What should I take with me?

Water, swimming gear, a towel, a hat, and bug repellent and charged phone (for taking pictures and navigation).

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How to Do Coastal Hike to Long Beach (Haad Yao) on Koh Phi Phi – Detailed Guide

Table of Contents

By Beata – Adventure Travel Writer

Modified on

March 5, 2026

Koh Phi Phi Don might not be well-known for hiking, but it definitely should be!

This small island offers some of the most scenic trails along the Andaman Coast.

After spending a week on Koh Phi Phi, I can guarantee that you will easily find its hidden beauty beyond the usual tourist spots and loud parties.

One of the most stunning hikes is the coastal trail from Tonsai Village to Long Beach (Haad Yao).

This trail is easy to follow, not physically demanding, and absolutely picturesque.

Along the way, you can discover lovely hidden beaches and experience a quieter side of Koh Phi Phi.

Read on to get all the details of this scenic hike to Long Beach on Koh Phi Phi Don!

Koh Phi Phi rocky shore, big stones, boats, clear blue sea and limestone cliffs in the distance

Quick Summary of Koh Phi Phi Coastal Trail to Long Beach:

Begin at Tonsai Pier and head toward Hippies Bar at Laem Hin Beach.
Follow the shoreline path through small resorts and forest trails to reach Viking Beach, a shaded, secluded spot perfect for a quiet swim.
Arrive at Long Beach (Haad Yao), known for its fine sand and excellent snorkelling at Shark Point, where you can spot black-tip reef sharks just 500 meters from the shore.

Map of the Trail from Tonsai Village to Long Beach (Haad Yao)

Long Beach (Haad Yao) is located on the south-west side of Koh Phi Phi Don island.

🚢 Tip: The best way to reach Koh Phi Phi is by ferry or speedboat from Phuket or Krabi. Check the latest schedules and book your ferry tickets on 12Go here to avoid the morning queues at the pier.

How to Hike the Coastal Trail to Long Beach – Detailed Route

1. Head to Hippies Bar at Laem Hin Beach

Starting in Tonsai Village, near the Ao Ton Sai Pier, head south to Hippies Bar, a restaurant located at Laem Hin Beach.

The route is straightforward—first, you’ll walk through the town, but soon you’ll find yourself by the coastline.
Follow the shoreline, and within 15 minutes, you’ll reach Hippies Bar.
Since Laem Hin Beach is usually not marked on maps (I couldn’t find it on Google Maps or Maps.me), it’s better to aim for Hippies Bar as your destination.
It’s a popular restaurant right by the beach.
During the day, boats bring in day-trippers, making the place much busier.
I had lunch there, but due to the beachfront location and its popularity, items on the menu are more expensive than Koh Phi Phi average.
Hippies Bar is also a great location for a lovely dinner, with sunset views, live music and a cozy atmosphere.

Near Laem Hin Beach, you’ll also find a small supermarket, ATMs and stalls selling beach clothes and other touristy items.

I was pleasantly surprised by this part of Koh Phi Phi.

Despite being quite developed, with big hotels nearby, it’s much quieter than the center of Tonsai Village.

Koh Phi Phi village road near next to the mosque

2. Follow Scenic Path to Viking Beach

Continuing south, the area becomes less developed, with small bungalows built on cliffs overlooking the sea.

The path is easy to follow—just stay near the shore and avoid the paths leading into resorts.
Fortunately there is not much place for a mistake.After a short walk, you’ll reach some lovely hidden beaches like Haad Hin Khnom Beach, Love Beach, and my favorite, Viking Beach.
These small, secluded beaches are usually uncrowded with boats and people.

At Viking Beach, you’ll find a small restaurant where you can grab a bite, rent a kayak or snorkelling gear, or even book a boat trip -> browse top rated snorkelling tours on Phi-Phi.

The area is well-shaded, making it a perfect destination to relax by the sea.

It was truly amazing to me to find a secluded beach, which is still within walking distance from the town.

Koh Phi Phi kayaks and boats on sandy Wiking Beach, woman sunbathing on the beach

3. Final Part of the Hike and Entrance to Long Beach

To reach Long Beach, continue along the coastal path.

The hike is peaceful, with stunning views of the turquoise sea.
At some point, near the end of your trek you’ll need to hike up to a village road, which leads to the entrance of Long Beach.
This entrance involves a short but steep hike through the jungle.
There are ropes to help, but it’s not dangerous, as most people take this route without any issues.
After a safe descent, you’ll finally arrive at Long Beach.

Hike Long Beach is one of the most scenic walking routes on Koh Phi Phi. For more trails and travel tips, see my complete Koh Phi Phi travel guide.

