1. Even if you have pre-booked, Check-in/Check-out times will not necessarily match with your ferry arrival/departure times - usually hotels/resorts will look after your bags in the gaps so that you can get on and enjoy your stay.


2. A lot of rebuilding post tsunami has taken place, but in high season its still advisable to book before you come, you might be left with less choice


3. Rooms on Phi Phi are more expensive than the mainland but still pretty cheap for a world famous tropical paradise island! Expect to pay around double what you pay for similar on the mainland - it just costs more to provide the same services on an island 50km from the nearest mainland.


4.There are 4/5 star luxury resorts on the island but most of these are not in the main town area and require you to take a taxi boat to another part of the island - so it's not easy to come and look around for the more expensive/luxury resorts without prebooking.


5. At certain times of the year water supply, quality and pressure can be a challenge on Phi Phi, so unless you are going 5 star don't expect power showers or lashings of hot water.


6. Electricity is around 5 times more expensive on Phi Phi than the mainland, so many rooms will not have electrical items like hairdryers & kettles in the rooms. It's also nice to be aware of this if you ask a local to charge your telephone or plug your computer in - to them it might be a significant expense.


7.There are no cars on Phi Phi - so transfer from the pier to your resort is by foot. Many hotels, guest houses or resorts will meet you at the pier and help with your bags if you prebook - but the cheaper you go with your room the less likely this is to happen. If you book a room at the pier or on the ferry you should be able to negotiate your bags being carried for a small fee.


8. If you book & pay for a room with an agent at the pier or on the ferry - it's like any booking anywhere else in the world and you essentially lose your right to look around and change your mind when you get there (unless you forfeit your cash!). If you are fussy and want to see the room first - then don't book before you look! If you don't want to traipse around looking for rooms in the heat book ahead using websites or agents on the mainland with photos and just book for the one night - just in case you don't like what you get.


9. If you are prepared to do the leg work, you can generally negotiate small reductions on room prices during the evenings - but the risk is that everywhere is full or receptions are closed already. If you are staying for a few days - book the first night and then look around for bargains or something you like better - minus the bags and at your own pace.


10. Agents at the pier and on the ferries are not necessarily more expensive than walking around by yourself - mostly they work with a small number of hotels/guest houses or resorts and have arranged a special rate which includes their small commission.