Plan your trip
Phi Phi with kids
Phi Phi has a party reputation, but families love it too: no traffic, calm shallow bays, monkeys, fish everywhere and boat rides every day. The trick is choosing the right base.
Why Phi Phi works for families
- No cars or scooters, so children can walk safely.
- Shallow, warm water on several beaches, with fish visible from the surface.
- Short boat rides to beaches, Monkey Beach and snorkelling spots.
- Resorts in the north have pools, kids' clubs and family rooms.
Where to stay with children
Base yourself in the north at Laem Tong or Loh Bagao, where the large resorts have pools, wide beaches and quiet nights. Long Beach is calmer than Tonsai and has a sandy shore with great snorkelling just off it. Avoid rooms near the bars on Loh Dalum, where music plays late into the night. See Family-friendly hotels.
Things kids love
- Boat trips to Pileh Lagoon, with its emerald water and cliffs.
- Monkey spotting from the boat at Monkey Beach (watch, do not feed).
- Snorkelling off Long Beach or at Bamboo Island, where the water is shallow and clear.
- Fire shows on Loh Dalum early in the evening, before the party starts.
- Kayaking on a calm morning in Loh Dalum Bay.
Babies and toddlers
Paths are uneven, sandy and full of steps, so a baby carrier is far more useful than a stroller. Ask your hotel in advance for a cot and high chair. Nappies, baby food and formula are sold in the village shops, but brands are limited; bring what your child needs. Choose large ferries over speedboats, and life jackets in children's sizes are worth checking before a longtail trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is Phi Phi too much of a party island for families?
The party is concentrated on Loh Dalum beach at night. Families staying in the north of the island or on Long Beach will barely notice it.
Is the Viewpoint hike OK for kids?
School-age children usually manage the steps to the first Viewpoint in 20 to 30 minutes. Go early in the morning or late afternoon, and carry water.