Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi

Most people visit Koh Phi Phi on a day trip from Phuket and Ao Nang, Krabi. These boat trips take you to the most popular spots on the islands, such as Maya Bay, Pi Leh Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and sometimes even Bamboo island.

This day trip is a good choice if you have a short time and just want to see the most famous attractions of Phi Phi islands. However, Koh Phi Phi has more than that, and I highly recommend spending a night or two on the island to experience what a day trip simply can’t provide.

These activities include hiking around the island. If you like hiking, you will love to stay in Koh Phi Phi. The viewpoints have stunning views at sunrise and sunset. You will have time to explore the beautiful tranquil beaches in the north like Laem Tong, Loh Bakao, Loh Lana, and Nui Beach.

The nightlife in Koh Phi Phi is lively, especially in Tonsai Village and Loh Dalum Beach. If you’re into partying, you should definitely stay overnight in the main village on Koh Phi Phi Don.

In this article, I will share with you the best places to stay in Koh Phi Phi. These include the best areas, best beaches on the island and I will also recommend some hostels and resorts in each area. If you are looking for Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi, keep reading. 

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Best Areas to Stay in Koh Phi Phi

Phi Phi islands has two main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi Don is where you can find accommodations and tourist facilities such as restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. Phi Phi Leh is an uninhabited island, home to Maya Bay, famously known from the movie “ The Beach”.

There are several areas on Koh Phi Phi where you can book your accommodations. These include Tonsai Village/ Beach, Loh Dalum Beach, Long Beach, Laem Tong, Loh Bakao, and Phak Nam Bay.

Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi map
Where to Stay in Koh Phi Phi map

Here’s a simple rule: if you’re not into tourist crowds and nightlife, it’s best to avoid staying in the main village, Tonsai, and Loh Dalum Beach. Head to Long Beach if you want a quiet vibe but still an easy walking distance to the main town, head to Laem Tong and Loh Bakao if you want a more secluded feel.

Tonsai Village, Tonsai Bay, and Loh Dalum Bay are the best places to stay in Koh Phi Phi near the island’s main pier and the nightlife. These areas have a good range of budget hostels, especially inside the village. You will have to pay a bit more when staying in the beachfront area.

If you want more secluded beaches and don’t mind being away from the nightlife, you can choose to stay in the northern part of the island in the Loh Ba Kao Bay and Laem Tong area. 

The downside of staying on the northern coast of the island is that hotels and restaurants here are usually more expensive than in the south. You will also need to pay extra boat rides to travel between these beaches to the main town for the nightlife, and the pier for boats.

There are also several small beaches and bays with just one resort on it. If you want to get away from it all, you can consider staying in Phak Nam Bay. This place is mainly accessible by long tail boats. But, you can find interesting hiking routes from this resort to get to the main village during daytime.

Whether you choose to stay in Koh Phi Phi Don, you can easily book a guided boat tour to explore famous sights on the island group including Phi Phi Leh with Maya Bay, Viking Cave, PiLeh Bay.

I was a solo female traveling on a budget looking for somewhere within walking distance from the pier. I booked hotels at the last minute in the high season, I didn’t have many options to choose from. 

I stayed at The Pier 519 Hostel. It is overall a clean and safe hostel for me. You can read moore about the details of my stay in Phi Phi at the end of this article.

My top hotel picks in Koh Phi Phi:

Best Places to Stay in Koh Phi Phi

1. Tonsai Beach

Tonsai Beach is the first beach you see when arriving at the island on the speed boat at Tonsai Pier. Tonsai Pier divided this bay into two areas, West Tonsai Beach and East Tonsai Beach. 

Tonsai Beach
Tonsai Beach

The beach at the pier is packed with long tail boats and speed boats. There are fewer boats to the west and east of the pier, and you can find some designated swimming areas. You can enjoy stunning views of the dramatic limestone karsts from anywhere along the beach.

