"Three girls, a man and a caravan".: Phi Phi Islands.....the most amazing day!!!

Its the worst thing on holidays when you have to set the alarm to get out of bed, but we didn't care as we were so exciting. I had seen photos of this Phi Phi Island tour forever with friends having done it and it is yet another ionic must do tourist destination while in Thailand. So we awoke at 5:30am so that we could get ready and scoff a quick breaky in before being picked up at the resort by 7:30am.

The girls didn't really have an idea at what we were in for, but Boo was excited to be going snorkeling again. It had been a while since the spectacular Ningaloo Reef in WA, and whilst we weren't expecting it to be as good as that, we still had high hopes of seeing heaps of marine life. As we boarded the bus, we set in for an hour long bus ride to pick up all the other people at their resorts. We ended up being on the same tour as the Sydney family, Rachel & Peter we had been seeing around the resort and the girls really latched onto the girl, Sienna, as if they hadn't seen anyone for a lifetime. So lucky for us the girls were entertained catching up with her for most of the bus ride.

We eventually arrived at the marina where we were greeted by a lively Thai bloke who gave us a run day about the day and the rules when on board. Everyone was eager, so we headed out and boarded the boat. Now l was super impressed with the sophistication of this boat, l expected a run down second hand thing, not a luxury style boat in good nick. We set off, with the first destination of sight seeing to be Camel Rock, or Nui Bay. We passed many traditional Thai fisherman in their wooden boats, along with other speed boat tour boats. The water was the most lovely turquoise and blue, the sun was shining (thank god after the last few days of drizzling ran) and everyone on board was really interactive and excited. The crew were very friendly and lively, setting the scene for what will end up being one of the highlights of our trip.

The cool speed boat for the day....

Our cheerful crew leader....

Start of the day family selfie...

Beautiful Marina...

The happy crew...

Absolutely stunning......

We made our way smoothly over the ocean reaching the famous Maya Bay, where the movie "The Beach" was filmed starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The crew anchored the boat and we jumped off to wade thru knee high water, Meg having it up to her waist. The bay was so picturesque with clear warm water, white sand and lush tropical forest lining the beach. If it wasn't for the other hundred or so tourists trying to enjoy the scenery, it would have been spectacular!! Lol. Even though there were a lot of tour boats anchored, and the beach was busy, we still got to enjoy the piece of paradise. We had around 30 mins to explore the area, or swim if we chose to. For me, l set off to get as many pics as l could while still trying to stay in the moment, which can be difficult when you holiday behind a lens, but then, l need memories for this blog don't l?! Marty, Meg and l strolled along the beach, reaching some caved out rocks lining the beach. Was a good part of the beach really, because everyone else was caught up down the other end, where we always try to stay off the beaten track.... Half an hour goes really quick and our crew gave us our wolf whistle to let us know it was time to board the boat again.

Got a shock with the amount of tourists already here!!!!

Always wanted to visit this place.....

The girls....look at that stunning water....

Boo and Sienna..

Strike a pose girls!

The Beeson Family pic.....

The happy couple....l know, but today it is true!

Panoramic view of this beautiful bay....

Love these Thai fishing boats....

Couldn't not get another selfie here!!!

As we speed off to try and beat some of the other tour boats, we slowed down at some points of interest, such as the Viking Cave which was home to vikings back in the day, but now is home to many swallow birds. One of the crew thought he'd chuck in a hand line for fun and ended up catching a fish, everyone was way too excited over a bloody fish!! We then headed off making our way to Monkey Beach, which is home to, you guessed it, monkeys. Our crew stated that we couldn't get off like other boats had let their people to feed the monkeys as they were scared of us getting harmed, but we just thought that they couldn't fit it into our schedule or couldn't be bothered. We were left a little disappointed but the crew ended up getting the boat fairly close to shore and let everyone get time to get their pics and check it all out. Still, we were left a bit jealous of the other tourists, the girls a little disappointed.

Viking cave now home to the swallow birds....

Caught the fish but didn't get it
in the shot obviously!

Obviously we've arrived at Monkey Beach....

Girls looking at the monkeys from the boat

The feeling of disappointment didn't last long as they informed us that the next anchor would be Loh Samh Bay where we were able to finally get those snorkels on and have fun in the water. The crew anchored and ended up telling us that to add to the action of the day we could jump off the top into the sea. The girls hesitated and as they squealed on the way down to the water where they proceeded to do a huge ass bomb!!! They didn't worry too much about the snorkeling, everyone instead, just kept having a swim and jumping off the boat. Great fun and the water was heaven!!!

Meg...

..and l ready for a snorkel!

Boo's the dare devil of the Beeson's who jumped first....

..then my turn...

..and lastly Meg goes with a big squeal obviously!

Snorkel time...

Marty's shot on board the boat of the fish below...

Meg and me searching below....

