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How to get to Phi Phi Viewpoint

Looking down onto two tree covered islands. The islands are connected by a thin strip of lands with buildings and a thin stretch of white sandy beach.
Looking down onto two tree covered islands. The islands are connected by a thin strip of lands with buildings and a thin stretch of white sandy beach.

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The Phi Phi Viewpoint is one of the most popular things to do on Koh Phi Phi Don. Most of all because it is a very budget friendly activity that requires not a lot of effort for a gorgeous view.  In fact if you have read my 10 Amazing hikes in Thailand blog you’ll know that this walk is one of the easiest walks I’ve done in Thailand, but still rewards with a great view. 

If you are staying on Phi Phi for a few days, I would definitely add this to your itinerary. And if you are looking for other activities to do whilst you’re on Koh Phi Phi, check out my blog post, here: A complete guide to Koh Phi Phi 

This short guide details how to get to the Phi Phi Viewpoint, as well as a couple of useful tips.

Table of Contents

How to get to the Phi Phi Viewpoint starting point

The trail starts near the High Dogs Hostel. To get to the hostel from Loh Dalum beach area or Ton Sai pier, walk inland to the 7 Eleven on the corner of Chaokoh Road, near the PP Casita Hotel. With 7 Eleven behind you, follow the path further inland, heading towards the Blu Monkey Phi Phi Island hotel. Walk past Blue Monkey until you reach the High Dogs Hostel. In front of the hostel on your left, you will see a sign for the viewpoint pointing towards a set of steps. Follow the steps up hill until you reach the top and the entrance to Phi Phi Viewpoint. The stairs are probably the hardest part of this wall, but take it steady, and you’ll soon arrive at Viewpoint 1 and the ticket point. 

The start point of the Viewpoint trail is by the High Dogs Hostel

Once you reach the top of the stairs, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 50 thb per person. Make sure to keep hold of your ticket as there are random ticket checks on the route, especially around Viewpoint 2. 

Note that if you are coming from the Long Beach side of Phi Phi and cut through the middle of the island, you may see a sign pointing to the viewpoint at a crossroads, near the JJ Bungalow. This small road will take you up past Phi Phi Green Hill Resort and the Hangover Chill & Hill Hostel. Please ignore this sign, as this is not the correct walking route to the viewpoint. This is a long way round for vehicles accessing the viewpoint. 

How long does it take to get to the Viewpoint?

This depends where you are coming from, how fast you are and how many breaks you have. But on average, it should take around 30-40 mins from the Hidedogs hostel at the bottom of the stairs to Viewpoint 2.

Viewpoint 1

Viewpoint 1 is a bit gimmicky, with large fruit sculptures and a big 1 heart Phi Phi sign, but it is a good place to take a rest, buy a drink and use the toilets. From viewpoint 1, follow the paved path up a gradual hill until you reach Viewpoint 2. This should only take you about 5-10 minutes.

Looking down across a hilly landscape, with a large hotel built onto the hill. In the background is a bright blue sea, backed by tree-covered cliffs. In the foreground is a sign that reads 'I heart Phi Phi'
Viewpoint 1 is a bit gimmicky but a nice place for a rest after climbing all the steps!

Viewpoint 2

This is the main viewpoint and has a gorgeous view over both Ton Sai pier and Loh Dalum Beach and everything in between. There is a cafe-shop for soft drinks at the viewpoint and also a slightly nice cafe a little further up with seating. There are also toilets here. You can bring drinks and snacks with you to sit and enjoy the view but no outside alcohol is permitted.

A woman stands on a large rock overlooking a hilly tree-covered island, with a bright blue sea below it.
Soaking up the scenes at viewpoint 2

Viewpoint 3

There is a 3rd viewpoint, although not many people continue to this one. It only takes around 10 minutes to get to viewpoint 3 from the 2nd viewpoint. 

To continue to viewpoint 3, follow the path that winds down between viewpoint 2 and the cafe to the small checkpoint hut. Sometimes there is someone here checking your ticket, although they are not always there, but be prepared anyway. 

Just keep following the path until you reach a sign for Viewpoint 3. The 3rd viewpoint is actually inside a cafe/shack. You can pay extra to visit the viewpoint, or just pay to have a drink and then there is no extra charge.

Unless you are really curious to see the 3rd viewpoint, I wouldn’t bother, especially as you have to pay more. Viewpoint 3 has limited views, compared to viewpoint 2 and just felt not quite worth it in my opinion.

A thick green forest of trees. Behind the trees is a bright blue sea and another hilly island.
Viewpoint 3 is set further back, so the view is not quite as good as Viewpoint 2.

What footwear do you need?

The whole trail is paved, so it is very easy underfoot. I personally prefer to wear trainers because it is more comfortable and makes it easier for me. If you really wanted to, you could do it in flip flops, or chunky sandals (think birkenstocks) , but I think it is easier in more sports style shoes. 

There are a few shady spots, but at least 50% of the trail is exposed to the sun, so just be aware of that and come prepared with water, hat, sunscreen, etc.

When is the best time to visit Phi Phi Viewpoint?

The viewpoint is really popular for sunset, especially at viewpoint 2, but you will be quite crowded with lots of other people at this time. You also lose the sunset quite early, as it dips behind the limestone cliffs on the opposite side of the island. 

Personally I’d recommend a sunset boat tour, like this one I did: Half Day and Sunset Tour. It was magical watching the sun set from the middle of the sea, especially after a great day island hopping and snorkelling. You can read about my trip in my post, here. 

In my opinion, the best time to visit the Phi Phi Viewpoint is in the morning. At this time, there are only a few people and there is space for everyone to get their own photos and also enjoy the view. It is also not as hot if you go early in the morning.

A woman sits on a chair at a bistro table, looking at the camera, smiling. The table sits on a balcony, overlooking a tree covered forest and in the background, a blue sea.
The cafe at viewpoint 2 was a great place to enjoy smoothies!
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