How to describe Phi Phi Island... Stunning.
It truly is. It feels remote, yet connected. It's such a beautiful place to be. The boat trip over from Phuket was speedy... we step off and we're met by our accommodation to walk our luggage through town and to Uphill Cottage. Not that I'm scared of tsunamis or anything lol but it's got a great view. And of course it's a hundred steps up.
The boat trip out to Phi Phi Lei was as good as we were hoping for. The colour of the ocean changed around every turn, and those cliffs, wow. Such a dramatic landscape, even with all the boats. We stop off for snorkeling, complete with sea snakes... for that part I stay on the boat.
The maze of shops and cafes in town is quite interesting and so easy to get around. There's people working too... carting bags of rubble and sand across town. There's a few contrasts here. From pristine beaches, to ramshackle alleyways, and the aroma from the drains all makes for an interesting stay. It's as if they've salvaged what they can from anywhere. We see wrecked boats beside sheds and rubble in bags to fill in potholes on the back roads. Most daytrippers wouldn't see these things, and I'm glad we stayed longer to get a real feel for what it's been like. Tho we'll never really know. The devastation from the tsunami was horrific.
Still, it is paradise. With the constant engine noise from the longboats humming in the distance... that's the only real sound. Bliss.
There's good walking tracks around and we take the steps beside our accommodation up to the first viewpoint. Linking the next 2 viewpoints and down to Long Beach... we spend a good morning walking the loop and enjoying the beach. Three nights here is enough for a good stay, but I'm sure we'll come back again for longer. Always good to leave something for next time.
The food here's been good and we've enjoyed the local Thai food. Even finding a bar to watch the league... there's something for everyone here.
Tomorrow, another Island. Although, this one's hards to beat. So beautiful.
