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SAII PHI PHI ISLAND VILLAGE - ANYTHING BUT BORING!
Almost all the way in the north of Koh Phi Phi lies the first-class resort that listens to the name SAii Phi Phi Island Village. Beautiful bungalows and (pool) villas on a huge property situated between the beach and the hills. Near the resort is a tiny village with nice restaurants and bars. We ourselves left the grounds only briefly, because in SAii Phi Phi Island Village itself there is plenty to do. There are two swimming pools, very good restaurants and the bay in which a small waterway flows into the sea. Looking for a few days of complete relaxation on beautiful Koh Phi Phi? Read on, it won’t be boring, it will be very relaxing!
The location of SAii Phi Phi Island Village
SAii Phi Phi Island Village is located on Loh Ba Khao Bay (or Loh Ba Gao Bay) on Koh Phi Phi. The bay offers an 800-meter stretched beach with a beautiful blue-green sea. Behind the resort is Ba Khao Village, a small village that is mostly home to fishing families and people working in Phi Phi’s tourism industry. A small village, nice for a walk and a snack or drink at a restaurant or bar, nothing more. Through the village flows a river over which is a bridge, a beautiful place for a photo. The road from the bridge eventually leads to Loh Lana Bay, a small beach, but not worth the effort in our opinion..
If you continue north, you will eventually arrive at Laem Tong Beach. It is best to go there by longtail boat. We did this on foot, but in the Thai heat it is not recommended. In the south, on the other side of the island lies Ton Sai Beach. You can walk here, but this is also not recommended unless you do a trekking. Assume a two hour walk before you get to Ton Sai. The best way to get to SAii on Phi Phi is by boat.
The best way to travel to the SAii Phi Phi Island Village resort on Koh Phi Phi?
From Bangkok you can choose to fly to the airports of Phuket or Krabi. At both airports you will be picked up and taken by minivan to the pier where a special SAii speedboat will take you to the resort on Koh Phi Phi. From Phuket airport the trip to the resort takes about two hours and costs per person 1,400 THB for Thai residents and 1,800 THB for international guests. From Krabi airport the journey is slightly shorter and costs THB 1,400 for Thai residents and THB 1,800 for international guests. Please contact the resort for current times so you don’t miss the boat.
Image: Thailand Magazine
We traveled from Railay to Phi Phi and slept on the island before we went to SAii. For us, it was just a matter of fixing a longtail boat. The resort was kind enough to organize this for us. The cost was 150 THB per person for a “bumpy ride” from Ton Sai to Loh Ba Khao Bay because of the (strong) headwind. After we arrived in the bay, the sea was calm again.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Welcome!
Once you arrive at SAii Phi Phi Island Village, it depends on low or high tide whether you can step directly with your feet into the soft sand. In this bay, the difference between low tide and high tide is great, with the result that the water is very low during low tide. In our case, we arrived at low tide and about a hundred yards before the resort, we had to transfer into a small blue boat with a backpack and all. Two friendly employees of the resort pushed the boat towards the beach while we were in it. We have experienced many modes of transportation, this one was new….
Image: Thailand Magazine
Like music to our ears
After a few minutes of floating, we arrived at the beach and were kindly welcomed by a lady who took us to the lobby. Something we are still talking about now was the fun welcome music played live by two members of a four-piece band. A good-looking man on a guitar and a nice lady on a cajón.
DID YOU KNOW?
A cajón is a wooden box that the percussionist plays on.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Checking in
Check-in at SAii Phi Phi Island Village is done in a nice open space where guests can take a seat on comfortable benches. There you are welcomed with a welcome drink, in our case a virgin pina colada, and a cloth to clean our hands. The necessary documents with personal data are requested and after a few minutes you are checked in. After this you need to download an app on which you can log in with the room number. After installing and logging in, there is a short explanation on how to use the SAii app and you are asked to walk with us to the Gift Shop next to the lobby. In the lobby you will also find the M.I.Y. Lab.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
SAii App
We see it more and more in the resorts where we stay. A handy app that arranges everything for you while staying at a nice resort. So too at SAii and you can arrange almost anything through the app, from room service to extra towels or from an ironing board and iron to a set of new pillows in the room. You can even use it to order food in your room or by the pool. Of course we had to make good use of this! More on this later in this review.
M.I.Y. Lab
M.I.Y. stands for Mix It Yourself and allows guests of SAii to choose their own scents for the bathroom and even mix them. In addition to shower gel and shampoo, many scents are incorporated into the body lotion you receive in your room. A very original way of interacting with the guests and we had never seen uhm smelled this before…. We chose two scents, coconut and orange, although we might have wanted to try coffee too. Next time we will choose that one. Mixing ourselves we found it too risky and chose the safe way. What if a homemade mix suddenly made us smell like pine needles with a hint of lemongrass!
