Guide to Visit Viewpoints in Phi Phi: Best Time, Route and Fees
When you arrive at Ton Sai Pier, looking up at the lush, green jungle hills framing the narrow sandbar of Koh Phi Phi Don is awe-inspiring. Taking in that world-famous double-bay perspective from above is a highlight of any island itinerary.
However, reaching these lookouts takes a bit of planning, a solid sweat, and exact directions to ensure you don't end up on an accidental hour-long detour through the jungle.
To help you prepare for the hike, we have put together this ultimate guide covering how to visit the viewpoints in Phi Phi, the best time to visit, and what to pack. In this post, we cover everything you need to know about navigating Viewpoints 1, 2, 3, and 4—including step-by-step walking routes, current entrance fees, crowd levels, peak lighting hours, and practical tips for every fitness level.
Before you start lacing up your shoes, check out our interactive map at the bottom of this post featuring all the key start points, lookouts, and hidden bars mentioned in this guide!
Guide to Viewpoints in Phi Phi: Best Time to Visit, Step-by-Step Routes & Fees
The single most important tip for this entire hike is choosing your starting point correctly. Many travelers open Google Maps in the center of town and click walking directions straight to "Viewpoint 2," which often reroutes them onto a long, grueling jungle path designed for local utility vehicles.
To avoid this, you must set your navigation to the Stairway to Viewpoint first. This paved stairway located behind the main village is the official, direct entry point for all the main lookouts.
It is important to note the strict order of the trail structure: you cannot go directly from town to Viewpoint 3 or 4. The island trail network requires you to visit Viewpoint 1 first, ascend to Viewpoint 2, and then hike further into the forest for Viewpoint 3. On your return trip, you will descend along the exact same path: Viewpoint 3 back down to Viewpoint 2, then Viewpoint 1, and finally back into town.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 1 (I Love Phi Phi)
Starting at the base of the stairs, prepare to sweat right away. The first section consists of a steep, continuous flight of concrete stairs that takes roughly 10 to 20 minutes to climb, depending on your physical condition.
At the top of the stairs, you will reach the official checkpoint for Phi Phi Viewpoint 1. Here, you will pay an entrance fee of 50 THB per person (cash only). This stop features landscaped gardens, large letters spelling out "I Love Phi Phi," and a dedicated photo platform.
While the view over Ton Sai Village is beautiful, it is partially framed by trees. Take a well-deserved rest here, stay hydrated, and be sure to check out the historical photo wall displaying poignant side-by-side images of Phi Phi before and after the devastating 2004 tsunami.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 2 (The Iconic Panorama)
Once you have caught your breath, keep your payment receipt handy—you will not need to pay an entrance fee a second time, but staff may ask to see your ticket as you cross into the next zone. The walkway connecting Viewpoint 1 and Viewpoint 2 is no longer stairs, but a steeply inclined paved ramp that takes another 10 to 20 minutes of upward climbing.
When you reach Viewpoint 2, you are rewarded with the famous postcard view of Koh Phi Phi Don: two crescent-shaped turquoise bays running back-to-back against dramatic limestone peaks. Here, you have a few ways to enjoy the atmosphere:
The Main Observation Deck & Rocks (Free with Entry): You can chill on the broad wooden platform or sit along the massive boulders near the edge. During peak hours, the deck fills up fast, but the surrounding rocks offer plenty of great seating spots.
Phi Phi View Point Cafe: Located right on the summit, this small restaurant and bar features an elevated rooftop deck with panoramic views. Drinks and snacks are priced on the higher side due to logistics, but the elevated rooftop makes up for it.
Bob Bar (Hidden Gem): Tucked slightly back into the forest edge near Viewpoint 2, Bob Bar is a laid-back, reggae-themed hangout run by a friendly local. He serves up fantastic alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks accompanied by great tunes. While the jungle trees partially obstruct the ocean view, the chilled-out vibes make it a favorite local retreat.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 3 (The Quiet Jungle Escape)
For travelers seeking a peaceful experience away from the crowds, continue past Viewpoint 2 into the lush forest path toward Viewpoint 3. This extra leg involves a 20 to 30 minute hike along a mostly flat, dirt jungle trail. Because the path is not always clearly signed, do not hesitate to ask local residents living along the trail for directions.
Upon arriving at Viewpoint 3, you must pay a separate entrance fee of 20 THB per person directly to the private landowners. The vantage point here looks out from a slightly higher, narrower angle than Viewpoint 2, offering gorgeous scenery with a fraction of the foot traffic. The owners have set up wooden benches, hammocks for relaxing, and a small shop selling cold water, fruit juices, and fresh coconuts—the ultimate reward after a long hike.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 4 (Closed / Unmaintained)
Further east lies Viewpoint 4, an old lookout formerly used for catching early morning sunrises over the eastern sea. Viewpoint 4 is no longer accessible to the public. Overgrowth, thick jungle foliage, and fallen trees have completely covered the trail, making the path treacherous and hidden.
