Day 2, 3 & 4 Koh Phi Phi Don

The last few days on Koh Phi Phi Don have been magical. It is so beautiful and laid back. The beaches are empty, white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. Snorkeling is great; there are hundreds of colourful, tropical fish. The weather has been glorious, only showering twice since we’ve been here. The locals are very welcoming and polite. We have a nice pool in our resort which is next to the beach. Opposite us on the beach is a beach bar where we have our breakfast and next door an internet shop which we regularly use. When entering shops you are expected to take of your shoes.

Living conditions are not great, we have struggled a bit. Public toilets are very unpleasant, cockroaches are unavoidable and parts are a little smelly. Our bungalow is nice but there are lots of vents and wholes where mosquitos and lizards have managed to find their way in. For the majority of our stay we have only had cold water and regular power cuts. We have been bitten by mosquitos despite religiously reapplying insect repellant and room plug ins. I have had a cold and sore threat, Steve has been badly sun burnt and we both have suffered with gut problems. Nonetheless, the beauty of this place and atmosphere makes it all worthwhile.

On the 26th (our first full day), we decided to visit view point, an area in the mountains where you can look over Koh Phi Phi Don. We walked through gypsy camps, a real eye opener, and then started our never ending climb up the steepest, narrowest steps. The heat was unbearable and the sun scorching. We were sweating as we climbed higher and higher into the mountain. On the way we passed a couple who assured us it was worth it – thank goodness. When we finally reached the top the view was amazing, we took a few photos and then realized this was only viewpoint 1, and we had to climb higher to the main viewpoint. On we trekked, this time through winding pathways in the forest (a little weary of snakes). We finally reached the top and the view was rewarding. You could see the tiny village cushioned between the Tonsai and Loh Dalum beach with a mountain background. It was so calm and relaxing, the water so still. It was only then you could begin to imagine how awful the tsunami would have been, aggressively battering this tranquil touch of paradise.

There was a little shop surrounded by pretty gardens where a Thai man lived and sold snack, drinks and souvenirs to visitors. He was so funny and friendly. He danced around sweeping the floor whilst singing to himself and giggling. He would make strange cat noises, seconds later he was surrounded by cats whom he fed lizards. No wonder most of them, are tailless. He was extremely trustworthy, wondering off and leaving his shop unattended. He even shouted out to us all “I am going for a shower now” and off he strolled leaving us in his shop. Here we found DVD’s and magazines about the tsunami. We browsed through a folder and were able to see where the tsunami struck, it was so sad.

On our way back to our resort we stopped of at Loh Dalum beach which was very beautiful. It began to rain so we walked back to our bungalow and got ready for the evening fire show at Carpe Diem. The fire show was amazing. When we arrived there was no where to sit, within seconds the bar staff had pulled up a mat, two cushioned backrests and a tiny wooden table with a candle. We sat here under the starlit sky and watched the show which was very impressive. At the end they set light to the limbo for staff and guests to limbo under. We wasn’t that brave (or should I say crazy), so we sat and watched.

The following day (27th) we decided to try out tonsai beach. Here we found a secluded area where we sunbathed and watched the boats. That evening we made our way into town which was extremely lively for a small village. It had an abundance of buzzing bars and restaurants. The atmosphere was great. Steve had spotted a bar earlier that day showing the film ‘The Beach’. We decided to go and watch it as this is where the beach was shot. After, we had a few drinks in the nearby bars before going to the reggae bar to watch Thai Boxing. I have never seen such an aggressive fight, flying kicks in the head, back flips out of the ring and not even wearing a head guard. I’m surprised they don’t get brain damaged. Steve loved it; he had a go on the punch bag but made his knuckles swell.

Today (28th), we had a pool day which was relaxing. Our pool is spacious and stylish. The weather was glorious, no rain and in the 30’s. This evening we walked across to Loh Dalum beach where we watched the sunset. We worked out that as the sun sets here it rises on the east coast of the United States. Here we met a guy from Canada who is backpacking around South East Asia. He had been to Cambodia and Vietnam, both we would like to visit. Later, we enjoyed dinner at a seafood restaurant located on the beach. Although it was seafood we tried sweet and sour chicken and green Thai curry (very delicious but hot). Finally, we finished off the evening with a few drinks in town and ended up in Carpe Diem where we met Chris, a guy originally from Manchester but relocated to London. He was also traveling around South East Asia, so we had a drink with him and shared our travel stories.