Koh Phi Phi’s popularity makes it one of the most expensive places in Thailand. There’s no doubt about it – the place is amazingly beautiful and despite the high prices we reckon you should try and see this just once in your backpacking trip. Koh Phi Phi consists of two islands; Koh Phi Phi Leh and Koh Phi Phi Don – the only inhabitated one is Koh Phi Phi Don as the other island is a natonal marine park. The island of Koh Phi Phi Don is very small and there is only one main place to stay which is known as ‘Phi Phi village’.
Unfortunately the island took a hard hit from the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004, destroying almost all of the island’s infrastructure. However, as the restoration and rebuilding project goes on and the pressure for more beds persists, the village continues to sprawl further back into the hills with an increased number of high budget hotels and resorts.
As a general rule, be prepared to pay more money for less quality on this pricey slice of paradise…
CHEAP CHEAP FOR YOU! 300 baht ($10) & under:
There is one backpacker dorm on the rock where beds go for 200 baht a night. If you don’t mind roughing it in a room that smells of slightly sweaty boys then this might just do, though beware of the ants sharing your room! Other than that you really won’t find much under the 300 mark. Look out for basic style bamboo huts, which have shared bathrooms and all the basic amenities. These often go for around 250 baht (with a fan) if you’re willing to barter. Try J.J. Bungalows or J.J. Guesthouse for a Phi Phi-style ‘bargain’ located right in the middle of the action. A top tip if you’re looking to stay on the cheap is not to book in advance… photos can be deceiving! Dump your backpacks in a cafe with a friend on guard and take a look around. This way you know exactly what you’re buying!
- Top Tip: Tried and tested by many backpackers before you, the cheapest way to get a room in Koh Phi Phi is to grab a job flyering or serving behind one of the many beach bars. This way you get to sip on free buckets and while away your evenings chatting to fellow backpackers and dancing on the beach, whilst earning a little cash. Some even throw in accommodation for free! If not, there are a number of rooms available to rent by the month. If you’re willing to stay with a Thai family in the heart of the village then a basic tiled room with en-suite will set you back just 5,000 baht a month. Now this is as cheap as chips.
Budget bungalow-style accommodation on Koh Phi Phi.
WON’T BREAK THE BANK: Around 500-750 baht ($15) & under:
You are really looking at the higher end of this scale – 800 baht and up for something decent. Prices are generally the highest in the popular Sairee Beach, whereas if you are prepared to stay further out in Mae Haad or even venture to the far East of the island you can find slightly cheaper options. Though the ‘far East’ may sound a long way away, remember that the island is tiny and everywhere is within walking distance! Hence the beauty of the island; there are no cars or roads, only bicycles and the occasional motorbike. However if the centre of town is your thing, then the Seashell Hut has small but clean rooms for a reasonable price (800 baht in low season but up to 1,000 in high season), as does H.C.Anderson but this one seems to be permanently full!
- Top Tip: Take into account that there is heaps to do here, from trips to Maya Bay set of ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio to scuba diving with leopard sharks, along with the booming nightlife! Between day trips and bucket bars, your room won’t be needed for more than a few hours kip each night…
Friends gather outside the bungalows in Koh Phi Phi.
SPLURGE: 1000 baht ($25) & above:
For 1,000 baht you’re really not looking at anything special here. Compared to the north of Thailand where this kind of money gets you a luxury hotel, 1000 baht on Koh Phi Phi is a basic, air-con room. But as the baht increases, so does the quality and there are a great number of newly built luxury resorts for those flashpackers amongst us! 4,000 baht for example will get you a Deluxe room at the highly rated Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel. So perhaps Phi Phi is the place to splurge…
