Updated June 2025
Koh Phi Phi is a small tropical island and one of the most famous — and most visited — islands in Thailand. Because of its popularity, many travelers assume that a holiday here must be expensive.
The island is well-known for its stunning limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and world-class diving and snorkeling. Its fame skyrocketed after the release of The Beach in 2000, which was filmed right here on Maya Bay.
But despite its popularity, you can absolutely enjoy Koh Phi Phi on a budget.
I’ve been coming to the island since 2005 and have lived here permanently since 2012. Living in a tourist destination on a small island isn’t exactly cheap, but with the right approach and a few compromises, it’s definitely possible to keep your costs low.
Koh Phi Phi is still a small village at heart, and I honestly don’t think you need luxury to enjoy island life. You’ll likely spend most of your time on the beach, in the water, or out exploring. If you’re a backpacker, all you really need is a clean, basic place to sleep and shower.
In this post, I’ll share useful tips for travelers, students, and backpackers — from budget accommodation and cheap eats to fun (and affordable) things to do on the island.
There are no roads, cars, or motorbikes on the island. That means clean air — and no need to spend money on taxis or tuk-tuks. You can walk everywhere on foot, which makes getting around simple and free.
Why is Koh Phi Phi more expensive than other places in Thailand?
Well, since Koh Phi Phi is a small island about two hours by boat from the mainland, pretty much everything has to be brought over — food, drinks, supplies, even electricity and water!
That means things like groceries and accommodation tend to be a bit pricier than in places like Krabi or Phuket. Running a hotel or hostel here costs more, so they usually pass on some of that to guests. But don’t worry — with a few smart choices, it’s still totally possible to enjoy Phi Phi without blowing your budget.
When is the best time to visit Phi Phi Island?
If you’re traveling on a budget, timing your trip right can make a big difference. The best time to score cheaper accommodation and enjoy a quieter island vibe is during the low season — from May 1st to October 31st. The weather is usually still pretty good (with the occasional rain), there are fewer tourists around, and hotel prices drop to their lowest.
On the flip side, the most expensive time to visit is during the Christmas and New Year holidays, and also around Chinese New Year in mid-February. During those weeks, the island gets super busy, places sell out fast, and prices can jump up to five times higher than in low season. So if you want to save, skip the high season and come when things are more chill — and way more affordable!
Where to Find Cheap Rooms in Koh Phi Phi
As I mentioned earlier, if you can time your visit during the off-season (May to the end of October), you’ll definitely stretch your accommodation budget much further.
One great option is Uphill Cottage — a solid choice if you’re looking for something affordable and peaceful. It’s about a 12-minute walk from the main pier, tucked away in a quiet part of town but still close enough to restaurants, shops, bars, and the beach. In low season, rooms go for around 800 THB per night.
If you’re looking to spend even less, check out Harmony House, P P Garden Home Bungalows and Tropical Garden Bungalows. These places offer simple fan rooms, perfect for budget travelers. Off-season prices usually range between 400–500 THB per night for two people — that’s around 13–16 USD.
And if you’re staying long-term, Phi Phi can still work for you. Renting a basic room for a month during low season will cost around 12,000 THB (roughly 390 USD), which is a great deal for island life!
CHEAP HOTELS & ROOMS IN PHI PHI ISLAND
BEST HOSTELS & DORMS IN PHI PHI ISLAND
Where to Find Good and Cheap Food in Phi Phi Island?
Food on Phi Phi Island isn’t too expensive, especially if you love Thai food. There are plenty of affordable restaurants and local spots to satisfy your hunger without breaking the bank.
The best place for cheap eats is the local market near the main port. Here, you’ll find several stalls and small restaurants serving tasty and budget-friendly meals.
I highly recommend checking out the local market by the main pier. You can find classic Thai dishes like pad thai, fried rice, and delicious curries for just a few dollars. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy authentic flavors while keeping your budget intact.
cheap Thai food for good prices. The price of meals such as rice and pad thai is from 70THB per serving (2USD). Try PA NOI restaurant.
- Another good and cheap options besides the market are the ONLY NOODLES resto, where they cook cheap Pad thai and yellow noodle dishes. The stand is tucked behind the Irish Bar.
- If you want European food, some pasta or pizza, you can try the TOM YAM restaurant near the ONLY NOODLES. It serves European and Thai dishes.
If you want to save money on drinking water and be a bit more eco-friendly, grab yourself a Trash Hero flask. It costs just 200 THB, and there are several places around the island—like Adventure Club dive shops—where you can refill it with clean drinking water for free. The best part? You can use the same bottle on other islands too, like Koh Lipe and Koh Tao.
What to Do on the Island Without Spending Too Much?
🌄 Phi Phi Viewpoint
This is a must when visiting Phi Phi! The entrance fee is just 50 THB, and the walk is fairly easy. You’ll reach Viewpoint #1 shortly after the stairs, and after about 20 minutes uphill, you’ll arrive at Viewpoint #2, where you can enjoy the iconic view from a wooden platform and grab a drink at the Viewpoint Restaurant.
