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Bamboo Island

Ko Mai Phai

A low sand island north of Phi Phi with a shallow hard-coral reef that starts a few metres off the beach, which makes it the best snorkelling stop in the group for people who are not divers.

Low sandy island with a shallow coral reef and clear water

Bamboo Island is the opposite of the rest of the archipelago: flat, sandy and small, with none of the limestone drama and all of the reef. The shallow shelf on the north and east sides carries hard coral in two to six metres of water, close enough in that a nervous swimmer can stand up and think about it.

Because it is low and open, it is a fair-weather stop. In a fresh northeast the anchorage is uncomfortable and the visibility over the shallow reef drops.

The island closes to visitors in some years during the low season for reef recovery, on the same reasoning as Maya Bay.

Where it sits

PHANG NGAPHUKETANDAMAN SEAMergui, 180 nmAo Po Grand MarinaBoat LagoonRoyal MarinaYacht HavenKoh HongKhao Phing Kan and Ko TapuKoh PanakKoh PanyeeKoh Yao NoiMaya BayKoh Phi Phi DonBamboo IslandRacha YaiRacha NoiSimilan IslandsSurin IslandsRailay and Phra NangKoh Hong, KrabiKoh RokKoh Muk and the Emerald CaveKoh Haa
  • Marina
  • Anchorage
  • On this itinerary
  • Positions are projected from real coordinates. Coastlines are simplified and not for navigation.

Routes that stop here

Nearby in Phi Phi Islands

Source: Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Checked 6 September 2026. Anchorage notes are planning information from cruising guides and operator itineraries, not navigational advice.