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Phi Phi's nightlife has several very positive things going for
it. It's compact, entertaining, young and vibrant and - unlike many
other tourist destinations in this part of the world - it's not sleazy.
The island's many pubs and bars are centrally located and easy
to find. At 2am the music stops but bars generally stay open for as long as they have customers.
One distinctive feature of Phi Phi's nightlife is the many displays
of 'buckets' lined up for sale. The ingredients of this one-way
ticket to oblivion are: Ice, Red Bull (energy drink), mixer, straws
and a half-bottle of spirits. Revelers simply add the Red Bull,
mixer and spirits, dig in with their straws and the rest is a rather
hazy experience. Prices range from 200 baht for Sang Som (local
sugar cane rum) to 500 baht for Jack Daniel's.
Tonsai Central
One of the main areas in which to find the happening bars is in
and around Ton Sai and along the interconnecting 'road' to Loh Dalum
Bay. Here, you'll find the likes of Rolling Stoned Bar,
featuring live music, the next-door Reggae Bar with Thai boxing, the Sports Bar and the busy and popular Tiger
Bar. Very close by is Jordan's Irish Pub which is suprisingly authentic,
the air conditioning ensures a smokey atmosphere.
The Reggae Bar, something of a Phi Phi institution,
is a large drinking spot with a cast of hundreds. There's a heavy
beat laid down, pool tables, and because the place is open-sided,
no cigarette fumes. The centerpiece of this bar is its muay Thai
(Thai boxing) ring. It's a fairly unique experience to watch two
foreigners dressed up as Thai boxers complete with leather headgear
go at each other refereed by a tubby Thai official.
It's fascinating stuff and the huge flat screen showing MTV clips
above the proceedings is heartily ignored when fights take place.
Tamla Motown, it has to be said, is not exactly conducive to Thai
boxing so when the music switches to Thai traditional fight stuff
and two young Thai boxers come into the ring the mood switches abruptly.
Fights start at 21:30.
Upstairs from the Reggae Bar is a club called Tin Tin's that doesn't really get going until late but as this is the only
bone fide club on the island you can expect it to be hot in the
wee hours.
Tonsai Beachfront
The beach scene on Phi Phi is alive and well. At Hippies
Bar the vibe is Rock n' Roll with 'Jailhouse Rock' thundering
out. Never mind that the song is more than 50 years old, Phi Phi
has its own agenda when it comes to partying.
You will hear every type of music on Phi Phi at night time, from
Sea Gypsy music to Red Hot Chili Peppers to Coldplay to The Beatles
to Edith Piaf and everyone enjoys every note of it.
Hippies bar is very well known in Phi Phi and popular every night
there's a fireshow around 9pm. Twice a month half moon parties are
held with dancing on the beach, fire dancers and a decidedly international
clientele. Close by is Carpe Diem which is very
similar, it has a 'beach chillout lounge', morning yoga lessons
and more fire dancing.
Closer to the main part of town is Apache Bar with its very loud music, you can't miss it. Carlitos Bar has the motto 'where the sun shines up your ass'. Although it straddles
the path, the beach side is where the action is.
Closer to town than the beachfront is the notable Deco
Bar, above Phi Phi Scuba Diving, this bar is like a very
large balcony. Music is played at a normal volume so conversation
thrives, which is something that can't be said for many other night
spots on the island.
Loh Dalum
Over in Loh Dalum Bay the night scene is decidedly more laid back
than Tonsai Village and much quieter. Here, there's no hustle and
bustle and it's more relaxed and chilled out, music is played at
a reasonable volume.
If you're into chilled-out tunes on the beach, wooden décor and
sand under your feet then Sunflower's the place
for you. Further along, Sunset Bar has 'mon' (Thai
triangular cushions) for seating and serves posh coffees and cocktails.
Some 100 metres further down the sand is Beach Bar,
an extension of Ciao Bella Restaurant, a quiet sort of cocktail
bar with music to match.
Tonsai West
On the quiet seafront in front of Phi Phi Cabana is a upmarket terrace where cocktails are served to a more mature
clientele. |
