Koh Phi Phi’s Viewpoints: Stunning Vistas That’ll Steal Your Heart in Thailand

I still remember the first time I stood at the top of Koh Phi Phi’s most famous viewpoint. Sweat dripping down my back, legs shaking from the climb, and then… boom. That moment when the dense jungle foliage clears and suddenly the entire island unfolds before you like some ridiculous painting that shouldn’t exist in real life. Two perfect crescents of white sand connected by a narrow strip of land, surrounded by water so turquoise it looks Photoshopped.

I actually laughed out loud. Not because anything was funny, but because sometimes when your brain can’t process beauty, it short-circuits and you just… laugh.

That’s the thing about Phi Phi’s viewpoints – they’re not just pretty. They’re the kind of views that make you question if you’ve ever actually seen anything before this moment.

Why Koh Phi Phi’s Viewpoints Are a Must-See in Thailand

I’d been obsessed with visiting Thailand since I was a teenager flipping through old National Geographic magazines in my parents’ basement. Those limestone karsts rising dramatically from impossibly blue water seemed like they belonged in a fantasy world, not somewhere I could actually visit. Then “The Beach” came out, and while everyone else was crushing on Leonardo DiCaprio, I was crushing hard on those landscapes.

When I finally made it to Thailand years later, Koh Phi Phi was non-negotiable on my itinerary. Sure, I’d heard the warnings about overtourism since the movie, but some places are popular for a reason, right?

Truth be told, I was worried the hype wouldn’t live up. Travel Instagram has a way of setting expectations impossibly high, and I’ve had my share of “that’s it?” moments at famous landmarks. (The Mona Lisa? Tiny and surrounded by selfie sticks. Just saying.)

But Phi Phi? It delivered. And then some.

What most people don’t realize before visiting is that there isn’t just one viewpoint on the island – there are several, each offering a slightly different perspective on this slice of paradise. Some are well-trodden tourist paths with concrete steps and snack vendors, while others require a bit more adventure to reach. The reward for reaching any of them, though, is the same: a view that will absolutely ruin other beaches for you forever.

I’ve been to a lot of islands since – from the Maldives to Hawaii to the Caribbean – and I still catch myself saying, “Well, it’s nice, but it’s no Phi Phi.” That’s the curse of seeing these viewpoints. They set an unreasonable standard for beauty that’s hard to match.

Getting to Koh Phi Phi and Prepping for the Viewpoint Hikes

Getting to Phi Phi is half the adventure. The island sits about halfway between Phuket and Krabi on Thailand’s Andaman coast, and you’ll need to catch a ferry from either location. I opted for the Phuket route (about 350-400 baht one way, depending on the season and how good your haggling skills are).

The ferry ride takes about two hours, which doesn’t sound long until you’re packed onto a boat with 200 other sweaty travelers, half of whom are nursing hangovers from Patong Beach the night before. Pro tip: grab a seat on the upper deck if you can – better views and better breeze. I made the mistake of sitting inside on my first crossing and nearly melted.

What’s wild about approaching Phi Phi is watching it materialize from the horizon – first as a smudge, then as distinct peaks, and finally as this dramatic, alien landscape rising from the sea. The boat docks at Tonsai Pier, and since there are no cars on the island, you’ll immediately be thrust into the pedestrian-only chaos that is Phi Phi’s main village.

What to Pack for the Climb

Let me save you some pain and tell you exactly what you need for these viewpoint hikes:

Water. Lots of it. I’m talking at least 1-2 liters per person. Yes, there are places selling overpriced bottles along some routes, but not all, and you’ll drink more than you think. The combination of heat, humidity, and elevation gain is no joke.
Decent shoes. I saw people attempting the climb in flip-flops and… just no. You don’t need hardcore hiking boots, but something with actual grip is essential. The paths can be dusty, rocky, and sometimes slippery.
Sun protection. I forgot a hat once and my scalp got so burned it peeled for weeks. Not cute. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses – the tropical sun is merciless.
A small towel. Trust me, you’ll be sweating buckets. I like to bring one of those quick-dry microfiber towels to mop my face.
Camera (obviously). But maybe also just… take some time to look with your actual eyeballs? I spent too much of my first visit obsessing over the perfect shot.
Cash. Some viewpoints have entrance fees (usually 20-30 baht), and you might want to buy a coconut at the top.

