10 things you should know if you are bringing a baby or small child to Phi Phi Island

1) Getting on and off the ferry can be a bit of a challenge if you travel with lots of baby gear - be prepared or travel light. If you book a resort or hotel before you come - they will often offer to meet you at the pier and may help with your bags - check when you book.

2) Microwaves and/or kettles in hotels/rooms for heating babyfoods are very rare on Phi Phi, unless you go 4 or 5 star (electricity is very expensive on the island so rooms tend to have very few electrical items) - so its a good idea to be self sufficient and invest in one of those electric baby food heaters a portable mini kettle or a food flask. There is often hot water in flasks at mini-marts (generally used for take-away coffees).

3) Cots - although many resorts will offer a spare separate bed, very few have cots (not something the Thai generally use) - check before you come or be prepared to be inventive or make do.

4) Mosquitos - like many parts of Thailand there are mosquitos on Phi Phi, particularly in the evening and nighttime and many people use mosquito spray or burn mosquito coils or mosquito nets. So, it a good idea to travel with your own baby mosquito net especially if you are staying in budget rooms as these may not have nets provided. The low or rainy season is the worst for mosquitos.

5) Its hot here, even in low season, so if your baby/child finds it difficult to sleep with a fan or in a hot room, pay a little extra and upgrade to aircon. Check before you book.

6) No cars - there are no cars and therefor no taxis on the island, so even though its a small island (15 mins from one end to the other) you'll probably be doing a bit of walking to get the most out of the island. You'll probably find a baby sling or lightweight travel pushchair the best options. Large pushchairs or prams would be difficult to navigate into some of the smaller shops or places.

7) Sun protection - many people are now travelling with baby/child sunsuits which cover the whole body, these are great for small children as it means that can go in and out of the water without you having to remember to apply more sunscreen. Hats are recommended and if you are walking around, go Thai style and carry an umbrella (good for sun as well as rain!).

8) Food - There are a small selection of baby foods in the minimarts and restaurants often have the ubiquitous child menu of chips, egg and pizza etc. Very few restaurants or resorts have any baby food facilities (unless you go 4/5 star) so you'll need to be self sufficient and mash the old fashioned way with a fork. Thai children will often each rice mixed with the tinyest amount of sauce from a grown up dinner. There's a huge range of carton drinks in the mini-marts, including 100% juices and milky drinks from cows milk, soya & rice - the Thai children love these.

9) Water safety - as far as i know none of the swimming pools or beaches on Phi Phi have any lifeguards, So always be vigilant of your children near water, never leave them alone on the beach or in a swimming pool. If you go on a boat trip be aware that the longtail boats generally only have adult size lifejackets, so either ask around for a boat driver who can supply the child ones or better still, if you plan to be enjoying some bobbing around on the sea, bring your own.

10) Health. The ice on Phi Phi is all good. Buy the mid range or above bottled water, the cheaper Thia one is drinkable but less pure. Do not drink the free water left on the tables at restaurants, this is generally the cheaper water - buy a bottle its safer. There is a hospital on Phi Phi - to the right of the pier but they just deal with minor things, anything major and you will need to get a speedboat or ferry off the island to Phuket. The pharmacists on the island are fantastic and they will generally help you out with any medical advice.



So having said all that - its till a great place to bring children, if you plan ahead to make it easy for yourself. The Thai children are very friendly and your children can enjoy making friends with the local children, spending time on the beach or paddling in the sea.