Phi Phi Island is a tourist attraction in itself, becoming popular with backpackers bay in the 80’s and 90’s the demand for this paradise island has grown over the years.
Being such a tourist hotspot, there are plenty of things to do and see, but one of the greatest things to do in Koh Phi Phi is to follow the nature trails and hike the impressive Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint.
There are plenty of ways of getting to the top of the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint, some much easier and quicker than others. So I’m going to share with you, everything you could possibly need to know to dominate hiking to the summit.
You’ll have the greatest photo opportunities at Phi Phi Viewpoint 1, 2 and 3- and you’ll smash it on Instagram! Have views over looking the entire island and even explore some of the islands hidden beaches on the backside of the viewpoint.
So keep on reading, and find out the easiest way to the top of the Phi Phi Viewpoint!
BOOK AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE PHI PHI VIEWPOINT!
How To Get To The Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
There are three main methods of getting to the Phi Phi Viewpoint.
Its not as far as some people might think, and from the town you can be at the first level in under 15 minutes.
Hiking is the most common and rewarding method to get to the top, and climbing the stairs is the easiest way to reach the top- but if that’s not your thing, then here are the alternative options.
- Bike: There is no wheeled transport in the town on Phi Phi Island, but outside of the town you should be able to find a local willing to drive you along the dirt track to the viewpoint in exchange for a few hundred Baht. It’s not an official service so there is no fixed rate or even a designer spot to locate a driver, you’ll have to try your luck.
- Road: There are hundreds of different offbeat tracks you can hike which will all lead out to the Phi Phi Viewpoint. This can be the most scenic route to the top, with a chance of getting lost to spice up your afternoon. Just watch out for the wild monkeys that hang out along the tracks, stealing food and drinks from unsuspecting tourists!
- Stairs: Taking the stairs is the quickest and easiest way to get to the Phi Phi Viewpoint. The staircase begins on the eastern side of the island in the main town and after a short 10-minute climb you’ll emerge into the botanic garden at viewpoint 1.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 1
Probably the most beautiful of the three viewpoints, but the best views over the island come at the next level. The gardens are well maintained and filled with ornamental seating and giant fruits!
There is no way that you can get lost when coming to the first viewpoint and taking the stairs, the route is signposted all the way from the town and ornamental statues line the trail.
Make sure to carry some cash with you, as the Phi Phi Viewpoint is privately owned land you’ll need to pay an admission fee of 30 Baht when you arrive, it’s about 1 USD and goes towards maintain the area and providing an income for the families who call the Phi Phi Viewpoint their home.
Keep hold of your ticket, as it also grants you admission to the second viewpoint!
There are public restrooms and a small snack kiosk here as well, you should bring a bottle of water with you. But if you need a refill, you can fill up at viewpoint 1.
Hang out here, take in the views, get some well-earned rest in and grab some photos before you continue the steep climb up to viewpoint number 2.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 2
From the first viewpoint to the second there is no staircase, but there is a steep concrete pathway leading through the jungle, you’ll have epic ocean views along the path as you climb higher and higher int the Koh Phi Phi Jungle.
It’s around another 10 – 15 minute walk from viewpoint 1 to viewpoint 2, and its signposted all along the way.
Koh Phi Phi viewpoint 2 is the most popular out of the three, it provides the best views without having to hike too far. The is a viewing platform jetting out over the rocks which lets you get the ultimate selfie hanging off the edge.
But it can get pretty busy around the viewpoint 2, so if you don’t want to get stuck in a mass crowd, head here as early as possible and avoid the climb at sunset. There is a cafe, restaurant, ice-cream and fruit shake stall here amongst various kiosks and other amenities.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 3
If you’ve made it to the second viewpoint, continuing the ascent on to viewpoint number 3 is a must!
The hike is much steeper and there are no pathways or staircases connecting the two together, just a dirt track through the jungle. But the reward make the climb worth it 110%. You’ll have the best views over the island from here and there are very few people who actually make it past the second viewpoint. So you’ll beat the crows and have a zen like atmosphere almost to yourself.
Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint 3 is still on private owned land, but the landowners are separate to that of viewpoint 1 and 2. So you’ll find yourself paying admission again here. Or, rather you have to buy bottled water to come on in. Which for 20 Baht isn’t a bad deal and you could probably do with some cool water by the time you arrive anyway.
Check out the guide to Private Boat Tours on Phi Phi Island
After The Phi Phi Viewpoint Hike
There is no reason to stop after the third viewpoint, if you made it this far, what’s to stop you from going on further.
On the backside of the viewpoint, the trails lead through the Tsunami Village and down onto the beaches on the eastern side of the island. You’ll have views of nearby Krabi and the Bamboo Island on clear days.