DID YOU KNOW?
If you flip the letters MIY, you get YIM, which means smile in Thai. The concept and “digging” plus smelling the numerous scents actually made us smile.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
Snap Snack Box
Another fun and original way to give guests more influence over their stay is the Snap Snack Box. After checking in, guests receive a variety of sweet and savory snacks in front of them from which they can create their own snack package. The selection is mostly limited to healthy snacks, but we actually encourage this. We were looking forward to having our own selection of tasty snacks, but unfortunately this was not possible due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Who knows next time when we visit a SAii resort, like the SAii Laguna Phuket or SAii Koh Samui Choengmon for example.
Gift Shop
In the Gift Shop there is really a lot of stuff to buy. From (bath) clothes to inflatable animals in the water and from snacks to painkillers. We bought an aluminum heart on which we wrote our names and Thailand Magazine. Why? A few days before, we got engaged in Railay. We thought this was an original way to express our love.
ALSO READ
Our article on The Grotto in Railay where we got engaged before coming to Koh Phi Phi.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
With electric transportation to our bungalow
The resort contains a number of roads on which electric trolleys (kind of like golf carts) drive around. This is how the staff transports materials and guests from A to B. So when we were fully checked in, we were driven to our room with our backpacks. Convenient since it was not near the lobby and our bags were quite heavy. In a few minutes we were in front of our room, on the second row facing the beach, including sea view, lovely!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Our room, the Deluxe Seaview Bungalow
What a particularly nice bungalow we had during our stay at the SAii Phi Phi Island Village resort. The bed was wonderfully soft and between the bedroom and bathroom there was a large closet with more than enough storage space for him and her.
The 59 m2 Deluxe Seaview Bungalow contains everything you could want as a guest. From safe to small refrigerator, from TV to terrace and from superfast wireless internet to (sleeping) couch. Thanks to the bench, the Deluxe Seaview Bungalow offers enough room for two adults and a small child.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
The bathroom
The bathroom of our luxury bungalow with sea view was fantastic! A spacious and lockable shower with the toilet on the opposite side of the clean bathroom, also placed behind closed doors. In the middle of the bathroom, under a large mirror, were his and her sink with plenty of room for all the beauty products a lady could want. Of course, the M.I.Y. products were also present, as well as toothbrushes and other handy bathroom gadgets.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
The very nice and huge terrace
The terrace of the Deluxe Seaview Bungalow consists of two parts with partial views of the beautiful sea. Next to the bungalow is a small terrace. Through a transition piece, with a few steps, you reach the real terrace with two fine sunbeds and a large table with chairs. An ideal place for a romantic breakfast, or a cocktail on the soft sunbeds.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
Other bungalows and pool villas at SAii Phi Phi Island Village
SAii Phi Phi Island Village has a few other options besides Deluxe Seaview Bungalows for a great stay on Phi Phi. The cheapest option is the Superior Garden Bungalow, these bungalows are located slightly further from the beach, but are nevertheless very nice to stay in. With an area of 45 m2 divided into a sleeping area, neat bathroom and a small terrace, this bungalow is ideal for couples.
The larger version of the Superior Garden Bungalow is the Deluxe Garden Bungalow and offers just a little more comfort thanks to 50 m2 of space. For larger families, there is the 2 Bedroom Family Bungalow totaling 102 m2. All of these bungalows offer views of the resort’s tropical garden.
At 59 m2, the Deluxe Premium Bungalow is the same size as the Deluxe Sea View Bungalow. It has a large terrace where guests can relax. Then there is the Beachfront Junior Suite, located on the front row and closer to the sea than our Deluxe Sea View. To be exact, twenty meters from the beach. This one offers uninterrupted views of the coast. If you want to wake up to the murmur of the sea, this is the right room at SAii Phi Phi Island Village.
Naturally, all bungalows and villas have free Wi-Fi, good air conditioning, a satellite TV, a tea and coffee maker, a minibar and a safe. If you’re curious about all the specifications, we recommend checking out the rooms on Booking.com or Agoda..
Further from the sea, but with a great view and private pool, are the Oceanview Hillside Pool Villa of 125 m2 with a large bed and two sofa beds and the 2 Bedroom Oceanview Hillside Pool Villa of 150 m2 with two bedrooms and sofa bed. These two insane pool villas are built on the hillside next to the resort and are a reasonable distance from the lobby and restaurants. Fortunately, there is a shuttle service that will pick you up and take you there whenever you want. These two pool villas are nice if you are more of a quiet person and want to enjoy a carefree vacation together with your own pool. Ideal for a honeymoon for example.
DID YOU KNOW?
SAii Phi Phi Island Village is the ultimate place for a honeymoon or wedding! Check the SAii I Do brochure.
What to do?
