A MASSIVE fire has caused destruction across a number of hotels and restaurants in one of Thailand’s top tourist hot spots.

The roaring blaze reportedly started from a gas cylinder in a hotel at Phi Phi island, an extremely popular area among Australian travellers, before spreading damage across at least 25 venues.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not yet commented on the incident.

Witnesses told the Sydney Morning Herald that five hotels and hostels went up in flames, with the fire “spreading like wildfire”.

People were immediately evacuated to safer grounds, mainly the beach.

However it is understood the fire is now under control, according to local media.

Three people, including two locals and one foreign tourist, sustained minor injuries from smoke inhalation.

It is not yet clear if any Australians have been impacted.

The fire started about 9.30pm (1am AEDT) local time and was brought under control a few hours later.