Koh Phi Phi and Koh Kradan

 

Koh Phi Phi is another party island, but different than Phuket.  The island itself is much smaller - Phuket is actually an island, but Koh was dropped from the official name, and it doesn't really feel like an island either.  Phi Phi also has far fewer package tourists, families, and - thankfully - old dudes.  The tourists are mostly young backpackers on holiday after high school or university.  There are a few sketchy massage parlors and lady boys, but for the most part the seedy elements from Phuket are missing here.

Koh Phi Phi on the bottom right

We spent two nights in Koh Phi Phi, and I think overall we all enjoyed the island.  The beach is picturesque, with a natural bay enclosed by hills on either side.  The water is so shallow that only long boats can venture in and the pier is on the other side of the island (which isn't far at all).  No cars or scooters are allowed on the island, and I wouldn't want to drive there anyway.  The roads are all narrow; locals use bicycles, but aside from that the busy streets resemble the pedestrian zone of a European city (the streets only, not the buildings or scenery!).

The natural bay on Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi's busy, narrow streets

The nightlife is also good on Phi Phi.  One of the most interesting bars I have been to while traveling was there.  In the middle of the bar is a muay tai boxing ring.  Muay tai is the most popular martial art form in Thailand, and many schools have cropped up for interested foreigners.  At the bar foreigners can fight each other for free alcohol.  It is quite entertaining to watch two drunk guys go at it in the ring.  Thankfully the ref is cautious and will stop the fight at the first sign of an injury.

beach-side bars offer fire shows to lure tourists; some even
have  limbo with fire sticks or flaming jump rope

I burned a few leg hairs trying this!

After two nights on Phi Phi we were ready to move on.  So far we had been traveling fast paced, but Bobby and Chaz had limited time.  Before meeting up in Phuket Bobby had visited a small island called Koh Kradan.  He really enjoyed his time there and seemed keen on going back, so we agreed that should be our next destination.  We had to transfer ferries first, then make a couple of stops along the way - but that's what you have to do to get away for awhile.

And Kradan was pretty far off from the likes of Phuket and Phi Phi.  There weren't even any roads on the island!  Kradan is small - if rocks didn't impede your path, you could walk around the perimeter in less than 2 hours.  Were it not for the handful of resorts on the island I doubt many Thais would live there either.

Kradan is too small for the map,
but about where the arrow is

Beach on Koh Kradan

There wasn't much to do on Kradan - but that is kind of the point.  The beach is peaceful and our bungalow was only steps away.  One could easily pass the hours swimming, laying on the beach, and relaxing in the hammock at our bungalow.  Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate, with two overcast and rainy days.

Despite the weather it was still nice to slow down for a few days.  Bobby really wanted time to unwind and mentally recharge the batteries away from work.  Chaz needed it too, but he got sick on Kradan and felt out of it even on the next island, Koh Lanta.  Joanne was still traveling with us and she made a good addition to the group.  On Koh Lanta we went our separate ways but I think Bobby, Chaz, and I all enjoyed her company.