West Tonsai Beach has a quieter atmosphere than East Tonsai and the village. You can find a few tourist amenities such as resorts, restaurants, and massage shops. It is enough for a quiet comfortable stay but still walking distance to a range of bars and shops in the main village. Phi Phi Cliff Resort is located here.

Tonsai Pier
Tonsai Pier

East Tonsai Eastward is busiest with lots more resorts lining the beach. It is also conveniently located between the main village and Long Beach. You can easily walk to the more beautiful Long Beach within 10-15 minutes along the lovely coastline.

If you want to stay right on the beach and within a few steps away from the main village and all tourist amenities and nightlife, Tonsai Beach is a good choice. Stay in West Tonsai if you want a quieter atmosphere, and in the east if you want to be in the heart of the action.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi in Tonsai Beach:

Phi Phi Villa Resort

This 3-star beachfront resort is one of the best places to stay on Tonsai Beach. It is located east Tonsai Pier, which is the quieter side of Tonsai Bay. You will still be within walking distance from all the bars and restaurants of the main village while having a beautiful seafront location. 

When you arrive at Tonsai Pier, you can just walk for 15 minutes to reach the resort. The staff will help to pick up and drop off  your suitcases at the pier on your arrival and departure.

The hotel has a big swimming pool area and a nice beach area with sunbeds and umbrellas. There is also a fitness center, indoor game, onsite ATM machine, and self laundry serviced that works 24hours.

In my opinion, Phi Phi Villa Resort has a prime location and excellent services, making it one of the most popular places to stay in the central area of Phi Phi. You can easily walk to the main town, Tonsai Beach, Loh Dalum, and the beautiful Long Beach.

Mama Beach Residence – Adults Only

Mama Beach is a great place to stay in Koh Phi Phi for couples and singles. It is located on the westernmost tip of Tonsai Bay. It has a relaxing location but still within 10-15 minutes walking distance to the action, nightlife, and restaurants. 

When you arrive at the island’s main pier, the staff will help you bring luggage to the hotel.mThe rooms at Mama Beach are clean and comfortable. 

They have a nice onsite bar and restaurant on the beach. Breakfast is nice with a wide range of dishes. The hotel can help you arrange tours, private long-tail boats at a reasonable price.  

2. Tonsai Village 

Tonsai Village is the lively heart of Koh Phi Phi, located between Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay. It is a maze of alleyways that is lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, convenient stores, massage shops, souvenir shops, street food stalls, travel agencies, and all kinds of tourist amenities. 

Tonsai Village
Tonsai Village

Tonsai Village has a wide range of budget-friendly hostels and small guest houses, which is suitable for budget travelers and backpackers. It is also a great base for those who want to be within walking distance from the pier. 

When you arrive at the pier, it’s just a short walk to your hotel. And when it’s time to leave the island, you can just as easily walk back to the pier for the speedboat.

This helps save money on long-tail boat rides. If you stay in other areas like Laem Tong, Loh Bakao, Phak Nam Bay, or Long Beach, you need to pay an extra few hundred Baht to get to your destination.

Tonsai Village is small, you can easily get around on foot. There are no vehicles in this part of town. You can see motorbike taxis and songthaews in the north like at Laem Tong or Loh Bakao village.  

Tonsai Village market
Tonsai Village market

The island’s main village is well-developed, offering a wide variety of Thai restaurants alongside major international chains like McDonald’s and Burger King.

Tonsai Village is a short walk to the island’s two main beaches, Tonsai Beach and Loh Dalum Beach. You can easily access the beach for swimming, kayaking, watching the sunset, and enjoy the nightlife.

The location of the village is also central to explore the whole island. You can walk to Long Beach, Loh Moo Dee Beach, as well as hike to the 4 viewpoints, Laem Tong, Loh Lana, Nui Beach, Loh Bakao Bay, and Phak Nam Bay. I explored all of these beaches on foot.

