The Ultimate Gay Travel Guide
The Gay Passport is your complete Gay Travel Guide. Looking to Drink, Play or Sleep we have reviews to help. Award-winning & Updated 2024.
Your first question should be where to stay on the island. Party people have got to stay in Ton Sai. Outside of Ton Sai, the island has no roads or taxis, so you better stay within walking distance to the bars.
If you want to avoid the nightlife then check out some of the options outside of Ton Sai. The remote beaches are so relaxing, with plenty of lovely hotels and bungalows to choose from. These spots tend to be very secluded, and only accessible by boat, which means no popping down to the central bars for a few drinks.
If, like many visitors, you sit somewhere in between, your best choice is to book more than one hotel during your time on the island. For instance, you could spend a couple of sleepless nights partying in Ton Sai village and then move on to a restful and regenerative stay at one of the beautiful high-end resorts.
Koh Phi Phi is an extremely popular destination, which also makes it a relatively expensive one. Accommodation here is likely to be pricier than on other, less-visited islands, especially during the high season. A mid-range hotel room or bungalow will usually cost around 2000 THB-3000 THB ($60-$90), while high-end resort accommodation can cost upwards of 6000 THB ($196).
If you want to save money, consider visiting during low season (May to October), where prices can be significantly slashed. There are a few good budget options throughout the island, especially if you have someone to share with: private beachfront bungalows can be found for less than 1000 THB ($33), depending on the time of year.
Koh Phi Phi landed on the Thailand tourism map in the 90s, after being featured in the film The Beach. People from all over the world started flocking to Koh Phi Phi, seeking out the stunning natural vistas they had seen in the film. Nowadays, after decades of development, this group of islands is no longer the serene, remote paradise it once was, and the beach that started it all – Maya Beach – which is currently closed due to over-tourism.
However, that doesn’t mean that Koh Phi Phi is not worth the visit. Many spots on the islands remain as beautiful and remote as they ever were, with most of the development focusing on the thin, central strip of land in Koh Phi Phi Don. And while you won’t find pristine stretches of untouched coastline in this area, you will find some of Thailand’s loudest, rowdiest, and liveliest island partying.
Koh Phi Phi is one of Thailand’s most visited islands and is very gay-friendly for tourists. Almost all hotels across Thailand can be described as gay-friendly. It would be highly uncommon for a hotel or guesthouse to make any an issue of a gay couple checking in.
The central island, Koh Phi Phi Don, is the only one that is inhabited. You would think that having all the accommodation concentrated on one small island would mean you don’t have a lot of options, but you’d be very wrong. Every beach and bay in Phi Phi Don has its own distinct vibe, and many of them are separated by impenetrable jungle and rock. As a result, there are several areas that can only be accessed through longtail boat (or a relatively intense hike).
Due to this unique layout, visitors to Koh Phi Phi have a choice when they come to the island. Staying in a luxury resort and heading down to the main strip at night is not really an option (and neither is getting a longtail boat, since they don’t have any lighting). You either stay within walking distance of the central area around Ton Sai Bay, or you head out to a more remote corner of the island.
The former is for those who want to party, the latter for those who want to chill out in style. If you want a bit of both, you may want to consider booking two different hotel stays. This will allow you to observe both sides of the island and get the full Phi Phi experience.
Ton Sai Bay
Ton Sai Bay is the “center” of Phi Phi Don. This small bay sits along a narrow stretch of land that concentrates most of the island’s tourism and party development, and it is where you will find the bulk of bars, cafes, shops, and restaurants. Unless you are staying in a remote resort with a private boat service, Ton Sai Pier is also where you will be arriving on the island.
Accommodation in Ton Sai Bay tends to be party-oriented. That said, there are a few high-end resorts in the area, as well as some quality mid-range options. If you do want to both party and relax, look for hotels that sit slightly outside the main party hub – places near the pier are good for this.
Loh Dalam Bay
Loh Dalam Bay sits opposite Ton Sai, on the northern side of the narrow part of Phi Phi Don. Both areas bleed into each other, since it’s only about a five-minute walk between the two bays.
Hotels on the western side of Loh Dalam Bay can be quieter, but the eastern part of the bay has one of the largest (and loudest) groups of beach bars and nightly parties. If you’re in town to party, look for hostels in this part of the island – you’re guaranteed a good night out.
Hat Laem Thong
Hat Laem Thong is known as one of Koh Phi Phi’s most beautiful and idyllic areas. It is home to some of the best luxury resorts on the island, each of which offers everything you need to keep you entertained during your stay.
This is necessary, since most hotels in Hat Laem Thong can only be accessed by boat. Do make sure to count this into your budget, since you will have to pay (usually about 2000 THB each way) every time you want to go somewhere else on the island.
