Falling in Love With Koh Phi Phi

At first glance Phi Phi is the picture of paradise, at second glance its a bit like Thailand's answer to Magaluf. When we arrived in the south we hadn't a clue where we were going and having flown to Krabi, Phi Phi was the easiest and closest option. I'd seen a couple of friends from home a few days earlier in Bangkok who'd told me I couldn't miss the island, before which I wasn't really bothered about going although I'm not sure why.

Phi Phi is truly unique, it's one of the party islands so there's always something going on, I loved the constant flow of people, by the third day I'd started to feel at home and knew when the 12.30 influx of tourists would be coming and when the boats would drop of a new load of backpackers. The island is so small you'll start to recognise people, especially those who were on the same boat as you on the way.

Going from day to night the beach clears out about 6pm  from all the sunbathers and the space transforms, the bars spill out onto the beach and the platforms for the fire shows are put in place. This was my favourite time on the island and the most relaxing, the beach became almost empty and we watched the sunset while drinking the best and the most expensive (but definitely worth it) cocktails we'd found so far in Thailand at CIAO BELLA, it's in front of the BAIA BAIA Bungalows and has a cool reggae vibe with the best soundtrack - head there if you're looking for the authentic experience. :)

The beautiful Sunset from Ciao Bella

The first night we spent with other friends who'd gotten to the island the day before, we started at Jordan's irish pub, which was fine but you can drink and dance to loud music anywhere right? We headed for the beach and that was where the fun starts. The main road to the beach is filled with street food and huge slices of pizza. You'll hear the music way before you get there, Slinky's to the left is usually the busiest bar, but Woody's, right next to it put on a pretty good show. The fire shows are fun to watch, the boy who came round and looked about 12 trying to sell us weed was funnier. The night ended with a midnight swim and my friend being serenaded by one of the fire dancers. He quickly found another two blondes when he realised he wasn't getting anywhere.....

The first night we saw these we were stood a little to close and got showered with sparks from one of these. BE WARNED: they do not care if you're in the way, they will go where they want so you better get out of their way.

Limbo? These guys are insane and if you fancy being carried under a burning fire pole on someones knees, then this is the place for you....

        We headed back from the beach about 2am, early in PP's terms and treated ourselves to pizza and a pancake, they became my favourite thing to eat in Thailand and like everything else I never want to see or eat one again. [overeating]. There is usually a monkey or two around, it actually did grab my dress and proceeded to clim up to my neck, I hate people touching my neck so naturally the monkey grabbed it and I freaked out for a second (they will not let go) and you'll have to pay 100bht for a photo. I did actually grow quite fond of him but apparently it isn't feasible to own a monkey for a pet, we'd find out they're evil little biting shits when we kayaked to monkey bay the next day.

And so my first night in Phi Phi was over, i'd fallen hopelessly in love with this island and never wanted to leave...

Next: Kayaking, evil monkeys and getting lost. :)