Shopping in ko phiphi
Shopping
Most stuff is brought in by boat, so most things are less original and more expensive than on the mainland. However, there are a few shops that manufacture their goods on the island. Prices for commodities vary widely between shops.
D's Books, with two locations on Ko Phi Phi and many others throughout Southern Thailand, is a well respected book store.
Most of the items sold here are either made by local fishermen or they are brought to the island from Phuket town.Rising commercialization and inflow of tourists throughout the year seems to be a big bonus for these locals. Prices told may exactly not be worth the item, but if you are a good talker, you can bargain for a good price.
Food on Ko Phi Phi is not as spectacular as it generally is in Thailand, because most ingredients have to be brought in by boat from the mainland. Nevertheless there are some restaurants that manage to serve surprisingly tasty food:
* Cosmic - Italian restaurant that deserves the name - has two outlets on the island.
* Hibachi - all you can eat Japanese-style buffet. Excellent sushi selection for the price (200 baht). Two outlets very close together.
* Oasis - good Thai food and great cocktails. Waiting can be long but laid back customers don't mind.
* Papaya - a small green stall opposite the Reggae Bar and next door to Tiger Bar. Serves authentic Thai food, hot and spicy as it should be. Among local expats living on the island, this place is known as the place to get good cheap thai food. If you are looking for a personal sized portion with rice at a cheaper price ask for your food to be "On Rice".
* Sports Bar - For some great English style meat pies Sports Bar is the place to go. It is also the only place on the island where you can buy a Pint of Chang and get Pitchers of beer.
* Little Britain - If you are looking for a good traditional English breakfast with eggs, Heinz Baked Beans, sausage, bacon, potatos, mushrooms and black pudding this is the place to go. English tea also comes with your breakfast.
Drinks prices are quite high (cocktails 180 baht). Many bars offer similar entertainment, cabarets and striking fire shows - performed by the same people, advertised by posters and flyers apparently drawn by the same person...
* Tiger Bar - The local expat's hangout. Located next to Papaya Restaurant and Rolling Stoned Bar this small multi level bar is a favorite with the local dive community. The bar typically gives out FREE buckets from 12:00 - 12:15.
* Rolling Stoned Bar - Great rock music with a live band during high season and at other times of the year. They also have four pool tables and is a one of the more popular bars on the island.
* Beach Bar - located right in the tsunami wastelands and a good choice for those looking to have a quiet drink.
* Carlitos Bar - relaxed drinks on the beach served by amiable waitresses. During the winter months this place is full of Scandinavian party goers. Most of the service staff this time of year is over on extended holiday from Sweden so expect a lot of beautiful tanned blonds to be walking around.
* Hippies Bar - nice place at the beach with a lot of fire shows
* Reggae Bar - popular place that organises mock Muay Thai fights most nights. If you are there at the right time you can even join in with the Muay Thai fights. They invite tourist, usually drunk, to get into the ring geared up and to beat on each other for a few rounds for a couple of FREE buckets.
* Apache Bar - a multi-storey bar overlooking Ton Sai. And the home of the weekly transvestite shows. Was damaged in a fire in the early parts of 2007 though should be back up and running at this time.
