Phi Phi Islands: Fishing, Snorkeling & Sunset

Monday, November 24, 2014
After a short border crossing trip to Penang, Malaysia, Lasse and I once again returned to Thailand and once again to Phi Phi Island.

View point at Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand
Being that this was our second visit here, we came back with intentions to do some of the things we didn't last time; like walking to the view point from where you're able to spot the bays bending towards each other.
Since Phuket, we had been talking about a fishing trip. We rented a boat and a local sailor to take us around Phi Phi Don for a day. Unfortunately we didn't bring home the big prize, but we did return with about 5 kg of small fish, mostly red snappers. Our friendly hostel staff cooked them for us in exchange for the remaining fish. There's something about eating your own catch which makes it more delicious.

Fishing at Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
For a couple of days we decided to walk to Long Beach, which is on the other side of the island. Over there, the water is clearer, the sand softer and the crowd of people smaller. To get there by foot, you'll have to follow a small path through the jungle, passing a lot of smaller, more private beaches; perfect for relaxing or a quick nap.

Tiny beach on Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand
Long Beach is definitely the best choice on Phi Phi Don, then again, you can literally see Phi Phi Leh from Long Beach; Phi Phi Leh which holds the extraordinary Maya Bay.




Long Beach on Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand
On our last day here, we bought a full day trip of island hopping, snorkeling and sunset watching around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh.
The tour began with a quick stop at Monkey Beach, which always puts a smile on everyone's face. Until people get too close, as the monkeys tend to be aggressive once they feel unsafe.

Monkey Beach at Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand
Afterwards, we went straight for Bamboo Island, a beautiful scenario with a large flat white beach and clear water, which meant it was time to fetch the snorkeling gear and try to get lucky. Unfortunately the white sand on the beach continued into the ocean. We decided to relax instead of wasting energy, as we knew better places would be coming during the day.

White sand ocean floor at Bamboo Island, Thailand
We continued to Mosquito Island and Shark Point for snorkeling. This time with something to explore, before we headed for Phi Phi Leh. Passing Viking Cave; we entered Pileh Bay, but the tide was so low that it was impossible to snorkel and even swim there. We headed out of the bay and moved to the next; Loh Samah Bay. As we jumped in the water Lasse and I went straight for the rock side, hoping to find something interesting. And it paid off. A huge school of sardines had gathered in a gab between the rocks, created by the low tide.

Sardines at Loh Samah Bay of Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand
Loh Samah Bay turned out to be an excellent snorkel, but lastly was the one I'd been looking forward to the most; Maya Bay.
Upon entering the bay I could tell right away how low tide it was. The beach was wider than normal and a few rocks where showing in the low water. Lasse and I had hoped to spot some more sharks from our rock, which we named 'Shark Rock', but with this low a tide Shark Rock wasn't even in the water.

"Shark Rock" at Maya Bay, Thailand
Instead we snapped a photo next to the rock, before we headed across the island, through the jungle, and out to the gap that leads to Loh Samah Bay. Because of the low tide the net of ropes wasn't the only way in and out when entering or exiting to Loh Samah Bay. Beneath the ropes a small tunnel had opened up and allowed us to climb under the cliffs and out into Loh Samah Bay, for a quick view, before returning to the stunning Maya Bay.

Entering Loh Samah Bay from Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand
Our day ended beautifully with a sunset from the boat. Tomorrow we travel by boat to Krabi, catch a flight to Kuala Lumpur, from where we'll get on a plane to Sydney, Australia. Given that we've now spent more than four months in South-East Asia, it's gonna be a huge change. Both money-wise and definitely cultural-wise. I'm not sure what to expect, and I think I'll keep it that way. Simply enjoying whatever lies in store.

Sunset at Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

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