Phi Phi Bayview Resort – Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

Arriving at Koh Phi Phi Don, I was surprised on how many tourists flocked this relatively small island on the southern part of Thailand. Me and my buddy waded through hundreds of shopping stalls along a narrow alley right beside the beach. We reached the far end of the shore and were transported to our bungalow on a cliff overlooking Koh Phi Phi Leh. I sat on our private balcony and enjoyed the view. Phi Phi Bayview Resort is the perfect seclusion away from the maddening crowd of this favorite jump-off point to the famed The Beach, maybe we could all blame it to Leonardo di Caprio.

Koh Phi Phi was our fourth stop on Thailand during Beach Hop Asia 2016, our two-month backpacking trip to some of the famous beach destinations in Asia. After exploring Melaka, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia, we headed to Koh Pangan, Krabi and Koh Lanta in Thailand before our pit stop on the famed islands of Koh Phi Phi (Koh Phi Phi Don is the inhabited island while Koh Phi Phi Leh is the nearby island, usually for day trips).

Leaving Phi Phi with dwindling funds and uneven tan. It's all worth it anyway :) | #BeachHopAsia2016 | Koh Phi Phi, Thailand | Photo by @lakadpilipinas

A photo posted by blissfulguro (@blissfulguro) on May 2, 2016 at 11:07pm PDT

There are no motorized transportation on the island aside from a few motorbikes by the locals; wheelbarrow is the popular means to transport goods here. Everything is just a 10-minute walking distance around downtown Ton Sai area. You may go around to the other spots on the island by using a boat taxi. We came from the laidback island of Koh Lanta and were stunned on the number of tourists on Koh Phi Phi.

We missed the free boat shuttle to our home for four days, Phi Phi Bayview Resort, so we tugged our backpacks with us and walked our way to the hilly side having a panoramic view of Koh Phi Phi islands, a common visual treat on this part of Thailand.

We were welcomed by a staff at the shore entrance and were led to the open-aired reception area. 

Uphill and downhill paths going to our bungalow

Checking in was fast as we had prior online reservations (check for discounted rates). The uphill and downhill path going to our villa could’ve been a punishment along with our luggage but the free buggy ride made it easier (on-call from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily).

Our Superior Villa was perched on a hill providing a stunning view of the surrounding Phi Phi islands. I opened the main door and was amazed on how huge it was.

The view from our spacious balcony

Coming from the main door, I went to the door on my left that led me to the private toilet and bath. Shades of brown and beige warmed up the clean white space. There’s this openness to it that was provided by the clear polycarbonate roofing on the shower area. The tap water undergone seawater treatment (utilizing desalination process) so expect it to be on the salty side, Bayview Phi Resort however, provides their guests with complimentary drinking water.

Spacious toilet and bath

A clear glass window was installed on the bathroom which allowed the beautiful view of the room itself plus the scenic landscape to come in to the bath area.

Open bathroom design

The room was filled with hardwood furniture and furnishings starting from the wardrobe closet, vanity dresser, entertainment rack, bedstead, headboard and the sunbeds on the balcony. Night lamps rigged from bamboo accentuated the end tables.

I would totally understand if Phi Phi Bayview Resort left the room as it is but they added a flat screen TV, mini fridge and coffee and tea-making facilities for a more enjoyable stay.

Tropical feel from our bed's point-of-view

I went to the far end of the room and opened the glass sliding doors that led me to the spacious private balcony. There were reclining sunbeds and lounge seats with coffee table that filled the space. I asked my buddy to prep some coffee as the view from there needed more time for contemplation.

The best view in Koh Phi Phi is from our villa

With no plans for that day, I jumped into our huge and comfy bed then slumbered for the rest of the day.

The next three days went on with endless walking around the beach and the whole of the island. We did a day trip on the neighboring islands including Koh Phi Phi Leh but failed to experience the party scene at night. I think I was still recovering from the crazy Full Moon Party in Koh Pangan, still in Thailand, that all I wanna do at that time was to explore the island, grab a beer or two and just enjoy the beach.

Low tide from this side of Koh Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Bayview Resort also has an outdoor swimming pool

The complimentary buffet breakfast is served at Roof Top Restaurant, one of the in-house restaurants of the resort, from seven to ten in the morning. The buffet spread had the basic breakfast fix of international and Thai dishes but nothing to rave about.

Our every day breakie view from Roof Top Restaurant

Rice for breakfast!

What I loved the most about our home in Koh Phi Phi was the pocket beach, Laem Hin Beach, we had right below our villa (around twenty or so steps).  After getting some cold Chang beers from a store, we laid our sarong on the shore and enjoyed the quick afternoon dips. We also met other travelers who were likewise enjoying the serenity of the beach.

Laem Hin Beach, secluded pocket beach right below our villa

Phi Phi Bayview Resort may not be conveniently located at the center of Koh Phi Phi Don, but the seclusion and the stunning view you wake up to every morning was all worth it. It was so perfect that you wouldn’t wanna leave your villa and just relish every moment you’re there.

Phi Phi Bayview Resort (check for discounted rates)

69 Moo 7, Laem Hin Beach, Phi Phi Island,

Tambol Ao-Nang, Muang, Krabi 81000, Thailand

Contact Numbers: (+66) 75.601.127 to 31 | (+66) 081.892.7510