Bamboo Island – A Paradise Place in Thailand

Bamboo Island in Thailand is an amazing place, part of the Phi Phi archipelago and located between Phuket Island and the mainland of Krabi Province. Soft sandy shore, clear water, underwater world full of marine life, peace and quiet – all this attracts tourists from all over the world to Bamboo . The island will conquer you with its beauty and tranquility, leaving unforgettable impressions in your heart forever.

Treasure of the Andaman Sea: Bamboo Island Review

The Andaman Sea is famous for its beautiful islands . Most of them look ordinary and similar to each other, which does not always impress an experienced tourist. However, among the islands there is Bamboo – a charming piece of land of the Phi Phi archipelago. It is relatively small and uninhabited, the only people here are Thais who meet and serve tourists.

Bamboo Island , or Ko Mai Pai (official name) is miniature in size – only 600 m long and 400 m wide. It looks like a dead coral reef rising above the sea surface. Once upon a time it really was a reef, but over time it was swallowed by sand brought here by surf and storms. Gradually, a forest appeared here, which covered the land. The relict thickets are the main attraction of the island, as they have been preserved almost in their original form. 

What to expect from the trip

Bamboo Island is known for its postcard landscapes and beautiful beaches. It is part of the Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. There is no infrastructure, hotels or many other amenities on the island , which is why pristine, almost untouched nature reigns here. 

There is a small area of ​​vegetation on Bamboo that looks more like a grove than a dense forest. There are also incredible views of the sea and surrounding islands . Oh, and many people think that bamboo grows on this small piece of land, which is why the island is called Bamboo in the tourist community. Maybe in memory of the old days. But now you won’t find bamboo on the island – Bamboo is covered with casuarina thickets.

The island’s amenities include toilets , straw mats that can be rented for a reasonable fee; paid life jackets and a cafe where you can have a tasty and inexpensive snack. The other part of the island is also very picturesque, covered with rocks and vegetation. People who come to Bamboo are delighted with the beautiful nature, comparable to the landscapes of the Maldives, snorkeling, diving and beach holidays. 

Geographical location and climate

Bamboo Island is located approximately 25 km off the southern coast of Phuket and approximately 30 km off the coast of Krabi.

Bamboo Island Location : Where to Start Your Trip

You can get to Bamboo only by water transport. The easiest option is to come here as part of an excursion. If you travel independently, there are 2 options – to leave from Phuket or from Krabi province. 

1. Phuket . Here you can rent a boat, yacht or speedboat. The distance from Phuket to Bamboo is about 25-30 km.  
2. Krabi . Boats, yachts and speedboats are available for rent in Krabi province. The distance to Bamboo is the same as from Phuket.

It is also possible to take a ferry to Phi Phi and from there rent a boat to Bamboo, but this option is less popular than the first two. 

Island Climate: Best Time to Visit

Bamboo Island is located in the tropical climate zone. Hot and humid weather prevails here all year round. The best time to visit is from November to April. At this time, there is almost no rainfall on the island , and the air warms up to 30°C. In May, the rainy season begins, lasting until October. At this time, strong storms and winds often occur here. The air temperature remains high, but the humidity reaches its peak. 

Natural attractions

The main attractions of Koh Pai are its pristine nature with stunning views of the surrounding islands and the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. 

Exotic flora and fauna of Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island is famous for its exotic flora and fauna. Casuarinas, bamboo bushes (in small quantities), tropical flowers and trees grow on a piece of land that resembles a heart. In some places, the casuarinas come right up to the water, creating shaded areas. The island is home to lizards, snakes and various types of birds. Bamboo also has a very rich underwater world: many types of fish of different sizes and colors.

Majestic bays and beaches

On Bamboo Island there is a small beach measuring 400 x 50 m, where you can enjoy peace and quiet, be alone with your thoughts and dream of a cloudless future. Despite the modest dimensions of the coastal strip, there is no hustle and bustle among tourists. If you wish, you can always find a more or less secluded place to relax. 

Outdoor activities

On Bamboo you can bask on the hot beach sand, swim, walk along the coastal strip of the island and go diving and snorkeling.

Scuba diving and kayaking 

Where, where, but on Koh Pai the underwater world of Bamboo is very rich and full of life, so diving and snorkeling are quite popular here. In the clear waters of the Andaman Sea you can meet bright, tropical fish, sometimes merging into schools or keeping apart. And the beaches of the island attract those who want to relax and soak up the rays of the bright sun. 

Hiking: Earthly Fun

Walking around the island is not popular, as its territory is small, there is nowhere to go, except maybe to walk along the coastal strip to the right end of the beach and take a photo against the backdrop of the picturesque Mosquito Island.

History and Culture of Bamboo Island

Most tourists who come to Bamboo are in a hurry to get to know the island better and learn more about the history of the Phi Phi archipelago.

Local History: The Transformation of a Fishing Village

Bamboo Island was previously unknown to anyone, local fishermen came here to fish. Over time, it became part of the National Park, fishing on the island was prohibited, and Bamboo turned into a popular tourist destination .

Accommodation and Gastronomy

There is no accommodation on Bamboo Island , and you can have lunch in the only cafe. The nearest place to stop for the night is Phi Phi Don Island. 

Practical information for travelers

How to get to Bamboo Island and what to take with you on the trip? 

How to get to Bamboo Island : the most popular routes

There are two ways to get to Bamboo Island .

1. Sea route : If you prefer a sea trip, you can travel to Bamboo Island by boat or ferry from Phuket or Krabi. 
2. Private Tours – Arrange a private tour or charter boat that will whisk you to an exotic island .  

Health and Safety Tips: What You Should Know Before You Travel

We recommend that you take advantage of these useful tips before traveling to Thailand and Bamboo in particular.

1. On the island, drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid drinking tap water and ice made from tap water.
2. When visiting beaches, be careful: avoid swimming in areas with strong currents or dangerous conditions. 
3. Use mosquito repellents and wear protective clothing, especially in the evening and at night.
4. Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods, especially street food. 
5. Protect your skin from sunburn and possible sunstroke by using sunscreen, wearing a hat and sunglasses.
6. Take out medical insurance to cover possible medical expenses and evacuation if necessary. 

Bamboo Island is a relatively safe place, but you should still take precautions. 

Conclusion

Bamboo Island is an amazing place worth visiting, especially for those who prefer a quiet beach holiday surrounded by natural beauty. It will captivate you with its tranquility, fantastic landscapes and rich underwater world. You will be left with gorgeous photos as a keepsake, others simply cannot be taken here! 

FAQ

We’ve answered the most popular questions about your trip to Bamboo.

What to take with you to Bamboo Island ?

When going to Bamboo Island , take the following things with you: 

• sunscreen and glasses, hat; 
• first aid kit and essential medications: mosquito repellents, plasters, medications for gastrointestinal disorders;
• beach accessories; 
• comfortable clothes and shoes; 
• mosquito nets and repellents; 
• camera/smartphone; 
• waterproof bag/container to protect valuables, documents, phone from water and sand.

What activities can you do on Bamboo Island ?

Bamboo Island offers swimming, beach relaxation, diving and snorkeling.