The island itself is a study in contrasts. The main village area is dense, busy, and can feel overwhelmingly touristy with its back-to-back dive shops, souvenir stands, and bars advertising bucket drinks. But walk just 15 minutes in any direction, and the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The noise fades, the paths narrow, and suddenly you’re in what feels like a different world.

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I got completely lost trying to find the trailhead for one of the lesser-known viewpoints. The directions I’d been given (“turn left at the yellow building, then right at the coconut stand”) proved useless when I discovered there were three yellow buildings and the coconut stand had apparently relocated. I ended up wandering down a residential path where chickens scattered at my approach and locals gave me curious looks from their porches. Eventually, I stumbled across a hand-painted sign pointing uphill – not sure if it was even the right trail, but it led to a viewpoint, so I counted it as a win.

The Big Three: Koh Phi Phi’s Most Iconic Viewpoints

Viewpoint 1: The Classic Overlook

If you’ve seen photos of Phi Phi on social media, chances are they were taken from Viewpoint 1. This is the most accessible and therefore most visited viewpoint on the island. Located about a 20-30 minute climb from the main village, it offers that postcard-perfect vista of Phi Phi’s twin bays – Tonsai Bay on one side and Loh Dalum Bay on the other – connected by the narrow isthmus where most of the island’s development sits.

The path to get there is well-marked and mostly consists of concrete steps. Sounds easy, right? Ha! What they don’t tell you is that these steps feel like they were designed by someone with a personal vendetta against human thighs. They’re steep, relentless, and in the midday heat, each one feels like a personal attack.

I started the climb around 2 PM (rookie mistake) and was drenched within minutes. About halfway up, I seriously considered turning back. An elderly Thai woman passed me, barely breaking a sweat, selling cold drinks from a small cooler strapped to her back. The shame of being outpaced by someone three times my age gave me the push I needed to continue.

When I finally reached the platform, though, all complaints evaporated. The view literally stopped me in my tracks. I actually said “holy shit” out loud, which made a nearby family with kids give me the stink eye. (Sorry, not sorry.)

There’s something about seeing the island from this elevation that makes you understand its geography in a way you can’t from ground level. The symmetry of those bays, the dramatic rise of the karsts, the gradient of blues in the water – it’s overwhelming in the best possible way.

Fair warning: this viewpoint gets CROWDED. If you want photos without strangers’ heads in them, you either need to go very early (like, sunrise early) or be prepared to wait patiently for your turn at the prime spots. I’ve found that late afternoon, about an hour before sunset, offers a good balance – the harsh midday light has softened, the worst of the crowds have left, and the colors start taking on that golden-hour glow.

Viewpoint 2: A Quieter Gem

Continue another 10-15 minutes up the trail past Viewpoint 1, and you’ll reach Viewpoint 2. Fewer people make this extra push, which is baffling to me because I actually think the view here is superior.

From this higher vantage point, you can see beyond the twin bays to the outlying islands and the open Andaman Sea. On clear days, you might even spot Phi Phi Leh (the smaller, uninhabited island where Maya Bay of “The Beach” fame is located) in the distance.

What I love about Viewpoint 2 is the sense of space. Viewpoint 1 can feel cramped with everyone jostling for the same photo op, but up here, you can usually find a rock to perch on and just… be. I spent over an hour at this spot on my second visit, watching long-tail boats cut white trails through the blue water below and trying to count how many different shades of green existed on the hillsides (answer: too many).

There’s a small shack selling drinks and snacks, run by a woman who told me she hikes up and down this trail twice daily. Her calves were evidence of this routine – they looked like they were carved from stone. I bought a mango shake from her partly out of respect for those superhuman legs.

If I’m being totally honest, this less-famous viewpoint is my favorite on the island. The extra effort filters out the crowds, and there’s something deeply satisfying about climbing just a bit higher than most people are willing to go.

