From the distance Phi Phi almost looked as it did 10 years ago. Clear water white beaches and the lush green hills. Undoubtedly there are more dead coral reefs now than 10 years ago, but the sea is still a fantastic place for swimming.

As I wrote in the Thailand Intro, our main goal in Thailand was to visit friends. Well at Koh Phi Phi Don was the 3. place we have to see somebody. Jette, Lars, their two children Esben and Jakob + some family went to Thailand to celebrate Lars’ 40 year old birthday – And of course we wanted to celebrate Lars as well!

Last time Dieter and I were at Phi Phi was 10 years ago and boy has it changed. Back then there were one main street with a couple of restaurants, a bank, a few souvenirs shops and some dive shops and at the end of the street there were a cozy little village. Scattered around on the island there were some bungalows and a few hotels. Today there’s a crowd of tourist, restaurants/bars all over, tons of souvenirs shops and dive shops on every corner. And the nice little village is gone.

To stay at Phi Phi island is total relaxing. There is not much to do but relax. There are plenty of opportunities to go diving or snorkeling. If you are not into the underwater world, you can simply find yourself a nice seat under a parasol, dig your bare feet into the tickling sand and order a smooth cold tropical flavored fruit shake, and watch the children tumbling in the water.