When my wife Asha, our twin boys Tamim and Tanim, and I (Sadat Iqbal) decided on a tropical getaway, we knew Thailand’s famed Phi Phi Islands would be the perfect spot for sun, sand, and family memories. Here’s how we made the journey—from our home in Malaysia to the turquoise waters of Phi Phi—down to every little detail.
Planning & Packing for Two Babies
Traveling with newborn twins means extra planning. We booked our flights three months in advance, choosing a late-morning departure to let the boys sleep through most of the journey. Our checklist included:
- Two cabin-approved car seats (for safety on board and ground transfers)
- Plenty of nappies and formula (packed in carry-ons)
- Sun hats, rash guards, and baby-safe sunscreen for the beach
- Lightweight stroller that folded easily for ferries
Fitting everything into two checked bags and two carry-ons took some Tetris skills—but seeing their excited faces made it worth every zipped pocket!
Flight from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket
We flew out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Thai AirAsia flight FD123, departing at 10:30 AM. The flight was just under two hours, and the boys snoozed through most of it. The tips that helped us:
- Feeding during takeoff and landing to ease their ears
- Pre-board request for extra overhead space near our seats
- Downloadable cartoons on our tablets to keep them amused if they woke up
By 12:25 PM local time, we touched down at Phuket International Airport. Immigration and baggage claim took about 30 minutes—quick and painless even with twins in tow!
Transfer to Phi Phi Island
From Phuket airport, we pre-booked a private minivan transfer to Rassada Pier in Phuket Town (about a 45-minute drive). The driver’s child-safety seats saved us the hassle of installing our own. Once at the pier at 2:00 PM, we hopped on the Phi Phi Cruiser ferry. Highlights of the boat journey:
- Comfortable seating and shade—essential under the tropical sun
- Scenic views of limestone cliffs emerging from the Andaman Sea
- Snack bar onboard serving fresh fruit and cold drinks
The ferry ride took about 90 minutes, setting us down at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don by roughly 3:45 PM.
Settling In on Phi Phi Don
Our family-friendly villa was a short longtail-boat ride from the pier—just a five-minute hop over gentle waves. We arrived as the sun was dipping, giving the boys their first peek at the iconic Maya Bay cliffs in golden light. After a quick unpack, we enjoyed a casual dinner of pad Thai and fresh papaya salad at our villa’s beachfront restaurant, the gentle lull of the sea rocking our boys to sleep.
Exploring Phi Phi & Nearby Gems
Over the next three days, we balanced relaxation with light adventure:
- Snorkeling at Shark Point: The twins watched in awe as colorful fish darted beneath the boat.
- Sunrise at Viewpoint 2: A family-friendly hike rewarded us with panoramic island vistas; we carried the boys in a back-carrier so they could nap on the climb.
- Long Beach mornings: Shallow, calm water perfect for little paddlers.
- Boat trip to Bamboo Island: Crystal-clear shallows where we built sandcastles together.
Every evening, we strolled through Tonsai Village, sampling coconut ice cream and picking up handmade souvenirs—tiny shell necklaces for Tamim and Tanim.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Twins
- Stagger feeding schedules slightly so one baby sleeps while the other nurses/feeds.
- Opt for resorts with kitchenettes to prepare quick meals/formula.
- Use local laundry services instead of packing too many clothes.
- Bring a travel white noise machine to help little ones sleep through unfamiliar noises.
These small adjustments made our days smoother and kept everyone happy and rested.
Farewell to Paradise & Journey Home
On departure day, we retraced our route—longtail boat back to Tonsai Pier at 9 AM, then the 10 AM ferry to Phuket. After a tuk-tuk ride to the airport, we boarded our 1:30 PM flight home. By 4:00 PM, we were back at KLIA, feeling refreshed and full of memories.
As we tucked Tamim and Tanim into bed that night back in Malaysia, we couldn’t help but smile at the photos of their first island adventure. If you’re considering a family trip with little ones, Phi Phi Island delivers stunning natural beauty, kid-friendly activities, and the kind of simple joys that turn into lifelong stories.