One of the important attractions of Phi Phi is the observation deck at an altitude of 186 meters, which I visited during my vacation on the island.
The site consists of 3 levels: one is located above the other. I had to work a little to get to that incredible view. Namely, to experience a good cardio workout while climbing up a very narrow and steep staircase.
Considering that I did this in the first half of the day and it was very hot, it was even harder.
After climbing the stairs, I was greeted by a ticket office, where I purchased a ticket for 30 baht (about 0.80 euros) and slowly headed to View point 1. Interestingly, the observation deck at each level is decorated with bright sculptures in the form of vegetables or animals. Also on the first level you can take a photo with the letters “I love Phi-Phi”. As for the view, it is beautiful: you can see the isthmus between two beaches. And it’s interesting that the water is dark blue on one side and bright turquoise on the other. From here you can see palm forests and rocks in the distance.
The second point was located slightly higher. The road to it was smoother and less steep. At point view 2 there is a mini-cafe where you can buy soft drinks such as cocktails, soda and eat ice cream. Of course, you won’t be able to have a proper meal here.
I also went to a souvenir market that sold magnets, cards with images of the island, and various accessories.
I didn’t climb to the third point, because it became unbearably hot: the sun was burning with all its might and I wanted to hide in the shade, which was nowhere to be found on the site.
I really regretted that I didn’t come to the site at sunset...
Schedule of sunrises and sunsets on Phi Phi:
Dawn
From April to November from 6.00-6.30
From December to March from 6.30 to 7.00 am
Sunset
From February to July from 18.00 to 18.45
From August to January from 18.00 to 18.30
Pros of this place:
There is a stunning view of the island and the isthmus between the two beaches
Ticket price is only 0.80 euros
There is a cafe with refreshments
Cons of this place:
It's hard to climb the steep stairs
It's very hot, there's almost nowhere to hide from the sun
Adviсe:
The toilet on the observation deck is paid, its cost is 10 baht.
I would also like to recommend going to this place early in the morning, when the sun has not yet risen high and there are few tourists. Firstly, you won’t suffer from the heat, and secondly, you’ll get great photos. On the second level there is a large stone on which you can take a couple of beautiful shots.
The most popular observation deck on Phi Phi Island is high point Phi Phi Don Islands.
Observation deck on Phi Phi Island
In order to get to the observation deck of Phi Phi Island, located at an altitude of 186 meters above sea level, you need to go in the direction of Lo Dalam Bay and at the intersection near the PP Casita hotel turn right, continuing along the signs that will lead to the right place . Previously, in the 80s of the last century, this observation deck was an empty platform with a pile of stones on the way to Ranti Beach. In the early 90s, several hiking trails appeared here, as well as a small shop where tourists could buy drinking water, which came in handy. In 1994, by decision of the Thai government, convenient concrete steps were built here, which led to the observation deck from the Phi Phi Villa Bungalows hotel. At the same time, shops gradually began to appear on the top of the hill, and it was decided to green the deserted area and turn it into a nice park. Later, the View Point shop shopping pavilion appeared here.
From the view from observation deck, can't help but take your breath away. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Phi Phi Le Island, as well as Lo Dalam Bay and Tonsai. Moreover, from the top of the hill in good weather you can also see the island of Phuket with the Big Buddha sitting on it. Enjoy panoramic view bay and neighboring islands It’s especially pleasant lying in the hammocks that are stretched on the observation deck. You can cool down after climbing the mountain with ice cream or drinks that are sold here. The best time To visit the observation deck on Phi Phi Island, it is considered to be in the morning before 10-00, when the sun will be behind the travelers, illuminating the bay and giving its water a turquoise color.
Other viewpoints on Phi Phi Island
In addition to the main observation deck on Phi Phi Island, there are also two more viewpoints that offer magnificent views. One of them is the observation deck at Lo Ba Kao, in the northern part of the bay on the western slope of the hill. The two-hundred-meter stepped path to the top begins near the Aroi Dee restaurant. Depending on the level of physical fitness, the path to the top will take tourists about twenty to thirty minutes. Having reached this observation deck, tourists will be able to enjoy views of Lo Lana Bay and Lo Ba Kao. Another observation deck on Phi Phi Island is the site in the southern part of Lo Ba Khao Bay. You can get here either by stairs or by a special elevator. You can get here from the Villa 360 hotel restaurant Koh Phi Phi. From the top of the hill there are views of South coast Krabi, Bamboo Island, Hin Klang and Mosquito Island.
