Phi Phi Island Hotels in Phi Phi Don Village

I usually enjoy site visits to Phi Phi Island, but this trip was truly memorable as I've finally found a place in Tonsai Village (the pier area) with views to die for and the peace and quiet that becomes my age ;). Right on the easterly edge of Loh Dalum bay (the one that got badly hit by the Tsunami) but raised above sea level by some 6 meters is the reception of the Phi Phi View Point Resort.

And what a reception compound it is. As with many hotels of this level of size, comfort and service, the entrance, restaurant, bar, dive shop and pool are together. This has a warming effect of bringing all the guest together, definitely the focal point of the resort.

Leaving Phuket for Phi Phi island

But let me start at the beginning. Our ride out on the 1.30 pm Songserm Boat from Rasada Pier to Tonsai Pier Phi Phi Island was uneventful enough, save the fact that it was surprisingly full of holiday makers. A light light breeze, strong sun and 20cm wave meant that we were hardly aware of any movement of the Jet Wave 2. As usual I was asleep downstairs in the Air Conditioned area.

Arriving at Phi Phi Don

We arrived at Phi Phi Island Pier after letting passengers off for their Koh Lanta Boat connection and the rich colours of the afternoon were showing off the village and the mountains at their best. I was met, with another couple staying at the same resort, by Tan with a sign for Phi Phi View Point Resort and followed him through the village past The Dojo, Reggae Bar, Casita Rooms, Sunflower Bar and finally over the small bridge separating the small resort from the best of Phi Phi Island.

Arriving at the Phi Phi View Point Resort

I met by Khun Daeng, the Manager of Phi Phi View Point Resort, at reception who welcomed me and was lead up the hill to my air conditioned room by a helpful chap called Neung (meaning "One"). We climbed about 30 easy steps to the row of attached rooms, which from the outside were nothing to comment on but it was only when we turned around that we saw the view through the trees. You don't see the whole view but what you see is impressive.

The Phi Phi View Point Resort rooms were spacious and well laid out though simple in design. The TV had BBC and Star Movies and a sport channel. The fridge had the usual 2 bottles of water but no other contents, the showers were hot with a good power. The hotel room had well positioned lighting switches (not always a given on Phi Phi and in Thailand) so that I was able to read comfortably while in bed. The Air conditioning was wall mounted and in fact I was a bit cold at night (but too lazy to get up and change the settings.) The Buffet Breakfast was from 7.30 am to 10 am.

There are 60 rooms at the Phi Phi View Point Resort of which 30 are air conditioned similar to where I stayed and of which 5 are beachfront, and command a premium. The views from these beachfront hotel rooms are stunning and would rate very highly in a world wide comparison.

The sun setting in the sea happens from the middle of April till the end of September as the Tonsai Cliffs shield this view for most of the high season. Suffice to say the sunset was dramatic and covers Loh Dalum in a quiet twilight glow.

In the evening I strolled down to the reception of the Phi Phi View Point Resort where I met up with Clare, a Brit who owns Blue View Divers based at Phi Phi View Point Resort. Clare has been on the the island teaching PADI diving Courses courses for over 5 years after doing a stint in the Gibbon rehabilitation center in Phuket. With a degree in biology Clare is a wealth of knowledge about the local reefs and ecosystems of the island. Very approachable, Clare and the Blue View Diver's focus is on a friendly and sustainable interaction with nature and community.

Later I met Porey who is running the Talay (meaning Sea) Restaurant and tasted some of the only Mexican food on the island which was very good. An easy going character with a love of fun but with a serious side. His plans to develop the kitchen and offer a fusion menu based on western and Thai specialties is something I will return for.

All in all I think Phi Phi View Point Resort is one of Phi Phi island's best for service, value and just the general atmosphere.