What to Do on Long Beach (Haad Yao)

Swimming and Relaxing on the Beach

As its name suggests, Long Beach is indeed long and quite spacious.

However, it can get busy with tourists, boats, kayaks, and snorkelers near the shore.
Soft sand and warm, clear water there are perfect for swimming, but with so many boats around, space in the water can be limited.
Finding a shaded spot can also be challenging, as there aren’t many trees and the beach tends to get crowded.

Fortunately, there are plenty of resorts, shops, and restaurants nearby if you need a break from the sun.

After the hike, you can also treat yourself to a relaxing Thai massage.

While I didn’t see any monkeys on Long Beach or during the hike, it’s possible to spot them in this area, especially in the evening.

Snorkelling and Diving – Shark Point at Koh Phi Phi Long Beach

Many day trips come to Long Beach to snorkel at Shark Point, where you can spot blacktip reef sharks.

This excellent snorkeling location is less than 500 meters from the shore, so you can easily snorkel out from the beach.
At Shark Point, you’ll find large black rocks and coral reefs, which can make swimming a bit challenging, especially with the occasional strong currents.
I recommend wearing a life jacket when snorkelling over the reef, and fins can be a great help too.
Even if you’re an experienced swimmer, it’s important to stay cautious in this area.
In addition to the currents, be mindful of jellyfish and sea urchins, which can be harmful if you come into contact with them.
And because Shark Point is a popular spot, you’ll need to watch out for the many boats in the area as well.

The best time of a day to spot black tip sharks is early in the morning when the sea is calm, and visibility is at its peak.

It’s also less crowded, so it’s definitely worth getting up early for a quieter, more enjoyable adventure.

Additionally, you’ll find a diving center on Long Beach where you can get your PADI license or try a beginner discovery dive.

It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a quieter destination to learn diving.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

In addition to snorkelling, Long Beach is a great place to rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP).

With a bit of paddling, you can get a closer view of the massive cliffs in the distance, part of Koh Phi Phi Leh, where the famous Maya Bay is located.
The calm waters around Long Beach make kayaking an enjoyable and relatively easy activity.

Just remember to apply plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Visiting Loh Moo Dee Beach on the West Coast

After enjoying Long Beach, you can head back to Tonsai Village or take a short 15-minute walk to Loh Moo Dee Beach.

This beautiful beach is on the opposite sidle of the island but is easily accessible from Long Beach.
At the end of Long Beach, you’ll come across a resort located next to the village road.
If you’ve heard that there are no cars on Koh Phi Phi, don’t be surprised if you see a few here.
The walk to Loh Moo Dee Beach is quite easy.
You’ll follow the wide road for a bit, and then take a smaller, but still visible path that leads directly to the beach.

On Loh Moo Dee Beach you will find a cozy restaurant right on the shore and chairs available for rent.

This beach is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, thanks to its clear water and fewer boats sailing around.

Koh Phi Phi people on a sandy beach and under the tree, and mountains in the distance

Alternative Path to reach Long Beach from Tonsai Village (Pier)

If you’re like me, and prefer not to take the same route twice, there’s an alternative path back to Tonsai Village.

This route takes you through the middle of the island, following a village road that goes through dense forest.
It shows you a different perspective of the island.
To find it, you’ll need to head back to the road near the large resort you passed on your way to Loh Moo Dee Beach.
Once you’re back on the concrete road, follow it north.

This alternative path can be considered a jungle hike, although it’s really just a wide road cutting through the Koh Phi Phi’s rain forest.

There’s nothing particularly adventurous about it, but some parts are quite steep, and it can get very hot, so be prepared for that.

Along the way, you’ll pass by a water reserve, a viewpoint, and even a water park.
Although I can’t guarantee the water park is open—as it looked rather abandoned or still under construction.
The path takes you through a forested area that, unfortunately, has some trash scattered around.

You’ll also notice some local houses built far from the touristy areas of Koh Phi Phi.

At the end of the road on Google Maps it might seem like there’s no path, but it’s clearly marked on Maps.me.
You will also see signs along the way pointing you back to the town.
Eventually, the small road will bring you back to the beach.
As you pass by the local school, you’ll quickly reconnect with the path you started on near the Hippies Bar.

Don’t forget travel insurance! EKTA offers affordable options for Thailand.

How to Prepare for a Coastal Hike to Long Beach

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes

Whether you prefer walking shoes or sandals, make sure they’re comfortable.
While the trail isn’t difficult and can be done in flip-flops, keep in mind that it includes a mix of paved paths, sandy beaches, and a few steeper sections.

