Wanting to escape to a tropical oasis, filled with sandy beaches, clear water and stunning vertical cliffs surrounding you? Koh Phi Phi Leh in Thailand is the place for you! This uninhabited island is 1.5km off the southernmost point of Phi Phi Don (45min speedboat from Phuket) and is the second largest island of the Phi Phi archipelago. The island is made up of steep limestone hills that surround two beautiful bays; Maya Bay and Sama Bay, as well as two smaller ones Pi Leh and Palong Bay. This paradise is perfect for long beach days, snorkelling and breath taking tropical views. 

How to get there: From Phi Phi Don either by a tour boat (approx. $16-35 depending on the boat) or you can rent your own such as a long tail (approx. $65 for a day) or speedboat (approx. $190 for a full day)*. 

The most popular bay is Maya Bay, which is perfect for a snorkel thanks to the clear waters, beautiful coral and brightly coloured fish. If swimming with the fishes isn't for you, you can also rent a kayak and explore the little coves around the bay. Of course, Maya Bay is also popular for relaxing by the beach and swimming in those turquoise waters. There is a small shack at the beach selling drinks and snacks, and also the option to camp on the beach on alternate nights. 

Sama Bay (also known as Loh Sama) is located on the south side of the island. This little bay is reserved for snorkelling, the boats anchor in the shallow waters around the bay allowing you to jump off the boat and discover the coral reefs. In low tide you can actually go through to Maya Bay from here as a small hole opens up in a cliff (about 1m high), enough for you to walk through to the other side! 

On the west side of the island you've got Pi Leh Bay. Surrounded by vertical cliffs as well, this little bay is long, thin and very shallow. You can only get here via speedboats and long tails, but it's a beautiful bay for swimming. Here you'll also find Viking Cave, filled with swifts making their nests, this cave also features old painting on the walls of boats resembling viking ships. 

The last bay is Palong Bay, great for diving if that's what you're into! You can find black-tip reef sharks and large coral formations with lots of beautiful fish also surrounding the area. Strong currents mean it's best to visit with an organised boat tour so you've got some experienced divers.

So whether you rent your own boat, or jump on an organised tour, Ko Phi Phi Leh is definitely worth a visit when you're in Thailand. For more information about how to get there visit: Phi Phi Islands.

Stay: We suggest to stay at Zeavola Resort on Ko Phi Phi Don island. It's the only luxury resort on the Phi Phi Islands and is impressively  luxe. It's only 46km from Phuket (45mins in a speedboat) and you'll be surrounded by soft white beaches and tropical scenery. Villas start here at approx. $180 per night (depending on time of year). For more info visit the website: Zeavola Resort

Info and image sources: wikipedia, phi phi islands tours, phiphiislands.phuket

*approx figures via phiphiislands.phuket.com