Perks on Earth

Now we’ve hit the Thai Island that matches with postcards we’ve been seeing. Arriving off the ferry, which offered some AMAZING views, we arrived at Koh Phi Phi, a small but popular island in the Krabi province. The town itself is very small, and a welcome change from busy Phuket streets. We quickly dropped our bags at the Voyagers Hostel (would definitely recommend, the people there are lovely and so accommodating), and ran into the sea at last. A big difference (and about 15 degrees warmer) than the Irish oceans we are used to!

Garlic – established in 1992 and the best Thai food we have had so far

We headed to Garlic restaurant on the hostels recommendation, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I had my reservations. Though there had been lots of signs throughout the town pointing to this establishment, I was surprised it was so highly recommended as it looked slightly run down from the outside. But trusting local recommendations we walked over with hungry tummy’s ready for some curry! When we arrived the place was packed, which is enough for me to know it was good.

The staff were so sweet and we quickly ordered Changs, spring rolls, tofu massaman and prawn panang – and after the first bite, we were speechless. By no means Thai food experts, but by all means big foodies, this was the best meal I have ever eaten in my life! The fragrant smells and strong flavours were a unlike any food I have yet to try, but I will definitely be on the hunt to see can we top this sensational meal- we had to resist going back again and again for every meal in our two days! And on top of it all- Garlic is super affordable and you get so much for your money!

If you are ever here- it’s a must! And if you’re nearby, trust me it’s worth the ferry ride over just for the curry alone!  

Day snorkelling trip

Everywhere you walk in Phi Phi you are offered snorkelling tours, and these are mostly all the same- a half day on a long boat stopping at monkey beach, maya bay, the best snorkelling spots, and in our case- night swimming with plankton! 

Though we were blessed with rain for our trip, we still had a great time! The long boat itself was a great experience, even when the waves came over the sides of the boat and left us soaking head to toe! We decided not to enter the national park (budget yay) so we waited in the bay for an hour chatting to fellow budget backpackers. However, after Maya bay, the next stop was snorkeling- and believe me, it was worth the wait and the rain! We saw so so much in the crystal clear waters, including huge rainbow fish, coral, and even an enourmous black and blue sea snake (not going to lie, the snake terrified me!). The shallow depths meant we could get really close to the fish, but it also sadly meant that one member of our group stood on an urchin… which deterred anyone else from trying to stand! The clarity of the water and diversity of the sea life we saw really left me speechless, and dreaming of some (hopefully) diving on Koh Tao!

On the way back we watched the sunset as the rain came down, and stumbled into another boat (changing longboats in the middle of the ocean when it’s wavy is no easy feat) to see some plankton! Neither Dara nor I knew anything about this experience but thought, why not? We were both shocked and slightly unnerved, jumping into dark depths on wavy seas. The plankton however, we’re absolutely amazing! Moving our arms through the water, we saw the tiny creatures come to life and glow bright green all around us, feeling like we were on a different planet altogether, even further away from home than Asia!

Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint

The viewpoints were something Dara and I had long planned to do, so our walking shoes were packed an the walk up was planned for early the second morning of our stay. However, when the time came and Dara woke me for the walk.. lets just say I was a little too tired after the previous night in the bars to make it. So while he headed off up the steps, I took a trip to the beach to relax and nurse a sore head. But- I wasn’t going to let that stop me, so on our last day I woke up early and headed for the viewpoint, excited to see the views Dara had shown me with my own eyes. It was definitely worth it; though a word of advice, carry baht on you. I walked halfway up and then had to run back down to find an ATM, not too far but adding in extra uphill steps!

The walk itself was only about 20 minutes, but the heat had me sweating as if I had just run a marathon. I was lucky enough to have the viewpoint to myself, perching on the rocks and taking in the entire Koh Phi Phi bay beneath me. Another little pinch me moment, from reading about this in blogs for the last two years, to sitting here myself, completely free and happy, where I have long wanted to be.

If you’re heading to Phi Phi, head to as many viewpoints as possible! Doesn’t take long and are so worth it, but do wear mozzy spray.. I am still paying the consequences on that one!

Koh Phi Phi treated us to the Thailand we have heard so much about- clear blue waters, great food, friendly people, and a bustling night life scene full of backpackers alike. Now back to Phuket before we decide on the next island destination!