Tonsai Village is home to dozens of travel agencies, so you can easily book boat trips to Maya Bay, Lipeh Bay, and Viking Cave on Koh Phi Phi Leh. There are lots of early trips to avoid crowds.

If you’re visiting and have a group of friends, consider booking a private long-tail boat early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. The cost is usually around 2,500–3,000 THB per boat for a 4-hour trip, which is quite reasonable when split among a group.

The downside of staying in Tonsai Village is that it is very crowded and busy all day and night, especially in the high season. If you’re a light sleeper, make sure to read hotel reviews carefully before booking. 

If you can’t stand the tourist crowds, you can pay a bit more to stay on the northern beaches at Laem Tong or Loh Bakao.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi in Tonsai Village:

Panmanee Hotel

Panmanee is a popular 2-star hotel located close to everything, including the pier, the main beaches, and a range of restaurants, bars, massage shops, self-service laundry, and travel agencies. It is a short walk from Tonsai Pier, which is convenient for accessing the ferries and speed boats.  

Panmanee hotel offers spacious air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom with a hairdryer. It is ideal for both families, couples, and solo travelers. From here, you can walk to Tonsai Beach, Long Beach, Loh Dalum beach, and numerous viewpoints easily.

PP Insula

This is a 2-star good value for money guesthouse located close in the heart of Tonsai, within easy walking distance to Tonsai Beach and Loh Dalum Beach. It is close to everything but still offers a quiet vibe for a good night’s sleep. You can find many cafes, restaurants, bars nearby as well as a food market. 

P2 Wood Loft

This is a popular 3-star hotel in the central area of Tonsai Village. They offer big rooms with comfortable beds and private bathrooms. This is a good option for those who want to stay close to the beaches and all tourist amenities.  

3. Loh Dalum Beach

Loh Dalum Beach is a party beach in central Koh Phi Ph, right next to the main village. It is just a 10 minutes walk to Tonsai Beach and Tonsai Pier. The beach has a vibrant party scene with several famous bars lining along its shore.

Loh Dalum Beach is a busy beach, packed with people in the late afternoon gathering to watch sunset, and in the evening to enjoy the nightlife and fireshows at the beachfront bars. 

Loh Dalum Beach at sunset
Loh Dalum Beach at sunset

The beach has fine white sand, crystal clear water, and stunning views of the limestone karts. It is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, watching the sunset, SUP boarding, and kayaking. Tables and chairs set out on the sand around sunset time at the beachfront bars and restaurants.

Loh Dalum is also lined with longtail boats, where you can book water boat taxis to other beaches around Koh Phi Phi and to nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi Leh.

Loh Dalum at night
Loh Dalum at night

There are some resorts on Loh Dalum Beach. If you want to stay right on the beach and is within walking distance to the main village, Loh Dalum Beach is a good location for you along with Tonsai Beach.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi in Loh Dalum Beach:

Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort

CoCo is a popular 4-star mid-range beachfront resort on Loh Dalum Bay. It has a prime location close to major points of interest such as the TonSai Pier, Tonsai Beach, and Loh Dalum Bay.  You can easily walk to a range of restaurants, bars, shops, and cafes.

CoCo resort is a beautiful place to stay and good value for money but there might be some noise from the bars nearby, so be sure to bring some earplugs with you, especially if you are a light sleeper.

Dee Dee Sea Front

Dee Dee is a good value for money hostel located within walking distance from several beaches such as Loh Dalum and Tonsai Beach. It offers clean and good size rooms with dorm beds. If you are budget travelers, this is a good choice.

4. Long Beach

Long Beach, aka Had Yaow Beach, is a long beautiful beach located south east of Tonsai Bay. This beach is just 20 minutes from Tonsai Beach and the village. Long Beach has fine white sand, stunning views, and, most importantly, a quieter atmosphere compared to Tonsai Beach and Loh Dalum Beach. 

