Phi Phi - To the beach we go.

1st Feb to 8th Feb 2011.

Hardly a month after coming back from my tour of Indochina I am back in Thailand. I didn't hit any beach on the previous trip as my visa ran out, so definitely something that I've got to rectify. Rode up with Husref and Shahrin as they've been to Phi Phi on a number of occasions. 

We crossed into Thailand via Wang Kelian this time, as we're taking the road that hugs the coast. 

We stayed in Ao Nang and not surprising given that it's the Chinese New Year hols there's a lot of Malaysians there. They come in all sorts, be it bikes(kapchai's included), cars, vans and buses. The next day we made our way to Krabi in order to park our bikes and catch the ferry to Phi Phi.

We looked like real goofballs as we've packed our gear into the bags, so yeah kids, a word of warning, "these stunts are performed by trained professionals and should never be attempted on your own".

I knew that silly hat would be handy.....

It takes about an hour and a half to reach there so there's plenty of time to absorb the sun and catch some zzzzzs.

noice....very noice..

It's quickly apparent once on the island that it's "farang" galore. Generally young and generally hot....wash eyes maximus.

Narrow streets lined up with restaurants and guesthouses

Famous donut lady....didn't try any though.

Phi Phi is like a 2nd Sweden.

OK Phi Phi is totally unlike the other parts of Thailand that I've travelled to. 1st thing that strikes me is that, it's not cheap, so be warned. A fried rice with chicken can set you back 120baht, so a "simple" meal here can easily cost you RM18 - 20. Along with accommodation, you should set aside RM150-200 a day.

There's a lot of lazing around during the day, just chilling by the beach, taking a nap or go for a massage. It's the night time that it comes alive with all the parties, either at the bars or the beach, and it can go on till the wee hours of the morn. After a couple of late nights my "I sleep at 10pm" ass was begging for mercy. What to dooo you're not young anymore......

I'd definitely recommend the sunset cruise if you're here. It starts at 2pm and takes you to a few places for sightseeing, snorkeling, canoeing and some beach football and get's back by 7 after witnessing a brilliant sunset. Good way to spend the day I say.

We left Phi Phi on Saturday and rode our bikes into Hat Yai for the night before crossing the border the next day. I was supposed to continue touring on my own before hooking up with some guys in Golok, but unfortunately there was a gasket leak on my bike. It's not major nor is it a show stopper, though I'd feel more at ease to sort that one out before heading back up for the Golok-Betong ride.