What is the minimum age to come to Koh Phi Phi?

None. Babies travel well by ferry. From 2-3 years old, children really enjoy the beaches; from 5 years old, boat excursions.

Can children go on boat trips?

Yes, life jackets provided in all sizes. Prefer short outings (2-4 hours) for little ones, and anti-seasickness 30 minutes before departure if your child is sensitive.

Which beach for children?

Loh Dalum (shallow, no waves, you keep your feet for a long time) and Laem Tong (calm, resort side). On excursion: Bamboo Island, the best children's swimming area in the archipelago. At Maya Bay we don't swim — it's a photo tour.

Is there a doctor on the island?

A clinic in Tonsai manages minor treatments. For a serious emergency, evacuation is done to Phuket by boat. Bring your kit (paracetamol for children, antihistamine, rehydration) and check your repatriation insurance.

How much do excursions for children cost?

Generally half price from 4 to 10 years old and free before 4 years old. The national park fee is 200 THB per child aged 3 to 14 (400 THB adult), payable on site in cash.

Are the islands and coastal areas good for a family with children?

Yes, with the right base. Krabi (Ao Nang) and Phuket are easiest with young kids (flat roads, hospitals, family hotels with pools). On Phi Phi itself, stay Loh Dalum or Long Beach for shallow calm water and skip the Tonsai bar strip at night. Bamboo Island is the kids' beach — easy swimming in 50cm of clear water.

Is 5 days with a toddler too isolated or boring on Phi Phi?

For a toddler, 2-3 nights on Phi Phi is usually the sweet spot, then move to Krabi or Phuket for variety, pools and easy logistics. Phi Phi is boat-only with no cars and a basic clinic, so it can feel confining over 5 full days with a small child. Short morning boat trips work best; keep afternoons for the pool.

Any tips on kids' sunscreen and adding children to the booking?

Bring reef-safe, high-SPF sunscreen for kids from home — island prices are steep and choice is limited. Always include children in the booking from the start (name and age): the national park fee is 200 THB per child aged 3-14, and boats and hotels need the count for capacity and safety.

Koh Phi Phi with family: the practical guide with children

Phi Phi has a “backpacker party” reputation — not false, but very incomplete. Well organized, the island is a wonderful playground for families: warm water all year round, gently sloping beaches, multicolored fish 2 meters from the shore.

We have lived here since 2019 and we see families passing by every week. Here's what really works with kids.

Bateaux long-tail sur l'eau turquoise, Koh Phi Phi

Beaches where to lay your towel

Loh Dalum — the main bay

Fine sand, shallow water, almost no waves: you can let the children splash around in 30 cm of water while you drink your coffee. In the morning before 10 a.m., it's calm; in the afternoon, day visitors arrive but the atmosphere remains family-friendly on the beach side.

Laem Tong — the quiet north

Almost private if you stay in one of the northern resorts. Very calm, shallow, perfect for little ones. Only downside: isolated — each round trip to Tonsai is done by long tail (150-300 THB).

Where NOT to sleep with children

The heart of Tonsai, especially on the west side: the bars play until late at night. Magical for party people, less so for a child in bed at 9 p.m.

Viewpoint de Koh Phi Phi au coucher du soleil

Excursions by age

Exit	Recommended age	Indicative price
Private long-tail (your boat + captain, free pace)	2 years +	from 2,500 THB / boat (2h, 3 people)
Half day snorkeling Phi Phi Leh	4-5 years +	~600-1,000 THB / person
Magic Day speedboat (Maya Bay + Pileh + Bamboo)	5-6 years +	1,800 THB adult, ~1,100 child
Pirate Boat (large stable boat, atmosphere)	all ages	1,800 THB adult
First dive (2 supervised dives)	teenagers 10-12 years +	3,700 THB

The advice that changes everything: with little ones, the privatized long-tail beats all group tours — you leave at your own time, you stop when a child tires, the captain adapts. Zero scheduling stress.

Good to know about Maya Bay: you cannot swim there (park rule since 2022) and it closes from August 1 to September 30. For children, the real star is Bamboo Island: free swimming in clear, shallow water, with fish everywhere.

To avoid: 9-hour boat marathons and steep treks with children under 8 years old.

Proue d'un long-tail au coucher du soleil, Koh Phi Phi

The ferry with children

Phuket ↔ Phi Phi: ~2h, ~550 THB/adult; Krabi ↔ Phi Phi: ~1h30, ~650 THB
Under 4 years old: often free; 4-10 years: half price
Board early to choose your seats, keep water and snacks within reach, and give anti-seasickness 30 minutes before if necessary

Health and practice

Clinic in Tonsai for small aches and pains; serious emergency = evacuation to Phuket by boat → repatriation insurance is essential for families
Kit to bring: paracetamol for children, antihistamine, rehydration solution, dressings, SPF50+ sunscreen (expensive on the island)
Restaurants: hygiene is generally good in popular places; Tonsai market is perfect for quick and easy meals with children

When to come with family

November to February: sea of oil, blue sky, the royal period. March-April: very good too, warmer. July-September: monsoon — outings sometimes canceled, Maya Bay closed (August-September); possible, but less reliable with children.

Typical itinerary 4 nights with family

Day 1: morning ferry, installation, swimming at Loh Dalum, sunset
Day 2: Magic Day speedboat (or short version for little ones), nap, evening market
Day 3: free morning beach/pool, private long-tail afternoon to Bamboo Island
Day 4: family viewpoint early in the morning (the kids love it), swimming, ice cream
Day 5: last swim, return ferry

Want a tailor-made program according to the age of your children? Write to us on WhatsApp — we are there, with the real conditions of the moment.