Ah, Koh Phi Phi. Just the name conjures images of towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and THAT famous bay. As a travel blogger who’s spent a fair bit of time exploring Southeast Asia, it’s definitely one of the most visually stunning places around. But let’s be honest, Phi Phi also has a reputation – and it’s not always one that screams “family vacation.”
Over the years, particularly living close by on Koh Lanta, we’ve been asked countless times: “Can you really visit Koh Phi Phi with kids?” We even visited Phi Phi with our own kids years ago. The answer is nuanced, but with the right expectations and planning, you absolutely can find your slice of paradise here, even with the little ones in tow. This guide is here to help you navigate the crowds, find those quiet, family-friendly spots, and decide if Phi Phi is the right fit for your family adventure.
Managing Expectations – What Phi Phi is Really Like
If there’s one piece of advice you take to heart when planning a trip to Koh Phi Phi, it’s this: “adjust your expectations”.
Phi Phi, or more specifically, the main inhabited island of Koh Phi Phi Don, is known for its incredible natural beauty, but it’s also a major tourist hub. This means you should be prepared for crowds, sometimes even described as “large crowds, or wild crowds”.
The island, particularly the main village of Ton Sai and Loh Dalum Bay at night, has a significant party scene. This atmosphere, with its lively bars and social life, may not be the most conducive environment for young children, especially as it gets later.
It’s helpful to understand the divide on the island. There’s the bustling, sometimes overwhelming, center around Ton Sai, and then there are quieter, more tranquil areas and beaches that offer a completely different experience, better suited for families.
Getting There and Getting Around
First off, when people talk about visiting Koh Phi Phi, they’re usually referring to Koh Phi Phi Don, the inhabited island. The famous Maya Bay is on the uninhabited Koh Phi Phi Ley.
You can reach Phi Phi Don from several points, including Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Lanta. You have a couple of main options:
- Ferry: This is generally cheaper than a speedboat and takes about double the time. It’s a slower, often smoother ride.
- Speedboat: A much quicker option, getting you there in 30-45 minutes, depending on sea conditions. However, the waters can be rough, making speedboats very bumpy and potentially uncomfortable for kids or anyone prone to sea sickness.
Compared to other islands, the cost of tickets to Koh Phi Phi is relatively high. We paid 2,200 THB for one adult and three children for a one-way trip from Koh Lanta.
Upon arrival at the Ton Sai pier, there’s an environmental fee of 20 THB per adult. This was a bit of a surprise for us, having adapted to the Thai value of money.
Now, for getting around on the island itself: you cannot get around Phi Phi Don on a motorcycle or by car in the main area. The village area in Ton Sai is mostly paved and walkable. To travel between different parts of the island, especially to reach resorts on other beaches, you’ll primarily rely on longtail boats. This is a key factor to consider, particularly if you have mobility issues or are traveling with very young children and strollers.
Where to Stay – Choosing Your Family-Friendly Base
This is perhaps the most critical decision for a family trip to Phi Phi. To have a positive experience, it’s highly recommended to stay outside the main tourist zones around Ton Sai village. This helps you avoid the crowds and noise.
Based on our experience and sources, here are some top family-friendly beaches and the resorts that cater to them:
- Long Beach (Hat Yao):Widely regarded as the best family-friendly beach on Phi Phi. It offers a quieter atmosphere, spacious white sand, and calm, safe waters perfect for kids to swim and play. It’s thankfully away from the main party scene.
- Recommended Resort: Phi Phi The Beach Resort is highly recommended here, located directly on the beach. It offers direct beach access, kid-friendly amenities, and mild evening entertainment like fire shows suitable for children.
- Laemthong Beach: A beautiful, quieter, pristine beach on the north coast. It’s often part of private resort areas, providing a safe and peaceful environment for families.
- Recommended Resorts: SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort is a top choice, offering spacious two-bedroom family bungalows, pools, a spa, gym, and kids’ club. Phi Phi Natural Resort is another option here, offering a laid-back, nature-focused retreat with pools and eco-inspired activities. It’s slightly removed but offers a free shuttle.
- Loh Dalum Bay: This bay has calm waters suitable for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. It also hosts evening fire shows that can be fun for families.
- Consideration: While it offers calm water and activities, it can be lively and busy, especially at night due to the beach bars and social life.
- Ton Sai Beach: Conveniently central with warm, clear water good for swimming and plenty of nearby restaurants. It’s quieter in the late afternoon.
- Consideration: It can get very busy during the day.
