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Phi Phi Islands

Koh Phi Phi Don is more than just a picturesque island known for its turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. In recent years, it has also become a place where health-conscious travelers look to continue their fitness routines while enjoying a tropical getaway. This island, situated in the Andaman Sea between Phuket and Krabi, may be small, but it still offers various options for working out. Whether you’re a seasoned weightlifter, a casual jogger, or someone who just wants to keep up a bit of exercise during vacation, you can find a gym that fits your needs. Knowing where to look and understanding what each facility offers can help you stay consistent in your workouts without interrupting your holiday fun.

Many visitors ask if gyms on Koh Phi Phi Don compare to those in bigger cities or if they have the right equipment to satisfy a serious fitness routine. The good news is that multiple gyms do exist on this tiny island, ranging from modern indoor facilities with a good variety of equipment to basic outdoor spaces that provide an “old school” feel. Prices, amenities, and peak hours can vary, so it’s helpful to gather the best information you can before choosing a spot. Below is a deeper look into what’s currently available and how to pick the right gym for your workout preferences.

Phiphi Gym & Fitness

Phiphi Gym & Fitness is often cited as the island’s best-equipped and most popular gym. Situated near Tonsai Village, it’s relatively easy to reach from most of the island’s guesthouses and hotels. The facility is air-conditioned, which is a big plus for those unaccustomed to Thailand’s tropical heat. Inside, you’ll find a decent range of free weights, including dumbbells that go up to heavier sizes for more advanced lifters. There are also multiple machines for both cardiovascular training and weightlifting, such as treadmills, stationary bikes, cable machines, and leg press apparatuses.

Because Phiphi Gym & Fitness is favored by many visitors, it can get quite busy, especially in the late afternoon when people return from morning tours or beach activities. The gym offers day passes for around 200–300 THB, which might fluctuate a bit based on the season. Weekly and monthly memberships are also available if you plan an extended stay. Lockers are usually provided but can be limited, so arriving early ensures you get one if you want to secure your belongings. The staff here speaks basic English, making it easier for tourists to communicate about membership questions or equipment usage.

PP Seaview Gym

Located closer to the beach, PP Seaview Gym is another option for those seeking a dedicated workout space. While it might not be as large as Phiphi Gym & Fitness, it offers a welcoming environment and a basic range of equipment. You can expect to find a few cardio machines and a modest collection of free weights. There may be a smaller selection of machines like lat pull-downs, chest press, and cable crossovers, but it’s usually enough for a standard full-body workout.

PP Seaview Gym prides itself on being more relaxed and less crowded. If you dislike training in a hectic environment, this could be a perfect choice. The price for a single session often hovers around 200 THB, though check their updated rates on arrival. Its opening hours can vary, typically from mid-morning (around 9:00 or 10:00) to early evening. As the name suggests, you might also enjoy a partial view of the sea while you exercise, which adds to the overall laid-back vibe. Make sure to bring a towel and stay hydrated, since the facility may not be as intensely air-conditioned as others on the island.

Resort and Hotel Gyms

Some travelers prefer the convenience of a gym located right within their accommodation. While not all resorts on Koh Phi Phi Don have gyms, a few mid-range to higher-end properties do offer small fitness rooms. These facilities often include cardio equipment like treadmills and elliptical machines, along with a few sets of free weights. The advantage is clear: you won’t need to leave your resort, making it easy to squeeze in quick workouts before breakfast or after a day of island-hopping.

Keep in mind that resort gyms are sometimes exclusive to guests. If you’re staying elsewhere, you may not be allowed to enter. You should also be aware that these smaller gyms may lack advanced weightlifting machines or extensive free-weight selections. However, if you’re just looking to maintain your fitness with some light cardio or basic strength training, these facilities are perfectly sufficient. Ask about their hours and whether they charge any additional fees for usage, as this can vary from one resort to another.

The Old-School Outdoor Gyms

Phi Phi Don used to have a classic outdoor gym that attracted lifters who enjoyed a back-to-basics approach. It was a place where rusty dumbbells, makeshift benches, and open-air vibes gave a rugged charm. Over the years, the “old-school” outdoor scene has diminished due to tourism development and renovations aiming for a more polished look. However, a few pockets may still exist, tucked away near local residences or in lesser-traveled corners of the island.