The beaches along this coast are almost deserted, being so far away and tricky to reach you’re almost guaranteed the place to yourself! And don’t worry about hiking back, if you don’t feel up to it, you will find long-tail boat captains hanging out at the Phi Phi Island Village Resort Hotel. Who in exchange for a little over 1,000 Baht will give you a ride home in a water-taxi.
Phi Phi Island Village
Once you’ve dominated all three viewpoints, and you’re still keen to explore what else the island has in store, you’ll want to start your descent on the opposite side of the mountains- down towards the Phi Phi Island Village.
The Phi Phi Island Village on Loh Ba Kao Beach is untouched by tourism in the way that the main town is. The small village still retains authentic charm with small bamboo bars and restaurants and a much slower pace of life.
You’ll be able to walk through this hidden village on the back side of the viewpoint and explore the untouched beauty.
Phi Phi Islands Hidden Beaches
Ao Tohko, Paknam Beach, Loh Lana Beach, Loh Bakao Beach, Rantee Beach and Loh Moo Dee Beach all lie off the eastern shore of Koh Phi Phi Don Island. These are some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find in Thailand and they are unheard of amongst tourists. Most tourists don’t even know these picture-perfect beaches exist!
So If you want to make a day out of the viewpoint hike, then pack a rucksack, bring along a beach towel, sun-screen and a good book and prepare to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy town for a day.
Phi Phi Viewpoint Video
Best Time To Visit The Phi Phi Viewpoint
When to visit the Phi Phi Viewpoint? When should you climb the viewpoint, when is the best time of day?
The earlier the better, there are fewer crowds early on in the morning, better photo opportunities and lighting, and of course the air temperature will be cooler compared to later on in the day.
However the water changes colour from a warm emerald green to a stunning clear blue around mid-morning as the sun light begins to shine. You’ll get the best lighting for your photos somewhere around 8 o’clock in the morning.
It’s not recommended to hike the viewpoint in the afternoon as this is the hottest time of day, with temperatures reaching upwards of 35 delicious. But if you do decide to embrace it, again there will be fewer crowds, but be sure to bring plenty of water along.
Sunrise Phi Phi
Sunrise is the most peaceful time to climb to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint, and the temperatures are at the coolest you’ll get. It means waking up early though. The sunrises in Koh Phi Phi between 6 am – 6:30. And with the hike taking about 45 minutes or so. You’ll find yourself dragging yourself out of bed way too early for when you on vacation.
The reward is you’ll have the area almost to yourself, and experience a real zen vibe. The Sun rises from behind the viewpoint, and sets in front- so you won’t actually see the sun appear from the horizon at the viewpoint, but that doesn’t stop it from being the most beautiful time of day.
Sunset Phi Phi
Arguably the prettiest time of day to visit the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint is at sunset, the temperature begins to drop around 4 pm, you’ll have some time to chill out at the top before it begins to set. The sky lights up with incredible colours and shades of purple, red and orange fill the horizon.
Here’s the down-side, a lot of people have got the same idea. And at sunset the viewpoint get packed. The viewing platform is full and it’s inevitable that you’ll get a bunch of other travellers in the background of your photos.
But if you really want to beat the masses, set off a little earlier and hike all the way to the Phi Phi Viewpoint 3. There are significantly fewer people that congregate here and you have a much better experience, (and better views). And you won’t have to worry about getting back, there is street-lighting all along the trails after dark.
Some other epic places to watch the sunset on Phi Phi Island include the Only Bar which jets out over the water-front or the sunflower bar which is situated at the end of Loh Dalum Beach. At either of these locations you can grab a beer or a cocktail to sip while watching the sunset, where as unfortunately you find any alcohol at either of the viewpoints.
Food & Drink At The Phi Phi Viewpoint
Bring along a bottle of water with you for the hike, but don’t worry too much. There are vendors at all three viewpoint where you’ll be able to replenish supplies and buy bottled water.
It’s at Viewpoint 2 where you’ll find the most amenities. An ice-cream parlour and fruit-shake stand and a burger stall can be found here to name a few. Not forgetting the Phi Phi Viewpoint Cafe, (pictured). Where you can cool off in the air-conditioning and sip of an iced coffee or grab something to eat.
Alcohol is prohibited in the Phi Phi Viewpoint, it would be a perfect spot for a sunset beer, but unfortunately, it’s not possible. But there is an alternative! Right next door to the Phi Phi Viewpoint 2, you find a rustic bar. Bob’s Bar. Bob’s bar is far less developed than the main viewpoint, but at the same height an elevation, you get the same views and you can buy a beer!
