First of all, I noticed that depending on the region, people pronounce or write things differently... So I have seen different spellings for this island.
Ko Pi Pi
K PP
Koh Phi Phi
Koh Fi Fi
The most common one I have read is "Koh Phi Phi," and the Thais pronounce it as "Ko Pi Pi" (yes, pronounced exactly like 💦🚽🚾).
Actually, we didn't really want to come here.
We've heard several times about the crazy parties that go on and how the bars are celebrated...
In short, it's like the Ballermann.
Not exactly our usual environment. But it's part of Thailand, so we'll check it out.
Upon arrival, we initially wander through the narrow alleyways. Squeezing through the crowds of tourists who, like us, have luggage or seem to have a hangover.
I notice a foul smell of sewage in the streets.
I feel like I'm in a ghetto for tourists.
Too many people jostling through the pathways.
According to Google Maps, we have arrived at the accommodation, but in front of us is a "meadow" with heaps of garbage on it. A burned-out refrigerator, tires, ...
On the other side lies the beach.
Almost white sand, a few people in swimwear, and clear water.
From there, we can see the open bar of our accommodation.
Quickly into the room, at least it looks okay.
Drop off our things and go out again.
We're hungry and look for the first food stall we come across. On big pictures, we see sandwiches, burgers, and fries.
A few minutes later, we receive poor imitations of what we ordered. Instead of crispy fries, I have a soft bun that could have come from McDonald's. The tuna comes from a can. Otherwise, the toppings consist mainly of raw onions.
A little disappointed, we return to the room.
First, take a shower and rest a bit.
Cool down.
When we leave the room again, the sun has already set, and we can hear loud music coming from the beach.
At the bar of the accommodation, some people are sitting, engrossed in conversations and their drinks. We continue walking along the beach.
Clusters of people besiege the bars. Due to the tide and the structures of the bars, the beach has become very small.
One is involuntarily tempted to follow the music.
Almost every bar has entertainers who captivate the crowd with games and fire shows, inviting them to stay and celebrate.
After the third fire show, we leave the promenade and head up the path.
With colorful lights and open shops with friendly people, we stroll through a popular alley.
We decide to give in to the partying crowd and get ourselves a bucket of Mojito for 150 THB. That's about €4, approximately 1 liter of cocktail.
And it tastes good.
In a cheerful mood, we explore the colorful paths that smell of various delicacies and incense. In doing so, we discover different shops, like the Rage Bar. You can only enter if you buy a drink. Inside, there's a boxing arena. Besides occasional Muay Thai fights, it's mainly volunteers who step into the ring and receive a free bucket. Hopefully, they won't be the punching bag for three rounds and then get to enjoy their drink.
We return to the beach and enjoy the atmosphere and the people.
And we wonder how, within a few hours, the place I initially referred to as a "getto for tourists" could turn into a place where you don't even want to go to bed and where you're constantly missing out on exciting things because something fascinating is happening everywhere at the same time.
In the next two days, we can see more, but certainly not everything.
We are amazed at how diverse this island can be. There are also various viewpoints (which are completely overcrowded) from where you can see the island well.
We went on a kayaking trip and visited Monkey Beach where wild monkeys live.
It is very touristy, to the point where you no longer feel like a walking wallet.
(Janine would like to add something to this.)
You are just one of many again.
For example, we met a barista who has been living on the island for 15 years.
We will probably write a separate post about her.
By the way, I deliberately didn't mention roads in the text at the beginning...
Because there are none.
The island is so small that there is hardly any need for motorized vehicles. So there are no roads or gas stations.
Everything that is needed can be transported by hand carts.
Even the "ambulance" is pushed by hand.
When someone stands in front of one of the numerous hand carts, they are greeted with a friendly "Beep Beep" or "Honk Honk" or something similar. Even the police on their scooters do it.
I can imagine coming back.
We enjoyed being there.
📷 You can find more photos in this photo album.
Comments