If you’re determined to find a traditional outdoor gym, your best bet is to ask around among long-time expats, local boat operators, or even staff at smaller guesthouses who might know. These outdoor gyms often don’t have clear signboards or social media presence. Expect very minimal equipment—perhaps a bench, a few free weights, and some bars that have seen better days. While this type of setup may not cater to everyone, it can offer a unique experience for those who appreciate a more rustic workout environment.

Gym Prices, Passes, and Memberships

Prices for gyms on Koh Phi Phi Don vary, but typically you’ll pay around 200–300 THB for a single day pass. Weekly passes can range from 600 to 800 THB, and monthly memberships might start around 1,500 THB and go upward, depending on the facility’s level of equipment and comfort. Phiphi Gym & Fitness, for instance, might give you a slight discount if you commit to a week rather than paying daily. It’s always best to inquire directly at the gym you’re interested in, as promotions or seasonal deals can affect the final price.

Payments are commonly made in cash, although some gyms do accept card. Because technology usage can be hit or miss on the island, it’s safest to carry enough cash to cover your pass if you’re visiting a gym for the first time. Also note that the standard of equipment can correlate with the cost: if you’re paying a slightly higher fee, you’ll likely have better air conditioning, more machines, and possibly a cleaner space overall.

When to Work Out

Timing your gym visits is crucial if you’d like to avoid crowds and make the most of your session. Mornings in Phi Phi can be relatively quiet at the gyms, because many tourists head out early for snorkeling trips, boat tours, or diving excursions. Getting in a workout before 10:00 can help you avoid lines for machines or free weights. Midday can also be calmer, but the tropical heat may be more intense, even if the gym is air-conditioned.

Late afternoons, around 16:00 to 18:00, tend to be the busiest. This is when many people return from day trips and want to squeeze in a workout before dinner or nightlife activities. If you have a flexible schedule, you might try hitting the gym in the late morning or early afternoon to enjoy a less crowded environment. Keep an eye on posted hours; while some gyms open as early as 7:00 or 8:00, others may only start operating around mid-morning. Most close by 20:00, so plan accordingly if you’re used to late-night workouts.

Navigating Peak Hours and Crowds

During high season (November to April), Koh Phi Phi Don sees a significant increase in visitors. This uptick in tourism can translate into busier gyms, especially the most popular ones like Phiphi Gym & Fitness. If your schedule only allows you to work out in the late afternoon or early evening, prepare for potentially limited bench space or longer waits for certain machines.

If you’re someone who prefers a quieter environment, consider going in small groups or even solo so you can move around more easily. Another tactic is to tailor your workout around less-used equipment. For instance, if you see that the treadmills are fully occupied, try focusing on free weights or bodyweight exercises until a machine opens up. Alternatively, inquire with the gym’s front desk staff about less crowded times or whether they have a sign-up sheet for equipment to manage high volume hours.

Air Conditioning and Equipment Variety

Air conditioning is a major selling point for many travelers who come from cooler climates. While some gyms on the island do have strong air conditioning, others rely on fans and open windows to circulate air. It’s a good idea to ask about this feature ahead of time if you’re sensitive to heat or if you plan intense workouts. Phiphi Gym & Fitness is known for decent AC coverage, while smaller, more budget-friendly gyms might only have partial cooling.

In terms of equipment, expect a balanced array of free weights, cable machines, and basic cardio options like treadmills and stationary bikes in most full-fledged gyms. If you’re after specialized equipment, such as a squat rack with bumper plates for Olympic-style lifts or advanced CrossFit setups, you may find the choices limited. However, for most travelers looking to maintain a general fitness routine, the available machines and free weights should suffice. Checking for images or asking about specific equipment before you commit can help ensure your needs are met.

Practical Tips for Staying Active

Beyond the gym scene, Koh Phi Phi Don also offers plenty of other ways to stay active. Hiking to the Phi Phi Viewpoint is a popular choice, giving you an intense cardio session coupled with stunning panoramic views. Snorkeling, diving, and swimming are also excellent workouts, especially if you want to take advantage of the island’s clear waters. If you prefer to keep it simple, consider morning beach jogs when temperatures are cooler, or practice yoga on the sand before the crowds roll in.