SAii Phi Phi Island Village SAii Phi Phi Island Village is a resort where you don’t have to take a step outside the grounds. Everything, really everything, for a relaxing vacation can be found there. The Lèn Forest Spa, for example. The place where you are pampered until you are completely zen thanks to the many types of massages and spa treatments. Unfortunately, our program was so packed that we didn’t have time to experience this for ourselves. Instead, we handed out sweets to school children at Laem Tong Beach. It was Christmas and we wanted to give the children a boost after almost two sad years. Also because on that date in 2004 Koh Phi Phi was pretty battered by the tsunami.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
DID YOU KNOW?
The week after the tsunami, together with many Dutch dance organizations and clubs, we raised over €40,000. We asked several organizations to place a jar in which the visitors during the New Year’s Eve events could make a donation. Also, the many tips for the door policy of numerous clubs were given as a donation to this charity.
Tours and excursions
If you still want to take a trip, it is possible to book some great excursions through the resort. Some examples are the Shark Seeker Excursion, the name says it all… Or the Early Bird activity, where you are ready at 07:45 to visit at least four beaches around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, an ideal snorkeling excursion. You leave so early to get ahead of the crowds of other tours from, say, Phuket.
Marine Discovery Centre
You can also spot fish closer to home at the Marine Discovery Centre on site. Unfortunately, it was closed in December due to Covid-19. There are numerous fish to see and all kinds of things are explained about the sea life of Koh Phi Phi. Fun and educational for the little ones! The Marine Discovery center is led by a marine biologist who passionately explains more about the many ecological projects SAii supports. Think coral propagation, breeding and release programs for native fish species, eco-excursions for guests and educational visits by local schools. Respect!
Ecologic + Sustainable = SAii
As may already be clear, SAii is also aware of the wonderful environment in which this resort is located. Therefore, as much as possible is done to run the resort in an ecologically responsible way. For example, the condensed water from the air conditioners is reused. In addition, several activities are organized sustainably. For example, only non-motorized water sports can be practiced, such as exploring the surroundings via kayak or supboard. Nice to discover the mangrove forests behind the resort this way.
Not 1 but 2 pools on the SAii Phi Phi Island Village terrain!
SAii Phi Phi Island Village has two pools on the massive property, the Fun Pool and the Lazy Pool. The playful Fun Pool, including pool bar, is located next to the hill below the Hillside Pool Villas and the Lazy Pool is found on the other side of the property towards the fitness center and Marine Discovery Centre.
Fun Pool
During our fantastic stay we were mainly at the Fun Pool as it was closer to our bungalow and uhm … more fun. A spacious and playful pool, at its deepest 1m60, including jacuzzi and waterslide. The area around the pool is more than 1,000 m2 and everywhere there are sun beds with small tables and umbrellas, really heavenly! It was so nice here that we even decided to have a decadent lunch on our sunbeds. Through the handy SAii app we ordered something tasty and in less than half an hour the delicious lunch was served. All from the restaurant Mr. Tomyam, which is located next to the Fun Pool. What a feast!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
Lazy Pool
The Lazy Pool is 1m90 at its deepest and is just under 40 m2 in size. We did a little lap around the Lazy Pool, but didn’t touch the water of this relaxing pool with a toe. Despite that, we’re sure it’s also the ultimate relaxation here and because there’s less to do for small children, it’s a lot quieter here. And secretly we do have a little regret, because the view from the Lazy Pool is phenomenal! From the sunbeds and the pool you look out over the azure sea. The Lazy Pool is practically next to Api Restaurant, so you don’t have to be hungry or thirsty here either (long live the SAii app!).
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
The beach of Loh Ba Khao Bay
Despite the fact that there are no private beaches in Thailand, Loh Ba Khao beach feels like one. Virtually no one else comes to the beach in this bay, resulting in a beautifully stretched 800-meter stretch of beach available only to the lucky few. Surely such a private beach adds an extra dimension to a stay at a resort! Unfortunately, the influence of ebb and flow is very present here, making this not the ideal sea for swimming. There are good moments, but also moments where you have to walk very far into the sea to be able to swim a little.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Small river and little village behind SAii Phi Phi Island Village
Along the resort runs a small waterway towards the sea, around which grow mangrove forests, the nurseries for many species of fish and shellfish. Next to the river is a road leading to a village. In the village you will find a few bars and restaurants. There are also a number of small supermarkets where the locals do their shopping. Nice to just stroll through when you’re a guest at the SAii Phi Phi Island Village resort.
