Where to stay in Phi Phi Islands: Best Areas (+ Hotel Options)

Phi Phi Island, or Koh Phi Phi, as the locals lovingly call it, is so much more than just a notorious and popular party island in Thailand. Sure, you'll find plenty of parties, and you can have a blast partying until sunrise at different clubs or on the beach, just like many other tourists and backpackers.

But guess what? There's another side to Phi Phi Island waiting for you to explore – hidden beaches, tranquil resorts, and breathtaking views.

No matter what kind of trip you're planning, whether you're a backpacker or on a family vacation, Phi Phi Island has the perfect spot for you to stay. To help you decide where to stay in Phi Phi Islands, I've put together a guide featuring my favorite areas, beaches, and hotels.

Best areas to stay in Phi Phi Islands

North Phi Phi Island

My favorite spots on the northern side of Phi Phi Island are Loh Dalum and Laem Tong.

Loh Dalum is conveniently located, being close to the ferry dock. It's perfect for budget travelers and backpackers with its affordable hostels and wild nightlife.

On the other hand, Laem Tong is a bit further out in the north of the island, offering a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere with plenty of resorts, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle.

South Phi Phi Island

My go-to areas in the south are pretty similar to the ones up north. We have one area right in the center and another one a bit further out. Right by the ferry dock, you'll find Ton Sai Village, which is basically the beating heart of Phi Phi Island. It's the first place you'll arrive and where most of the action happens.

However, if you're looking for something more laid-back, Long Beach in the south is perfect for a chill resort vacation, great for couples and even the whole family.

1. Where to stay in Phi Phi Islands for the first time & nightlife: Ton Sai Village

Ton Sai Village is an awesome starting point for any newbie to Phi Phi Island. With its central location on the thin strip of land linking the two parts of the island, it's the perfect spot right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. I had a great time exploring all the shops and markets and finding some perfect souvenirs.

When the sun goes down (often even before that), Ton Sai transforms into one of Thailand's best nightlife scenes! There are many different restaurants and bars that are just perfect for kicking off the night. Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy dinner or a lively pub or club to dance the night away, this place has got you covered.

However, if you've got that itch to explore beyond Ton Sai Beach, you can also just hop onto one of the longtail boats that offer rides to different parts of Phi Phi Island or some of the nearby islands.

Best area for:

• First-timers

• Nightlife

• Central location

Things to do in Ton Sai Village

One of the most popular experiences here, and something you definitely shouldn't miss, is joining a longtail boat tour. They depart right from the beach and take you to the famous and stunning Maya Bay, where they filmed “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio. After they'll also take you to several amazing snorkeling spots and to Monkey Beach as well.

For all my foodie friends, I have to say that the absolute best sushi in town is at P.P. Wang Ta Fu.

And if you're craving some incredible Italian cuisine, you can't go wrong with Atom Resto Phi Phi. Both of these gems are conveniently located right in the heart of the city, making them the perfect starting point for your night.

Best hotels to stay in Ton Sai Village

($$$) Phi Phi Villa Resort

One of my favorites, and definitely one of the best hotels in Ton Sai Village, is Phi Phi Villa Resort. It's tucked away between palm trees and greenery and is honestly a great oasis in the middle of the craziness of this island. Its outdoor pool is one of the best features!

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($$) P2 Wood Loft

A fantastic mid-range choice is the P2 Wood Loft, which offers modern rooms right in the heart of town. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the beach and boasts a wonderful terrace with hammocks – perfect to hang out in the evening!

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($) Blue Flow Hostel

If you are looking for something more affordable, the Blue Flow Hostel is the perfect choice. It's in a great location, right near all the action of Ton Sai Village, and offers basic but cozy dorm rooms for budget travelers.

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2. Where to stay in Phi Phi Islands for budget travelers & backpackers: Loh Dalum

Just a stone's throw from Ton Sai Village, you'll find the area of Loh Dalum Beach. It has some of the best white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea that I've ever seen.

Not only is Loh Dalum Beach one of my favorite beaches, but it's also the go-to spot for budget travelers and backpackers. Its central location places you in the middle of all the action.

Loh Dalum is also a paradise for foodies on a shoestring budget. You'll find a variety of delicious and wallet-friendly eats serving Thai and international dishes. With most hostels situated here, you'll easily find an affordable place to rest after exploring the island.