Sunbeds on Long Beach
Sunbeds on Long Beach

If you want to stay at a beautiful beach with a relaxing atmosphere, but still within a reasonable walking distance from the nightlife, the pier, and maintown, Long Beach is a great choice.

The beachfront of Long Beach is lined with resorts and bungalows. The accommodations here are a little more expensive compared to the main village, but it is well worth it, in the tranquil location but still easy access to all tourist amenities.

There are plenty of shades on the beach as well as umbrellas and sunbeds. You can use it by ordering a meal or drink from the beachfront resorts, bars and restaurants.

Long Beach Koh Phi Phi
Long Beach Koh Phi Phi

Long Beach is known for its close proximity to the Blacktip Reef Shark Point. You can take long tail boats, snorkeling, and diving shops from this beach to Shark Point to see black tip reef sharks and vibrant marine life. 

Blacktip Scuba diving center located at the end of the beach where you can take the PADI Open Water Diver course with them.

Blacktip Scuba Dive Center
Blacktip Scuba Dive Center at Phi Phi The Beach Resort

When you first arrive at Tonsai Pier with a suitcase, it is better to take a 5 minutes long tail boat ride from Tonsai to your resort in Long Beach (100-200 baht per ride). After arriving at the hotel, you can explore the main village on foot from Long Beach.

The coastal road connecting Tonsai and Long Beach is a beautiful, almost paved road but narrow, and involves some steps, and a short jungle trail. You will see some other small beautiful coves and beaches along this coastal road like Viking Beach and Love Beach.

From Long Beach, you can walk for around 15 minutes to Loh Moo Dee Beach. This is another beautiful but secluded beach on Koh Phi Phi. It is a great place to swim, chill, sunbathe, snorkel, and escape from the crowds. There is only one small bar on the beach.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi in Long Beach:

Phi Phi The Beach Resort

This beach resort is one of the best places to stay in Long Beach of Koh Phi Phi. It is located on  the hill at the southern end of Long Beach. It is a perfect base for families and couples who want to stay away from the noise, crowds, and party scenes of the main village.

Phi Phi The Beach Resort
Phi Phi The Beach Resort

The resort offers a free boat ride from/to Tonsai Pier at check in and check out time. This makes it convenient for traveling between the island’s main town and the resort upon your arrival and departure. 

You can get into the town by 20-30 minutes walking through the jungle (best to do during daytime) or just take a 5 minute ride on a long tail boat.  They have scheduled boats to the town center for 100 baht per ride.

The hotel has multiple swimming pools and a good onsite restaurant. They have an onsite Dive Centre Blacktip Scuba where you can take P.A.D.I. Courses as well as snorkeling or scuba diving tours to Shark Point nearby.

The downside is that it is on the side of a mountain, so it will involve a bit of climbing up and down to the room. It can be inconvenient for elderly people and people with disabilities. You can request the hotel to transfer from/ to the room by their transportation. 

Viking Nature Resort
Beach at Viking Resort
Beach at Viking Resort

Viking Nature Resort is one of the most popular places to stay in Koh Phi Phi. It is best suited for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a relaxing holiday with private beaches and good locations. It is just a 5 minutes walk from Long Beach and 25 minutes walk from Tonsai Pier, the main village via a beautiful coastal path.

Viking Resort
Viking Resort

According to nearly 5000 reviews on the booking website, the resort is a good value for money hotel. It provides beautiful bungalows, a private beach area, and an amazing onsite restaurant. They offer a variety of room options to suit different budgets and needs, so you’ll have plenty to choose from

PP Blue Sky Resort

PP Blue Sky is a beautiful family-run beachfront hotel on Long Beach of Phi Phi island. It is located on the northern end area of Long Beach and is a nice place for a relaxing stay. 

PP Blue Sky Resort
PP Blue Sky Resort

The resort has basic beachfront bungalows, kayak rental, taxi boat service, and a tour desk. There are several restaurants, an ATM, and a mini mart near the resort if you don’t want to venture to the town center.