The Love Tree and Love Bridge
As a newly engaged couple, we really liked the fact that there was a Love Tree and Love Bridge on the grounds. A lock can be hung on the bridge railing to capture the eternal love for each other. However, the Love Tree seemed like a nicer option to us. At the Gift Shop you buy a silver leaf on which you can put a text with a marker. You then hang the silver leaf together in the Love Tree opposite the Api Restaurant. In a few years time we will definitely visit the Love Tree again to see if our Thailand Magazine magazine is still hanging there, a good excuse!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
Food & Beverage
WOW!!! The food and drink at SAii Phi Phi Island Village is so incredibly good! The breakfast offers more than enough options for a Western or Asian breakfast. Every morning we got up nice and early to enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet at the Api Restaurant. On the last morning of our stay, we opted for room service, wanting to enjoy a crisp breakfast on our own terrace. One small point of criticism. We did not get everything we ordered and even got other breakfast items than requested. Of course, this did not spoil the fun, because we love this SAii resort!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Api Restaurant & Bar
Api, SAii’s all day dining location on Phi Phi overlooks Loh Ba Kao Bay and is located near the lobby and next to the Lazy Pool. The restaurant is open from 06:30 to 22:00 and we had a nice breakfast here and enjoyed some ultimate three-course dinners. Every night there is live music at Api, played by the same people who welcomed us on arrival. This time not two, but four nice musicians. An asset to the resort, as they play well together and they provide extra atmosphere.
Api Restaurant & Bar is semi-open and can accommodate 130 people. Thanks to the open structure, a cooling breeze comes in regularly. If you also take a seat at the edge, you get the feeling that you are dining outside. The dishes we ate at Api were exceptionally excellent. In fact, the mashed potatoes were the most delicious we’ve ever eaten. And hey … we are still Dutchmen who crave a potato dish every now and then haha.
DIKD YOU KNOW?
Do you have something (romantic) to celebrate? Then you can reserve a stand-alone table at the beach. Unforgettable!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
The appetizers we ate at Api, such as the soft shell crab tacos, the well-known Thai som tam (green papaya salad) and Vietnamese spring rolls were top notch. As a main course, we ate the tuna medallions baked in miso and the perfectly prepared sirloin steak with crispy fries, among others. A personal highlight at Api was the Moo Hong at lunch, highly recommended! The desserts we ate at Api came straight from bean/ Co, the resort’s coffee shop!
YUMMY
Moo Hong is a Chinese spiced and braised pork belly with sweet garlic and black peppercorns and is a typical dish from Phuket.
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
bean/ Co
For us, bean/ Co was perhaps the nicest public place in the resort after the Fun Pool. bean/ Co is the ultimate coffee shop that every resort should have with comfortable seating, very good kinds of (iced) coffee and other shakes, tasty desserts like brownies and ice cream and of course the friendly service-oriented staff! bean/ Co is open from 06:30 to 22:00.
Mr. Tomyam
Mr. Tomyam is located next to the Fun Pool and provided us with a delicious lunch and numerous refreshing drinks while we were chilling by the pool. In addition, thanks to the seating areas in the restaurant, we were able to work on our deadline quietly in the shade. While having lunch at the pool, we used the SAii App and within no time we were served a sumptuous lunch on our beach beds.
Image: Thailand Magazine
The menu consisted of a serving of Thai Arancini. In Italy, Arancini are sort of risotto balls with cheese. In this case, they had given these balls a Thai twist, not great to be honest. We also shared a perfect pizza and a panini with chicken. During the many hours we spent in/at the Fun Pool, we ordered many drinks. From fresh coconuts to fruit shakes and from iced coffee to a beer just before dinner… The perfect time to toast the beautiful life while the sun sets over the resort!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Image: Thailand Magazine
DID YOU KNOW?
The concept Floating Breakfast, the name says it all, is not only possible in this resort for guests staying in a pool villa, but also to be realized in the Lazy Pool. Deliciously decadent breakfast in a pool and ideal for taking a few enviable Instagram photos with the beach, sea and palm trees in the background….
On the SAii Phi Phi Island Village grounds, there are two other restaurants. Ruan Thai Restaurant and The Beach House Grill & Chill. We’ll save these for next time, since we haven’t been here at all. We are sure that the quality and professionalism of the staff will not be different from the rest.
In conclusion
Every staff member at SAii we came in contact with was friendly, spoke good English and understood exactly what hospitality means. We enjoyed the ultimate and had a great time. We not only recommend SAii Phi Phi Island Village, but also the other SAii resorts in Thailand and around the world. In fact, our stay was anything but boring, but very relaxing!
Image: Thailand Magazine
Actual prices and regular information
For actual prices check Booking.com of Agoda.
You’ll find SAii Phi Phi Island Village in Loh Ba Khao Bay on the island of Koh Phi Phi.
Address: Unnamed Road, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Address in Thai: Unnamed Road, ตำบล อ่าวนาง อำเภอเมืองกระบี่ กระบี่ 81000
Phone number: +66 (0) 75 628 900-99.
Email: rsvn.phiphi@SAiiresorts.com
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