Thailand Thailand TravelKoh Phi Phi – Falling in love with life on a tropical island paradiseOctober 30, 2022Asia / Beach & Island / Thailand / Travel ReviewsWhen thinking of the islands of Thailand Koh Phi Phi may be known for its parties and nightlife but there is so much more. After living life on this gorgeous island – I am in love! by Jessica Dale Reading Time: 14 minutes Koh Phi Phi in a nutshell Koh Phi Phi also know as Phi Phi Don is one of the smaller islands of Thailand but the largest of the 6 islands that make up the group known as the Phi Phi islands. Located in the Andaman Sea approximately 43km (26.7 miles) off the coast of Krabi in southern Thailand. It is only accessible by ferry which takes 1-2 hours to reach. Be sure to read my ultimate guide detailing the various ways to get to Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi is a small island with the majority of its offerings located in the short stretch between Tonsai beach and Loh Dalum beach.The island enjoys plenty of sun and high temperatures year round, the lush greenary comes at the cost of a good amount of rainfall but this is usually heaviest between July and September which is the islands monsoon season so it may be best to avoid visiting at those times, nobody likes to visit somewhere to experience constant rain for weeks on end. There are no roads on Koh Phi Phi, instead pathways are essential to get from one place to another by foot, this also means the only traffic you need to worry about is the odd scooter. You do get a number of people carrying bags on wheelable trollies so rememeber to listen out for the familiar “beep beep”, a simple move to the side to let them pass is all that is needed. Boasting cheap accomodation and very reasonable prices Koh Phi Phi should be on your radar as a place to visit. From my experience A lot of people only tend to stay for 2-6 days however I would definitely say that if you want to see everything and can afford the time it is worth staying just that little bit longer. In this article I will detail what and where is worth visiting and why. Table Of Contents Koh Phi Phi in a nutshell [2022]First arrival on Koh Phi PhiNightlifeFire ShowsClubs & DancingBars & Quieter PlacesShops & TownClothingJewellerySouvenirsArtCannabisAccommodationFoodKoh Phi Phi offers a wide variety of culinary delights, let’s face it, we are driven by food and here are just a few of the varied selections available.From succulent steak to sweet chilli roasted pork to Mac N Cheese Carbonara, there really is something here for everyone and this writer can honestly say that she only had just the one poor meal in months!NatureSurrounding areasConclusion First arrival on Koh Phi Phi When you first arrive at Koh Phi Phi sadly the first thing that you tend to notice is the McDonalds and Burger King, this may be news to your ears however for me it is a shame to see the tide of capitalism reach this beautiful paradise island but that is just this womens opinion. As you walk down the pier you see a number of hotel representatives so keep an eye out if you have pre-booked your hotel for somebody holding a sign with the name, these are usually the people sent to collect your bags however not every hotel offers this service. Nightlife OK so lets start with the obvious – Koh Phi Phi has some great nightlife for sure, it doesn’t earn that reputation for nothing but after living there for months at a time I can honestly say Koh Phi Phi has a little bit of something for everyone, if you like to party it definitely accommodates perfectly with its many beach bars and clubs located on Loh Dalum beach. But for those of us that like a bit of piece and quiet I would suggest heading to the side of Ton Sai beach – here you will find plenty of quiet escapes where there are far fewer people and less crowded spaces. Fire Shows Dotted around the beaches after dark you will no doubt come across a fire show, these locals are very talented and can usually draw in a great crowd. Sit and watch in amazement as they twirl firesticks, poi and shoot flames 25 foot into the air. This is a routine every night and they are great at it. The shows are usually free with only a small voluntery contribution at night. Fireshows are a great way to sit, relax and be dazzled for hours over a cheeky drink or two. If you’re feeling brave you can even participate a little. The main shows can be found outside Slinkies bar and Stonez bar on Loh Dalum beach. The is also one at Carlitos bar just off Tonsai beach. Clubs & Dancing If you like a good dance whilst consuming your body weight in cheap booze often from a bucket then on Loh Dalum beach you will find a variety of beachside clubs. For a wild night try Slinkies, good deals on buckets, a rodeo bull and plenty of good music to get you on your feet. Further down the beach you will find Stonez bar, some of the music can be a little dated at times but the drinks prices and cheap UV face paint station really brings it into its own. Stonez bar also takes full advantage of the beach which is a great stage for large groups of people, you will be sure to have space to dance whilst maintaining a connection to the group. Next to Stonez