The Phi Phi Viewpoint is THE postcard of the island. From up there, you see the two bays which meet in the shape of an hourglass. This is the most photographed panorama of Koh Phi Phi, and it is a bit deserved.
We, our team, live on the island. We often go up there early in the morning. Here's how to do it well, without sweating in the middle of a crowd.
What is the Koh Phi Phi hourglass?
Koh Phi Phi Don is almost cut in two. Two bays face each other: Tonsai on one side, Loh Dalum on the other. Between the two, a thin strip of flat land where the village is squeezed. Seen from above, it creates a perfect hourglass. This is exactly what you are looking for at the viewpoint.
How to climb to the viewpoint
The trail starts from Tonsai village on the east side. You just follow the View Point signs, they are everywhere. It starts with a concrete staircase, then a more rustic and steeper path. The climb is short but it climbs hard. Take your time, the heat quickly increases the pace.
The 3 points of view, one by one
There are three levels, from lowest to highest. Viewpoint 1 already offers you the classic and magnificent hourglass view. Viewpoint 2 is just above, the angle is even clearer. Viewpoint 3 goes higher and further, towards the interior of the island. Up there, you often come across a lot fewer people, with sometimes a small stand for something to drink.
The best time for light
Two slots are definitely worth the detour. Sunrise, for the soft light and an almost deserted path. Sunset, for the bay ablaze with pink and orange. In the middle of the day, the light is harsh and the heat hits. If you want effortless, beautiful photos, aim for early morning.
How to avoid the crowds
At sunset, everyone goes up at the same time. The steps fill up well before sunset. Our local tip: go up at daybreak. You have the hourglass all to yourself, and the coolness as a bonus. It's the same logic that we apply to our boat departures: leaving early changes everything.
How much does it cost
A small entrance fee is paid at the entrance to the trail, in cash. Keep a few bahts on you, cards don't pass here. The amount remains modest and is used to maintain the path. Other than that, reaching the viewpoint requires nothing more than your legs.
Shoes, water and practical advice
Forget the flip-flops. The ground is uneven and becomes slippery after rain. Sneakers or good walking sandals do the job perfectly. Takes water, the shadow is not continuous on the way up. And sunscreen: here, the sun is already strong in the early morning.
Combine the viewpoint with your stay
The viewpoint takes up a short morning, no more. The rest of the day, the turquoise water awaits you below. Many of our customers follow up with a long-tail outing or a boat ride. Panorama from the heights in the morning, snorkeling in the afternoon: the ideal day. Take a look at our excursions to easily figure this out.
The mistake not to make
The biggest mistake is going up at the hottest time, without water and in flip-flops. You arrive swimming, the light is flat and the path is crowded. Do the opposite: get up early, wear decent shoes, take a bottle. You will go back down to the village even before the crowds start there.
