Go Ko Phi Phi, Go Ko Phangnan (apparently?!)

We were sad to leave Lanta; idyllic beaches, peaceful lifestyle and friendly people all of whom warned against the ‘costa del Phi Phi’ and predicting we would be back within a day for some peace and quiet. Still, despite the warnings we were determined to press on and see for ourselves.

What we found was paradise (almost) equal to Ko Lanta. We arrived in the main town of Ton Sai and from there jumped on a water taxi for the 5 minute ride to the quieter Long Beach where we found a suitable beach bungalow complete with multiple mating geckos for all our bug extermination needs (found in all good Thai lodgings!).

Thankfully we discovered that Phi Phi was not only the party island we had feared – it also has some amazing beaches, islands, wildlife and yet still maintained the chilled out atmosphere that this national park deserves. Parts of Phi Phi were some of the most devastated during the 2004 tsunami but thankfully the island is recovering well - we saw only a few reminders of the destruction caused and the main town is thriving once again. During our four days on Phi Phi we took a boat trip around the smaller island of Phi Phi Lei featuring some excellent snorkeling, and the location for much of the filming of the film ‘The Beach’.

After Phi Phi we moved on towards Ko Phangnan to meet up with our fellow SE Asia travellers John and Emma, who are now stationed on the island for the next two months working in the local animal sanctuary. It was great to catch up with them but Ko Phangnan really is the party island of Thailand and so we gave ourselves a break and stayed on a very relaxed and picturesque bay away from the 24 hour clubbing and sleepless nights!





One more beach stop before heading north, the quiet island of Ko Tao – I don’t think I could ever get bored of this much sand and sunshine although I’m spending a fortune on suncream!