5. Laem Tong Beach

Laem Tong is a remote beach located in the northern eastern end of Phi Phi Don, 45 minutes long tail boat ride from Tonsai Village. The beach is easily accessible by long tail boats, but if you like walking, you can get to other parts of Phi Phi on foot.

Laem Tong Beach
Laem Tong Beach

If you want a peaceful beach holiday (a bit isolated), Laem Tong Beach is the perfect choice. The beach is lined with high-end resorts, so it’s more suitable for those who have a good budget.

The beach has a long stretch of fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. It isn’t packed with people like in the beaches near the main village. There are beach swings, and lots of shade on the beach. You can see sunbeds and umbrellas but mostly for the guests of the beachfront resorts.

Laem Tong Beach is a relaxing place for swimming, sunbathing, and taking a long walk along the beach. There are diving centers on the beach where you can take diving lessons with them.

Laem Tong has quiet nightlife. Staying here means you will just chill on the beach and enjoy the resort’s facilities. It does not have abundant tourist amenities like in the main village. 

Beach bar on Laem Tong
Beach bar on Laem Tong

The beachfront resorts will have their own restaurants, bars, and minimarts. Some popular places to eat and drink on Laem Tong include Jasmin restaurant, Malee Seafood, Coco Bar, Chilli & Pepper. 

You can take a long tail boat to get to the main village for bars and parties. There are plenty of boat excursions from Laem Tong around Koh Phi Phi. You can hire private long tail boats from Long Beach to Maya Bay, the most popular attraction on Koh Phi Phi.

The closest village with tourist amenities is in Loh Bakao, located 30 minutes walk via a nice coast road from Laem Tong beach. There are also taxi stands at the beginning of Laem Tong where you can take a motorbike taxi to Loh Bakao within 5 minutes.

From Long Beach, you can do a little trek to visit the Cape Laem Thong, which is the north end point of Phi Phi island. It has a good view of the ocean.

In addition to Loh Bakao, you can walk to Loh Lana Bay, Nui Beach (at low tide), Phi Phi viewpoints, and Tonsai Village. The island is well-connected with many hiking trails that involve hiking up and down the inclined terrain. If you like hiking, you will love it.

There are several small islands within a short boat ride from Laem Tong, including Bamboo Island, Hin Klang island, and Mosquito Island. You can take boats to the islands for swimming and snorkeling.

The downside of staying in Laem Tong Beach is that you will need to pay an additional long tail boat ride to travel from/ to Tonsai Pier and the main village. It can also get pricey, and it’s usually not included in the accommodation.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi in Laem Tong Beach:

Phi Phi Holiday Resort
Phi Phi Holiday Resort
Phi Phi Holiday Resort

This is a popular 4-star beachfront resort located on Laem Tong Beach. It is a large resort with more than 15 rooms, occupying a long section of the beach. The resort has a 2 infinity swimming pool overlooking the beach and a kid-friendly pool. There are lots of sundecks around the pool and on the beach.

Other facilities include the PADI accredited Scuba center, onsite restaurant/cafe, and a fitness center. 

The resort is located 25-30 min longtail boat travel from Tonsai Pier. You can book a boat independently to get to the hotel and ask them to organise it for you with an additional charge.

PP Erawan Palms Resort

PP Erawan Palms is a lovely resort in the remote area on the north of Koh Phi Phi, offering both Thai style hillside and beachfront accommodation. It offers a tranquil location for a relaxing stay and away from the busy Tonsai Village. 

PP Erawan Palms Resort
PP Erawan Palms Resort

The resort has onsite restaurants, bars, and a swimming pool. You can walk to the local minimart, as well as several other beach bars and restaurants. For more access to the amenities, head to Loh Bakao Village which is 30 minutes walk or 5 minute motorbike taxi ride from the resort. 