It’s much cosier at the next-door bar, mere meters away, yet travellers don’t know the place exists- it remains quiet and you can lounge in one of the hammocks taking in the views.
To get to Bob’s bar, head to the viewing platform at the second viewpoint, keep on walking and head out through the bared gate; next to the kiosk. The bar is on the left a few meters down.
Did you know, you can book a room at Bob’s bar and stay overnight at the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint for a true authentic experience off the beaten track, like no other.
Phi Phi Viewpoint Resort
So you’ve decided that you want to stay at the Phi Phi Viewpoint? While people do live on the site and there are homes for locals there are no hotels open to tourists on the grounds.
There is a hotel called the Phi Phi Viewpoint Resort, but don’t let the name fool you! The resort is not actually at the viewpoint! You will have sea views and a half-decent view, but you’ll be sitting at sea-level and in an inconvenient and noisy part of town.
Instead, check out the Phi Phi Arboreal Resort (seen pictured). This resort offers tiered accommodation and shares the staircase with the first viewpoint. The rooms on the top tier share the same elevation height as the viewpoint one!
But remember while the views are beautiful from the top, you will have to climb a f*** load of stairs to get home or at anytime you want to go out and grab something to eat.
Check availability at the Phi Phi Arboreal Resort (Real Viewpoint Resort) on Booking.com
Top Tips For Dominating The Phi Phi Viewpoint Hike
1. Don’t Drink The Night Before
The hike to the viewpoint can be pretty tough, and if you’re sweating out the Chang beers for the antics the evening before, your day will be far less enjoyable! Save the beers until after the viewpoint hike!
2. Bring Supplies
You don’t need to worry too much about drinking water as you can buy bottles at each of the three viewpoints, but definitely bring a small bottle to get you started! Mosquito spray will be a life-saver at the viewpoint, bring a bottle, and obviously slap on the sunscreen and wear a hat. If you’re planning to hike to the beaches on the other side you want to bring a backpack with a beach towel and perhaps some other supplies.
3. Don’t Forget Your Wallet
Most importantly you’ll need to pay a 30 Baht admission fee to enter the viewpoint, and if you’re not carrying any cash, you’ll be turned away for a sad walk back down to the town. It’s likely you’ll also want to buy drinking water or something to eat during the hike. And if you plan to take a water-taxi home, you’ll need to pay your boat captain!
4. Wear Comfortable Footwear
Whatever you do, don’t decide to wear flip-flops if you’re not going to be comfortable in them. Decent sneakers are recommended, but wear what your most comfortable in, be in flip-flops, sneakers or barefoot.
5. Beat The Crowds
Try to get to the Phi Phi Viewpoint as easy on as you possibly can, the earlier you get there, the fewer people will be there. And the more time you’ll have to spend on Koh Phi Phi’s deserted beaches on the east coast. And if you are going at sunset, opt for the further away viewpoint 3, over the popular and crowded viewpoint 2.
6. Make Sure You’ve Got Plenty Of Battery
Make sure to juice up you mobile phone or camera well in advance, it’s such a scenic hike that you’ll have a difficult time putting your camera down! You’ll want the maximum about of power to capture as many photos as possible!
Phi Phi Viewpoint F.A.Q’s
How High Is The Phi Phi Viewpoint?
The elevation starts at 170 meters above sea level at viewpoint one and towering an impressive 550 meters above sea level at viewpoint three. The hike to the summit is 1.9 miles.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint?
No there is no need to book anything in advance you can pay a 30 Baht admission once you arrive, and don’t forget to bring plenty of water.
Is It Safe To Hike Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints?
Yes it’s safe, there are plenty of people around amenities and places to stop and buy drinking water along the routes. After dark the trails are illuminated with street lighting if you plan to climb down after the sunset.
Is Alcohol Allowed At The Viewpoint?
No, alcohol is strictly prohibited at the Phi Phi Viewpoint. The land owners and families who live there are Muslim, so for religious reasons alcohol is not sold on site and bringing in your own will get you a 1,000 Baht fine.
Further Reading
Phi Phi Viewpoint Reviews – TripAdvisor
Phuket 101 – Phi Phi Viewpoint Guide
Additional Viewpoint Information – Lonely Planet
A Travellers Experience Of The Phi Phi Viewpoint – Getting Stamped
Book A Stay At The Viewpoint Resort – Booking.com
Phi Phi Viewpoint Tour From Phuket – My Thailand Tours
Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint Gallery
If you want to find out more about the Phi Phi Islands, check out my guide to Phi Phi private boats, or the best things to do on a Thailand getaway.
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