Ko Phi Phi Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2022)

Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Ko Phi Phi is easily one of Thailand’s most expensive islands to visit. And, if you come here to party (and many due), it’s gonna be even more expensive as drinks are pricey! That being said, you can still have a budget-friendly trip if you’re smart about it. Here are some ways to save money on Ko Phi Phi:

Go local – The easiest way to save money in Thailand is to simply live like a local. Take local buses, eat street food, and drink local beer. The average Thai lives on less than 7,750 THB per month in Bangkok and on even less in the countryside. Keep it simple to keep it affordable.

Eat street food – Thailand’s best food is on the street, and it costs a fraction of a restaurant meal. Stick to street food if you’re on a budget. There are plenty of delicious curries and rice, fresh juices, and meat skewers. Eating around the markets is a must-do in Thailand. Really that’s where you’ll find the best food anyway.

Use a water bottle with a purifier – It isn’t safe to drink the tap water in Phi Phi, and although buying bottled water is cheap, it does add up — pick up a LifeStraw, which have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too!)

Go during the low season – You’ll miss peak season if you travel from May through October, which means you’ll avoid peak-season prices. Just plan for a bit of rain.

Hit happy hour – Many bars and resorts on the beach offer happy hours where you can get cheaper drinks. Stick to drinking during happy hour if you want to go to the bar.

Buy beer at convenience stores – Beers and drinks are heavily discounted when purchased at convenience stores, costing half the price you’d pay at the bar. Purchase a few beers before you go out to the bars and cut your night’s budget by a lot.

Eat in Tonsai – Eat in Tonsai village rather than on the beach, as the beachfront restaurants tend to have higher prices for the same food.

Work for bars – Many bars give you free drinks if you spend a couple of hours handing out flyers for their venue during the afternoon.

Bargain hard – If hiring out a long-tail boat, be sure to bargain with the owner. Prices are always up for negotiation.

Don’t book tours before you arrive – Want to take a cooking class? Go zip-lining? Trek in the jungle? Dive? Wait until you get into Thailand to book anything. Travel agencies are located all over the tourist areas, looking to sell their tours. While you’re able to purchase these tours online before you arrive, you’ll be paying a lot more that way. Instead, book when you arrive so you can haggle for a better deal.

Book group excursions – When booking your day tours, multi-day tours, cooking classes, etc., try to book it as a group so the price per person gets reduced. Traveling alone? Make friends and book a tour with your hostel.

Group together to charter a longboat – If you’d like to see Ko Phi Phi Leh or other islands, get a group together and charter a long-tail boat. Split between four or more people, and it should be cheaper than an organized tour. If you’re traveling solo, ask around at your hostel.

Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who not only provide a free place to stay but who can introduce you to all the great places to see. It’s the best way to meet people and get insider tips.

Redeem hotel points – Sign up for a hotel credit card and use the points to pay for accommodations. Most cards give you 1-2 nights free just for signing up, which can save you a lot. Here’s a post that will help you get started with the basics so you can earn points right away and have plenty by the time you leave.