Bamboo Island, a hidden gem north of Phi Phi's famous cliffs, offers pristine beaches and powder-soft sand instead of dramatic limestone walls. This heart-shaped paradise features crystal-clear waters, lush shade trees, and accessible shallow coral reefs perfect for snorkeling. Protected as part of a national park, visiting by private yacht ensures intimate exploration while supporting marine conservation efforts.
When most travelers envision the Phi Phi Islands, their minds jump to the towering limestone cliffs and enclosed lagoons of the famous movie sets. However, located just a few kilometers north of the main hubs sits a geographical anomaly that serves as the perfect "reset" button for your journey. Bamboo Island, known locally as Koh Mai Phai, is a flat, heart-shaped piece of paradise that trades dramatic vertical walls for endless horizons and powder-soft sand. If the rest of the archipelago is about the awe of the cliffs, Bamboo Island is about the purity of the beach itself. It is the kind of place where the color of the water transitions from a pale mint to a deep sapphire with a clarity that seems almost artificial.
As a strategic addition to any luxury itinerary, this island offers a different type of serenity. There are no hotels, no high-energy beach clubs, and no dramatic shadows cast by the sun hitting rock walls. Instead, you are greeted by lush casuarina and bamboo trees that provide a natural, fragrant shade for those looking to escape the midday heat. Arriving here on a private catamaran or a sleek motor yacht allows you to experience the island’s circular sandbank in its most pristine state, especially if you time your arrival to beat the mid-morning influx of public day-trip vessels.
The marine environment surrounding Koh Mai Phai is remarkably accessible, making it an ideal spot for families and beginner snorkelers. The island is entirely encircled by a shallow coral reef that begins just a few meters from the shoreline. While some areas of the reef are in a state of recovery, the biodiversity remains impressive for those who know where to look. The northern and eastern sides of the island are particularly active, where the sunlight hits the shallow seabed and brings out the vibrant colors of the local residents.
Bamboo Island is a strictly protected part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. This means that conservation rules are enforced, and every visitor contributes to the preservation of this delicate ecosystem through the mandatory entrance fee. By choosing a private vessel, you gain the tactical advantage of anchoring in spots that are less crowded, allowing for a more intimate connection with the underwater world.
