Not two words that you usually associate with each other. But for those who just can't sit for more than a few minutes on the beach or a pool lounger there are some easy and some seriously more adventurous hikes to be done on Phi Phi.

First there are no route maps (Yet!) and the more serious hikes are not even documented and they are through jungle, so not for the navigationally challenged or for the lone walker.

 

 

For those who know Phi Phi - the town sits on a narrow strip of sand between two bays, Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay. Both have beautiful beaches, resorts and bars dotted along them. There are paths at either end which allow you to cut through to the other side which means there's a nice circular walk skirting the town and both beaches. Its an easy walk all on one level and you can figure it out easily or use one of the local town maps (available in most tour agents) - the walk is not signposted or marked on any map but its easy to work out.

 

Longbeach has a deep shelf which makes it very good for swimming and snorkeling, its also quieter than the main area of Phi Phi Town. Normally people staying at Longbeach or visiting will take a taxi boat, but it is possible to walk. Longbeach is located on the Tonsai bay side of the Island past the school around a couple of small bays.

 

 

The walk to viewpoint has to be the one well known hike on Phi Phi. Its a walk that meanders through the town and jungle up to the tip of the 'mountain'. From the top you get an awesome view of the town and island. There are 3 levels Viewpoint 1, 2 & 3 and during the day there are little shops/drink stalls enroute and other travellers to meet at the different stopping points. By far the best is to make it to the top, just for the view. There are a couple of alternate routes up and down, but these are marked on most maps of Phi Phi (which are often given away free at tour agencies and resorts)

 

 

The luxury resorts are located northerly on the east side of the island and generally people take taxi boats to visit these resorts and private beaches. I had often wondered if it was walkable overland. Turns out it is, my new friend Ruthie from the US has done it! The starting point is viewpoint and it's an unsignposted jungle walk to get there. There's apparently an extension you can do to cut across to the other side of the island, at the far end of Loh Dalum bay but i don't know anyone that's done that. Due to the time it takes it may be easier to do a one-way trip and get a taxi boat back to the main town (700-1000 Baht). There are no cafes/shops/houses en route and no people walking this, so it's not a good hike to do alone or if you are easily spooked or frail. Very few local people even know this hike can be done, so getting a guide would be difficult - it's definitely one for the adventurer. You'll need to take the usual 'off the beaten track' hiking precautions, cover up, take plenty of water, snacks, don't walk alone etc and you'll definitely be doing this at your own risk.