The best places to stay on the Phi Phi Islands

January 2, 2019

By Tamara Hinson

The main Phi Phi Island (known as Ko Phi Phi Don) has accommodation for all types of traveller, from beach party-loving backpackers to couples and families. Here are the island's top places to stay.

Ideal for party animals: Ibiza House

Given this property's name, you probably won't be surprised to learn that Ibiza House is one of Phi Phi's liveliest hotels - there are twice-weekly beach parties, and the poolside bar is one of the island's most popular hangouts.

The location is fantastic – Long Beach, Loh Dalam Bay, Viking Cave and Ton sai Village are all close by, and Phi Phi's best bars are within walking (or should that be staggering) distance. The 20 rooms are simple but spacious, and guests can also make use of the hotel's handy laundry service.

Ideal for families and couples: Holiday Inn Phi Phi

The arrival of a Holiday Inn on Phi Phi was met with certain scepticism, but it's actually one of the island's most beautiful properties, thanks partly to its fantastic location on Laem Tong Beach.

There are three pools and a huge range of activities on offer, including yoga and cookery classes, and the brilliant kids' club is the only one on the island to offer children learning-based workshops. If you're feeling flush, opt for the Ocean Sunset Pool villa, which has a private pool and is set into the slopes of a forested hillside.

Ideal for divers and couples: Zeavola

Ramp up the romance by booking a night at this hotel, with its gorgeous villas and spacious suites. It's one of the most luxurious hotels on Phi Phi and its two fantastic restaurants are legendary – Baxil serves up traditional Thai cuisine and Tacada offers Mediterranean dishes with a twist.

Situated on Laem Tong Beach, Zeavola runs its own island tours and diving trips (including night-time diving excursions) and offers a full range of PADI courses, including beginner lessons for children aged eight years and over.

Ideal for travellers after downtime: Phi Phi Relax

If the name of this stunning resort doesn't lull you into a deep chill, a visit certainly will. Perched a cliff side on the undeveloped eastern side of the island, Phi Phi Relax is ideal for those keen to avoid the main tourist drags, but it's still easily accessible, thanks to the free pier-side pick-up service.

There are five types of bungalow on offer, and amazingly, prices start from around £26 a night. The hotel is particularly popular with keen fishermen (and women), thanks to its big game fishing excursions.

Ideal for luxe backpackers: PP Princess Resort

The beach parties at this stylish hotel are famous, and, once the hangover kicks in, there are plenty of home comforts to indulge in, such as the huge Sunday roast lunches.

The hotel has its own diving school and runs a wide range of excursions, including island-hopping trips which take in nearby islands. Rooms (rates start from around £90 per night) are modern and spacious, and the two-storey pool villas are ideal if you're travelling with friends.

Ideal for travellers on a budget: Viking Nature Resort

Viking Nature Resort – located on a deserted stretch of sand between Phi Phi town and Long beach – comprises a cluster of rustic thatched huts built into the hillside. The one-bedroom huts are perfect for couples on a budget, while the largest, Makmai 8, is a sprawling hideaway with a separate living area.

All of the huts come with their own private balconies, and guests can help themselves to the resort's water sports equipment, including snorkelling gear and kayaks. If that all sounds too strenuous, the in-house masseuse is on hand for a beachfront massage.

Ideal for couples: Villa 360

Luxury hotels on Phi Phi are hard to find, but this one ticks all the boxes. Book a stay here and you'll arrive at the harbour to be greeted by a member of staff who'll transfer you to the property in your very own speedboat. There's a gorgeous infinity pool (complete with all-important inflatable swan) and all of the rooms have sea views.

The resort's position on the quieter side of the island makes it ideal for travellers seeking some time out. Not that getting to the busier areas is a chore, thanks to the resort's complimentary long-tail shuttle service and the fleet of golf buggies which staff use to whisk guests from A to B.

Ideal for families: Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort

There are four restaurants at the Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, making it ideal for families with fussy eaters in tow. Getting here is also wonderfully easy – the hotel has a fleet of long-tail boats, allowing staff to offer guests private transfers straight from Phuket.

You'll find it on Loh Ba Gao Bay, which is one of the island's quieter beaches, and a fantastic snorkelling spot, too. There is a huge range of accommodation, including hillside pool villas, sea view rooms and family bungalows. It's also one of few hotels in Phi Phi to offer wedding packages. 

Ideal for party animals: Stones Bar

If getting plenty of sleep isn't a priority, book a stay at Stones Bar and crash out in its dormitory-style rooms. Guests can sign up for booze-fuelled island tours on the property's very own speedboat, and there are nightly fire shows and limbo-dancing competitions.

Stones Bar is on Loh Dalam beach, which is one of Phi Phi's liveliest spots, so it's a great option for solo travellers keen to meet fellow backpackers.

Ideal for discerning backpackers: Blanco Dorm Room

This cheap and cheerful hostel is one of the island's best options for backpackers on a budget. The spectacular open-air, hammock-strewn lounge area overlooks the ocean, and the dormitory-style rooms are comfortable and stylish – the four-bed dormitories are ideal for small groups of friends.

The hostel is on the quieter end of Loh Dalum Beach, and the beachfront cocktail bar is a great spot for a pre-party drink.

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