This was my Thai island bungalow experience!
Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort is located on the northeastern side of Koh Phi Phi, far away from the commercial side of the island. Accessible only via long-tail boat or a strenuous hike over the mountain, this resort is hidden away in the Koh Phi Phi Marine National Park.
When I arrived
I was given a cold glass of water when I arrived. Staff members carried my luggage from the boat to reception and from reception to my bungalow.
Bungalows
I stayed in a thatched roof garden bungalow, only 20 m from the blue waters of the Andaman Sea. The interior of the bungalow is spacious and furnished with wooden material. The bed is comfortable and fitted with a much needed mosquito net. A large fan will keep you cool at night. No air conditioning is available.
The ensuite bathroom also serves as a wet room with a shower, toilet and wash basin. Inside the bathroom are two large dispensers, one for body wash and one for shampoo.
The bungalow has a large, private balcony with beautiful views of the gardens below and in the sea distance.
Dry towels are provided every day along with a free bottle of water.
Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort is an eco-resort which means there is no hot water, and electricity is only available between 6pm and 7am.
Breakfast
Breakfast is not included in your stay. As Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort is rather isolated, your only option for food is to eat at the restaurant. And let me just say, the prices are ridiculously expensive for Thailand! The prices below give you an idea of the cost of breakfast:
Tea/coffee 70 THB
Egg and toast 90 THB
French toast 100 THB
Cornflakes, banana and milk 150 THB
And this is just the breakfast prices! Lunch and dinner dishes are even more expensive. I suggest you hike to Phi Phi town and buy a couple of things at the 7 eleven or Family Mart. However, the resort does not want you to keep food in your bungalow as it attracts animals. It’s a catch 22!
But overall, Koh Phi Phi is a very expensive island. Just keep that in mind if you visit.
Facilities
Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort has limited facilities. There is a restaurant (which closes at 20h30 during off-peak season), a bar and housekeeping every day. You can arrange tours through the resort, which is very expensive.
Staff
Some staff members are friendly and helpful, while others are rude and speak very little English.
What I didn’t like:
The only option available for food is the resort restaurant. And as I explained above, the prices are ridiculous!
The transfer from the pier to the resort. This is included in your stay. However, I was traveling with my family (including a young infant) which meant we were the last ones to disembark the ferry (we had a lot of luggage). By the time we got to the pier, the long-tail boat for the resort had already left. We had to hire a boat to take us to the resort. Really, the boat should have waited a little bit longer!
WiFi is spotty and limited to the communal areas, like the restaurant. However, a digital detox in this paradise setting is not a bad idea.
What I liked best:
The views! Of all my accommodation in Thailand, Phi Phi Relax Beach Resort has the best views by a mile. You will struggle to take a bad photo.
The beach! It’s beautiful and the water is nice and warm to swim in.
Butterflies everywhere!
Would I stay here again?
Probably not. The views are stunning, but this is the only positive aspect of this resort for me. That doesn’t justify another visit.
Budget a lot of money for food and tours if you choose to stay here.