Hydration is vital in the tropical climate, so always carry water or an electrolyte drink to help you handle the heat. Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing, and don’t forget sunscreen if you plan to work out outdoors. Talking to fellow travelers or locals can also be beneficial, as they might share updates about new gyms or classes that have recently opened. By combining gym sessions with the island’s outdoor activities, you can maintain your health goals without sacrificing any of the fun that Koh Phi Phi Don has to offer.

Picture taken at Long beach on Don Phi Phi, with Koh Phi Phi Lee in the background.

The Phi Phi island and especially Maya Bay have become extremely popular after the movie “The Beach” from year 2000 starring Leonardo DiCapiro.

The tourism became so extreme that the government decided to close down Maya Bay in 2018 an will at least stay closed to 2021 and probably even longer. The reason for the lockdown of Maya Bay was the extreme negative impact on the wildlife, especially the corals.

The Phi Phi islands is luckily much more than Maya Bay. Phi Phi Islands consist of two main islands, Ko Don Phi Phi and Ko Phi Phi Lee. In addition, there are small surrounding islands. Ko Phi Phi Lee is an uninhabited island that has the status of a national park and is the island where, among other things, the popular Maya Bay attraction is located. Ko Don Phi Phi is the inhabited main island known for its dire nightlife, many hotels and is very touristy.

You can still visit Don Phi Phi and stay on one of the many local hotels. It is business as usual on this extremely popular and touristy island. You can also take a day trip to Phi Phi Lee, either on an organized tour with a larger boat or a speed boat. You can also rent a longtail boat that you rent for half or full day. The price should not be more than 1800 baht for half day or 3500 baht for full day. You may also bargain these prices down a little bit.

On such a daytrip to Phi Phi Lee, you will visit many nice spots around the Island, even Maya Bay, but you can only dock the boat and swim outside the bay. You van not enter the beach itself. Another pearl is Pileh Lagoon that is absolutely worth a visit. Make sure to visit on the right spot in the day because of the tide and the angel of the sun since the direct sunlight is limited in the lagoon most of the day. The longtail boat driver will know what is best.

Another popular attraction is Monkey Beach on Don Phi Phi. Even if its on the main island where you probably stay, you will need a boat. Since it’s a natural stop on the way to Koh Phi Phi Lee, you will probably visit Monkey Island on a day trip to that island.

There are also many nice places beaches around the main island of Don Phi Phi. You might need a longtail boat to travel to some of these beaches. Be aware of the low tide so you might be able to return. Because of the low tide and the fact that it is very shallow on several beaches, it is not possible for the longtail boats to enter or leave the beaches when there is low tide. Ask the longtail driver to advice you on this.

A must do on Don Phi Phi is also to visit the Viewpoints. This are called Viewpoint 1, Viewpoint 2 and Viewpoint 3. All of them are on the same track, it only depends of how far and high up you want to go. Be aware of it is to ways to visit the viewpoints. When you start to go up you should walk in stairs. If not, you’re on the wrong path. Look for Arboreal Resort which is right below Viewpoint 1.

Sunset from Viewpoint 2 at Don Phi Phi.

Is it still worth visit Phi Phi, considered that Maya Bay is closed?

If you don’t mind that Don Phi Phi is very touristy with a high party factor, you will absolutely still find it worth a visit for a couple of days. Be also aware of high prices compared to the mainland. If you like a more quit stay, you might visit one of the resorts with Long beach or Loh Ba Kao Bay, but then you will need a longtail boat to travel to the center of the island.

So, our conclusion is that the closing of Maya Bay shouldn’t be a reason to not visit the Phi Phi Island. There are so much more to discover and things to do.

 

If you are a young party lover, then this is definitely the place to go to in Thailand. Although if thispartylife is not for you, you can have a nice stay on the Phi Phi Islands, but consider a hotel away from the center.

How long will Maya Bay be closed?

Maya Bay will be closed at least until June 2021, but much indicates that the closure will last for many years beyond this. In other words, you should not postpone a scheduled trip in 2021 because of this, as it may take many years before you get the opportunity to visit this particular beach anyway.