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It’s Friday again, not really, but every day feels like Friday.
I met Rose and Gracie, sisters, at a hostel in Phuket the day before heading to Koh Phi Phi. Gracie was a student, and lived in England and Rose worked as a travel agent in Australia. Gracie and Rose are two of the coolest ladies that you will ever meet. Both beautiful, outgoing, friendly and smart.
The bus picked us up at our hostel in Karon, Phuket, made a few stops at other hotels to get additional passengers, and then headed to the ferry. The bus ride from Karon to the port took an hour and cost about 600 baht ($15 US) each, while the ferry to Koh Phi Phi took about 2 hours and cost another 600 baht each way.
Rose bought the first round of beers and I got the second, it was time to get the party started! The other passengers were just as excited and half way in the trip everyone was drinking beers. Inside the cabin, I met Mel who was sitting alone so I started a conversation with her. Mel lived in Australia and visited the different Asian countries every summer. She was shy at first, but warmed up to me after realizing that I was a party animal just like her.
We arrived in Koh Phi, paid the 20 baht garbage tax at the port and off we went to find the hotel. Koh Phi Phi is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world and most popular for beach parties and spectacular natural beauty. I was super excited, I felt like a big kid at Christmas waiting for my presents. I was so ready to get my party on, so bring on the margaritas and beers.
There were no cars on Phi Phi; the island is just too small, and besides, people walked everywhere. There were people from all over the world, but mostly Australians and Europeans. I could feel the energy as I walked through the streets of Koh Phi Phi; laid back and chilled mood. There is something about no schedules, no hustle-and-bustle, and not having a care in the world that makes me happy. A one hour massage cost $5 and an extra $5 will get you “happy endings.” Manicure and pedicure were about $5, and a full facial will set you back $5. Moms and pops small restaurants everywhere, and for less than $5 you can enjoy a good meal.
Melissa had booked her hotel prior and stayed in a hotel around the corner while Gracie, Rose, and I stayed at a cheap bungalow for about $12 a night. I had a basic bungalow, no AC, no TV, a mattress on the floor, my own bathroom, and Wifi. That’s all I needed, and I was happy. Koh Phi Phi was like living on Gilligan’s Island with lots of alcohol, parties, and awesome people.
Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint
Koh Phi Phi has one of the most incredible sunsets that I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot. I quickly realized that the fabulous sunset is one of the main reasons why other travelers like myself flock to this fantastic island every day. So off we went to the highest point in Koh Phi Phi to see one of the most breathtaking views. The viewpoint is elevated to 186 meters that took about 30 minutes to hike because I was out of shape from partying too much. We arrived at the top and got an incredible view of the entire island. There is a small fee about 50 cents to go to the viewpoint. We took extra water and wore sneakers, and the hike was imaginable. I purchased a coconut from a shop at the top and took many pictures. This is truly the best place on Phi Phi Island for enthusiastic photographers. The viewpoint is also the evacuation point in case there is a Tsunami.
Island hopping in Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is a small archipelago of six islands. Among those, Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest and only populated island. Tourists mainly stay in Phi Phi Don and go for excursions to the other islands. One of the most popular activities to do is to hire a boat and go island hopping. I met a group of expats working as tour guides while others worked as Scuba instructors.
Fantastic Maya Bay in Phi Phi Leh Island:
Maya Bay is one of the most beautiful islands and is famously known for the movie “The Beach.” Our boat pulled up on the other side of the island, and we had to swim to the shore. The waves were a bit rough, but not too challenging which made it more adventurous. I am not a good swimmer, so I wore a life jacket. Maya Bay is truly spectacular, and all I could say was, “wow” because I thought I was in paradise. Clear blue water and a picture perfect postcard view. Maya Bay is surrounded by gigantic cliffs on three sides, and the other side has a white sandy beach with colorful coral and exotic fish in exceptionally clear water. Phi Phi Leh is a favorite spot for snorkeling and Diving.
Swimming on Monkey Island: Our next stop was at the Bamboo Island that lies approximately five kilometers northeast of Koh Phi Phi Don and a popular spot for snorkeling. White sands surrounded the island, and its central part is covered with lush green foliage including Bamboo trees that gave its name.
Phi Phi Island is probably the best venue for beach parties
One of the main highlights of my Phi Phi island adventure was to enjoy the beach parties. We started the night off at the local bar; there we met up with a group of expats that have been living on Koh Phi Phi for years. I played beer pong as if I was a teenager, had a few drinks then headed to the beach for the party. Koh Phi Phi beach parties are fun and exciting. The party was rocking, vibrant and lively and had a perfect mix of beachfront gathering, enthralling music, great people and dancing all night.
You will find people from all around the world and of all ages at these beach parties especially on the full moon. Full moon parties are unique because people wear costumes, colorful face and body painting, wacky hats and every crazy thing that you can imagine. I met a group of girls from London and ran into some friends I had met at the hostel in Phuket. The cheapest way to get drunk for the budgeted traveler is to buy a “bucket” consisting of a Thai whiskey, Gin or Vodka, a mixer, ice, and straws. You can buy drinks from the local shops and take it with you everywhere. We had a great time at the beach party and had an amazing experience. I spent about 3 days in Koh Phi Phi, purchase a ticket to Bangkok at one of the many travel agencies, and off I went to the next adventure. It was hard saying goodbye to my new friends, Mel, Gracie, and Rose because we bonded on the Phi Phi trip but have remained good friend via Facebook.