Phi Phi Viewpoint

The basics

Phi Phi Viewpoint comprises three different lookout points, which you reach via trails or wooden stairs. It takes most people 30–40 minutes to reach the top. Some sightseeing tours of the Phi Phi islands visit the viewpoint before or after a day of island-hopping to catch sunrise or sunset. These excursions typically combine it with a snorkel stop at Pileh Lagoon and a visit to Maya Bay (featured in The Beach with Leonardo Dicaprio) and Viking Cave, renowned for its swiftlet nests.

Things to know before you go

• There’s a small entrance fee to the site, with separate charges for Viewpoints 1 and 2, and Viewpoint 3. Make sure to bring small denominations of cash.

• There’s likely to be some monkeys along the way, so keep your snacks secure and don’t make direct eye contact with them, as they interpret this as a sign of aggression.

• Pack plenty of water and sunscreen—the store at the top sells drinks and snacks, but follows irregular hours.

• Don’t attempt to reach the summit in flip-flops; wear sturdy sandals or sneakers.

How to get there

From the Ao Tonsai Pier in the center of town, the Phi Phi Viewpoint is a 15-minute walk. If you want to skip the hike, you can have a motorbike taxi take you to the entrance of the viewpoint via the road on the other side. Ask the driver to wait for you if you don’t want to walk down, as there aren’t usually many motorbikes waiting.

When to get there

For the best photos, head to the viewpoint before 10am, when the sun is behind you and the light won’t wash out your pictures. Climbing in the early morning or late afternoon means you’ll avoid the worst of the heat. Sunset is the most popular time to visit Phi Phi Viewpoint, so expect to share the observation platform with plenty of others then—Viewpoint 3 is the best place to see sunset.

Where to hike after the Phi Phi Viewpoint

Once you’ve soaked up stunning views from the top, there’s still more to see. Rather than taking the same way down, you can walk to Loh Lana Bay, famous for its crystalline water and snorkel opportunities. The route is less well-marked than the one to Phi Phi Viewpoint, so take ample water and insect repellent and you’ll be rewarded with off-the-beaten-path jungle trails. From Loh Lana Bay, you can take a long-tail boat to Tonsai, the island’s main hub.