Thailand, especially the archipelago of the Phi Phi Islands, has become of increased tourist interest over the past 10 years.
Every year tourism in Thailand is developing more and more and becoming more attractive for foreign tourists, especially for Europeans. Today, the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, with all their unique exotic beauty, are a very civilized place where there are stunning sandy, superbly equipped beaches with the most modern infrastructure.
The Phi Phi archipelago includes 6 exotic islands, connected by thin isthmuses. They are located in the province of Krabi in Southern Thailand, 50 km from the island of Phuket and make up most famous all over the world national park countries " Co.».
Each of the islands that make up the Phi Phi archipelago is an independent attraction with a unique, inherent nature.
Phi Phi "Don" is the most big Island archipelago. Only on it is there a local human settlement. On this island, most tourist destinations are fashionable resorts with modern infrastructure.
Phi Phi "Leh" is the filming location for the legendary film "The Beach" produced in the USA. The location for filming was not chosen by chance. This is where you can enjoy excellent views of the ocean. The main attraction is the rocks. The highest of them are about 200 meters. There is no developed infrastructure here, which is compensated by a lot of marine entertainment. The island is uninhabited and is used only for excursions.
Phi Phi "Mai Phai" - Bamboo Island. Its main attraction is the unusually beautiful coral reef. Here perfect place for classes aquatic species sports This island is also great for those who just want to sunbathe. Those who wish can live on the island in a bungalow surrounded by bamboo thickets.
Phi Phi "Bida Nok" and "Bida Nai"
Phi Phi "Bida Nok" and "Bida Nai" are the most amazing of the islands in the archipelago. The main feature of these islands is their rocks that rise vertically from the water. These islands are suitable for those tourists who are exploring underwater world and dives.
Phi Phi "Mosquito" is a convenient island with the main activity for snorkeling tourists. When going here, it is worth considering that a large number of mosquitoes live here, mainly appearing in the afternoon.
Sacred place of the Thais - Viking cave
A tourist coming to the islands of the Phi Phi archipelago should definitely visit the Viking cave. In its grotto you can see unique rock paintings depicting ships and animals. A bamboo bridge leads to the cave.
It is from this observation deck, specially built at a height on Phi Phi Don, that offers views of the entire archipelago. On both sides, from a height of the platform, the islands of the archipelago resemble a butterfly preparing to fly.
Many tour guides and guides highlight the landscape and bays of the Phi Phi archipelago as a separate attraction. And this is no coincidence. Their outlandish nature deserves special attention. A unique landscape, clear air, many rocks containing underground water, open waterfalls - all this deserves to be seen. While here, a person catches himself thinking that the archipelago can be equated to a corner of the earthly Thai “Paradise”.
The bay is surrounded on three sides by high cliffs reaching about a hundred meters in height. The bay itself fascinates with its beauty, and the shimmering colors of the water add exoticism to this unique attraction.
In the waters of the bay there are several beaches, including the one that was used during the filming of the movie “The Beach” with the participation of Leonard DiCaprio.
The spit that sticks out into the sea, with a total length of about one hundred meters, deserves special attention. The beaches of the bay are covered with white sand.
If the goal of rest is “stupidly rest your body and soul,” then best place can not found.
Archipelago infrastructure
Tips for those planning to visit the Phi Phi archipelago.
- Independent forays without guides are life-threatening. Based on this, you should visit the islands only on a group excursion.
- There are few public catering places on the archipelago. They are mainly located on the island of Phi Phi “Don”. Therefore, it is recommended to stock up on provisions in advance. It is worth considering that Thai cuisine or unleavened flatbreads predominate among catering dishes on the islands.
- Recreational facilities (bathrooms) are available on every island, but at first they are very surprising and disappointing.
- Tourist accommodations ( hotel complexes) are located only on the island of Phi Phi "Don". On the remaining islands there are practically no places to stay overnight. Only bamboo bungalows are found.
- Transport infrastructure: boat connections between the islands and air connections with the mainland using small helicopters or local airline planes.
