Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular islands in Thailand! It draws a mix of travelers planning everything from luxury holidays to budget backpacking trips. Picking the best hotels on Phi Phi island is essential ensuring you have a great visit. If you want to jump right into it, below is our quick guide to finding a Phi Phi island hotel. However, this article will be a complete breakdown of where to stay on Phi Phi Island and the different areas to consider.
Phi Phi Island Hotel Quick Guide
- Best Luxury Hotel: SAii Phi Phi Island Village
- Resort Right in the Mix: Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort
- Best Hostel: Sweed Dee Hostel
- Budget Traveler: P2Wood Loft
- Inexpensive Eco-stay: Viking Nature Resort
Our Stays on Koh Phi Phi
Our first visit to Koh Phi Phi was almost 10 years ago during a wild budget backpacking trip. This was back when it was more common to just show up off the ferry and walk around looking for a Phi Phi Island hotel.
Traveling through the Thai islands was obviously much different back then. These days, it’s so much easier to book Phi Phi Island hotels (Booking.com), fun tours (GetYourGuide), and transportation (12Go).
We mention this specifically for where to stay on Phi Phi Island as there are so many hotels in a small area. Quite honestly, some of them are not very nice! This is the experience we had on our first trip as we just picked at a spot at random while strolling through town with our bags.
Fast forward to our most recent visit, and we made sure to book one of the best hotels on Phi Phi island with great reviews. Still, you should know that we didn’t spend much time in the room as we were busy enjoying the outdoors on Koh Phi Phi.
For us, Koh Phi Phi is all about adventure! If you’re looking for a fancy resort holiday then we recommend visiting Phuket or Krabi instead.
There are amazing hotels in Phuket like The Shore at Katathani Resort, InterContinental Phuket Resort, and The Nai Harn which would be perfect for a luxury vacation. We even had our own Tropical Pool Villa at the Krabi Resort in Ao Nang Beach!
What is the Best Part of Phi Phi Island to Stay In?
The easiest option will be the port as that’s where the ferries arrive. However, this is also where the loud bars and wild nightlife is located.
If this isn’t your scene then we recommend heading to Long Beach which is our favorite area. You can either hike in or take longtail boat from the port depending on how much luggage you have.
Please note that if you are traveling with rolling suitcases it can be difficult to get to many of the best hotels on Phi Phi Island. Most of the desired properties are not actually located in the port!
It’s best to arrange for someone to help you with your bags with your accommodation beforehand. You can also plan to hire a longtail boat when you arrive depending on where your Phi Phi Island hotels are.
We made this map to help you better understand the island so you can pick where to stay on Phi Phi Island.
Is it Worth it to Stay in Koh Phi Phi?
This totally depends on your own travel style and how much time you have with your itinerary. If you’d prefer to stay on a different island (and make a day trip to Koh Phi Phi) it’s definitely possible.
One popular way to do this is to stay on Phuket and book a boat trip to Phi Phi Island. The fast ferry takes just one hour to get between the two destinations in Thailand (read our full guide here!) There are also slow ferry options which take a bit longer, but will save you some money.
Many companies offer boat tours from Phuket and Krabi that include snorkeling, scuba diving, and trips to the most beautiful beaches. Below are the most highly-rated day trips from Phuket and Krabi to Koh Phi Phi.
→ From Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch
→ From Krabi: Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour
How Many Days Should You Spend on Phi Phi Island?
With that said, we recommend spending at least two nights at a Phi Phi Island hotel if your itinerary allows for it. The main reason we suggest this is because of the amazing long tail boat trips that are offered around the islands (like this one!)
By staying two nights or more, you can make a trip to the Maya Bay, around the island of Phi Phi Don, and to see wildlife on Monkey Beach. You can rent a private long tail boat right in the port or join a larger group tour (this one goes at sunrise to skip the crowds) depending on what you’re looking for.
This will be a much more relaxing experience than trying to fit it all in on a day trip. You’ll also have the choice to get a traditional Thai beach massage, visit Tonsai Village, and the take part in the wild and fun nightlife of Koh Phi Phi after your days out on the water.
How to Pick the Best Hotels on Phi Phi Island
Budget and location are the two biggest things to look into when deciding on where to stay on Phi Phi Island. The first thing to know is that there are no cars at all on Koh Phi Phi.
This means once you get off the boat you will have to walk, take a scooter taxi, or jump on a longtail boat to get to your accommodation. Some locals will even wait at the port and offer to transport your luggage in a wheelbarrow!
As we’ve said, it’s so important to understand what area you’ll be in when searching for the best hotels on Phi Phi Island. It’s common for travelers to book an accommodation and then have to pay extra money for longtail boat after arriving… All because they didn’t realize where their hotel was actually located!
Best Hotels on Phi Phi Island (Near the Port)
1. Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort – $$$ – Photos & Current Prices – This is one of the most popular resorts on the island. It is right on Loh Dalum Bay and has a massive outdoor pool bar overlooking the water.
2. ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel and Resort– $$- Photos & Current Prices – Central location on the port side where the ferry boats come in. It’s a large hotel with both ocean and jungle views.
Best Hostels on Phi Phi Island (to Party)
3. @The Pier 519 Hostel– $ – Photos & Current Prices – Quick walk to the pier and beach. Fun Phi Phi Island hotel with good reviews and a shared lounge.
4. Blue Flow Hostel – $ – Photos & Current Prices – Basic hostel with free wifi that has a great location in the middle of all the action.
5. Sweed Dee Hostel – $ – Photos & Current Prices – This is one of the highest-rated hostels on the island. Rooms are pretty standard, but there is a nice common space and it’s close to everything you need in town.