bar you will find Blanco bar, this bar is definitely the smaller of the ones previously mentioned, the music is pretty good with some classic British bangers coming through the speakers.Every other day there is a pool party at Ibiza Pool Party, a beach club style venue located on the beach with some of the best pool parties I have ever been to on this side of Asia, beer pong and a great DJ make this pool party a must attend. It can get a little crowded but honestly after a couple of buckets you don’t really care!On the other side of the town next to Tonsai beach head down and away from the pier, eventually you will come to a bar I found to be a little more varied than the others – Carlito’s offers not only a fireshow around 10pm (although I am sure times vary slightly depending on time of year) but also live music and banging tunes. Carlito’s offers a wide variety but it should be noted the drinks are pretty expensive in comparison to the others. Stonez bar on Loh Dalum beach Finally I come to the last two bars worth mentioning in this category, the backpacker bar and Rolling Stone bar. These two bars could not really be more different in terms of music. The Rolling Stone offers good music of the Rock genre, a snooker style pool table, live music and karaoke. They also have great deals on drinks if you enjoy shots. The Backpacker is a very different vibe – Loud pop music, beer pong and plenty of deals aimed to get you drunk. It is probably one of the most popular bars on the island and it is clear to see why although the target audience is definitely aimed at the younger audience. Both the Rolling Stone and the Backpacker are on the same row seperated only by a phenominal indian restaurant but I will get onto that shortly. Bars & Quieter Places Sometimes we prefer just a quiet drink without anything too crazy and for a nice drink with the locals I cannot recommend Relax bar enough! Located near the main entrance to Loh Dalum beach and up some stairs this bar is also run by the owners of the Pirate Boat Tour (Check out my article on the best activities to do in Phi Phi here), Relax bar is where the many of the locals, expats and divers meet to shoot a bit of pool and as the name suggests – Relax at the end of the day. I found most of my time was spent here on nights out. Onto the beach is another one of my personal favourites – Freedom bar, a little quieter than the others but definitely a nicer vibe, the beautiful multicolor lights strewn across the trees really amp up the atmosphere. If it is live music and a bit of food you’re after definitely check out Rosyinom, just down from Tonsai Pier this small restaurant has the best acoustic live music and is again another local favourite, the owner is lovely and the atmosphere is just calming through and through – As a bonus their food is divine! For a really nice environment I would also recommend Dojo bar, this is a little down the way from Carlitos on the Tonsai side of the town and offers beer on draught which is a nice commodity on the island, a lot of places only have bottles so Dojo offers a taste of the west in that respect. In the centre of the main town area you will see a couple of my favourites, one is the Sports Bar and do probably the best and cheapest cocktails I have ever had! I am not much into sports but I can definitely get behind great, cheap cocktails – their pina colada is to die for! The other bar is the Dubliner irish bar, another bar that offers a free pool table, cheap(ish) drinks and friendly staff, there is always some sport shown on the plethora of TVs dotted around the bar and the toilet behind a hidden book shelf is a nice touch. The music at times does get a little loud. To catch the sunset be sure to head to The Only Bar – Phi Phi, it is a little way to walk but should definitely be on your list of places to go, offering panoramic views of Loh Dalum bay it is simply the best place to go to see the sun bid farewell for the day. After this if you are looking for something a little more unique head back into the town and check out the Muy Thai Boxing bar, this is just opposite the Dubliner and you can often see tourists battling it out in the ring, the drinks are a little bit expensive but there is no cover charge so if you are into a bit of fighting this bar will not dissapoint. You will often see 20 something year old guys walking around Phi Phi sporting the belts they have won in this bar, it’s really quite amusing to watch. Catch a burger at sunset with a view at The Only Bar- Phi Phi Shops & Town The majority of shops, restaurants, massage parlors and bars are between the two beaches in a small town style setting. There are rows and rows of small stores and stalls each with their own unique charm and a wide variety of offerings. The shops on the main island of Koh Phi Phi Don are mostly local and offer a good variety of items: Clothing As you walk around the island you do tend to notice a pattern in the variety of clothing on offer as a lot of the vendors do tend to stock similar items but if you look closely you do find the odd unique gem. The one thing I will say with clothing is to check the quality before purchasing, items range widely