Best area for:

• Budget travelers
• Backpackers
• Central location
• Nightlife

Things to do in Loh Dalum

Let's start things off with a little bit of exercise! When you're in Loh Dalum, you should definitely make your way up to the nearby Koh Phi Phi viewpoint. It's just a 20-minute hike, and the amazing views over Loh Dalum and Ton Sai Village are totally worth it.

When it comes to my food recommendations for the area, I've got you covered as well. Let me suggest a couple of spots you might enjoy. For some great and affordable places to grab a cocktail and chill on the beach, recommend Slinky Bar and Sunflower Beach Bar, which is maybe more for drinks than food.

And if you're craving some cheap and authentic Pad Thai, Only Noodles is your go-to.

Best hotels to stay in Loh Dalum

($$) Sea View Bungalow

These adorable bungalows are perfect for budget travelers looking to treat themselves to a lovely getaway without breaking the bank. Nestled on the hillside, they offer breathtaking views and serve as a fantastic alternative to some of the hostels in the area.

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($$) Sweed Dee Hostel

A cool hostel in Loh Dalum is Sweed Dee Hostel, it has a great vibe and some of the most helpful staff I've ever met. The location of this hostel is also amazing – you're just a few steps away from the beach!

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($) Dee Dee Sea Front

If you're looking for something even more affordable, check out Dee Dee Sea Front! This hostel is a great option with clean dorm rooms, a communal kitchen, and a super helpful staff. It's perfect for budget travelers who don't want to miss out on a good location.

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3. Where to stay in Phi Phi Island for luxury & relaxation: Laem Tong

If you've got a craving for a slice of paradise all to yourself, then Laem Tong is your hot ticket. This gem is tucked away on the northernmost tip of Phi Phi Island, far from the crowds of Ton Sai and the backpacker vibes of Loh Dalum.

You'll reach Laem Tong exclusively by boat – and trust me, the extra effort is worth it. Unspoiled beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters shimmering in the sun make it one of my favorite areas on Phi Phi Island.

Here, you can finally relax and enjoy the slower pace of island life without the constant hum of nightlife or the buzz of tourists. Laem Tong is the perfect hideaway for those seeking a peaceful retreat far from the party scene of Phi Phi Island.

Best area for:

• Luxury resorts
• Seclusion
• Couples
• Best beaches

Things to do in Laem Tong

Even though it's not right in the busy center of the island, there are actually so many cool things to do here.

Laem Tong is the perfect spot to hop on a boat trip to Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island. These hidden gems offer some of Thailand's best beaches and are super secluded. Organizing the boat trip is also a piece of cake. Most hotels and resorts in the area can help you out with it.

Let me tell you about one of my personal highlights: scuba diving around Phi Phi Island. It's best done from Laem Tong, and you won't believe how many dive shops you'll find here.

One of the popular ones is Phi Phi Dive Club. The marine life is so close to the shore that even if you're not certified, you can do a discovery dive right from the beach! You'll get to see plenty of fish, turtles, and corals.

Best hotels to stay in Laem Tong

($$$) SAii Phi Phi Island Village

One of the best hotels and my absolute favorite on the entire island is SAii Phi Phi Island Village! This incredible resort offers an 800m stretch of private beach, a massive outdoor swimming pool, and 189 traditional Thai-style bungalows, along with 12 luxurious poolside villas.

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($$) Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort

Not as pricey, yet luxurious, is the Phi Phi Phu Chalet Resort. Its unique location offers a peaceful getaway and stunning views from its terraced bungalows. Here, you can relax on the wooden deck or by the outdoor swimming pool while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Admanan Sea.

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($) PP Erawan Palms Resort

For something a bit more affordable, PP Erawan Palms Resort is your go-to and one of the best cheap hotels in the area. Here, you can experience some of Phi Phi's best beaches and stunning sunset views without breaking the bank. Its comfortable air-conditioned bedrooms provide a cozy night's sleep after exploring the island all day! 

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4. Where to stay in Phi Phi Islands for families: Long Beach

Long Beach is combining the best things of all worlds. You've got a similar peaceful atmosphere as in Laem Tong, with some top-notch beaches and resorts.

