Bamboo Island, known locally as Koh Mai Phai, sits between Krabi and Phi Phi and has a reputation as one of the loveliest small islands on the Andaman coast. A strip of pale sand runs the length of the island, the water around it is shallow and bright, and the reef at the edges is lively with fish. The island is small enough to circle on foot in under an hour, and because it has no permanent resort, the atmosphere is quiet once the day boats settle. For a lot of travellers, a morning on Bamboo Island is the moment the trip feels like a postcard. The full-day tour we link departs from Krabi by speedboat, with hotel pickup and a briefing at the pier. After the crossing, the boat visits Bamboo Island and typically adds one or more snorkelling stops, a beach lunch, time to swim and, depending on the route, a viewpoint or another island nearby. The speedboat shortens the transit, leaving more of the day for swimming.
A day at Bamboo Island
The boat arrives at one of the bays, and passengers wade ashore with a life jacket and a mask. Snorkelling spots vary, but the common pattern is a short swim along a reef edge where you can see colourful fish, corals and, with luck, a passing reef shark or turtle.
Guides watch the group from the boat and point out interesting life. The sand is soft and bright, and the best photographs are taken from the point where the beach narrows into a spit and the water changes colour. Expect lunch to be a packed meal or a simple buffet on the beach.
Why a speedboat
The sea between Krabi and Phi Phi can be choppy, and a speedboat gets you there faster, but it is also a bumpy, noisy ride and the seats can be hard. If you suffer from motion sickness, take medication before departure and sit near the middle of the boat. A longtail is slower and more traditional but may not reach Bamboo Island at all, so the speedboat is the practical choice for this route.
How to choose between island days
The Four Islands tour is calm and close, Hong Island is lagoon-focused, and Phi Phi is the busiest and the most famous. Bamboo Island belongs somewhere between, with a mix of beach and reef. Some Bamboo Island tours include Phi Phi stops or Monkey Beach, so read the route carefully if you want a quieter day. The tour we link is billed as a snorkelling day, which suggests a more relaxed pace than the all-in Phi Phi circuits.
Practical tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a rash vest if you burn easily, a dry bag and a change of clothes. National park fees are often collected separately in cash, so keep a little money in a waterproof pouch. Rough seas can lead to route changes or cancellations, especially in the green season from May to October, so book with flexible terms. Pair this trip with an evening massage, a cooking class or a quiet dinner on the Ao Nang waterfront.
What to expect
The experience
A full-day speedboat tour from Krabi to Bamboo Island with snorkelling stops, a beach lunch and swimming time.
Best time
Dry season from November to April, when the sea is calm and the water is clear.
How long
About eight hours including transfers.
Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag and cash for park fees, take motion-sickness medicine if you need it and book flexible terms in the green season.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beach lovers who want a pretty small island and good snorkelling without the busiest circuit.
- Families
- Good for confident swimmers in life jackets; the speedboat ride can be bumpy for small children.
- Couples
- White sand, clear water and a quieter beach make it a romantic day out.
- Pair with
- A massage, a cooking class or a quiet dinner back in Ao Nang.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What is Bamboo Island known for?+
It is a small, white-sand island with clear shallow water and a lively reef at its edges, popular for beaches and snorkelling.
Is the speedboat ride rough?+
It can be bumpy, especially in the green season. Sit near the middle and take motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to it.
Do I need to snorkel?+
No. You can swim and relax on the beach, but the reef is a highlight.
Is the park fee included?+
Not always. Check the inclusions and carry some cash in a waterproof pouch.
How does this compare with the Phi Phi day trip?+
Bamboo Island is smaller and usually calmer, while the Phi Phi circuit packs in more famous stops and bigger crowds.
