| Stunningly beautiful Phi Phi is still as popular as
ever. There are no cars on the island so it's an altogether different place.
The
main decision is weather you want to be around other people; on a stunning beach
with a resort and not much else or in a busy village that's sandwiched between
two beaches. Ton Sai doesn't have the same seclusion but offers many shops, restaurants
and bars and a little nightlife if that's what you want.
Why not split
your time between the two, either way Phi Phi is great place to stay all year
round.
North Phi Phi Don
Laem Thong (Palm Beach) is on the tip of Phi Phi's northern finger;
thirty minutes by longtail boat from the pier. Far away from the crowds, it's
the more peaceful - and pricier - alternative to Ton Sai. Four resorts
and a tiny local village hide among the trees that line the uncommonly soft beach,
with superb snorkeling two fin-kicks away.
4-star | Beachfront | Bungalows | For families
80 bungalows worth of big name comfort from a big name brand. The Holiday Inn
sets itself apart with activities, including movie and game rooms, complimentary
canoeing and snorkeling gear, a schedule of classes and trips, and the best views
in the area at the hilltop Sunset Satay Bar.
(Holiday Inn Resort - Phi Phi has rooms available at special price on LateStays, starting at 2,999 THB for the next 28 Days only)
4-star | Beachfront | Boutique | Romantic
The most expensive on Laem Thong, and for good reason. 20 exquisitely designed
villas feature a refreshing mix of indoor and outdoor living areas; some with
sea views, others with garden views. Two restaurants plus in-room dining, a swimming
pool, spa, and a selection of water sports activities.
3-star | Beachfront
| Midrange | Bungalows
This quaint resort features 21 large, functional
bungalows - spread out for privacy - with fantastic decks and. An onsite diving
shop, restaurant and bar, great pool, and nightly cultural shows round out the
experience.
2-star | Beachfront
| Pool | For everyone
By no means budget accommodation, but the cheapest
sleeps in this remote neighbourhood. 70 bungalow and townhouse-style (shared walls)
rooms with views of the sea or lush gardens. What the pool lacks in size it makes
up for with views.
|
4-star | Beachfront | Private
| Great Service | Kid's pool
One beach south of Laem Thong on Loh Ba Gao Bay,
Phi Phi Island Village is the most impressive resort on the island. With no other
resorts - or anything else - nearby, it's the place for luxurious relaxation,
completely free of distraction. 104 rooms (villas, suites, studios, and bungalows)
and three restaurants ensure plenty of options. |
Ton Sai Bay
Get your groove on, get your grub on, or get your gab on - Ton Sai
is the place to party, eat, and chat the night away. The conglomeration of shops
on the isthmus separates the boat landing beach (Ton Sai) from the sun bathing
beach (Loh Dalam).
Social butterflies are mad for the place, while others
prefer their holidays a little more low-key. But who's to say you can't have the
best of both worlds?
3-star | Sea View | Hillside
| Convenient Location
A welcome new addition to Phi Phi. The Phitharom's
28 hillside rooms are on the Loh Dalam Bay side of the Ton Sai isthmus. It's an
easy walk to the nightlife and shopping, yet secluded from the late night noise.
2-star | Nightlife | Pool
| Some Sea Views
Right in the heart of Ton Sai village, Phi Phi Banyan
Villa is small (62 rooms), clean, and relatively peaceful. The beach isn't too
far away, there's a pool onsite, and a wide range of dining, drinking, and diving
options are right outside.
2-star | High-rise | Budget |
Pool
You'd have to camp to sleep closer to the pier. Phi Phi Hotel
offers basic accommodation in a central location. Having 40 rooms spread across
five floors, great bay views are possible if you don't mind climbing stairs.
|
2-star
| Hillside | Midrange Bungalows | Near two beaches
A nice compromise between the action of Ton Sai
and the solitude of the northern reaches, these sister resorts (literally two-in-one)
are on the far eastern edge of Ton Sai Beach. The hillside location affords spectacular
views, though the path to some bungalows is steep.
Arayaburi Resort, with 38 residences,
is the smaller (Bay View Resort has 108 bungalows) and newer of the two. |
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