On Wednesday we had a long day of motoring to get to one of the Phi Phi islands, Phi Phi Don. Two of our group had some stomach issues and retreated to their cabins.
We were expecting big winds and Captain Steve changed our course to avoid rough waters. I took what is supposed to be non-drowsy dramamine. I didn’t get seasick but slept most of the ride. It was a lovely sunny day with plenty of time for naps, books and games.
Our cook Kop makes sure we have a hearty meal three times a day, mostly Thai dishes but she also came through with a lovely ginger infused chicken soup intended for the sick but enjoyed by all.
We dropped anchor at a beach known as Monkey Beach on western side of Phi Phi Don. The beach is actually called Hat Yao or Long Beach. We arrived close to sunset and had time for some snorkeling, swimming and showers on the stern. The showers and heads are a new experience to some of our fellow travelers.
Some of us wake very early, around 5am and coffee is waiting for us. Thursday morning we had some time to walk on Long Beach and snorkel before 10am departure. We didn’t see any monkeys.
The chain of islands are well known because of a movie with Leonardo deCaprio filmed at one of their iconic beaches.
The islands are lush with much greenery and sugar white sands like we have in Pensacola. The waters are emerald green and provide lots of snorkeling among coral and fish. Unfortunately there are a lot of jellyfish. Huge limestone cliffs tower over the beaches.
We motor sailed all afternoon passing the other beautiful Phi Phi islands. We arrived in Koh Lanta around 3.30pm. This is a larger island with lots of tourist activity. There were huge pink jellyfish floating around the boat so we opted to dinghy to shore. There is a very long sandy beach with posh hotels, massage tents, and casual beachfront bars.
We went to a bar called Why Not, then explored the “town” which was mostly street vendors touting massages, food, and island tours. The beach was plenty long to stretch our legs and the sun set over the water.
We had one mishap at dinner. The boat rocked and my glass of red wine went tumbling to the floor, cutting Eds foot in process. Crew was very understanding and the wine stains were quickly removed and glass tossed into the sea. Ed got lots of attention from wife “nurse Nancy” and crew as well.
