How to Celebrate Christmas in Koh Phi Phi – A unique Christmas holiday

It’s that time of the year when you can think about nothing but Christmas. Christmas is such a joy no matter where you are in the world. Some people like to travel to another country to celebrate their Christmas holiday. Most travellers think countries like Canada and the UK are the best choice for celebrating Christmas, but it’s not the case. Thailand, while not a Christian country, celebrates Christmas. If you are here during December, you’ll find a lot to do.
Chrsitmas - Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Koh Phi Phi
Also known as Phi Phi Islands, Koh Phi Phi is a set of islands. Crystal-clear waters of the ocean, soft beaches, markets, hotels, resorts, and adventurous activities are part of a vacation spent here. If you’ve seen the movie The Beach, you’ll recognise some of the sights. The lively nightlife is the best thing about the islands, and during Christmas, the islands become quite magical at night.
One thing you should know about spending your Christmas in Koh Phi Phi is that it’s going to be very expensive.
This is a busy time for the islands, and the likes of SAii Phi Phi Island Village get sold out in no time. So, make sure you have a budget that will stretch to booking a luxury hotel on Phi Phi Island; your choices will be limited, and you’ll have to be happy with whatever you find. That said, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find any hotel deals; if you hurry and book your accommodation as early as possible, chances are you can stick to your budget.

Shopping
To buy some great gifts at affordable prices for your loved ones back home, you should hit the markets and shopping malls in Koh Phi Phi. You’ll find some of the best designer brands, and you might even find discounts.
Some of the best places to go shopping include:
  • Phi Phi Market
  • Namlily
  • Tonsai East Shopping Alleyway
  • Tonsai Pier shops
  • 7-Eleven
  • Phasaow Shop
  • Kunstone
Also, if you’ve ever wanted to get a tattoo, you can pop into one of the tattoo shops, and you’ll find a few phone shops as well.

A hearty Christmas dinner
Although Christmas isn’t a public holiday in Thailand, the Christmas spirit is very much alive. Every tourist hotel and resort makes Christmas specials for their guests. A turkey dinner doesn’t have to be a pipe dream just because you are in Koh Phi Phi.

Enjoy the beaches
Getting a suntan during Christmas doesn’t sound very Christmassy, but it’s all about making new memories and doing unique things, so hit the beach during your Christmas holiday here. Keep in mind that most beaches are packed during this time, but it does nothing to change the beautiful tropical character of Koh Phi Phi.

Enjoy the nightlife
Koh Phi Phi is known for its vibrant nightlife. You can find a bar or a pub at every passing mile, and there will be a lot of parties, events, and celebrations for you to enjoy.

Sample some Thai food
It doesn’t have to be all Christmassy all the time, so make sure you sample some delicious Thai food during your Christmas holiday here.

Join a shark-watching tour
If you want to do something thrilling and adventurous during Christmas, sign up for a shark-watching tour. Leopard sharks and black tip sharks are some of the main encounters.
You’ll set out early in the morning at around six and spend about half a day looking for sharks and spotting them. Shark Point is the most popular spot for shark-watching tours in Koh Phi Phi.

Water sports
Make sure you have time to enjoy some water sports. Koh Phi Phi is known for water sports like diving, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.