in terms of quality. I have personally seen both sides of the spectrum regarding clothing quality on this island. Some is of a really good build quality but some I found have the thickness and integrity of toilet paper so please be sure to check. Jewellery Whilst you’re unlikely to come across any platinum or diamond items here there are some really cute pieces that still look lovely, as you can probably imagine there are a lot of string and woven bracelets and anklets, the earrings, rings and metallic items are also really lovely but just remember that like most cheap metal jewellery, the shine eventually will wear but for your stay you can pick up a bargain. Souvenirs Like any tourist destination you will of course find plenty of souvenirs and trinkets – everything from Thailand mugs to glassware, keyrings, postcards and pretty much anything you can imagine “Phi Phi” or “Thailand” can be printed on. These are perfect little reminders of your trip if you are a tourist, they are usually cheap and varying in quality. Art When walking around you are likely to see a couple of local artists, their works feature in some of the local eateries and are of a very high quality. Usually very colourful and featuring animals, these works you can actually see being painted and are astonishing to witness. I found the art in Phi Phi to be beautfil and if I ever decide to settle down would certainly go back for a comission peice. Cannabis Since it’s “legalisation” in Thailand this year, you now see that cannabis is for sale in some aspect pretty much everywhere. Note I say “legalisation” – this is because its full legality in Thailand is a little complicated, I explain in detail in my Cannabis – The Thailand Legality article here but essentially you are OK to buy cannabis, just be careful where and who you smoke around. That been said there are a large amount of vendors selling it as a sideproduct which is interesting to go to a bar and be able to buy a joint to go with your beer. The recent legislation turn around on cannabis is certainly making a difference to the local people and boosting local economy. Accommodation Accommodation on Koh Phi Phi ranges wildly and really does come down to budget, there are some hidden gems for a relatively good price and there are always places available at a ridiculously low price at times but let’s face it – most of the time the term “You get what you pay for” certainly applies here. Sure a THB 3,000 ($83 / €80 / £70) a month room sounds nice in low season but for that price, it is a windowless box with a fan if you’re lucky. In my opinion it is better to spend the extra baht but if budget is your no.1 priority then Koh Phi Phi certainly accommodates. Most of the accommodation you will find near the town area of the island and depending on the time of year a night in a standard hotel room with air conditioning can range anywhere from THB 500 – 20,000+ in high season and THB 250 – 15,000+ in low season. Check out our currency conversion tool here for the latest conversion rates Food Food! Isn’t it great? As well as having some fantastic Thai options Koh Phi Phi probably has the widest variety for food I have ever seen and after eating out evey day pretty much every meal has been consistantly amazing! In most cases much better than I have had in the west.Because of the tourism Koh Phi Phi attracts you will see a lot of restaurants and after trying a large selection of them the hardest decision was amazing food I wanted that day. Check out our Koh Phi Phi – Best Food Guide for a breakdown into each cusine along with full recommendations. Koh Phi Phi offers a wide variety of culinary delights, let’s face it, we are driven by food and here are just a few of the varied selections available. From succulent steak to sweet chilli roasted pork to Mac N Cheese Carbonara, there really is something here for everyone and this writer can honestly say that she only had just the one poor meal in months! Want to see more foods of the world? Check out our new instagram – Backpacks and Bistros! From the delightful snack stalls that populate a lot of the paths of Koh Phi Phi offering simple treats like Roti and pizza slices to the larger restaurants with menus that resemble a medium size book I can pretty much guarantee Koh Phi Phi will not dissapoint. Standout venues for me would be: Patcharee French Bakery: Located just down from the pier where the prices are not unreasonable considering the portions and quality of food. Fodo types include Thai, Italian, French, Breakfast and various random western dishes. Closing time is usually 5PM Mamas: At the bottom of the steps to Viewpoint 1 is a very small restaurant that offers some of the best Thai food at a fantastic price, the owners are so friendly and the whole venue emits a homely, traditional vibe. I can not in all honestly say anything negative about this place. Open 9am – 9pm Annas: A welcoming restaurant with a host of friendly staff which can be found around the corner from the pier. Offering a good range of foods including German, British and Thai. Their steak is to die for and coming from the UK I honestly was delighted to have a taste of home with sausages, mashed