When we think of Thailand, nightlife seems integrated in that thought. A trip to this tropical destination is absolutely incomplete without a taste of the throbbing discotheques and bars. While prominent cities like Bangkok and Pattaya have dedicated streets and localities, there isn't a single town in Thailand that is free of bars. While the Bangla Street in Patong, Phuket steals all the limelight for the best nightlife, there is a very unexpected place that really has glitzy evenings. That place (very surprising to some) is Phi Phi Island.

Majority of the tourists do Phi Phi as a day trip. Even we did that, when we visited 12 years ago as a couple. We tend to think that it's a day beach area (like the Ile Aux Cerfs) and the place shuts out after dusk. However in reality, Phi Phi Don is a really big island. (Not Phuket big, but not as small as Dhiffushi) It's a non motorable island and is quite hilly. So if you need to traverse from one end of the island to another, you will need to take a boat for that. 

That's why we chose to reside near the Tonsai Pier (the city/island centre). We needed the market with the groceries and restaurants at an arm's length and believe me, it was the best decision ever. The island really goes to sleep at night, and it becomes quite spooky and eerie. So had we been staying on the more peaceful parts, we couldn't have enjoyed the nightlife.

Well the Loh Dalum Bay is an area where you would get transported elsewhere. Surely there are a number of happening bars and clubs in the centre. But the ambiance on that beach is a different scenario altogether! There are elaborate fire shows. We even crossed a burning rope from beneath a few times to get free shots as rewards. Almost every crazy task comes with rewards. You can find weed everywhere and laughing gas is for sale too. The waves often come crashing on the chairs, where you are sitting for watching the fire shows. We loved every moment of the glitz and glamour for the 2 nights we were there and I highly recommend staying at Phi Phi overnight to witness a completely different phase of this lively island.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2024.