Phi Phi Natural Resort

As its name suggests, this beautiful 4-star resort is surrounded by nature. It is located at the northern end of Laem Tong Beach, offering both hillside and beachfront bungalows. You have easy access to the public beach as well as the hotel’s private beach. 

Phi Phi Natural Resort
Phi Phi Natural Resort

If you stay up on the hillside, be prepared for a lot of climbing. Go for the lower bungalows if you’d rather skip the stairs. Make sure to bring insect repellent, as there might be mosquitoes around.

6. Loh Ba Kao Bay

Loh Bakao, also known as Loh Bagao, is one of the longest beaches on Koh Phi Phi Don, located on the east coast. It offers a quieter atmosphere compared to the beaches near the island’s main town. If you want to stay in a peaceful area away from the island’s main town, Loh Bakao is a good choice.

Loh Bakao Beach
Loh Bakao Beach

The beach is backed by a village with lots of restaurants, bars, shops, massage shops, and convenience stores, so if you want to easily access a range of tourist amenities on foot. 

There are several resorts and hotels on Loh Ba Kao Bay and its village. The famous SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort dominates the beachfront area. You can find Villa 360 Resort at the southern end of the beach and Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort on the north of the village.

Loh Ba Kao Bay is a good location to explore the northern beaches. You can get to Loh Lana Bay, Nui Beach (low tide only), and Laem Tong on foot easily. Additionally, motorbike taxis work in these areas, so you can use them to get around faster.

Loh Bagao Bay is easily accessible by long tail boat from Tonsai Pier or Loh Dalum Bay. It is a 30 minute ride away. Be mindful that the taxi boat is subjected to tide levels. Long tail boat tickets can be expensive for some people, around 600-1000 Baht per boat for one way.  

Loh Bakao Village
Loh Bakao Village

It is possible to explore all other parts of Phi Phi on foot from Loh Bakao, especially if you like jungle hiking, you can walk all the way from Loh Bagao Bay to Phi Phi Viewpoints (4 viewpoints 1,2,3,4), Tonsai Village, and Loh Dalum Beach.

This area has a local attraction is Mangrove Suspension Bridge overlooking the beautiful mangrove forest. There is a Lo Bakao Viewpoint within a short walk from the bridge where you can have some nice views of Loh Bakao Beach.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi in Loh Ba Kao Bay:

SAii Phi Phi Island Village

SAii is one of the best places to stay in Koh Phi Phi. It is a beautiful 5-star resort set in a secluded location on the Loh Ba Gao Bay. The resort has a private beach area, 2 swimming pools, a well-maintained garden, and excellent breakfast. 

SAii Phi Phi Island Village
SAii Phi Phi Island Village

The resort has boat services between Tonsai and Loh Bakao a few times a day. You can use it with a surcharge of 300 baht each ride. If you use a private boat, it is around 100o baht. You can also hire taxi boats at the pier when you arrive at your own fee.

Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort

This is a 4-star good value for money and beautiful resort located in a remote area on the north east coast of the island. It is within walking distance to Loh Bakao village and the beach, where you can find supermarkets, massage shops, and restaurants. You can also walk to Laem Tong and Loh Lana Beach.

Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort
Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort

Without the nightlife, it is a good place to relax and unwind. The resort has beautiful bungalows with ocean views, as well as a cool swimming pool, and an onsite restaurant serving both Thai and Western dishes. You can book a trip to Maya Bay and around the island through the resort. 

Villa 360 or Centara Villas

Villa 360 Resort and Centara Villas are located in the similar area in the southern end of Loh Bakao Bay. It is high on a hill, surrounded by jungle, and has stunning views of the ocean. 

View from Villa 360
View from Villa 360

For easy access to other parts of the island, it is best to rent a long tail boat. The resort offers scheduled shuttle boat services from/to Tonsai Pier. It has an infinity pool, onsite restaurant, and spacious bungalows.

