Buffalo Head is a casual Thai restaurant in Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand, on Koh Phi Phi Don’s quieter northern side. Open from late morning until nearly 2am, it is a practical stop for travelers seeking aromatic Thai cooking, assertive spice, and an easygoing evening meal or drink after time on the island’s beaches.
What to Expect at Buffalo Head
Buffalo Head is a budget-minded, informal restaurant rather than a formal dining room. The focus is traditional Thai food built around the fragrance and heat associated with the country’s cuisine: herbs, chilies, citrus, garlic, coconut and seafood-seasoning profiles. Its very late daily closing time makes it especially useful when the usual dinner window has passed, whether you are returning from a boat trip or looking for a relaxed meal after sunset.
Come expecting a lively, straightforward island dining experience and order according to your preferred spice level. Thai meals are well suited to sharing, so couples and groups can combine a curry or stir-fry with rice and smaller plates rather than ordering identical mains. The kitchen’s menu can change with local supply; ask staff which dishes are available that day, specify any allergies clearly, and request less chili if you prefer a milder meal. This is a casual setting: beachwear is common, but a cover-up and dry clothing are considerate at dinner.
- Thai flavor profile: Expect dishes centered on bold seasoning, aromatic herbs and adjustable chili heat rather than a Westernized menu.
- Late-night hours: Service runs daily from 10am to 1:59am, covering lunch, dinner and a notably late final meal.
- Value-oriented dining: The restaurant is listed in the $ price category, making it a sensible choice for a casual island meal.
- Island atmosphere: The draw is unpretentious dining in the Koh Phi Phi Don area, away from the most concentrated Ton Sai nightlife streets.
- Flexible group ordering: Thai-style shared ordering lets groups sample different spice, curry and stir-fry preparations alongside rice.
Buffalo Head at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand |
| Neighborhood / Area | Koh Phi Phi Don, within Ao Nang Subdistrict, Mueang Krabi District |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 10am–1:59am |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; budget restaurant ($). Individual dish prices vary by current menu. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 75 minutes for a meal; allow longer for a relaxed late-evening stop. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Reach Koh Phi Phi Don by ferry or speedboat, then continue by local longtail boat or on foot depending on your accommodation. There is no mainland-style public road parking on the island. |
| Official Website & Phone | Phone: +66 98 396 5977 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive before the conventional dinner rush for a calmer meal, or use Buffalo Head’s late hours for food after an evening by the water. For parties, call +66 98 396 5977 ahead, particularly in the high season from roughly November through April. Confirm the day’s food availability, kitchen closing time and dietary needs directly when you call. Cash is useful on Phi Phi, although payment options should be checked before ordering.
Phi Phi Don has no cars, buses, rail station or taxi network in the mainland sense. Most visitors arrive at Tonsai Pier by ferry from Phuket or Krabi and transfer around the island on foot or by longtail boat. Near Buffalo Head, pair a meal with time at Laem Tong Beach, the northern coast’s quiet sandy waterfront, or arrange a longtail outing toward Loh Bagao Bay and Bamboo Island. Beach approaches can involve sand, uneven surfaces and boat boarding; travelers using wheelchairs, strollers or mobility aids should arrange assistance with their accommodation or boat operator before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Buffalo Head’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Buffalo Head is open daily from 10am until 1:59am. Go in the late afternoon or early evening for a more conventional meal, or take advantage of its unusually late schedule after a beach day or boat excursion.
How expensive is Buffalo Head, and do I need a reservation?
It is listed in the budget-friendly $ price range, with no admission charge. Exact dish prices depend on the current menu; phone ahead for larger groups or during peak-season evenings rather than relying on walk-in availability.
How much time should I allow for a meal?
Allow 45 to 75 minutes for a standard meal. Budget extra time if you are ordering several shared dishes, eating with a group, or coordinating a longtail boat transfer afterward.
Is Buffalo Head suitable for families and travelers with mobility needs?
Families can make the meal approachable by requesting mild spice and sharing familiar rice-based dishes. Northern Phi Phi access often involves sandy paths and boat landings, so mobility needs require advance planning; call before travel to discuss the most workable arrival arrangement.
When planning your Koh Phi Phi travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Koh Phi Phi, pair this stop with standout local spots including Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel, Loh Lana Bay, Pi Leh Bay, and Patlung Bar & Restaurant (nearby).
