Sawatdee Kah (Hello) Ko Phi Phi

For my April break, I had the amazing chance to travel to Ko Phi Phi, Thailand with my friends and boyfriend

!!!!!

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Thailand is a place of great contrasts, with striking natural beauty, yet extreme poverty in some areas. Phi Phi is overrun with tourism (maybe exploited, even) but it was a fascinating, vibrant experience. The packed, dirty streets of Phi Phi were filled with strange sights: men juggling fire, brave/drunk people getting tattooed by locals with bamboo needles, "pet" monkeys in overalls, cheap T-shirt stands selling topless Heidi Klum prints, (even cheaper) street foods. And yes, I'm allowed to say this - I had terrible food poisoning. Not a highlight.

 Lonely Planet sums up Ko Phi Phi quite perfectly: Oh, how beauty can be a burden. Like Marilyn Monroe, Phi Phi Don's stunning looks have become its own demise.

But the natural sights were legitimate postcards, as promised. My very favorite memories were riding elephants through the Thai forests, snorkeling in Maya Bay, and petting an adult tiger! More on that later.. 

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{Traditional "long tail boats" around Phi Phi. They are used to bring tourists to nearby beaches and bays. They have a small car-style engine and canopy cover.}

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We enjoyed most days lazing on the beach.....It was always sunny and incredibly humid {37 C}.

{Above and below: The beach at high tide (afternoon) and at low tide (morning) . Quite a difference!}

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My favorite and the most widely available beer in Thailand is a pale Lager beer called Chang. The cute, distinct green elephant label may be a main reason. For years it was rumored this beer was made with formaldehyde. Not true; I gave it the taste test!   :)

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On Phi Phi, we also had the opportunity to hike the Ko Phi Phi Lookout Point. While it was only a brief (but steep) climb, the humidity made it difficult and sweaty. From here, we had the ability to see a panoramic view to the west of the two main bays framing the small island of Phi Phi Don. It was beautiful at sunset. 

{Sunset at the midway point and restaurant}. 

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{Here is a view from the window of my bungalow, just a short distance from the beach}. 

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We also had a few furrier friends visit the bungalow. I thought at first glance they were cats! But they are one of five species of monkey native to Thailand: the long tailed macaque. There is actually a "Monkey Beach" to see the monkeys and feed them, as well. They were cheeky and curious. 

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More to come on my adventures in Maya Bay and Phuket {with even more animals!}

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