Have you seen that picture? If you’ve decided on traveling to the Phi Phi Islands then you must know the one we’re talking about! From the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint, you’ll see two beautiful bays separated by a small sliver of land with Koh Phi Phi Leh in the distance. In this article we’ll share everything you need to know about this epic view and the hike to the top of Koh Phi Phi. Once there you will see Phi Phi Viewpoint 1,2, and 3 and how amazing this island truly is from above!
5 Tips for the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint Hike
1. The hike begins from Tonsai Village and takes about 30 minutes without stopping from the bottom to Phi Phi Viewpoint 3.
2. It cost 30 Baht ($1 USD) per person for viewpoint 1 & 2 and 20 Baht for Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint 3.
3. Hike early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. The Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint is magical for sunset, too! However, make sure to bring a flashlight for the way down… Especially if you are going to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint 3!
4. There are a few places to grab cold drinks and snacks along the way. Viewpoint 2 even has a bar and two cafes to enjoy the view!
5. The mountain also serves as the Tsunami evacuation center as the highest point of Koh Phi Phi Don. This is important after the tragic events from the 2004 Tsunami which devastated the island.
Starting the Koh Phi Phi Hike
The Phi Phi Island Viewpoint hike starts in Tonsai Village (location) about a 5 minute walk from the ferry port where we arrived by speedboat from Phuket. A steep staircase will take you up to a small ticket office and the first Phi Phi Island Viewpoint. On the way up the stairs, there is a hotel and restaurant with a nice view as well.
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Just a word of warning, the start of the hike is steep! At first, we didn’t think much of it but expect to be breathing a little heavy when you get towards the top.
We had a boat tour in the morning and with the weather calling for rain at sunset we had no choice but to hike in the heat of the day. While it is 100% worth it, we can’t help but stress that it will be more enjoyable outside of the mid-afternoon hours.
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Phi Phi Viewpoint 1
Once you get to the top of the steps there is a small kiosk to buy your tickets. This will give you access to the first and second Phi Phi Island Viewpoint.
The first lookout is beautiful, yet don’t spend too much time here. The higher you go the better the views get! There are some funky chairs set up surrounded by colorful flowers, sculptures, and trees.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 2
Just five minutes more uphill you will get to Phi Phi Viewpoint 2. The trail is nice and easy to follow between the two locations.
This is where we saw the most people hanging out on the Koh Phi Phi hike. There is a fun bar on the left when you first walk up and then two cafes.
Large boulders make for the perfect spot to sit under the trees and take in the natural beauty of Koh Phi Phi. There is also a large wooden viewing platform for photos and a place where many travelers take their drones off from.
This Phi Phi Viewpoint was spectacular and the first time we saw two bays of Tonsai and Loh Dalum clearly. On one side there are dozens of boats pulling into Tonsai Port, and on the other travelers swimming happily at the beach!
Phi Phi Viewpoint 3
From Viewpoint 2 we didn’t notice many people walking further up the trail. Honestly, in the heat of the day, we even thought about turning around! Still, we knew that we would always wonder what Phi Phi Viewpoint 3 held for us and had to power through. Really the hike itself is not difficult it was more just the sun.
Unlike the hike up to the first two lookouts, the trail to Phi Phi Viewpoint 3 is unpaved. Follow the signs for the path about 10 minutes further uphill. Once you get to the top you’ll come out to a wooden deck and BAM! What a view!!
Not only can you see the entirety of the Phi Phi Don including monkey beach, but also the majestic Phi Phi Leh which is home to the famous Maya Bay in the distance. It’s safe to say from here we realized it was all worth it. Keep in mind, there is another 20 baht fee at Phi Phi Viewpoint 3 that’s collected in a small donation box.
Where to Stay on Phi Phi Island
Before traveling to Phi Phi Island and booking your hotel, make sure to double-check where on the island it’s located. If it is not in the main walking area of Tonsai Village verify they offer transportation!
Many have complimentary boat transfers included. Before checking our our individual recommendations, be sure to read our 16 best hotels on Phi Phi Island guide.
Long Beach – Phi Phi The Beach Resort (Luxury) or Paradise Resort Phi Phi (Budget) – This was hands down our favorite beach on the island! The area is away from the party zone but you can still get to all the action with a quick longtail boat ride or hike.
Tonsai Village Hostel – Voyagers Hostel – Great option if you want a cheap place to crash while in the party area of the island. Steps from the popular beach bars and island nightlife.
Tonsai Village Budget – P2 Wood Loft – Set in the center of the main port town, the rooms are clean, modern, and have great wifi if you are working remotely. You can spend time on the rooftop hammocks or co-working desk as well.
Loh Ba Beach Luxury – SAii Phi Phi Island Village – Large resort offering high-end accommodations on the beach. This is a quieter side of the island. Yet with multiple restaurants, a pool, and fitness center you really never need to leave!
Laem Tong Bay – Zeavola Resort – Located on the quiet northern tip of the island, this is are far as you can get from the nightlife and craze of Phi Phi. Offers a luxury setting for travelers who are really looking to slow down and disconnect.
Have any questions about the Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint hike or want to share your experience? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Thailand Travel Planning
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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Phuket: 22 Things to Do – Old Town Food Guide – 6 Sunset Spots – Rawai – Elephant Sanctuary – Promthep Cape Sunset – Sunday Night Market – Phuket Old Town – Big Buddha – Renting a Motorbike
Phuket Beaches: 15 Best Beaches – Nai Harn & Yanui – Kata Beach – Kata Noi – Nui Beach
Koh Lanta: 10 Things to Do – 8 Best Beaches – One Day Motorbike
Railey Beach: 12 Things to Do – 3 Epic Beaches – Krabi to Koh Phangan
Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan 10 Things to Know – Bottle Beach Koh Phangan – Koh Tao 12 Things to Know – Freedom Beach Koh Tao – Koh Samui
More: Planning Thailand Trip – Koh Lipe – Chiang Mai
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
