Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Day 5: Snorkeling Excursion to Phi Phi Islands

We booked a full day boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands for Tuesday for about $50 US each. The van picked us up at our hotel bright and early at 7:30 a.m. and drove us to Ratsada Pier, where we enjoyed coffee while others trickled in. A speedboat loaded up with passengers left the pier at about 9:00 a.m. for a 45-minute boat ride to Phi Phi Leh Island in the Andaman Sea. We stopped first at Maya Bay, the backdrop for the movie "The Beach." The Phi Phi Islands were hit hard by the tsunami and redevelopment has been slow, but the islands looked beautiful to us. The limestone cliffs jutting out of the middle of the ocean were amazing. The speedboat ride, though, was miserable. Next time, I have to remember to take Dramamine earlier. Blech.

Once the drugs kicked in, it was better. We circled around the Islands just to look at the beautiful scenery and take pictures, then headed next to Phi Phi Don Island, the largest of the Phi Phi Islands and the only one with permanent inhabitants. We stopped first at Monkey Beach, which is inhabited by, yes, monkeys. Lots of them. And they're not at all afraid of humans. They will come right up and grab any food you have right out of your hands. Che, of course, was creeped out by the monkey hands. We left there, then anchored just off the island to snorkel. We saw lots of cool corals and fish, including tons of giant and super colorful clams. After the first snorkeling stop, we headed to the beach for lunch. After lunch, we took the boat to Khai Nok Island for more snorkeling and relaxing. The snorkeling and relaxing were cut short by a big storm that blew in, so we took shelter from the rain and eventually headed back in the 9-foot swells. Thank god for Dramamine.

We got back to the resort late and ended up eating dinner at the resort and calling it a night early after our long day.

Che & Eva headed to Phi Phi Islands:


Phi Phi Leh:

Che & Eva at Maya Bay:


Phi Phi Don:


Leaving Phi Phi Don:


2 comments:

Traveling Em said...

Damn! I didn't make it to Phi Phi, the swells were too high for us to even make it there. I'm jealous of your snorkeling!

Have you had street food yet??? Do it! So, so good and cheap and has never once made me sick. Don't be scared it's the best food you'll have in Thailand. Also, what are you doing getting only hour massages??? For the price, splurge. Get 1.5 - 2 hour massages. Sheer, sheer heaven.

Jealously yours,

Em

aggie94 said...

It was late! We are headed back tomorrow for looooong massages. And possibly street food for dinner. We haven't had any yet but definitely plan to.

Che was hoping to snorkel another day but they have cancelled all dive trips the rest of the week due to weather. Bummer.