potato and gravy. Open till 10pm daily Rosyinom: Just down from the pier is a cute restaurant serving predominantly Thai food. Best time to visit at night as their is usually live music and their food is absolutely amazing especially if you like spicy food as their thai dishes can be made to pretty much every level of spice required and still be delicious. Would defintely recommend their smash burger and they were branching out into Taco Tuesdays. Open till late Nature Koh Phi Phi town has a lot of venues to satsify a lot of people but from my experience I find it is easy for people to stay around the town and rarely explore further afield. Phi Phi has an amazing natural landscape once away from the town. Take a stroll down Viking Beach and beyond – You come across a side of Phi Phi that is much more relaxed and quiet. The beauty of Koh Phi Phi is that it is small enough to walk across in a couple of hours right through to the other side where you come to Phi Phi village – A much smaller settlement that definitely feels more like traditional thailand. The walk to the village is of a medium difficulty so remember to take plenty of water. The journey is an experience that is simply fantastic, little paths widing through the jungle – we stumbled across a cool buddhist type statue on route and saw some luscious scenery timing the return trip via the viewpoints where we could even see the milky way galaxy! Staring at the infinite expanse of Space is one of my personal Phi Phi highlights Surrounding areas If we consider Koh Phi Phi Don is the main island there several small islands that surround it. Koh Phi Phi Lee is the next largest island next to Phi Phi Don, it does not have any hotels or inhabitants but is easily reachable via boat. Home to Pi Leh Bay, Viking Cave and the infamous Maya Bay this tiny island is a sure stop on the travels and visited every year by thousands and thousands. There is a good reason for this – Pi Leh Bay offers a secluded place to kayak and swim, sheltered from the main sea and beautiful in nature. Just outside of the bay offers some beautiful spots to snorkel and dive with a wide range of tropical fish and sea life to observe. Viking Cave tells a fantastic story of the islands history, learn about the origins of birds nest soup and why there are canes reaching all the way to the top of the cliffs next to this intriguing landmark, sadly you cannot enter the cave but even from the outside it is an intriguing place to observe and consider the events that took place. For those of you similar to myself that are SCUBA divers the waters around this entire area usually offer great visibility and sealife that we sometimes dream about. I write more about this in my SCUBA review of Koh Phi Phi detailing my experiences under the waves in this area. Maya Bay is probably the jewel of the crown that is Koh Phi Phi, originally a filming location for the iconic film – The Beach, tourists flock to this beautiful detination to witness the stunning blue waters and clean white sand that makes this location the perfect vision of a beach paradise. If you are lucky you will spot a baby shark in the waters here but sadly you cannot swim in the sea here. The downside of tourism is it can have an impact on the surrounding environment and this affected the presence of reef sharks in this area, the coral was being damaged and overal the habitat for animals was impacted in such a way the Thai authorities imposed restrictions on this landmark. The rest of the islands of this group consist of Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai, Koh Phai (Bamboo Island), and Koh Young (Mosquito Island). Bamboo Island is absolutely tiny but the only other island in which you can easily stand on, it is a common stop on the boat tours and has a seating area. Bamboo Island for me was simply amazing and for those that love the quiet and catching some rays be sure to check this out. An aerial view of Pi Leh Bay and the waters around Viking Cave Conclusion Koh Phi Phi has seen massive development in recent years, from the tsunami of 2004 it has been rebuilt stronger than ever offering a huge variety of things to do. Whilst it does get rather busy in the high season (December-February) there are plenty of places to escape the crowds. The strong amount of tourism here is the reason there is so much variety in cuisine and activities seen here. It has a little something for everyone which is what makes me fall in love with this tiny yet alive island in the Andaman sea.... How to get to Phi Phi Islands in 2023 – The ultimate guideOctober 30, 2022Asia / Beach & Island / Guides / Thailand / TutorialsThe Phi Phi islands of Thailand offer stunning scenery, gorgeous food, and a chance to let your hair down, this collection of six islands is a dream for pretty much everyone, no matter if you are catching some rays or the adventurous type who loves a hike. Exploring these islands should be on everyone’s bucket list and this article will explain how to get to Phi Phi Islands in 2022. by Jessica Dale Reading Time: 5 minutes The Phi Phi islands are located approximately 43km (26.7 miles) off the coast of Krabi in southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest island of this archipelago, it is also the only place that has accommodations, restaurants, bars, etc so will likely be the primary destination when visiting. Want to see why the Phi Phi islands are so special? Read our article here. So how exactly do you get to phi phi? You may be thinking that getting to the Phi Phi islands could be quite a challenge, they do not have an airport and the only way to access is via boat but you can travel to these glorious islands very easily and the companies involved make it extremely easy to do. There are several locations in which the ferries operate and several ferries to choose from even in low season! Ferries run from Phuket, Krabi, and more recently Bundhaya Beach in Koh Lipe. Arriving at Phi Phi by ferry can be such a relaxing experience Phi Phi Entry Points Koh Phi Phi Don has two main entry points. The main one is in the south of the island called Ton Sai Pier. This pier is located next to the main town and where the majority of accommodation is located. The second dock is located at Laem Tong Beach in the much quieter part of the island to the north. There is some accommodation at this point so be sure to check which entry point you need to arrive at. It is a very long walk from one end of the island to the other! How to Get to Phi Phi From Phuket Getting to Phi Phi islands from Phuket is relatively straightforward, there is only one main departure point which is Rassada Pier located to the south of Old Town, Phuket. There are two main options: Ferry and Speedboat. The speedboat is by far the quicker option taking just 1 hour whereas the ferry takes double that time, however, is usually a much cheaper cost than the speedboat and is a much gentler ride. As of the time of writing the one-way prices from Rassada Pier to Phi Phi Don are: Boat TypeApprox Travel TimeFrom – ToPriceFerry2 HoursDeparture Pier :Phuket (Rassada Pier)Arrival Pier :Phi Phi Don (Ton Sai Pier)Phi Phi Don (Laem Tong Beach)from 450 THBSpeedboat1 HourDeparture Pier :Phuket (Rassada Pier)Arrival Pier :Phi Phi Don (Ton Sai Pier)Phi Phi Don (Laem Tong Beach) from 850 THB Book your ferry from phuket to Koh Phi Phi Get from Phuket International Airport to Rassada Pier, Phuket Phuket airport is located quite a long way from Rassada pier and the trip takes approximately one hour. The best methods to get here will usually be via either a shared shuttle bus, private transfer, or taxi. If you look at the baggage claim area you will notice several tour operator booths. You can approach them on the day or it can sometimes be cheaper to pre-book your transfers. This can be done here. How to Get to Phi Phi from Krabi There are two main piers to choose from in Krabi town. The first one is called Klong Jilad Pier and is the most common departure point for the ferry which takes approx 2 hours to get to the Phi Phi islands. The second pier is the Krabi River Marina/Kong Ka Pier which is where most of the speedboats depart from although there are one or two speedboats that depart from Klong Jilad. There is a third departure point although this is not from Krabi town however if you are already in the area of Railay Beach there is a floating pier at East Railay that has a speedboat that takes just 30 minutes. This is useful only if you are in the area as although East Railay is in the Krabi province it is actually 18km away from Krabi Town. Here are the rough prices for each one-way journey: Boat TypeApprox Travel TimeFrom – ToPriceFerry2 HoursDeparture Pier :Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier)Arrival Pier :Phi Phi Don (Ton Sai Pier)from 450 THBSpeedboat1 Hour (East Railay- 30 mins)Departure Pier :Krabi (Kong Ka Pier)East Railay Floating PierKlong Jilad PierArrival Pier :Phi Phi Don (Ton Sai Pier)Phi Phi Don (Laem Tong Beach from Klong Jilad Pier only) from 850 THB Book your ferry from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi Getting from Krabi International Airport to the correct pier Shuttle Bus: When you first arrive at Krabi International Airport you will leave the baggage claim area and to your left will immediately notice a group of people trying to get your attention. I usually would suggest the company with the red shirts due to personal experience. The shuttle bus is cheap (Around 150 THB) for each person and is definitely an option if time is not critical. Note that the bus will wait outside until it is full so keep this in mind. If you are going to Klong Jilad Pier the shuttle bus will likely drop you at the tour office in Krabi Town where they will ask when your ferry time is. My advice on this route is sometimes you may have to wait 1-2 hours at the tour office so you may as well kick back, get some food and enjoy. They will then take you in another shuttle bus to the pier in time (Usually they set off 30-45 mins before) Private Taxi: If time is a critical factor and/or you want a private journey then a taxi is the way to go. It will cost you approx 500THB but will take you from point A to point B and can be the better option if you are traveling as a group. How to get to Phi Phi from Koh Lipe The best way to get to Koh Phi Phi from Koh Lipe is