Viewpoint 3: The Sunrise Surprise

For my third day on Phi Phi, I set my alarm for the ungodly hour of 5 AM. My roommate in the hostel was thrilled, as you can imagine. But I’d heard rumors of a viewpoint on the eastern side of the island that offered spectacular sunrise views, and I was determined to see if they were true.

This viewpoint requires more of a proper hike – about 45 minutes from the main village, following a trail that starts near the Phi Phi Viewpoint Resort. Parts of it are just dirt paths through jungle, and I was very glad I’d brought a small flashlight since I set out well before dawn.

I got lost. Twice. The first time, I ended up at someone’s chicken coop, where a rooster announced my trespassing with indignant crowing. The second time, I followed what turned out to be a drainage ditch. Eventually, though, I found the right path, marked by occasional blue paint splashes on trees.

The final approach is steep enough that you’re using hands as well as feet, pulling yourself up using exposed tree roots and rocks. I was filthy, sweaty, and questioning my life choices by the time I reached the top.

And then the sun began to rise.

The eastern view from this spot shows a different side of Phi Phi – looking out toward Phi Phi Leh and the open ocean beyond. As the first light broke over the horizon, the limestone cliffs turned gold, then pink, then blazing white. The sea shifted from black to navy to that impossible blue. Birds started their morning chorus from the trees below.

I was alone up there – completely, blissfully alone with one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever witnessed. No crowds, no selfie sticks, no chatter. Just me and that ridiculous view.

Was dragging myself out of bed at 5 AM worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Ask me after I’ve had more coffee.

Tips, Tricks, and Tiny Frustrations of Visiting the Viewpoints

If you’re planning your own Phi Phi viewpoint adventure, here are some hard-earned wisdom nuggets from my experiences:

Timing is everything. Early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) offer the best combination of light and smaller crowds. Plus, you’re not hiking in the peak heat of the day, which trust me, makes a massive difference. Midday is brutal not just for the crowds but for the harsh lighting that washes out photos.

Those entrance fees I mentioned? They’re technically optional at some viewpoints, as I discovered when I watched a group of backpackers simply walk past the collection point while the attendant was distracted. Don’t be those people. The fees are minimal (20-30 baht, less than a dollar) and help maintain the trails and facilities.

Speaking of facilities – manage your expectations. The toilets at the viewpoints, when they exist at all, are… rustic. Bring hand sanitizer and your own tissue. You’ve been warned.

The water situation up there can be frustrating. Vendors know they have a captive, thirsty audience and price accordingly. I paid 60 baht (about $2) for a small bottle of water that would cost 10 baht in the village. Highway robbery? Yes. Did I pay it because I was dying of thirst? Also yes. If you’re on a tight budget, bringing your own is definitely the way to go.

My biggest frustration was actually other tourists, which makes me sound like a grumpy old man, but hear me out. There’s something disheartening about climbing all that way, taking in this magnificent natural wonder, and being surrounded by people who seem more interested in getting the perfect Instagram shot than actually experiencing the place. I watched one woman spend 20 minutes directing her boyfriend to take photos of her in various poses, never once turning around to actually look at the view with her own eyes.

I’m not immune to wanting photos – obviously, I took plenty. But maybe we could all benefit from putting the cameras down for a few minutes? Just a thought.

For those with mobility issues or health concerns, these hikes might be challenging but not impossible. Take it slow, rest often, and know your limits. I saw people of all ages and fitness levels making the climb. One elderly gentleman was using two walking sticks and stopping every few steps, but he made it to Viewpoint 1 and his smile when he got there was perhaps the most genuine thing I saw all day.

Beyond the Views: What Else Makes Koh Phi Phi Special

As magnificent as the viewpoints are, they’re just one facet of what makes Phi Phi worth visiting. The island offers plenty of other experiences that complement those high-altitude vistas.

The beaches, of course, are the obvious draw. After seeing them from above, there’s something magical about actually walking on that white sand and swimming in that clear water. Long Beach is my personal favorite – a bit removed from the main hustle, with enough space that you don’t feel like a sardine even in high season.