- Other Noteworthy Resorts:
- Phi Phi Maiyada Resort: Located behind Ton Sai Beach, a short walk from the pier. Features a swimming pool nestled against a cliff. Important Note: Be careful with food around windows here, as monkeys can be aggressive.
- Zeavola Resort & Spa: A peaceful haven on the tranquil northern coast, offering villas and suites, some with direct beach access, kayaking, and snorkeling.
- Phi Phi Holiday Resort: A blend of convenience and cost-effectiveness, with spacious rooms, family suites, kids’ club, multiple pools, and activities like snorkeling and kayaking.
- Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort: About a 20-minute walk from Ton Sai Pier, near Loh Dalum Bay. Offers cozy bungalows and guest rooms, and is conveniently located for accessing Monkey Beach and Pirate Island adventures.
When booking, look for resorts that specifically mention family-friendly amenities like pools, kids’ clubs, playgrounds, and rooms or suites large enough to comfortably fit your family. Direct beach access is always a plus for ease with kids.
Top Fun & Family-Friendly Activities
Once you’ve settled into your quiet family base, it’s time for adventure! Phi Phi offers plenty that kids will love:
- Island Hopping & Boat Tours: This is arguably the top activity to experience the stunning natural beauty around Phi Phi.
- Our Tip: Consider booking a private longtail boat tour. It allows you to set your own pace, customize your itinerary, and ensures a more relaxed, intimate experience, which is invaluable with kids. You can visit famous spots like Maya Bay (for the views of the beach), Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, Viking Cave, and Pileh Lagoon. Tours can be booked online in advance or locally.
- Snorkeling and Swimming: The clear, shallow waters are perfect for kids to explore. You can discover colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Snorkel gear is often provided on tours or available for rent. There’s even a chance to spot blacktip reef sharks in the shallow waters of Maya Bay. Certified divers can explore sites like Koh Bida Nai, Koh Bida Nok, or the artificial reef at Viking Bay, which are more affordable from Phi Phi due to proximity.
- Kayaking: A fun way to explore the coastline, paddle through caves, and admire the dramatic cliffs. It’s best suited for older children who have the stamina. Calm bays like Loh Dalum are good spots to start.
- Visit Monkey Beach: See wild monkeys in their natural habitat. Crucially, keep a safe distance and absolutely avoid feeding them, as they can be aggressive. Note that there are no facilities on this beach.
- Phi Phi Viewpoint Trek: A moderate hike offering incredibly rewarding panoramic views.
- Practical Tips: Bring water, sunscreen, bug spray, and wear sturdy, preferably closed-toe, shoes. There’s a 30 baht entrance fee and you’ll need cash for drinks at the top. It takes a maximum of two hours and the trail is manageable for most children. Our kids treated it like a little walk.
- Evening Fire Shows: These are entertaining performances, often held on Loh Dalum Beach. Performers use fire and light effects. While there’s plenty of seating, be prepared to order something from the bar to sit and watch. The shows usually last around 15 minutes and are enjoyable for all ages.
- Kids’ Clubs & Resort Activities: Many family-friendly resorts offer supervised kids’ clubs with activities like arts and crafts or games. You might also find children’s pools, playgrounds, beach games like volleyball or football, and even beginner lessons for things like scuba diving or Muay Thai.
- Exploring Markets & Street Food: A relaxed activity that’s fun for the whole family. Wander through the vibrant markets, sample local snacks like homemade coconut ice cream or grilled corn. The lively atmosphere adds to the experience.
- Sunset Cruises: Enjoy the breathtaking views as the sun sets, painting the sky with color. Some cruises include dinner or entertainment.
Kid-Friendly Dining on Phi Phi
Despite its party reputation, Phi Phi has a surprisingly good variety of dining options, many of which are welcoming and suitable for families, even those with picky eaters.
Here are some highly-rated family-friendly restaurants according to the sources:
- Efe Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant: A cozy atmosphere with a broad menu including Mediterranean, Turkish, and kid-friendly options like kebabs and burgers. Praised for friendly staff and vegetarian/vegan choices.
- Dow Restaurant: Laid-back vibe with an extensive menu of Thai, European, and Israeli dishes. Great variety to please everyone, with vegetarian options and a fun, casual setting.
- View Point Restaurant: Relaxed setting with beautiful views, serving Thai and international dishes. Known for friendly service, a kids’ menu, and accessibility.
- As Good Restaurant & Cafe: Highly rated for friendly staff, wide range of food, and a cozy, casual atmosphere that’s good for kids.