2. Take Hat and Apply Sunscreen

The sun in southern Thailand can be very intense, especially around midday.
Wear a hat to protect yourself from heat stroke.
Apply reef safe sunscreen.

3. Water and Snacks

Although there are a few shops along the way, it’s wise to pack some essentials like water and snacks.
Staying hydrated is crucial in Koh Phi Phi’s tropical climate.

4. Use a Bug Repellent

Protect yourself from insect bites in the jungle by using some local Thai bug repellent before you set out.

5. Take Map and Charged Phone

The path is easy to follow, but having an offline map downloaded on your charged phone is very helpful.
Some paths lead to resorts, so having a map as a reference is a good idea.
Plus, if you want to explore hidden spots, you might need it.
And don’t forget, that you’ll want to capture stunning views along the way!

Make sure you stay connected while exploring -> get an eSIM before heading out.

6. Remember to Get Some Cash

In Thailand it’s always better to have cash on hand.
And I haven’t seen any ATMs around Long Beach.
You might need cash to rent a kayak, buy lunch, or get a boat back to Tonsai Pier (a boat ride should cost around 100 baht per person).

Koh Phi Phi coastal path leading to Viking Beach

Is Coastal Hike from Tonsai Pier to Long Beach Worth It?

It definitely is!

The hike to Long Beach is a hidden gem on Koh Phi Phi Don that’s perfect if you are looking to discover lesser-known destinations to add to your itinerary.

This trail is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the sea and bay area.
The tiny, secluded beaches along the way are often overlooked by the typical tourist, making them perfect if you want to escape the crowds.
Even if you prefer a shorter walk, you don’t need to go all the way to Long Beach to experience the beauty and tranquility of this part of Koh Phi Phi.
If you appreciate affordability, outdoor adventures, and authentic experiences, this hike is a must-do.
It’s a chance to see Koh Phi Phi from a different perspective, that’s off the beaten path and rich with natural beauty.

Although many visitors usually stay on larger islands like Phuket and Koh Lanta, only taking a day trip to Koh Phi Phi, I strongly recommend staying there longer.

I can guarantee that you won’t regret taking the time to explore this beautiful trail.

Koh Phi Phi stairs in the jungle leading to the Viking Beach

Where is Koh Phi Phi Located and How to Get There?

Koh Phi Phi is located in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, in the northern part of the Strait of Malacca.

It’s actually a group of islands, with the largest and only inhabited one being Koh Phi Phi Don, where Long Beach is located and where we’ll be hiking.

Another very popular island is Koh Phi Phi Leh, known for the natural scenery of Maya Bay, which was featured in the 2000 Hollywood film The Beach.

However, Koh Phi Phi Leh is a protected area, and trekking there is limited to a short tourist walking path to reach Maya Bay.
The only way to visit Koh Phi Phi Leh is by boat, and most people don’t stay there for long (usually around one hour).

Luckily, Koh Phi Phi Don is a place where you can find accommodations, enjoy nightlife, and explore beautiful hikes.

The island is well-connected and can be reached hassle free even from Bangkok.

Saladan Pier serving as a transportation hub for ferries and speedboats coming from Phuket, Krabi Town, Koh Lanta, Ao Nang and other locations.
The journey typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Speedboats are the fastest option but can be bumpy, while larger ferries are more comfortable and affordable, though slower.

FAQs about Trekking to Long Beach on Koh Phi Phi

No, it’s an easy path with few steep sections, though it can get hot.

Yes, I did the hike alone, and it’s very safe.

There are a few signs, and it’s easy to follow with a map if needed.

It takes no more than 2 hours round-trip starting near Tonsai Pier.

It’s popular but not crowded.

You’ll see a few other people trekking along the way.

Not necessary. Covered shoes are better, but flip-flops work too.

Water, swimming gear, a towel, a hat, and bug repellent and charred phone (for taking pictures and navigation).

Yes, the sea views along the coast are stunning.

Yes, there are shops and restaurants at Long Beach, though prices are a bit higher.

Cat lying on the bench on Koh Phi Phi — Cat I met while hiking to Long Beach on Koh Phi Phi

Final Thoughts

Trekking to Long Beach is a must-do if you’re visiting Koh Phi Phi Don and want to connect with nature while discovering peaceful, hidden beaches.

This trail combines adventure with breathtaking views, making it an essential addition to your itinerary.

At the end of the hike, you’ll be rewarded with the beauty of Long Beach, home to some of the best snorkelling spots on the island.

Whether you’re up for the full hike or just a shorter walk, I’m confident you’ll love exploring this beautiful and less-traveled part of Phi Phi Don Island.