Bars on Phi Phi Island
Do you like to stroll along a café terrace with your nose in a book? Or are you looking for a lively bar? Want to watch the sun set while sipping a fruit shake? Phi Phi has just the bar for you.
Most bars are located between Loh Dalam Bay (opposite Ton Sai Bay where the pier is), Ton Sai Bay (towards Long Beach) and Ton Sai Village.
Note that drinks are generally cheaper further away from Tonsai Village, towards Long Beach. Bars are also a bit rarer.
If you want to save a few precious baht, don't hesitate to buy your drinks from grocery stores or bucket stalls.
Must See: Slinky Beach Bar
Located at Loh Dalum Bay, Slinky Beach Bar is THE place to dance with your feet in the sand. When night falls, large planks are laid out on the beach to serve as a stage for an enchanting fire show.
Slinky Beach Bar features some of the best fire jugglers on the island. While the discipline may seem commonplace in Phi Phi's bars, few athletes can match what these young Thais present. Sticks and fireballs fly through the air, grazing the audience.
The later you arrive, the more spectacular the show. Around midnight, the jugglers jump with a skipping rope dipped in burning gasoline. Spectators are invited to try, but beware... judging by the burns on the jugglers' bodies, you could get really, really hurt. Daring participants are offered a glass of alcohol... after jumping into the sea to soothe the burns!
Pool Party: Ibiza House
Ibiza Pool Party is another must for Phi Phi Island nightlife. International DJs spin the decks around the beachside pool and cocktails flow into the wee hours!
The Dubliner Irish Pub
Admittedly, the prices at this Irish pub are on the high side, but we mention it because we love the walls covered with dedications from tourists from all over the world. Even on the ceilings (but how did they do that?). If you want to get an autograph, go during happy hour when the drinks are cheaper. In the center of Ton Sai village.
Breakers Bar
A very sporty bar: several TV screens are dedicated to sporting events. Surfer atmosphere in a very Australian style. The terrace overlooks one of the liveliest streets in town. Lots of promotions (cocktails, beers, ladies), so don't forget to ask your waiter for the "bargain" of the day.
We have a good laugh reading the signs posted here and there: "Do not drop cigarette butts on the floor, as they burn the hands and knees of customers as they leave". Now that's setting the tone!
What to drink in Phi Phi
Fruit Shakes
Often local fruit juices mixed and shaken with ice. We love the smooth, refreshing watermelon fruit shake, but also pineapple, mango and lemon. From 50 to 70 baht.
Our best place to try them? The bar at Phi Phi Villa (on the way to Long Beach) and their unforgettable coconut shake, refreshing and creamy at the same time.
Thai Beers Singha and Chang
The local "prestige" beer is called "Singha". It's a little more expensive than "Chang", which makes it the favorite of backpackers on a budget... but admittedly, "Chang" is also a little less good. Either way, you'll love their exotic etiquette. The Chang's elephants are a must-have vacation item, printed on a T-shirt.
In Phi Phi's bars and restaurants you can buy a "Chang" beer for about 50 baht and a "Singha" for between 60 and 80 baht.
A good idea and a great alternative is to buy beer and soft drinks in the island's grocery stores and sip them on the beach (please do not throw the bottles in the sea!) From 30 Baht for a can of beer.
The Buckets
As soon as the last glimmer of daylight disappears behind the mountain, bucket stands spring up in the bustling village streets. These colorful buckets are popular with groups of friends who can make their own cocktails at low prices. Each bucket contains soft drinks and a bottle (about 5 dl) of hard liquor. Ice is provided for free.
All you have to do is mix everything together, right in the bucket. Everyone can put their straw in and sip the homemade cocktail.
The price of a bucket varies depending on the spirit in it. Thai whisky (Mekong or Mekhong) is cheaper than Scotch or vodka. Be warned, it is said to give you a hangover the next morning...
All in moderation, of course.