Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, and Railay

We just got back from another great trip to the islands. It was relaxing, adventurous, and definitely the most beautiful place on Earth. (Besides Kansas City and Springfield)So we left last Monday and landed in Phuket at about noon. We then took a mini-bus to Patong beach, about 45 minutes away. We stopped at a travel agent along the way to set up our tickets to go on the ferry that will take us to the other islands. Then we checked in to our hotel and headed to the beach. The beach was loaded with tourists, hence why we wanted to go to other islands. These islands take a little bit of work to get to so some stay away, which is better for us. That night we went to Bangla Rd, in Patong. The whole road is blocked off from cars and is filled with people, you can see from the pictures. It is just restaurants, bars, dance clubs, and craziness stacked on top of each other.

The next morning we took an hour ride to a pier to catch our first ferry that was going to Ko Phi Phi. Chuck and I went here, but this time we were going to have more time on the island. We were also not with a group, so we were able to do what we wanted. When we arrived, we hiked up one of the huge limestone cliffs to get an incredible view of everything below. You can see in the picture the isthmus that separates the two sides of the island, really amazing.



After the hike up and down we laid on the beach for about three hours before we had to catch our next ferry headed to Railay Beach.

When we arrived at Railay it was the giant rock formations that were most striking. Then, we noticed that the beach was all sand and mud. Also, we had to jump out of the ferry boat, into a long tail boat, and then walk in the mud to get to shore. Sean and I thought this was pretty funny, and pretty typical of Thailand. The other people in the boat, were very upset. You could tell by the looks on their faces, especially about walking in the muddy sand.

Railay was the strangest beach we have ever seen. When we arrived it was all mud, but by eleven pm that night, the water had come completely up covering all the mud. Railay also provided the most beautiful sunset either of us has ever seen. The sun looked so close, it was as if we could touch it. It was fiery orange and sadly none of the pictures turned out. I guess you will have to go and see it for yourself. Railay is the most natural beach I have ever been on as well. I would say that by American standards Railay would be too rough, and not cleaned up enough. However, it was great to see something so untouched.

Overall the trip was great and we can't wait to get back to Phuket when the girls come!!!

By the way, Happy Belated Valentine's Day. We both forgot about it :)