Sun (finally!) in Kho Phi Phi...

We got up ridiculously early on new years day (one of us never slept, it wasn't me, I had a hearty 3 hours of sleep!) to make our way to Phuket via Bangkok (holy Bangkok airport is huge!) We were in Phuket for just one night as we were making our way to Kho Phi Phi the next morning.  I was quite concerned that it poured the whole evening and into next morning.  But as Michelle says our trip karma held up and it was all blue skies on the way to Phi Phi...

Hellllloooo Phi Phi!!  Picture below you see basically all of the living space.  It's built up into the mountains, on top of each other and just plain crowded.   I wasn't expecting this.  It was cool in it's own way once you get used to it.  Also it's all foot traffic and the ocassional bicycle.  No cars, no motorbikes, no horns!  Bliss!

We definitely did not lack sun shine or warmth!

This was our beach for two days...

Our last two nights we went a bit cheap on our accormodations and well it was a life experince.  More on Michelle's blog.  But meh, can't complain too much, we spend most of the day on the beach and one afternoon took long boat tour around the islands...the scenery was just magnificent!

Check out the colour of the water.  It was so clear you could easily see to the bottom of the ocean floor...

At one point we jumped out for some snorkeling, but really you could see the fishies from the boat (pic from the boat as my camera isn't water proof)

We hung around for a gorgeous sunset and then back to land for food...

When in Thailand what else are you going to eat but curry?!  The menus are full of western food though - BLTs, burgers, pasta...seriously?!!  Why would you come across the world to have this?  and at an inflated price?!

I may have even had curry for breakfast!!!  With the essential fruit shake of course.  In this case banana.

I saw seafood salad on a menu and was obsessed till I tried it.  But sadly it was a bit disappointing.  All the elements were there just not dressed well.  Still it felt good to have some veggies that were not slathered in oil!

 I love love love Kho Phi Phi for it's various bbq (or fried) meat on sticks.  We tried shrimp and chicken but ran out of time for crab.  I KNOW!  We just didn't plan our time or stomachs properly.  Hopefully there are opportunities at the next island and if all fails in Bangkok.  Though Mish and I have made a pact to tried grasshopper and frogs in Bangkok.  Urrmmm...could someone call my doctor and make an apt for the day I arrive please?

So Kho Phi Phi was great to see in that the scenery was fantastic.  BUT I was sorely disappointed in the beaches.  On one side of the island the boats come right up to the beach at any given point and it's a pretty narrow beach to start with.  There was also some brown debris that I couldn't identify.  On the other side of the island big ferries and power boats pulled in.  There were designated swimming areas (sans the mystery debris) but up close the water had a thin layer of oil.  :(  I was quite disappointed at how commercial and polluted this area is becoming.

I suggest Kho Phi Phi for a day or two, just for the scenery, beach parties and general meham in the village but definitely not for lounging about the beach or swimming in the ocean. 

After three days we packed up our crazy heavy bags and beat a path towards Kho Lanta...