- The Mango Garden: Bright and cheerful, popular for breakfast, brunch, and snacks. Offers a kids’ menu and healthy/vegetarian/vegan options.
- P.P. Wang Ta Fu: A popular Japanese spot with a casual vibe and generous portions of sushi, noodles, and other favorites.
- Anna’s Restaurant: A long-established, family-run place with healthy twists on international and Thai classics. Central location, friendly staff, and relaxed setting make it a family favorite.
- Grand PP Arcade Restaurant: Renowned for excellent breakfasts (Thai & Western) in a laid-back, peaceful setting away from the busiest areas. Offers free Wi-Fi and friendly service.
For more casual bites:
- Street Vendors: A fun way to sample local snacks like coconut ice cream or grilled corn.
- Only Noodles: Great for affordable, fast takeaway noodles, including what some call the “Best Pad Thai”.
- McDonald’s: A little taste of home conveniently located at the entrance of Ton Sai Pier.
Practical Tip: Some popular places, like Garlic 1992 (which serves Thai, global, and breakfast, noted for seafood and sunset views), might be cash-only. Getting to popular spots early can help you avoid lines.
Practical Tips for a Stress-Free Family Trip
Planning makes perfect, especially when traveling with kids. Here are some practical tips for your Phi Phi adventure:
- Best Time to Visit:
- Peak Season (November to April): Offers the best weather – sunny, dry, and calm seas. However, this is also the busiest and most crowded time.
- Shoulder Season (May to October): Expect a higher chance of rain, but showers are often short-lived. The upside? Fewer crowds and potentially better deals on accommodations. We visited in June and found the weather pleasant, able to book tours on the same day.
- Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay: This is a key decision.
- A day trip from Phuket or Krabi might be better if you have limited time or prefer a planned group tour.
- Staying overnight on Phi Phi allows you to avoid peak crowds by heading out early or late. You can often find better deals by negotiating with local tour operators. It also lets you enjoy the evening fire shows. Staying overnight is an easy stopover if you’re traveling between Phuket and Krabi. A full-day trip can feel hectic with early wakeups and packed itineraries.
- Considerations for Staying Overnight: Beyond boat tours, beaches, and fire shows, there might not be a vast array of dedicated “kids’ activities” compared to larger destinations. The island’s bars and nightlife can make it less conducive for kids late at night. Some accommodations are geared towards budget travelers, and nicer hotels may not have space for larger families.
- Safety:
- Be very cautious around wild monkeys. Maintain distance and never feed them. If staying near natural areas, don’t leave food accessible near windows.
- Always observe general water safety, especially with boat tours.
- The sources mention Long Beach is conveniently close to essential facilities like hospitals. [Information not in sources:] While this is noted, detailed information about medical facilities (like clinics, hospital location, type of doctors available) or common health concerns (like traveler’s diarrhea or insect bite precautions) isn’t provided. It’s advisable for families to research local medical options and carry a comprehensive basic first-aid kit. Always consult with your doctor about necessary vaccinations and health precautions before traveling to Thailand.
- Environmental Awareness:
- Remember the environmental fee of 20 THB per adult upon arrival.
- Note that Maya Bay has a yearly closure for conservation, usually for about two months. The exact dates can change last minute. [Information not in sources:] Beyond the fee and closure, consider practicing responsible tourism by reducing plastic waste, using reef-safe sunscreen, and respecting marine life during snorkeling or diving.
- What to Pack: Sunscreen, hats, bug spray, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes (especially for the viewpoint trek), cash (for fees, some restaurants, and street food), and a basic first-aid kit [72 – sturdy shoes implies rough terrain]. [First-aid kit explicitly mentioned in outline but not sources – noted above for health considerations].
- Connectivity: [Information not in sources:] The sources don’t detail Wi-Fi availability or SIM card options. It’s wise to check with your accommodation about Wi-Fi and consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival in Thailand if staying connected is important for your family.
Conclusion: Is Phi Phi Right for Your Family?
Phi Phi Island, with its undeniable natural beauty, can indeed be a wonderful destination for families, especially with careful planning. The key is to adjust your expectations regarding crowds and the party scene.
By focusing on staying in the quieter areas, seeking out family-friendly activities like private boat tours and exploring the diverse beaches, and being prepared for the island’s unique character (like relying on walking and boats for transport), you can absolutely create a memorable and positive experience.
Phi Phi offers unique adventures, stunning scenery, and opportunities for family bonding – you just need to know where to look and how to navigate the bustling main areas to find the paradise that awaits.