Top Hotels on Long Beach (Our Favorite Area)
6. Viking Nature Resort – $$ – Photos & Current Prices – Unique nature huts with sea views set on the hill above the beach. This accommodation will certainly make you feel like you’re in a fantasy world!
7. Paradise Pearl Bungalows – $$ – Photos & Current Prices – Modern bungalows with views of Long Beach that are decorated in a traditional Thai style.
8. Phi Phi The Beach Resort – $$$ – Photos & Current Prices – This beachfront property is one of the largest in the area. Deluxe rooms include include a range of amenities every traveler will appreciate. We love the balconies with sea views, swimming pool, fitness centre, and easy access to the fire shows on the beach.
9. HIP Seaview Resort – $$ – Photos & Current Prices – These bungalows are all about the view as they are set back above the beach!
Best Hotels on Phi Phi Island for Budget Travelers
10. P2Wood Loft – $ – Photos & Current Prices – We stayed here and had such a great visit. It’s perfect for budget travelers who want a clean room in the center of Tonsai Village. The hammocks on the rooftop were an added bonus and where we went when we needed a place to relax.
11. Phi Phi Banyan Villa – $$ – Photos & Current Prices – Spacious villas located within walking distance of Tonsai and Loh Dalum Beach.
Best Hotels on Phi Phi Island to Escape Crowds
The important part to remember about this next section is that you’re not able to walk to these Phi Phi Island hotels from the port. To get here you will have to pay for a scooter taxi, longtail boat, or arrange a transfer with your hotel.
Many of the best hotels on Phi Phi island actually offer transportation. At the very least, they will be able to recommend different options for you to get there. Definitely make sure to contact wherever you’re staying before you go!
LaemTong Beach
12. Phi Phi Holiday Resort – $$ – Photos & Current Prices – This resort is set right on a stunning white sandy beach. You can sip beachfront cocktails while dipping in and out of their infinity pool.
13. PP Erawan Palms Resort – $$ – Photos & Current Prices – Traditional Thai style hotel located right on the beach. This is an option for those on a tight budget who want to stay in Laemtong.
Loh Ba Kao Bay
14. SAii Phi Phi Island Village – $$$ –Photos & Current Prices – This is one of the BEST hotels on Phi Phi Island if you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront resort! It has a beautiful beach, an amazing pool, friendly hotel staff, and modern Thai decor. SAii is ideal for an upscale Koh Phi Phi holiday.
15. Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort – $$ – Photos & Current Prices – This luxury hotel has an eco-island feel with bungalows on the hillside above the sea.
Phak Nam Bay
16. Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort – $$ – Photos & Current Prices – A Phi Phi island hotel set on a remote sandy beach. The views speak for themselves here as you can have your own private patio facing the jungle or sparkling waterfront.
What Not to Miss on the Phi Phi Islands!
It’s easy to see how picking the best hotels on Koh Phi Phi can help you have an incredible visit. The great part is there is everything from luxury resorts to cheap hotels, and backpacker party hostels. The average price of hotels jumps up in the busy high season so it’s a good idea to book in advance.
Once you pick your ideal Koh Phi Phi hotel, what’s next? First, start by reading this helpful article we put together for what to know before your first visit.
→ 25 Phi Phi Islands Tips to Know BEFORE You Go to Thailand
Epic Phi Phi Island Boat Trips
After you get a better understanding of the island, it’s time to look into all the great water activities. No visit to Koh Phi Phi would be complete without hiring a private longtail boat. We did the trip to world famous Maya Bay and loved it so much that we booked the same driver to circle Koh Phi Phi Don the next day.
We did these as two different trips. However, know that you can combine them into one epic day of exploring. If you’re on a budget you can even check out the awesome group boat trips like these ones.
→ How to Get to Maya Bay Thailand (By Private Longtail Boat!)
Phi Phi Island Hiking
Last but not least, one of our favorite things to do on Koh Phi Phi was hiking to the viewpoints above town. There are actually three different lookouts, but the second was definitely our favorite!
This is the famous photo of Tonsai Beach and Loh Dalum Bay that may have brought you to this island in the first place. From here, you can even see some nearby islands in the distance.
If you’re staying near the port and Tonsai Village you can easily make the hike from town. Just be prepared for a steep climb and bring plenty of water on a hot day.
→ Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint 1, 2 & 3: Best Hike & Lookouts on the Island
Have any questions about this article or want to share more of the best hotels on Phi Phi Island? Let us know in the comments below
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Thailand Travel Planning
Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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Helpful Thailand Posts
Phuket: 22 Things to Do – Old Town Food Guide – 6 Sunset Spots – Rawai – Elephant Sanctuary – Promthep Cape Sunset – Sunday Night Market – Phuket Old Town – Big Buddha – Renting a Motorbike
Phuket Beaches: 15 Best Beaches – Nai Harn & Yanui – Kata Beach – Kata Noi – Nui Beach
Koh Phi Phi: Ferry from Phuket – 25 Things to Know – Maya Bay Private Tour – 3 Viewpoint Hike – Monkey Beach – Phi Phi Don Boat Tour
Railey Beach: 12 Things to Do – 3 Epic Beaches – Krabi to Koh Phangan
Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan 10 Things to Know – Bottle Beach Koh Phangan – Koh Tao 12 Things to Know – Freedom Beach Koh Tao – Koh Samui
More: Planning Thailand Trip – Koh Lipe – Chiang Mai
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
Oh gosh, this looks like a dream holiday destination! Fantastic list thank you for sharing
Author
Such a fun spot to visit in Thailand! Hope our list of the best hotels on Phi Phi island helped you out
I have tried going to the port with my friends when I read here that there were loud bars and party nights there. We have decided to go there and try partying. It was so much fun and the map is such a big help. Thank you!
Author
Glad you enjoyed it!