Pileh Lagoon on Koh Phi Phi Leh island is an incredible pool for bathing and snorkeling where the waters throw more green than blue. This natural lagoon paradise is surrounded by limestone mountains, making it a brutal landscape worth seeing. Hundreds of kaleidoscopic, wild fish will welcome you into warm, 30 degrees (86°F) waters.
Pileh Lagoon snorkeling
Both above and under water, Pileh Lagoon spells magic. You should always bring along your GoPro when going snorkeling at Pileh Lagoon. For snorkeling enthusiasts, we recommend exploring the south-east part of the Pileh Lagoon. There are beautiful corals and thousands of colorful tropical fishes, making Pileh Lagoon snorkeling an absolute delight. Surprisingly, most visitors only come to Pileh Lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, ignoring the small beach hidden deep inside the lagoon. In front of the steep and dark cliffs, there is a narrow strip of fine white sand, where you can be alone. However, there is no privacy, since many excursion boats pass rather close. If you want to access Pileh Lagoon and its tiny beaches without being distracted, come early in the morning.
Pileh Lagoon panorama
Drone enthusiasts may find it interesting that Pileh Lagoon resembles a heart shape from above, adding yet another spectacular aerial view of the Phi Phi island. If Pileh Lagoon had a more extensive beach, it would be even prettier than Maya Bay. The color of its waters is incredible, and the vegetation of the mountain is impressive. The protruding cliffs protect Pileh Lagoon more than its larger sister, Maya Bay. But it certainly has its charm to be a little smaller.
How to reach Pileh Lagoon
To reach Pileh Lagoon, the nearest place to stay is on the main of Phi Phi Islands – Phi Phi Don. However, you don’t have to wait on Phi Phi Don to experience Pileh Lagoon. There are boat day trips from Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta available most of the year. Take a speedboat tour or charter a private boat with Islander to see all the best sights around Koh Phi Phi within a day, including the Pileh Lagoon. Islander private boat tours and overnight charters across Phi Phi islands always follow the best time of the day to visit Pileh Lagoon for snorkeling or sightseeing with fewer tourist crowds.
Best time to visit Pileh Lagoon
The best time to visit Pileh Lagoon is from November to May when the overall weather and sea conditions are the best in this part of Thailand. You will find the waters in Pileh Lagoon remarkably clear and calm during this period. Not to mention this is the best time for Pileh Lagoon snorkeling, especially during January-April. As to other months of the year, the southwest monsoon prevails in Thailand, making the sea choppy and murkier. Even though tall and scenic cliffs protect Pileh Lagoon and it is less prone to unfavorable conditions inside the bay – getting to Phi Phi island may be less pleasant in general.