At low tides you can walk across the beach to reach the neighbor SAii Phi Phi Island Village. There are also jungle paths where you can hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint and Tonsai Village from Villa 360’s location. 

The downside of this hotel is its isolation and hilly location, which can make getting around a bit tiring, especially if you’re not into walking or climbing.

7. Phak Nam Bay

This is a remote beach located on the east coast of Koh Phi Phi, 30 minute long tail boat ride from Tonsai Pier. It is home to only one resort, Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort, so if you want to be away from it all for a few days, Phak Nam Bay is a good choice.

Phak Nam Bay
Phak Nam Bay

You can reach Phak Nam Bay by long tail boats or via a long hike through the viewpoints and the jungle trail. The resort has daily shuttle boat services between Phak Nam Bay and Tonsai. The boats run a few times a day with a surcharge of 150 baht each ride. 

You can have some nice views of Phak Nam Bay from Phi Phi Viewpoint 4. This is a hidden viewpoint in Koh Phi Phi, located within a short walking distance from Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint 3.

Phak Nam Bay view from Viewpoint 4
Phak Nam Bay view from Viewpoint 4

Phak Nam Bay beach has golden sand, crystal clear water and lots of shades. It is a good place for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. 

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi in Phak Nam Bay:

Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort

Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort is the only beach resort in Phak Nam Bay. It offers a private beach and secluded atmosphere, which is ideal for families, couples, and nature lovers who enjoy tranquility, and want to escape from tourist crowds in Tonsai Village. 

Phi Phi Relax Resort
Phi Phi Relax Resort

The resort offers long tail boat services from/to Tonsai Pier with an additional charge of 150 baht. It is recommended to wear short pants and bring light luggage, as there is no pier at Phak Nam Beach where the hotel is located. You might get wet when getting on or off the boat.

Bungalow at Phi Phi Relax Resort
Bungalow at Phi Phi Relax Resort

In addition to the beach, the resort is surrounded by jungle. You can stay in a bungalow high on the hills for stunning views or at the beachfront bungalow for easier access to the ocean.

The resort has a lovely restaurant/ bar where you can have good food options. They provide plenty of sunbeds and tables along the shore. 

Bar at Phi Phi Relax Resort
Bar at Phi Phi Relax Resort

The downside of staying here is that it is isolated. To reach the main village, you have to either take a long hike through the jungle, or a boat ride with an additional surcharge.

8. Rantee Bay

Similar to Phak Nam Bay, Rantee Bay is a remote beach located on the east coast of Koh Phi Phi, a 20 minute boat ride from Tonsai Pier.

If you like private beaches, isolated feel, and tranquility, Rantee Bay beach is a good choice. It is home to one resort, so you will likely chill at the resort’s amenities. 

You can access Rantee Bay by long tail boat or by hiking from the track between the main village and the viewpoint. The hike is quite steep, especially at the section between viewpoint 1 and Tonsai Village.

The downside of staying in a remote spot is that amenities are limited, so you’ll mostly be hanging out at your resort. The boat ride also depends on the weather and the tide. If you want to stay late for nightlife at the main town, it is not guaranteed that you will have the boats back to the resort. 

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi in Rantee Bay: 

The Cove Phi Phi

The Cove Phi Phi is a great location for those looking for a secluded and remote location to stay in Koh Phi Phi. The resort has a private area and is surrounded by nature. They offer beautiful bamboo bungalows with stunning views and an onsite restaurant.

The Cove offers free shuttle boats for checking in and checking out the hotel. This is convenient because it is located in a dislocated area. If it’s not during check-in or check-out, you’ll have to pay an extra 200 baht for the boat ride at the scheduled time.

Where did I stay in Koh Phi Phi – My personal experiences 

I traveled to Koh Phi Phi in mid January, which is part of the high season in Thailand. I didn’t book the hotel in advance. I made the reservation at the last minute, just a few days before arriving in Koh Phi Phi. 

