Phi Phi and Lanta

---

Well we've just had an eye-opening week of beaches, curry dishes and friendly people! We had 3 days in Phi phi and around 3 days in Lanta, and while this was not nearly enough for a good holiday, it was all we needed for some relaxing in the hammock, some snorkelling, a thai massage and a cocktail or two.

The weather was as expected warm and humid, and at night mosquitoes came into play. After a few nasty bites we took the neccessary precuations with the mosquito net and spray!

The major difference we found between the two islands was that phi phi was quite busy and compact, with lot's of dive shops and food stalls setup for tourists, where as Koh lanta was a bit more peaceful with less development. On Lanta we hired a scooter and set out each to explore the island. We discovered a little restaurant perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, which served great food with a very helpful and friendly lady. There was no music, no other people and noise aside from the the sounds of the waves crashing on the rocks. Very Peaceful.

It has nearly two years now since the tsunami hit these islands, and the re-building is still on-going. On Phi-Phi we moved a bit further away from the main strip, only to find workers on the job at all hours of the day constructing new houses and resorts.

We did enjoy Koh Lanta a bit more than Phi-Phi - less tourists, and a more relaxed feel about the place. Lanta was such a spread out island, making the scooter a neccessity for touring around.

On buzzing around the island we encountered people riding elephants, cows (people wern't riding them, just looking after them) and the occassional monkey. We also went to some small villages off the main roads, where it was possible to see what the people really lived like. We recieved a few odd looks, but also the occasional wave and smile from kids playing on the side of the road.

Anyway we hope everyone is well, Will write soon with info on our setting up in england again.

Cheers

Ben and Stace

---

Photos

Beach
I don't know what the pose is about

An Island!
At Monkey Beach. Stace was getting pretty close to th Monkeys. I was never gonna get that close!!!

Bungalow
On Lanta, this place was great - although we were in the Bungalow next to the stereo-equiped bar.

Bike
A great way to get around Lanta

Island
We hired a boat for a day and went around a few more places we hadn't been on the snorkelling tour. This was phi phi lagoon

Cocktails
At our place on Phi Phi

Beach
On Phi Phi. The family that ran the place were very friendly, we met a nice cambodian girl who was a family friend of theirs.

Get High Corner
Despite the cloudy day, it was still quite nice at this place. Very peaceful.

Comments

[sam&co]

the water looks blue and I'm green
was that your bungalow? looks great, can you remember what warmth is now ?hope its not too cool been cool here weird weather alls well looking forward to hearing about le Paris cheers Mum