Phi Phi is visually one of the most stunning islands you'll ever see. There are no cars and barely any scooters, giving you a unique sense of freedom as you wander its trails.
However, it’s Thailand’s great dilemma. Depending on where you stay, you’ll either endure a nightmare of noise and trash or enjoy a blissful tropical getaway. After my trip with my best friend and my business partner with his girlfriend, I’ve analyzed every corner so you don't make the mistakes that ruin vacations.
But let me warn you right now: if your idea of a trip is pure nature and relaxation, you’re on the wrong island. Time is money, and there are other spots you'll enjoy way more than Koh Phi Phi.
The best neighborhoods to sleep in Koh Phi Phi Island based on your travel style.
1. Phi Phi: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Good
- Breathtaking Nature: Geologically, it’s a masterpiece of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.
- Engine-Free: The comfort of an island without cars is a total relief for your senses.
- Long Beach Sunrises: A level of peace that's hard to find elsewhere in the country.
The Bad
- Trash and Waste: Narrow streets often have piles of garbage because waste management can't keep up.
- Inflated Prices: Get ready to pay double what you’d pay in Koh Lanta for mediocre quality.
- Party Tourism: If you're on a romantic or family trip, the island center can get very uncomfortable.
The reality behind the Instagram filters in downtown Tonsai.
2. Where to Stay Based on Your Vibe
I’ve handpicked these options because they are, objectively, the best accommodations to avoid unpleasant surprises.
For Partiers: Loh Dalum
If you're looking for a vibe, Blanco Central and Ibiza House are the go-to spots. These are the ultimate party hostels: nightly events and legendary pool parties several times a week. It's the place to meet people from all over the world.
Romantic Profile: Long Beach
Here, the sand is fine and white, and the water is much cleaner. You're just a 15-minute boat ride from the chaos, but you get absolute peace to watch the sunset. This area has the most well-kept resorts and the best ocean views.
VIEW ROMANTIC STAYS
My Choice: Tonsai Upper Hills
This is where I stayed (don't ask me why they have a literal pony in the hotel lobby... I don't know either, hahaha). It's perfect for budget travelers who want to be near everything but sleep in silence. You get the best panoramic views of both bays, though be ready for some steep walks.
SEE WHERE I STAYED3. Logistics: How to Not Hate Your Trip
In the picture: The streets of Sa Nam Ban and the typical carts that carry everything.
The Suitcase Struggle
Forget about tuk-tuks or scooters. In Phi Phi, your legs are the only motor. If you bring massive suitcases, make sure your hotel includes a cart service from the pier, or get ready to sweat buckets dragging wheels through narrow, bumpy, hilly streets.
💡 How to see Maya Bay without the hordes
The only real way is to rent a private longtail boat at 6:00 - 6:30 AM. The big tour boats arrive around 9:00 AM and turn the beach into a human anthill. By staying in Phi Phi Don, you have the competitive advantage of arriving 30 minutes before the boats coming from Phuket or Krabi.
The Critical Importance of Tides
Nobody tells you this: in Phi Phi, beaches "disappear." Due to the island's geography, the tide drops so low in the afternoon that at beaches like Loh Dalum, the water retreats hundreds of feet, leaving behind a muddy ground that isn't exactly swim-friendly.
- Mornings: Ideal for swimming and seeing the bays in their turquoise glory.
- Afternoons: Best time to hike up to the Viewpoints or go on open-sea excursions.
In the picture: My partner Victor, co-founder of Discovering Stays, at Maya Bay.
Final Verdict: Is it worth it in 2026?
Honestly... for me, it’s not. I wouldn't go back. I think there are much more authentic areas of Thailand with a better party scene. The vibe in Phi Phi feels artificial, packed with drunk tourists, and offers zero contact with local culture.
If you're looking for that couple or family atmosphere, head to Koh Lanta. It’s right nearby, the beaches are just as pretty, it has local soul, it’s cheaper, and you can ride a scooter freely.
Dead set on going?
Stay for just 1 or 2 nights to see the nature, then move on with your route.
My Best Advice
Stay in Krabi, rent a scooter to explore the mainland, and do a 6-hour "Day Tour" to Phi Phi to see the highlights and head back.
Next Stop in Thailand?
Ancient temples, the best Street Food in the country, and a much more authentic essence than the islands. Northern Thailand is my favorite place and where I spend at least a month every year.
If you're looking for comfort and great beaches but with better services than Phi Phi, Samui is the safe bet. I spent 5 weeks there in 2025 and loved it. I’ll definitely be going back.