Along with Maya Bay, the Koh Phi Phi viewpoints hike is one of the most popular things to do on the island.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Koh Phi Phi viewpoints 1, 2, and 3 – from how to get there (with detailed directions and photos), the best time to visit, entrance fees, and other helpful tips.
So keep reading to find out how to hike to the best viewpoint in Koh Phi Phi.
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How to get to Phi Phi Viewpoints?
Getting to Koh Phi Phi viewpoints is pretty straightforward. The total hike duration is about 30-45 minutes one-way.
From Ton Sai or Loh Dalum beach, follow the blue signs showing the way to the viewpoints (see photo below).
You may use Google Maps to get a general idea of the direction to take but I don’t recommend relying 100% on it as it isn’t always accurate.
Another option is to use the maps.me app which works offline and is more accurate than Google Maps.
If you’ve followed the signs correctly, you’ll eventually find Blu Monkey Hotel on your right. The stairs leading to the Phi Phi Island viewpoints are located just a few meters ahead on your left.
I didn’t count the number of stairs but there must be about 200-300 in total. The stairs are quite steep but luckily there are railings.
Just note that the heat can be unbearable making the hike to Koh Phi Phi viewpoints somewhat challenging. I started the hike at around 8 a.m and it was already scorching hot. I can’t imagine what it would be like in the middle of the day.
Be sure to start your hike early or late in the afternoon, bring plenty of water, and take rests in between. There’s a small restaurant/café near the entrance where you can rest under the shade.
You’ll also find a small lookout point closer to the top with a bench. You can already get a nice view from here but the best is still yet to come!
Alternative route to the viewpoints
Another way to get to the viewpoints is by walking along the road. Keep in mind that the roads are quite steep, plus the route is much longer which isn’t ideal in the heat.
If you’d still like to walk along the road, I recommend downloading maps.me to find your way.
I also heard that you can hire motorbike taxis to get to Phi Phi Island viewpoints but these can be hard to come by and are quite pricey.
Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint 1
The hike to Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint 1 from the bottom of the stairs should take about 10-20 minutes depending on your fitness level.
You’ll find a ticket office on your left where you’ll need to pay the 50 baht entrance fee. This covers both viewpoints 1 and 2.
From here you can admire the gorgeous view of the karst cliffs and turquoise lagoon. Also at Phi Phi Island viewpoint 1 is the “I Love Phi Phi” sign along with some sculptures and benches where you can rest and enjoy the view.
Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint 2
From viewpoint 1, walk along the concrete path and follow the signs to Phi Phi viewpoint 2.
The trail goes slightly uphill and doesn’t have much shade but again you’ll find a couple of covered benches where you can stop and catch your breath.
After about 10-15 minutes you’ll arrive at the second viewpoint. This one has a viewing platform and several boulders from where you can take photos.
The view here is much better as you can clearly see the thin strip of land separating Ton Sai and Loh Dalum beach with the mountains in the backdrop.
You’ll find two restaurants/cafes where you can grab a drink or snack. Since Koh Phi Phi is the most popular island in the Krabi province, prices are slightly high but you can still buy a mango smoothie for less than 100 baht which isn’t too bad.
Koh Phi Phi viewpoint 2 is the most popular out of the three viewpoints and thus can get crowded especially around sunset. Just keep in mind that the sun will set behind the mountains so you won’t get a clear sunset view.
Note: You’re not allowed to bring any alcohol at the viewpoints or you’ll have to pay a fine of 1,000 baht.
Phi Phi Island Viewpoint 3
To get to Koh Phi Phi viewpoint 3, walk up in the direction of the View Point Cafe located at viewpoint 2 until you find a path on your right going down toward a ticket office.
On the ticket office is a sign with a red arrow pointing toward viewpoint 3. Turn left and walk down the stairs until you get to a road.
Keep following the signs and at one point you’ll have to turn right along a dirt track between the jungle.
The trail can be a bit steep and uneven in places but it should only take an extra 10-15 minutes to get to viewpoint 3. Just be careful of the monkeys as I saw quite a few along the trail.
To get to the third viewpoint, you’ll need to pay another 20 baht entry fee since the land belongs to another owner.
Viewpoint 3 is usually less crowded and has a few benches and tables and even a swing from where you can enjoy the view. Here also you can buy drinks and fresh coconuts.
So now you might be wondering whether it’s worth hiking all the way to Phi Phi Island viewpoint 3. Well, the view is very similar to viewpoint 2 so personally, I don’t think it’s worth visiting especially if the weather is too hot.
The only time I would recommend going is if you’re visiting at sunset and want to escape the crowds that usually hang out at viewpoint 2.
Phi Phi Viewpoint Entrance Fee
As of December 2023, the entrance fee for Phi Phi viewpoints 1 and 2 is 50 baht while the third viewpoint costs 20 baht.
What to do after the Koh Phi Phi hike?
If you’re feeling more adventurous, I recommend hiking further to explore a few hidden beaches in Koh Phi Phi.
From Phi Phi viewpoint 3, just follow the sign to Saii Phi Phi Island Village to get to Pak Nam Bay, Lok Ba Kao Bay, or Loh Lana Bay. You’ll also come across Phi Phi Island Village which has a few local restaurants where you can grab a bite. The hike will take about 30-60 minutes.
Since the path is quite steep and uneven, make sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes. Again, I recommend downloading maps.me app to find your way around the jungle.
Related post: Ultimate guide to the best Koh Phi Phi beaches
Best time to visit
The best time to do the Phi Phi viewpoint hike is early morning or late afternoon when it’s not too hot. If you want to hike at sunrise, you’ll have the place almost all to yourself as most people will still be sleeping at this time.
Sunset is the most popular time to visit but be prepared to share the place with hundreds of other tourists. Also, don’t forget to bring a flashlight when hiking after dark.
Where to stay?
Since Koh Phi Phi is a party island, it can be very loud at night. If you want a quiet night’s sleep, I recommend staying away from Ton Sai and Loh Dalum.
Luxury: SAii Phi Phi Island Village is a great option for families and is located along a private beach in the north.
Mid-Range: PP Blue Sky Resort is a beachfront property located on Long Beach, on the east coast. Rooms are well equipped with air-con, mini-fridge, TV, and private bathroom.
Budget: Blue View House is a cheap and quiet hotel located near the viewpoint. The highlight is the private balcony overlooking Ton Sai and Loh Dalum Beach.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN KOH PHI PHI
I hope you found this Koh Phi Phi viewpoint hiking guide helpful. If you have any questions about the hike, just ask in the comments below.
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