On top of that, you'll find the busy center on Ton Sai, with boat tours and tons of restaurants, just a short 10-minute beach stroll away.

The underwater world here is absolutely amazing, and it might just be even better than at Laem Tong Beach for one special reason. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some reef sharks while snorkeling. But don't worry, it's not as dramatic as it sounds! Reef sharks are actually very harmless.

Long Beach is perfect for families too. It's got it all – tranquility, easy access, and adventure. Seriously, everyone in the family will find something they love here.

Best area for:

• Couples & families
• Seclusion with easy access to activities
• Beach activities
• Snorkeling and diving

Things to do in Long Beach

For an even more secluded and amazing experience, I highly recommend hiking your way to Viking Beach! It's like discovering a hidden gem tucked away in a beautiful bay, and you'll often find it super quiet there. It's just a 25-minute walk, and trust me, it's totally worth it. Once you arrive, you'll be treated to a tranquil beach with crystal-clear waters. The hike itself is not too challenging, so even the kids can handle it with ease.

If hiking isn't your thing, no worries! Many resorts and hotels in Long Beach have snorkeling equipment available. Long Beach is beautiful, and I could definitely spend many days just relaxing here and enjoying nature.

Best hotels to stay in Long Beach

($$$) Phi Phi The Beach Resort

If you're looking for a luxurious spot to stay in Long Beach, then Phi Phi The Beach Resort is it. Here, you can park yourself in one of their pool villas or beachfront studios and watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea. Don't forget to take advantage of their private beach and onsite spa for some extra pampering!

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($$) Hip Seaview Resort

For an amazing value for your money, you should definitely check out the Hip Seaview Resort. This charming resort offers cozy bungalows surrounded by beautiful gardens right at the beachfront. It's the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle and unwind a little.

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($) Paradise Pearl Bungalows

For those on a budget, the Paradise Pearl Bungalows is one of my favorite budget hotels in Long Beach. This hotel offers simple yet comfortable rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms. It's right at the beach, so it won't take you long to get ready for some sun, sand, and sea! 

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Where to stay in Phi Phi Islands – Frequently Asked Questions

📍 What is the best area to stay in Phi Phi Island?

The ideal place to stay on Phi Phi Island varies greatly depending on the type of experience you're seeking. If you're into wild nightlife and exploring the nearby islands by boat, the central areas around Ton Sai Village or Loh Dalum are perfect. But if you're traveling with your other half or family and prefer a peaceful atmosphere with lots of activities, the areas further away from the center, such as Laem Tong, are ideal. My personal favorite has to be Long Beach because it offers a little bit of everything.

⛴️ How do I get to Phi Phi Island?

Getting to Phi Phi Island is easy. You can take a ferry from the mainland of Phuket, or you can organize a boat transfer if you're coming from another nearby island. The latter is usually a bit more expensive but will get you there faster and more conveniently.

💸 Is Phi Phi Island expensive?

There are plenty of luxurious resorts and fancy restaurants, but there are also many budget-friendly options available on Koh Phi Phi. You can easily find cheap hostels, cozy bungalows, and delicious street food that won't break the bank.

🍹 Is Phi Phi Island a party island?

Yes, Phi Phi Island is definitely known as a party island. The nightlife in the central area is quite lively and there are loads of beach bars to choose from. Just remember that parties here tend to go on late into the night – so if you're looking for a more quiet and relaxed atmosphere, be sure to stay further away from the city center. 

📅 How long should I stay in Phi Phi Island?

If you want to get a true taste of what Phi Phi has to offer, I recommend staying for at least 4-5 days. That will give you enough time to explore the numerous beaches and hidden gems around the island, as well as have some fun in the center of Ton Sai Beach.

Where to stay in Phi Phi Island – Final Words

Phi Phi Island is such an incredible mix of different experiences that it's honestly hard to put into words. Whether you're a beach bum, a party animal, or an adventurer, Phi Phi Island has something special just for you.

It's not just the reputation of being a backpacker's paradise and party island that's true, although if that's your thing, I totally recommend going for it!

Even if you're looking for a relaxing honeymoon or a family trip, you'll find amazing spots away from the party life. Long Beach and Laem Tong are absolute gems for that. 

So, now that you know all about my favorite spots on the island, I hope it'll be a little easier for you to decide where to stay in Phi Phi Island.