Bamboo Island (Ko Mai Phai in Thai) is a small, flat island about 5 km off the north-east tip of Phi Phi Don, in Krabi Province. It has a white-sand beach, casuarina trees and a shallow reef, and it sits inside Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. There is no scheduled ferry to it, so most visitors go on a day tour.
On our Phi Phi & Bamboo Island tour from Phuket, Bamboo is one of seven stops, alongside Maya Bay, which reopened on 1 October 2026. It costs ฿3,900 per adult and ฿2,900 per child, and the national park ticket is included. Guests rate us 5.0 from 607 Tripadvisor reviews (checked 7 October 2026).
Bamboo Island at a glance
Where is Bamboo Island?
Bamboo Island lies about 5 km off the north-eastern tip of Phi Phi Don, the largest of the six Phi Phi islands. It covers roughly 0.27 km², one of the smaller islands in the group (see the size of all six Phi Phi islands). Day trips leave from Phuket, but the island itself belongs to Krabi Province.
Why is it called Bamboo Island?
The Thai name, Ko Mai Phai, means Bamboo Island. Today the green centre of the island is mostly casuarina trees, so don't expect a bamboo grove.
Can you swim and snorkel at Bamboo Island?
Yes. A shallow reef runs along the shoreline and the beach is soft white sand. Reef fish are the main attraction, and sightings of turtles or sharks are never guaranteed. Snorkelling gear is included on our tour, and our safety rules require a life jacket in the water. For more spots, see our Phi Phi snorkelling guide.
Tide changes Bamboo Island more than most stops
Tripadvisor guests report that swimming and snorkelling are better at higher tide, with more water over the reef. At low tide the swim area can shrink to the boat-landing beach, with lower visibility. The order of stops changes with sea conditions and daily park limits, so we can't promise a high-tide visit. If snorkelling matters most, check a tide table when choosing your date, and ask your guide which area is best on the day.
How crowded is Bamboo Island?
It is small, so it can feel busy when several boats arrive together. One guest described Bamboo and the other Phi Phi stops as busy, with thousands of visitors a day. Some operators sell sunrise starts to avoid this. Our standard day tour leaves Royal Phuket Marina at 10:30, so we don't promise an empty beach. Your guide decides the order of stops each day to get the most from your visit. If you want full control of timing, ask about a private charter.
How much does it cost to visit Bamboo Island?
Bamboo Island is inside a national park. The fee is ฿400 per foreign adult and ฿200 per child (Thai nationals ฿40 and ฿20). Some cheaper tours add it on top. On ours it is included. See park fees and licensed guides for how to check any operator.
How to get to Bamboo Island from Phuket
With us, hotel pick-up is 08:15–09:15 and check-in is at the Andaman Surprise Lounge at Royal Phuket Marina at 09:30. The boat leaves at 10:30 and you return between 18:00 and 18:30. The crossing to Phi Phi takes 75–90 minutes on a speed catamaran built in 2025, carrying up to 30 guests, with seasickness tablets provided. See our fleet and what to expect on board.
On your own, there is no scheduled ferry. Visitors usually reach Phi Phi Don first, then charter a longtail or speedboat and pay the park fee in cash.
What else is on the Bamboo tour
- Maya Bay: Swimming is not allowed, but you can walk the beach. See Maya Bay reopens and the visitor guide.
- Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave: Swim in the lagoon and see the cave from the boat.
- Monkey Beach and lunch on Phi Phi Don.
- Two snorkel stops. See things to do in the Phi Phi Islands and Phi Phi Don vs Phi Phi Leh.
What guests say about Bamboo Island
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and swimwear
- A dry bag for your phone
- A camera
- A seasickness tablet before boarding if you need one
We provide the snorkel gear, paddle board, clear kayak, water, snacks and lunch. Bringing families? See family island tours.
Visiting responsibly
Don't stand on coral, touch marine life or feed the fish, and take your rubbish with you. The park fee funds the rangers who protect the reef.
Closing line: Ready to go? See the Phi Phi & Bamboo Island tour or contact us. Also read our best time to visit Phi Phi.