usually by ferry or speedboat. It is possible to get a ferry to the mainland and then travel by van to Krabi or Phuket but this will be a long journey involving multiple transfers. Going via the water is more direct and takes approximately 4 hours. This can be slightly longer as some boats may stop at Koh Lanta. Boat TypeApprox Travel TimeFrom – ToPriceFerry / Speedboat4 Hours – 4 Hours, 30 MinDeparture Pier :Koh Lipe (Bundhaya Beach)Arrival Pier :Phi Phi Don (Ton Sai Pier)from 1,950 THB Book your ferry from KOh Lipe to Koh Phi Phi Conclusion In this article, we have covered the main routes to get to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lipe. As you can see there are a variety of ways to travel to this beautiful location. Hopefully, this useful guide can help make your journey easier.... Seeking Accommodation – Basic Checks and Best Advice For Warm ClimatesDecember 17, 2022Asia / Digital Nomad / Guides / Malaysia / Thailand / VietnamIt’s easy to jump onto any old booking site and go for the cheap and cheerful option but when it comes to seeking accommodation in a warmer climate, it’s worth taking a moment to consider a few factors that could make your stay a lot more comfortable. Below we have highlighted some of the most important things we have learned in our reservation and accommodation experience. by Jake Roswell Reading Time: 6 minutes Filters are your friend When Seeking Accommodation Most if not all of the big name booking sites have a comprehensive filter selection that can help you tailor your perfect trip, but some options you may take for granted are in there too and should not be neglected. If you’re not one to share bathroom facilities this is a key one to look out for, as the descriptions can be missing these nuggets of information. Important ones to keep in mind are ‘free Wi-Fi’, some establishments offer this in communal spaces only. ‘Facilities for disabled guests’, not always a given around the world and the older the hotel the more chance you have of running into problems. If the room you are booking is in a shared property, this is largely a concern to be found on Airbnb but always worth thinking of, if a room looks a little too cheap to believe (even with great reviews) this could be the case. Reviews Be them comprehensive, one worded or just a thumbs up. User reviews are the main weapon of choice when it comes to picking your abode abroad, and some sites also enable reviewers to upload their own photos which can tell the story of a thousand words. Something to consider while getting a consensus from the masses is that the dark times of Covid 19 have left a black spot in the running narrative of user reviews. If you like to base your choice on not just the first one or two. If you’re looking to see what people are saying about something specific such as the quality of the Wifi, reviews can suddenly jump from the present to way back in 2019 and further. What was offered then may not be anymore and lots of places have yet to fully recover and or will have undergone remedial works in the meantime, so before you disappear down the rabbit hole of reviews keep one eye on the date posted. When Seeking Accommodation always Inspect the Room Photos Aside from the general look and feel of the hotel, the photos are a fantastic tool to inspect the details of the room but it is always wise to double check the validity of the photo. Is there a photo filter applied to make the pool look that bit bluer? Is the brightness pushed up to make the dim room look bright? Has the photo been taken with a fish eye lens? As well as the booking sites it is good practice to check Google reviews and photos from real people. They tell a better story of the real world experience than somebody with a fancy camera and a good photo editor. Next check the contents of the room photos and use them. They may mention a TV in the description but is it a modern one or a classic CRT? Is the air conditioning unit right above your bed? Why is the mini fridge doubling up as the bedside table? As most hotels now offer a plethora of photo documentation of what they have to offer, you can get as good a scoop on the facilities as much as the reviews and see for yourself if things are up to date. Location, Location, Location You’ve found the ideal hotel with a cheap room and all the extras you could ever want! But on arrival you have the unpleasant surprise of it being next to a nuclear fallout zone. A bit extreme but the point is if you do set your heart on a hotel do some extra research outside of the booking site on the area in which it is located, local history and current affairs. There may be a Facebook page for the area or even just throwing the name into google and seeing what info comes up in the news feed is a good shout. Some types of accommodation can be miles from anywhere, they can be in the middle of a field and therefore more prone to bugs and insects, the location of accommodation is definitely something you need to be aware of when booking. Air Conditioning Quite possibly the number one thing to look for when seeking accommodation in a warm climate. As a rule, you will find a good amount of places will have air