Do not attempt to hike to Viewpoint 4 without an experienced local guide, as venturing deep into this unmaintained jungle terrain poses genuine safety risks.
Best Time to Visit Viewpoints in Phi Phi
Timing your hike depends entirely on what you want out of the experience—stunning colors, quiet trails, or vibrant crowds:
Sunset (Most Popular): This is by far the busiest time of day. The lighting over the double bays is magical, and temperatures begin to cool down. Plan to leave town 1 to 1.5 hours before sunset so you have plenty of time to hike up, pay your fee, and grab a good spot on the rocks before the sun dips below the horizon.
Daytime (Brightest Water Colors): Hiking during midday or early afternoon rewards you with the clearest, brilliant blue water views for photos. The trade-off is intense tropical heat and high humidity, though crowd numbers are noticeably lower than at sunset.
Sunrise (Peaceful & Quiet): Very few tourists attempt a sunrise hike, making this option extraordinarily serene. Watching the island wake up in complete quiet with a cool morning breeze is an unforgettable experience.
Comparison Table: Phi Phi Viewpoints Overview
To help you decide how far up the mountain you want to go, here is a quick-reference breakdown comparing time, cost, and crowd levels starting from Ton Sai Village:
Viewpoint | Entrance Fee | Total Walking Time from Town | Crowd Level | Best Feature |
Viewpoint 1 | 50 THB | 10–20 mins | Moderate | Gardens & Tsunami Memorial Wall |
Viewpoint 2 | Free (Keep Ticket) | 25–40 mins | High (Very Busy) | Iconic double-bay postcard view & cafes |
Viewpoint 3 | 20 THB | 45–70 mins | Very Low | Peaceful hammocks, cold coconuts & shade |
Viewpoint 4 | N/A | Dangerous / Closed | None | Inaccessible: Path overgrown by jungle |
Essential Packing List for the Hike
To make your trek up the hill comfortable and safe, keep these basics in mind:
Plenty of Water: The combination of steep inclines and high humidity means you will sweat heavily regardless of your fitness level. Bring at least 1 liter of water per person and pace yourself with frequent rest breaks.
Physical Cash: The entrance booths at Viewpoints 1 and 3, as well as the hilltop cafes and Bob Bar, do not accept credit cards. Bring enough Thai Baht notes for entry fees, cold drinks, and snacks.
Breathable Activewear: Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking sports clothing and comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals with good grip. Avoid wearing slippery flip-flops on the steep stairs.
Alternative Options for Visitors with Limited Mobility
Because the main trail involves hundreds of steep stairs, this hike is generally not recommended for anyone with knee issues or low physical mobility. However, if you still want to see the view from Viewpoint 2, there is an alternative local transport option.
While motorbikes and cars are completely banned inside the main pedestrian village, local utility vehicles operate on the outer ring roads connecting the village to the eastern side of the island.
You can walk over near this local grocery store location where local drivers often park their motorbikes and small transport vehicles. You can ask around to see if a local driver is available to take you up the back mountain road directly to Viewpoint 2. It is a very bumpy, 20-minute ride through the jungle, but it allows you to skip the grueling stairs entirely.
Keep in mind that this is an informal, unofficial local service—drivers may not be there every day, but it is worth checking if you need assistance. Be sure to negotiate and agree on a price for both your upward journey and your return pickup before departing.
Interactive Map: Phi Phi Viewpoints Trail & Locations
Locate Your Starting Point: Find the green marker labeled Stairway to Viewpoint on the interactive map below to begin your route from the village. Use the map legend to navigate key spots:
🟢 Green: Starting point (Stairway to Viewpoint)
🔵 Blue: Viewpoints 1, 2, and 3
🟡 Yellow: Bars at Viewpoint 2
🟤 Brown: Local taxi transport service
Final Thoughts: Anyone Can Reach the Top!
Visiting the lookouts on Koh Phi Phi Don is simple, rewarding, and completely straightforward. As long as you take your time, stay hydrated, and pace yourself on the initial stairs, anyone in reasonable shape can comfortably complete the trek. Best of all, you do not need to hire a guide or join an organized tour to hike up—you can easily explore all of these viewpoints at your own speed!
Once you have explored the island from above, it's time to experience its world-famous waters from the sea. If you are looking to visit Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, or Bamboo Island on an unforgettable boat trip, we would love to welcome you aboard! Check out our full selection of island hopping speedboat and longtail boat day trips and reserve your spot directly on our website by clicking here. We are currently offering an exclusive 10% discount on all of our tours—valid for any date you choose to explore with us!
