Before you go
Koh Phi Phi with elderly parents: what to know
- Choose a guesthouse close to the pier and ask for a ground-floor room. Luggage is moved by barrow or by hand, and some stairs are steep.
- Boat boarding and wet landings are the hardest part of Phi Phi. Pick calm months, sit near the middle of the boat, wear a life jacket and keep one hand free.
- The viewpoint climb is short but steep and hot. Skip it if knees, heart or breathing are a concern, and enjoy the bays from the beach instead.
- Do one big outing a day and rest after lunch. Heat and humidity are high all year, and showers arrive quickly.
- Carry travel insurance with medical cover. Wikivoyage notes a hospital and pharmacies on the island, but serious cases go to Krabi or Phuket.
- Carry snacks and your own medicines. Vegetarian, Jain or Indian meals are not guaranteed on the island or on boat tours.
Easiest first
Places in Koh Phi Phi sorted by walking effort
Easy on the legs (5)
- Bamboo Island (Ko Mai Phai) (Places to visit · 1 to 2 hours on a tour) — Flat sand, but landing from a boat can involve wading and uneven steps. There is little built shade, so bring a hat and water, and check conditions before committing.
- Loh Dalum Bay and the Tsunami Memorial (Places to visit · 45 minutes to 1.5 hours) — Flat sand and paths close to the village, with some soft sand underfoot. Shade is limited in the afternoon, so go later in the day and carry water.
- Pi Leh Lagoon (Places to visit · 30 to 60 minutes as part of a tour) — Mostly seen from a boat with little walking. Boarding and waves are the main challenges, and shade is limited, so bring a hat and water.
- Ton Sai Village and Pier (Places to visit · Half a day, or your whole stay) — Flat and walkable, with no cars, but lanes are narrow, busy and hot at midday. Luggage moves by barrow or by hand from the pier, and some guesthouses have steps. Ask about ground-floor rooms when booking.
- Viking Cave (Places to visit · 15 to 30 minutes on a boat tour) — Viewed from the boat, so no climbing or walking. Swell can make it a bumpy stop, and boats may rock near the cliff.
Some walking — plan a break (4)
- Laem Thong Beach (Places to visit · Half a day) — Quiet and relaxed, but remote: the way there is by longtail or a long walk, and facilities are limited. Consider staying nearby only if you are comfortable with boat transfers.
- Long Beach and Shark Point (Places to visit · Half a day) — The beach is flat, but reaching it means stepping on and off a longtail from the sand or a jetty, or a hot walk on uneven paths. Shade is limited, and seas can be rough outside the dry season.
- Maya Bay (Ko Phi Phi Le) (Places to visit · A half-day boat tour) — The trip involves boarding speedboats or longtails, possible wet landings and a short walk over rocks or a boardwalk. Seas can be rough, so check with the operator and avoid the longer speedboat tours if anyone is prone to seasickness.
- Monkey Beach (Places to visit · 1 to 2 hours) — Reaching the cove needs a boat landing or an uneven walk. Monkeys can snatch bags and bite, so older travellers and children should stay back and avoid carrying food.
Lots of walking or steps — choose carefully (1)
- Phi Phi Don Viewpoint (Places to visit · 1.5 to 2.5 hours including the climb) — Steep, uneven steps and slopes in tropical heat with little shade near the top. Rest points are informal. Older travellers with knee, heart or breathing problems should skip it and enjoy the bay from the beach instead.
Base yourself well
Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi with parents
Ton Sai villageBest for: First-time visitors who want the pier, clinics, restaurants and flat walking close by
Long BeachBest for: Travellers who want a long beach and a quieter stay
Laem ThongBest for: Quiet stays away from the crowds
Small decisions
Practical tips for Koh Phi Phi
- Sea and ferries. Boats run all year, but rough seas from about May to October can cancel or delay trips. Keep a spare day and avoid tight flight connections.
- Getting around. There are no cars. Walk, cycle or use longtail boats, and agree fares and return times before boarding.
- Money. Thailand uses the baht. Carry cash for boats, park fees and small shops. Fees such as the pier arrival charge and park entry change, so confirm current amounts.
- Dress and respect. Wikivoyage notes that many islanders are Muslim. Cover up when walking through the village and avoid topless sunbathing.
- Protect the reef. Do not touch coral or marine life, do not feed monkeys, and carry out your rubbish. Maya Bay has had strict rules since reopening in 2022.
- Health and insurance. There are pharmacies and a hospital on the island, but serious cases go to Krabi or Phuket. Carry travel insurance with medical cover.
- Heat and sun. Days are hot and humid all year. Use a hat, sunscreen and water, and rest in the afternoon.
- Nightlife and noise. Bars near Loh Dalum Bay get loud and close by 01:00. Choose accommodation away from the beachfront if you want a quiet night.
Plan the rest of your Koh Phi Phi trip
Want help?
Have Koh Phi Phi planned around your parents
We build the route at their pace, book the stays, and can add a companion on the ground.