You looking at me??? lol

Selfie....

No Ningaloo Reef but still pretty spectacular!

Boo floating around...

Boo and me under the sea...

She can float forever!!

The island a far...

Thumbs up from Boo....

After such a fun filled morning our bellies were rumbling, even though we had been fed a gorgeous array of tropical fruit and beverages for morning tea, it was now time to move onto a beach side resort for lunch. We anchored close to shore, but once again waded thru knee high water to where we strolled along a gorgeous beach to arrive at a resort haven. We feasted on a buffet lunch of traditional Thai food with some western food on offer too. It was well organised and ran very smoothly. The food was so delicious that after a couple of servings, we then saw the dessert buffet table, in which we couldn't resist, and had a few servings. I was so bloated and obviously didn't think about the near future of getting back on a speedboat!!! After filling up we thought we should try and walk off some of the food and took a stroll on the beach where the girls found a steel framed cart which Boo proceeded to push Meg around in. I could have just lazed on the beach all day, such paradise.

Can tell by the many plates that we had
several helpings!!! lol

Our view from the resort lunch...

Obviously sun in our eyes...we have
the sunnies!!

In the sand Boo's written "Beeson's do Phi Phi"...

Girls always find something to play with...

Our resort lunch stop....

Really infatuated with these Thai boats...love them..

Time for our tour to wade back to the boat!

We then heard the wolf whistle to re board, everyone feeling very relaxed and sun dazed after our feast and sunning ourselves on the beach!!! On board, we made sure to keep up the reapplication of sunscreen as our memories of the honeymooning South Africans were still in my memory from their water tourist adventure. With only a few more stops before our day was over, we sat back and enjoyed our sailing on the sea. Our crew informed us that the next stop was a fair way off so to sit back and relax. I will never get sick of seeing this ocean paradise landscape that we had the pleasure in seeing today, absolutely unbelievable paradise!

It was late arvo and as we arrived at our last anchor for the day, Bamboo Island, we saw the other many boats already purchased on the shore. We had an hour to laze on the beach, snorkel in the coral or have an ice cream from the vendors along the beach. I couldn't resist the clear warm waters and headed off with the girls for a snorkel. Marty couldn't snorkel due to forgetting his gear (due to needing optical snorkels) but he still came in for a dip to cool off. He also too to lazing on the beach in the shade and enjoying the quiet. The hour went quick and before we knew it the wolf whistle was heard and it was time to head back for the long boat ride back to the mariner.

Another tourist hot spot...

Not as good as our first snorkel but still some marine life...

..heaps of coral though, had to watch our step!

What a glorious setting...

Perfect day!

Squinting selfie!

Meg is definitely a snorkeling pro now after WA!

Don't know who looks funnier, me or Meg! Check that hair
do out lol...

Time to go back to the boat :(

Paradise we're leaving behind...

We had had such a great day, the best since the start of this overseas trip started. Marty and l shared laughter and joy, no tension was felt. The girls had a blast swimming and enjoying the boat ride, along with hanging out with Sienna. Everyone on board was great. The crew are so passionate about their jobs and enhance the day with creating laughter and interacting with all the passengers. The tourists themselves were all happy, no snobs or grumpy people. Just all happy and enjoyed the spirit of the day. On the way back we all chilled as the tiredness came about from all the beach fun, we enjoyed some more refreshments and laughs before we came up to the muddy water of the narrow passage to get to the mariner. I sort of worked out why they were in a rush as the waters were receding quickly. We came passed a boat that's belly was stuck in the mud, obviously awaiting rescue. While we chuckled, it all sort of became a bit real that that could be us too. But our crew were amazing and as we passed an old smiling happy Thai man attending to his laundry on the banks we got thru the passage to arrive safely at the mariner. We un boarded and said our goodbyes, leaving them a tip for themselves for such a fabulous day. For a small price we purchased a DVD of our day which would be delivered to our hotel in the next few days.

The crew were fantastic with the kids...

Tuckered out Meg still has a smile on her dial!

Heading back to civilization....

Crew not worried about the shallow waters, still thumbs up!

Dredging the passageway...

Stuck in the mud...whoops!

Very shallow waters....tides out!

The bus ride home wasn't as energetic as the beginning at the start of the day, but as the sun went down we all reflected that we had had an amazing day out seeing the ocean beauty of Thailand. As we arrived back at the resort, we were knackered and l can tell you. We quickly showered and headed out for dinner, this being the only drag to not having an apartment, we always have to go out for meals. Anyway, we decided to try Ann's restaurant, another recommended eatery. I obviously had eyes bigger than my belly as l had entree of spring rolls and a delicious red chicken curry, thanks to my mate Dusk who l was texting at the time and said l should try it (as l had never had a red curry before). With our bellies full, we headed back to the resort and l can tell you we slept well that night!!!