🛶 Kayaking
Kayaking in Loh Dalum Bay is one of the most popular activities here. A 3-hour rental for two people costs around 500 THB (or 250 THB per person / approx. $8 USD). If you plan to keep the kayak all day, don’t be shy to negotiate for a better price.
🤿 Snorkeling
If you enjoy snorkeling, there are some great off-the-beach spots you can access on foot.
Long Beach is great for swimming at any tide, and at the far end, you’ll find Shark Point, where you might spot black-tip reef sharks.
Loh Moodee Beach is also good for snorkeling, but it’s best to go at high tide, as the water can be quite shallow during low tide. You can check tides using apps like Global Tide.
🥾 Beach & Jungle Trekking
If you’re into walking, head to the northern part of the island and explore Loh Ba Kao Bay or Laem Tong Beach. The trails are scenic, and the beaches are quieter and less crowded.
👉 HOW TO GET TO THE NORT PART OF THE ISLAND ON FOOT
🏊 Swimming Pools
There are a few pools you can use for free—just order a drink or some food at the pool bar.
Ibiza Pool Party offers free entry on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays when they host their popular pool parties.
💆♀️ Massage
There aren’t any fancy spas on the island, but you’ll find plenty of simple massage shops in town.
Go for a massage in town rather than on the beach—you’ll get the same treatment but at a better price.
Expect to pay around 300 THB for a Thai massage, and 400 THB (about $10–13 USD) for an oil massage.
Recommended spots: Baan Sabai Massage and Anita Massage.
Nightlife and Bars in Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi has a buzzing nightlife, especially along the beach. The best part? Most beach bars are open and free to wander around. It’s considered polite to buy at least one drink at the bar, but no one will stop you if you grab a cold beer from the supermarket or a street vendor and enjoy it right on the beach.
The fire shows are one of the highlights of the night—catch them from 8 PM at Freedom Bar and Slinky Bar. Grab a spot on the sand and enjoy the show!
Reggae Bar is another fun spot, especially if you’re up for something different. Entry is free with a drink, and around 9:30 PM the Muay Thai matches begin. Sometimes they even let tourists step into the ring for a friendly match—with a free whiskey bucket up for grabs if you win.
Looking for strong drinks and a lively atmosphere? Check out the Paddy Shack, located right in the heart of town next to Capu Latte Café. Paddy is known for great-value cocktails and some of the best cocktail buckets on the island.
Budget Boat Trips in Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi has plenty of tours and excursions to choose from—even if you’re on a budget. One of the best and most affordable ways to explore the island is by hopping on a traditional long-tail boat.
That said, be cautious of tours that seem too cheap. If you see a half-day trip (including lunch) advertised for 350–400 THB, chances are you’ll end up on a packed boat with 30+ people. At that price, the operator has no choice but to fill every seat to break even.
If you want to actually enjoy the experience, take photos without elbows in your frame, and not feel like you’re in a tourist factory, it’s worth paying a bit more. A good price for a small group long-tail boat trip is around:
650 THB for a half-day tour (~20 USD)
850 THB for a full-day tour
Keep in mind that most tours to Maya Bay and Bamboo Island also require a National Park fee of 400 THB.
Spending just a bit more means a better quality experience, fewer people, more flexibility, and real memories that are worth it.
How Much Money Should I Bring to Enjoy Phi Phi Island?
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy Phi Phi Island. Here’s a rough budget estimate for one person staying 4 nights / 3 full days during low season. This includes budget accommodation, daily meals, drinks, and a few fun activities like a boat trip, kayaking, and a massage.
If you stay in a budget place like Tropical Garden Bungalows, share a room (300 THB per person per night), and spend carefully, around 4,800 THB (~130 USD) can cover your whole stay.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
🛬 Afternoon Arrival to the Island:
Accommodation (1 night): 300 THB
Drinks (water or fruit shake): 100 THB
Viewpoint entrance: 50 THB
Dinner + Beer: 180 THB
Subtotal: 630 THB
📅 Day 1:
Accommodation: 300 THB
Drinks: 100 THB
3 Thai meals: 300 THB
Mask & snorkel rental: 150 THB
Massage: 400 THB
Subtotal: 1,250 THB
📅 Day 2:
Accommodation: 300 THB
Drinks: 100 THB
2 Thai meals: 180 THB
Longtail boat trip: 850 THB
National Park fee: 400 THB
Subtotal: 1,830 THB
📅 Day 3:
Accommodation: 300 THB
Drinks: 100 THB
3 Thai meals: 300 THB
Kayak rental: 250 THB
Subtotal: 950 THB
🚤 Morning Departure:
Breakfast: 150 THB
🧾 Grand Total: 4,810 THB (~130 USD)
💡 Tip: If you smoke or plan to drink more in the evenings, add a bit extra to your budget for cigarettes or alcohol.
This budget allows you to have a fun, active, and comfortable trip to Phi Phi—without breaking the bank.
