Bamboo Island, also known as Ko Mai Phai, is a small uninhabited island in the Phi Phi Islands, off the coast of Krabi in southern Thailand. It lies within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, so the island keeps the quiet, undeveloped character that the park is meant to protect.
What to expect
The island is known for its white sand beaches and clear water. Because it has no residents, the shoreline feels open and uncrowded compared with the busier islands nearby. The water is well suited to swimming, and it is a popular spot for snorkeling, so many visitors come with a mask and fins to look at what lies beneath the surface.
Who it suits
- Swimmers who want calm, clear water
- Snorkelers looking for a relaxed stop
- Travellers who prefer a natural setting to built attractions
- Visitors who enjoy a day trip out on the water
Bamboo Island makes a good half-day or full-day outing rather than a place with much to see on land. Its appeal lies in the beaches, the water and the sense of being on a small, unspoiled island within a protected national park.
Planning your visit
The island is reached from the Phi Phi Islands and the wider Krabi area, which offer hotels, restaurants and boat operators to help arrange a trip. For questions about visiting the national park, you can call +66 75 637 200. Since the island has no facilities of its own, it is sensible to bring water, sun protection and anything you need for the day.