An underrated hotel with a private swimming pool and a 2-minute walk to the beach if you prefer the refreshing, saltiness of the sea.
Koh Phi Phi
Renowned for its nightlife, this tropical paradise definitely entices party-lovers. Flooded with energetic bars and beach night clubs, you can count on a good night out. Although a lot more crowded and overdeveloped in recent years, this island is just as attractive and fascinating to explore. The natural beauty to discover here is something everyone should have on their bucket list.
Accommodation
Daily housekeeping, air conditioning, an outdoor pool and room service are only a handful of what Maiyada Resort has to offer. The reception is outside the hotel but as you walk in, you are presented with high ceilings and vast white, minimalistic walls. There are twin/double rooms or bungalows with a balcony terrace which are both equally spacious. On arrival, we noticed our towels were folded on our bed into neatly crafted elephants. However, whichever room you choose you must beware of the monkeys. As innocent and friendly as they look, they can be dangerous so you should keep your balcony doors locked at all times. We had one monkey try and pry the sliding doors open!
Facilities
With a 10-minute walk from Phi Phi Pier, the Resort is perfectly positioned away from the noisiness of the main street but also not too far from the heart and soul of this vibrant island. Loh Dalum Beach is only a 2 minutes’ walk away with the option for longtail boat trips and kayaks to rent. There is also an onsite restaurant and gift shop to purchase some memorable souvenirs.
Food
The restaurant offers a buffet breakfast every morning between 7am-10:30am. Including unlimited pastries, tea and coffee, a variety of delicately carved fruits (which tasted even better than they looked), eggs, sausage and rice. Lunch and dinner is also served at a surcharge. For a nearby restaurant, I would recommend the Beach Terrace Restaurant which is a fusion of international food as well as delectable Thai cuisine. If you walk 10 minutes into the centre, there are countless restaurants to pick from. Although the island is more expensive than mainland Thailand, you can definitely find budget meals at food stalls or family-run restaurants.
What’s nearby?
Kayak at Loh Dalum Beach
As well as sunbathing and swimming, another popular activity is kayaking at Loh Dalum beach. You can hire kayaks for a very low cost and explore the surrounding bays. Monkey Beach is fun to explore. Around the western side of the headland, you’ll find wild monkeys chasing each other up and down the beach. It usually takes 3-4 hours there and back.
Phi Phi Viewpoint
Plastered all over social media, the hike to Phi Phi Viewpoints is growing increasingly popular among visitors for obvious reasons. To reach the first viewpoint, you have to crawl up what seems like a never-ending staircase then you’ll be asked to pay 50 THB (£1). The second viewpoint is a further 20-minute walk and provides insane views over the entire island. There is also a café here to top up your refreshments. The third viewpoint, although very steep, has considerably less tourists since a lot of people stop at the second viewpoint.
Snorkelling Tours
If you want to see some colourful fish, bioluminescent plankton and potentially even some baby sharks, book onto one of the many flexible snorkelling tours around Koh Phi Phi. Stopping at Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Bamboo Island and other spectacular destinations, enjoy a few hours in paradise. Since there are so many tours all at once, be aware that it can get quite crowded in some areas.
How to get there?
Koh Phi Phi is accessible by ferry only. You can depart from either Krabi or Phuket for £20 which will take you approximately 2 hours.
How much?
Economy rooms start at £20.
Bungalow rooms start at £24.