Foodies rejoice! For being a relatively small island, Koh Phi Phi is filled with cafes, shops, and of course, a bunch load of restaurants. You would image that one couldn’t go wrong with the array of choices but you’d be wrong. As this is my third time on Phi Phi Island, I’ve experienced some places that were just not up to par. While it’s hard to have a bad time on this piece of paradise, having subpar food does put a tiny damper on your perfect day. Check out the restaurants we did enjoy and keep scrolling for other fun things to do!
What to Eat:
Efe Mediterranean
We are happy to report that Trip Advisor didn’t let us down this time. The meats were so flavorful and juicy that we came back for seconds. We had the Chicken Breast Kebab, Chicken Skewers, Kofte Kebab, and Chicken Wings Kebab. It was all fantastically cooked to perfection!
Papaya
I make sure to hit this place up a few times every time I’m in Phi Phi. Papaya has been a staple for 30 years and they still have great business. We usually get Thai classics such as Green Curry, Massaman Curry, Tom Yam, and Papaya Salad. We’ve never had a disappointing dish here. Matter of fact, whenever we did have a disappointing meal, we would march right back here for the next meal to make up for it.
Tom Yam
Very centrally located, Tom Yam serves up pretty much the same offerings as other Thai restaurants at a slightly cheaper price. We ate here 3 or 4 times and enjoyed it every time. The meals are simple but packed with flavor. You can’t really go wrong with this one.
Unni’s Restaurant
When we were craving Western food, we came to this joint. The burgers are decent, but if you’re craving something light and healthy, the Buddha bowl is where it’s at.
Only Noodles
Pad Thai fans rejoice as this place is not only noodles, it’s ONLY Pad Thai. With a very simple menu, this food stall specializes in one of the most famous Thai dishes. The flavor is legit and the price is right.
Honorable Mention:
Sunflower Beach Bar
We obviously loved this place for the awesome view. We ordered lime smoothies (our nonalcoholic go-to) and just sat by the breathtaking water. They also have relaxing hammocks too if you’re about that life. The Pad Thai here was ok but nothing to write home about. If you’re looking for a cool place to just chill, this is it.
Snack:
Sushi Cart
Ok, we were very hesitant to get sushi from an open market food stall. But, we stalked this tiny stand for 4 days and saw a bunch of locals frequenting. Matter of fact, I would say 80% of their customers were Thai. When we finally caved in, we were pleasantly surprised. They had awesome American style sushi rolls that we would pick up as appetizers before dinner. Because, why not.
Treat:
Coconut Ice Cream
We literally had this very single day we were there. I wish I was exaggerating. There are other ice cream stands but this one is special as this treat is made completely from coconuts. Calling all my lactose intolerant foodies! Plus, they give you a free fresh cup of coconut water while you wait for her to scoop. Awesomeness!
What to Do:
The most popular thing to do is obviously the Phi Phi Island Tour. Check out our video of the tour below. Although not to be missed (especially if it's your first time), we also recommend renting a kayak and paddling to Nui Beach. This stunning cove is not as crowded and super clean. There are dozens of kayak rental places along the beach to price compare. Just make sure you get there early to avoid low tides. Also, don't forget to make the trek up to The Viewpoint which is where the very first picture of this post is taken.
Where to Stay:
We’ve stayed at Phuphaya Seaview Resort twice now and loved it both times. It’s the best pool and view on the island. The bungalow is perfect for couples and the sunsets are spectacular every night. Even if you’re not staying here, you can still visit the pool which doesn’t get very crowded at all.
Where to Party:
Yes, we know what you really came here for. Phi Phi is THE party island. Below are our suggestions:
Carlito’s Bar- they have the best Fire Show on the island
Banana Bar- they play outdoor movies almost every night and vey chill
Moonlight Beach Bar- If it gets too intense at night, this is a great place to sit and take a breather and people watch
Blanco- Our friends did the party boat tour here and raved about it. They also all met at the bar that night. This is especially great for solo travelers looking to mingle as the crew all met up at night to party.
Check out our party night on Phi Phi:
I hope this gives you an idea of what you're in for when you go to Phi Phi Island (Koh Phi Phi). If you have any questions, don't hesitate to drop us an email. If we've missed something, we'd love to hear about it too!