By then, most of the hotels were already fully booked, so I didn’t have many options left. The ones still available were either very expensive or had poor reviews.

So, my recommendation is to book your hotel in advance, especially if you are traveling to Koh Phi Phi in the peak tourist season, from November to May. Hotel prices often spike during the high season, but you might be able to find a good deal if you book a few months in advance.

I traveled to Koh Phi Phi as solo female travelers on a budget. I wanted to stay somewhere within walking distance to the pier, so I can save money on transportation (mostly longtail boats). 

The Pier 519 Hostel was one of the few places available when I booked at the last minute, so I went with it. If you’re in a similar situation but manage to book in advance, you’ll definitely have more and likely better hostels and guesthouses.

The Pier 519 Hostel 

Location

The Pier 519 Hostel has a perfect location in Tonsai Village, midway between TonSai and Loh Dalum Bay. It is just a few minutes walking distance from the pier, the nightlife area, Tonsai, and Loh Dalum Beach.

street near Pier 519 Hostel
street near Pier 519 Hostel

When I arrived at Ao Tonsai Pier from Koh Lanta, I just needed to walk to my hotel. The roads are paved, so it was easy to drag my medium suitcase. It is also convenient to just go to the pier, buy a speed boat ticket to get to my next destination in Koh Yao Yai. 

If you are traveling on a budget like me, you can save lots of money on long tail boats by staying in the main village. If you stay in places like Long Beach, Loh Ba Kao Bay, Laem Tong Beach, you might need to pay an extra few hundred Bahts for each time travel. 

Lots of restaurants, bars, shops, cafes, travel agents, and laundry shops are within walking distance from the hostel. Places like McDonald’s, Burger King, and 7-Eleven are also nearby. I did my laundry at a shop close to the hotel; it was convenient and reasonably priced.

Even though it has a prime location, it is still away from the buzzing nightlife and party noise on Loh Dalum Beach and the nightlife heart of Tonsai Village. You will have a quiet night sleep while still within a short distance from all tourist amenities. 

Amenities 

I booked a single bed in a Dorminory room with a shared bathroom. My room was on the second floor, and since there was no elevator, carrying my medium suitcase up was a bit of a challenge, but it wasn’t a big issue for me.

dorm rooms in The Pier 519 Hostel
dorm rooms in The Pier 519 Hostel

My bed has a curtain, a thick blanket, a pillow, a light, and a power socket. The room and the bathroom were clean. There were also shower gels and shampoos in the bathroom. The room temperature is kept quite low, and you don’t have the option to adjust it.

The lady owner is friendly and helpful, always greeting guests with a warm smile. They also help to arrange tours and transportation to other islands from Koh Phi Phi.

my bed at The Pier 519 Hostel
my bed at The Pier 519 Hostel

The Pier 519 Hostel is overall a safe and good place to stay in Koh Phi Phi for budget travelers and those who want to stay close to the island’s main pier and the nightlife. I booked this hotel at the last minute and it suited me well. As I mentioned earlier, if you book in advance, you’ll have access to better options.

I hope you have found my article helpful. To wrap up, If you want to stay close to the pier and the night, I recommend staying in the central part of Koh Phi Phi Don, which includes Tonsai Village/ Beach and Loh Dalum Beach. 

If you want to stay in a quieter area but still close to the nightlife, consider staying in Long Beach. It is indeed a family-friendly area with some nice resorts and kid-friendly beaches.  

On the other hand, if you want a more serene and luxurious beach holiday, head to the north at Laem Tong Beach and Loh Ba Kao Bay. These beaches have plenty of upscale resorts for a nice retreat.

About Author: Huong Tran

My name is Huong and I have a big passion for Thailand. I have traveled to Thailand many times as a solo traveler, couples, and with friends. There was a time when I traveled across the whole country from north to south as a solo traveler, exploring each city on a motorbike, and I loved it. I hope you found helpful information about Thailand on my website.

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