Visit Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint (Koh Phi Phi)

On the island of Koh Phi Phi, there's one place you shouldn't miss: the viewpoint, which offers a magnificent view of the island from above. Well, THE viewpoints, because there are actually three viewpoints close to each other. You can see the two parts that form the island of Koh Phi Phi Don and the strip of land that connects them to the beaches of Tonsai and Loh Dalum.

The stairs leading to the viewpoints of Koh Phi Phi are quite easy to find; they're signposted. From the village of Tonsai, simply follow the "Viewpoint" signs. Otherwise, follow the signs to the Phi Phi Arboreal Resort. The first staircase that climbs between the hotels on the mountainside is quite long and steep. This is the most challenging part of the visit to the viewpoints. Allow between 10 and 15 minutes to reach the top of the stairs, depending on your fitness and pace. This is the entrance to Viewpoint 1. The three Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints are located in a private area, so you must pay an entrance fee. The sites are privately owned by Muslims, who are very present in southern Thailand, so bringing alcohol is prohibited (which is a bit hypocritical, as beer is sold there), and pork is not allowed in the dishes.

The most popular and frequented of the three viewpoints, as it offers the most beautiful view, is Viewpoint 2. In addition to the wooden terrace with the view, you will find the "Viewpoint Café," which offers an even more commanding view from its rooftop. It sells drinks, including beer and smoking weed, which often makes its rooftop terrace a rather unpleasant place to be if you're not into this kind of thing and don't want to breathe in the fumes of weed. Otherwise, there are also a few shops and a small restaurant.

Less popular, viewpoint number 3 is a little further, about a ten-minute walk, and has a small wooden terrace with a small bar offering some reasonably priced Thai dishes and a few tables (it seems that it no longer serves food in the low season).

It's busiest in the evening, especially at the first two viewpoints. People come to watch the sunset. In this area, you can also find several paths to go around the island and reach more isolated and therefore less crowded beaches. The atmosphere is often friendly and a bit hippie, especially since the legalization of cannabis in Thailand.