I signed up for a snorkeling trip around Phi Phi Leh, which included a stop at Maya Bay. Post-Leonardo DiCaprio, this beach became so overwhelmed with tourists that Thai authorities actually closed it for several years to allow the ecosystem to recover. It reopened with strict visitor limits while I was there, and I have mixed feelings about the experience. The bay is undeniably stunning – a perfect horseshoe of sand enclosed by towering cliffs – but even with the new restrictions, it felt like being on a conveyor belt of tourism.

The snorkeling, however, exceeded expectations. The reefs around Phi Phi host an astonishing variety of marine life. I’m no expert, but even I could identify parrotfish, angelfish, and (my favorite) the Picasso triggerfish with its abstract-art-like markings. At one point, our boat captain spotted a reef shark, causing mild panic among some passengers until he explained they’re completely harmless to humans.

One of my most unexpected pleasant memories wasn’t from a tourist hotspot at all, but from a tiny restaurant tucked away on a side street in the village. I’d gotten caught in a sudden downpour (the joys of tropical weather) and ducked inside mostly to stay dry. The place had maybe five tables, no English menu, and was run by an older couple who spoke about ten words of English between them.

Through a combination of pointing, smiling, and the universal language of “I’m hungry, feed me something good,” I ended up with the best massaman curry I’ve ever eaten. Rich, complex, with chunks of potato and chicken so tender they fell apart. The couple’s teenage grandson eventually appeared and explained that his grandmother had been making this curry for 40 years. I believe it – that kind of flavor doesn’t come from following a recipe; it comes from decades of intuition.

I have to mention the less idyllic aspects of Phi Phi too. The main village can feel overwhelmingly commercial, with endless identical shops selling identical souvenirs. The “party beach” on Loh Dalum Bay transforms at night into a scene of fire shows, blasting music, and bucket-drinking tourists that won’t appeal to everyone (it’s not really my scene, though I did watch one fire show that was genuinely impressive).

More concerning is the environmental impact of tourism on this small island. Despite cleanup efforts, I still saw trash on some beaches and reefs. The infrastructure struggles to keep up with visitor numbers, especially regarding waste management. It’s a complicated situation – tourism is the economic lifeblood of the island, but it’s also threatening the very beauty that attracts people in the first place.

I found myself feeling oddly guilty at times, being part of this human wave washing over this fragile ecosystem. But then again, would keeping places like this secret be any better? I don’t have answers, just questions that I think any responsible traveler should consider.

Why Koh Phi Phi’s Viewpoints Will Stick With Me Forever

As I sat on the ferry leaving Phi Phi, watching those distinctive peaks recede into the distance, I tried to pinpoint exactly what made this place embed itself so deeply in my memory. It’s not just the objective beauty – though that’s certainly part of it. It’s something about the perspective those viewpoints offer.

Standing high above it all, you see the perfect natural symmetry of the island, the delicate balance of land and sea, the insignificance of human development against the grandeur of those limestone formations that have stood for millions of years. It’s humbling in the best possible way.

I’ve shown friends my photos, and they’re appropriately impressed. “Wow, that looks amazing,” they say. But photos – even the best ones – can’t capture the feeling of being there. They can’t convey the warmth of the breeze, the symphony of jungle sounds, the satisfaction of reaching the top under your own power, or the peculiar quiet that descends when you find yourself momentarily alone with a view that seems too beautiful to be real.

If you’re considering a trip to Thailand and wondering if Phi Phi is worth the hype despite the crowds and commercialization – yes. A thousand times yes. Just pack your patience along with your camera, get up early for at least one sunrise, climb higher than you think you need to, and give yourself permission to put the technology away sometimes and just look.

I keep wondering if I’ll ever find a view that affects me the way Phi Phi’s viewpoints did. Maybe you have? I’d genuinely love to know. Until then, I’ll keep chasing that feeling of standing on top of the world, laughing out loud at how ridiculously beautiful our planet can be.

About the author: Jack is a passionate content creator with years of experience. Follow for more quality content and insights.This article is my original work. Please credit the source if reposting.

Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint: The Best Views in Thailand

Koh Phi Phi’s Viewpoints: Stunning Vistas That’ll Steal Your Heart in Thailand

Why Koh Phi Phi’s Viewpoints Are a Must-See in Thailand