Long Beach
Long Beach offers a great compromise for travelers who want some freedom of movement, but also want a more peaceful beach experience than you would find in Ton Sai or Loh Dalam.
The beach is accessible by a 20-minute hike on a jungle path from Ton Sai. This means it’s easy to get around during the day, but – and this should go without saying – it’s not a viable option for going out at night. There are a few entertainment and dining options in Long Beach, but they are limited. However, the area does maintain a chilled-out, family-friendly, hippie feel that has been lost in many parts of the island, and accommodation options here tend to offer good value.
Hat Phak Nam
Want to get away from everything? Hat Phak Nam is the place for you. This tiny bay is especially quiet and remote, with only a couple of low-key, eco-friendly resorts and a small fishing village. Perfect for nature lovers and those looking for a real piece of remote island life.
Located along on a party-heavy stretch of beach just north of Loh Dalam Bay, this hotel is made for enjoying the Phi Phi nightlife. The area gets very loud at night (and the rooms have less-than-ideal soundproofing), so it’s very much not for those who want a quiet, peaceful experience. If, however, you just want somewhere pretty to nurse away from the previous night’s hangover, this could be the place for you.
Indeed, the views from Cobble Beach Hotel are some of the best in the bay, something which the layout of the hotel very much takes advantage of. Whether you’re chilling by the pool or having some drinks at the bar, you can take in the bright blue Andaman sea and the green-topped limestone cliffs of Koh Phi Phi in all their glory. Then, at night, you can head out to one of the many bars and beach parties in the area, the bucket of vodka in hand.
The accommodation itself is very simple, made up of basic rooms and bungalows. It does, however, provide good value for money if you are on the island to party. Make sure you get in touch with the hotel to arrange pick-up from the pier, as the hotel is up a steep hill (a porter carries your luggage for you) and can be hard to find.
♥ 24/7 party vibe
♥ Immediate beachfront location
♥ Wide range of accommodation options
A popular Koh Phi Phi party hotel, Ibiza House offers both private and dorm accommodation right on the Loh Dalam beachfront. Private villas are also available to book, which come with more space and access to a second outdoor swimming pool.
The rooms are quite simple but comfortable. The dorms have individual safes for your belongings and come in a wide range of sizes. This means that a group of friends traveling together could book a whole room to themselves, depending on availability.
However, the main draw of Ibiza House is its party vibe. The hostel bar is always buzzing, which makes it easy to meet people, and there is a big all-day pool party every Wednesday and Sunday. Meanwhile, there are many other bars easily accessible along the bay, so you are never too far away from a beach party.
Since it is a little bit removed from the pier and the main hub of nightlife, Gypsy Sea View Resort presents very good value for money on the island. It goes without saying that, given the size of Koh Phi Phi, this still places you within very easy walking distance from everything you need – about a 10-15 minute walk from Ton Sai pier.
The hotel itself is nothing special – both the rooms and the bungalows feature very basic decor and could do with a refresh. If in doubt, the rooms are nicer but the bungalows give you some more privacy. However, it is a good option for cheap, convenient accommodation on the island, especially if you’re not the type to spend most of your vacation in the hotel.
There is a good-sized outdoor pool with plenty of loungers for when you do want to just chill out. Alternatively, it’s just a 3-minute walk to the nearest stretch of beach.
♥ Great location and views
♥ Excellent food, especially breakfast
♥ Top-notch outdoor pool
PP Charlie Beach Resort sits on the edge of Loh Dalam Bay, about a five-minute walk from the bars, restaurants, and shops of Ton Sai Bay. This means it’s both convenient and quiet, perfect for those who want to party but also get some rest. It’s a 3-star resort with very good facilities, for a more modest price than some of the more upmarket hotels in the area.
The pool, in particular, is a big draw. It’s both large and well-designed, with plenty of lounger space (including Balinese beds that sit within the water itself) and a lovely view of Ton Sai Bay. Unlike many mid-range resorts in the area, the food at the on-site restaurant is genuinely good, especially the fantastic breakfast buffet.
The rooms are relatively basic, offering little in the way of design or amenities. Some of the cheaper categories of room can also be quite small and noisy – ask for a room far away from the hotel bar if possible. We recommend booking the Superior Double Room for more comfort.
♥ Stylish rooms and villas
♥ Excellent Ton Sai location
♥ Great infinity pool with weekly party
This Ton Sai resort manages to combine a party vibe with a more relaxed, grown-up resort atmosphere. Both the Deluxe rooms and the Pool Villas are spacious and stylish, with a simple contemporary design. The Pool Villas are an especially good choice, however, since the main pool closes at 7 pm most nights.
