hotels or restaurants, making it an ideal stop for a quiet beach break.
Bamboo Island is often included in full-day Phi Phi tours, which is the best way to visit since it’s so close to the main islands. The entry fee is covered under the national park fee, so if you're already paying to visit Maya Bay or other Phi Phi spots, you won’t need to pay extra!
Why choose a Bamboo Island tour?

Shallow waters
Bamboo Island has some of the clearest waters in the Phi Phi Islands, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The shallow areas allow even beginners to enjoy marine life up close.
Coral reefs for snorkeling
Just offshore, you’ll find coral reefs teeming with fish, making it one of the best spots for snorkeling in the region. Unlike crowded snorkeling sites, the waters here are often less disturbed.
Uncrowded beach space
Unlike other islands, Bamboo Island has more open sandy areas. It’s a good choice if you want to relax without the usual crowds of Maya Bay or Tonsai Beach.
No high cliffs or sharp rocks
While other coastal locations have steep cliffs and rocky shores, Bamboo Island has a flat, sandy coastline. It’s accessible and safe for all ages!
Small enough to explore on foot
At around 700m long and 600m wide, the island is easy to walk around in a short amount of time, making it a great stop for exploration.
Your Bamboo Island tour highlights

Chilling on soft white sands
Bamboo Island is known for its powdery white sand and emerald-green waters, perfect to sit on with your family.




Frequently asked questions about Bamboo Island tours
Bamboo Island is part of the Phi Phi archipelago in Thailand. It lies about 5km (3 miles) northeast of Phi Phi Don and is a popular stop on island-hopping tours.
You can reach Bamboo Island by speedboat or longtail boat from Phi Phi Don, Phuket, or Krabi. The ride takes around 30-40 minutes from Phi Phi Don and 1-2 hours from Phuket or Krabi, depending on weather conditions and boat type.
Guests are required to pay a National Park entry fee of 400 Thai Baht in cash. This fee supports the area's conservation efforts. While some tickets include the fee, others do not, so please check before proceeding.
Absolutely! The shallow, calm waters make it a great spot for kids to swim and snorkel.
No, Bamboo Island does not have restaurants, accommodations, or shops. It’s a remote, natural island, so visitors should bring everything they need for their trip, including water, snacks, and sun protection.
The ideal time to visit is November to April, during Thailand’s dry season. The weather is sunny, and the sea is calm, perfect for snorkeling and beach activities. December to February is especially popular due to comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
Yes, but be aware that the monsoon season (May to October) brings heavy rains, rougher seas, and occasional boat cancellations.
Yes! Bamboo Island has some of the best snorkeling spots in the Phi Phi area. The reefs are vibrant and home to a variety of marine life, including clownfish, parrotfish, and sea anemones.
No, your tour operators will provide snorkeling gear. But if you're visiting independently, it's best to bring your own or rent it from Phi Phi Don before heading to the island.
Yes, most people visit on a full-day Phi Phi tour, which includes stops at Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Maya Bay, and other famous locations.
Blacktip reef sharks are sometimes spotted near the reefs, but they are harmless. Be cautious of sea urchins and jellyfish, though sightings are rare.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Pack a waterproof bag for valuables and a beach mat or towel for comfort.
No, Bamboo Island is not wheelchair accessible. The island has no docks, so visitors must disembark directly onto the sandy shore from a boat. There are also no paved paths or facilities, making mobility challenging for wheelchair users.




