conditioning units installed and listed in the amenities but there are a fair amount that still operate with just fans only. Fan only rooms can have free standing fans or ceiling ones which (we have found out from experience) are manageable for a couple of days but any longer and you can become somewhat sticky to say the least. Even if the aircon is listed in the description of the room you’re looking at, it’s always good practice to inspect the room photos to get an idea of the age of the unit just in case. Amenities When Seeking Accommodation Other than the basics, ask yourself: What is it that I want from the room?What are my daily habits and does the accommodation include the amenities I need? As an example you may like to make yourself a morning coffee – In our experience not every room comes with a kettle. It’s such a small thing but can be super inconvenient to have to run to the nearest coffee shop every morning just for the sake of a kettle. These little things are very easy to miss. Even with glowing reviews, if people do not have the same requirements as you – you can find yourself coming up short. Common amenities I would personally suggest looking for when seeking accommodation: Kettle – For the morning coffeePower outlets by the bed – To charge phones, tablets and other devicesNumber if power outlets in generalAdditional seating in the room or outsideThe presence of a window and/or view- This is not always stated or guaranteed. (As we found out one time in Phuket, Thailand where the curtain opened to view a solid concrete wall). Bugs By their nature, warmer climate countries have an abundance of creepy crawlies that will be delightful for you to meet when making your morning coffee. One to look out for in south east Asia especially are ants, both small and large. If you are keeping food or tea and coffee in your room we strongly recommend keeping these in air tight sealed bags and off any surfaces in the open as these pesky critters are extremely resourceful when it comes to getting into anything they want. I still mourn a pack of noodles I was looking forward to before discovering it had become an ant farm. Encounters with bugs are almost inevitable but the amount can be down to luck, we have stayed in bungalows with a garden in a semi rural environment and seen few then been on the third floor of a hotel and seen many. Type of Accommodation Accommodation types vary wildly. Some are little more than somebody’s house where others can be glitzy resorts with pools and gyms. Some can be treehouses and others are basically an amusement park with noise 24/7. The point I am making is that before hitting that book it now button always check who the main audience is in the hotel. An example of the importance of this would be:You like to swim and you book a hotel with a pool and you prefer a quieter environment. On arrival it looks more like a water park, there’s a constant noise of people and the pools are always crowded. The moral of the story is that It’s advisable to double check what kind of hotel you’re going to be stopping in, user reviews are always a good indicator for this as you may not always tell from the booking site description.... The Best Things to do in Koh Phi Phi, ThailandOctober 30, 2022Asia / Beach & Island / ThailandKoh Phi Phi is a lively place with plenty of fun things to do but how do we choose? It really depends on your interests and personality but in this article we will explain the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi broken down by type of activity. Active Things to do in koh phi phi water-based things to do in koh phi phi Koh Phi Phi is of course an island and as such surround by gorgeous turquoise waters. What better way to spend your time than to take advantage of the amazing water based activities this island offers. Kayak to Monkey Beach / Nui Beach If you head to Loh Dalum Beach you will see various locals renting kayaks. For around 300 THB ($8) you can rent a 2 person kayak for 2 hours. From here you can head to Monkey Beach and/or Nui Beach. Note that it is a good idea to check the tide before planning your trip as Monkey Beach is best at lower tides. Also if you are heading to Monkey beach be careful not to take food, the monkeys here are not all that friendly so be careful. The waters around Nui Beach are fantastic for snorkelling as they are quite shallow. For our full guide to Kayaking on Koh Phi Phi see our in-depth article here: Scuba Diving From stunning coral reefs to exotic sealife – The waters around Koh Phi Phi offer impressive visibilty and the dive spots are next level. It is easy to see why there are so many dive schools dotted around the main town. No matter your dive level or experience the diving here accomodates for all. In fact it was here that I completed my SSI Open Water certification with Phi Phi Sea Frog Diving Center and I cannot recommend them highly enough. As with any dive you can never guarantee what you will see but from my experience in 3 dives I saw reef sharks, stingrays, an eagle ray, puffer fish, squid, leopard sharks and so much more. It was amazing to see the little Nemos swimming amongst the corals.... See why we LOVE Thailand