PP Princess Resort has a great location close to plenty of bars and restaurants, and there is also a good selection of them on-site. There are two pools, one large central infinity pool and a smaller, quieter one. The bigger pool is home to a weekly pool party on Fridays, which is attended by people throughout the island and is a good place to meet new friends.
♥ Well-designed and modern hotel
♥ Stunning views from most areas
♥ Walking distance to Ton Sai
Sitting on a massive cliffside overlooking Ton Sai bay, Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort is one of the newest hotels in Ton Sai, and one of the classier choices around. The hotel features plush and elegant design in its spacious rooms, most of which feature exceptional views. We particularly recommend the pool rooms, which give you direct access to the hotel’s infinity pool, as well as the beachfront rooms.
Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort has limited facilities, but it’s only an easy 15-minute walk to Ton Sai pier and the local bars and restaurants. Since it’s a little bit removed from the main action, you are guaranteed a much quieter stay than you would get in a hotel in the center.
One particular quirk of Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort is that there are quite a few monkeys in the area. While they are generally friendly, many guests have complained about the creatures coming into their rooms and stealing their food. In short – remember to lock your door!
♥ Attractive contemporary design
♥ Good overall facilities
♥ Excellent Ton Sai location
ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort is located a short walk away from Ton Sai pier. This places it conveniently close to all the bars and restaurants that make up the Phi Phi nightlife, but far enough that you won’t be kept up by all the noise.
The hotel features well-decorated, modern rooms with a touch of traditional Thai ambiance. The rooms are not always as well-maintained as you would hope, but they are clean and pleasant. The Deluxe rooms are particularly attractive, with large windows, colorful mood lighting, and plenty of space.
ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort has a very nice outdoor pool as well as a decent gym with weights and cardio equipment. The on-site restaurant has great views over the bay and serves a varied breakfast with plenty of Asian and Western choices.
♥ Beautiful traditional bungalows
♥ Completely remote and relaxing
♥ Good food on site
Located in tiny Phak Nam bay, this is as remote as it gets on Phi Phi. The accommodation is made up of stunning Thai-style island bungalows, featuring thatched pointed roofs and exclusively natural materials.
The amenities are decidedly rustic: all the rooms are fan-only and do not have hot water (not that you are really likely to need it in this neck of the woods). There is an on-site beachfront restaurant serving authentic Thai and Western cuisine, and Thai massages are available. This is very much a place for getting away from everything, with the beauty of the Andaman coast doing most of the entertainment.
As always, Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort can help you plan some activities around the island. In particular, it offers some great fishing packages, which include the opportunity to cook your catches right on the boat.
♥ Popular with gay travelers
♥ Great pool area
♥ Convenient for partying, but still quiet
This spot on Ton Sai bay is a gay Koh Phi Phi hotel favorite for the party crowd. It benefits from a great central location, while still being large and secluded enough that you can get a good night’s sleep if you want to.
There is an excellent swimming pool, with plenty of room for everyone and lovely views of the beach. Meanwhile, several bars provide the poolside refreshments and make it easy to meet fellow travelers before a night out.
The rooms are basic and, at times, quite dated. Definitely go for a room with a sea view if you can get it. Generally speaking, Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel is a good choice if you want to be able to stay near the party scene while still having some of the comforts of a large resort, but do not expect anything particularly fancy.
♥ Large selection of well-appointed bungalows
♥ Three excellent pools, plus direct beach access
♥ Eco-friendly and sustainable
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort is a sprawling 4.5-star resort on Laem Thong, featuring over 200 well-appointed bungalows and villas which blend traditional Thai elements like thatched roofs with clean, modern design.
All the rooms are fairly spacious, but the Deluxe bungalows and the suites are especially generous. Unlike many resorts in the area which only offer accommodations for couples, Phi Phi Island Village has a small number of Family Bungalows that are perfect for small groups of friends. If you are, however, looking for a romantic getaway, you could do worse than the secluded hillside pool villa with its incredible views of the bay.
Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort can organize activities throughout the area and even has its own PADI-certified diving center. If you just want to relax, you will enjoy the huge central pool or one of the smaller infinity ones, as well as the direct private beachfront access. Massages and other wellness treatments are offered in a serene beach pavillion, and several bars and cafes throughout the resort will keep you refreshed.
Phi Phi Island Village is committed to sustainable tourism, running several conservation and education initiatives to preserve the island’s marine life. These include beach cleanups, mangrove plantings, and an on-site Marine Center to teach guests about local species.
The Gay Passport is your complete Gay Travel Guide. Looking to Drink, Play or Sleep we have reviews to help. Award-winning & Updated 2024.