Phi Phi Island-Nemo, Oh Nemo!

Never did see him and the brochure promised that we would! They dropped us off at some coral to snorkel for just about 30 minutes and then after lunch they brought us to a private island to swim, snorkel or just lounge on the beach. The current was extremely strong so we both snorkeled for just a short while as swimming back was exhausting. People were feeding the fish in the shallow water, those were really cute, but you could feel them all over your legs!!!

Phi Phi Island-Monkeys

On our tour of Phi Phi Island, we stopped at Monkey Island. The boat backed up to the edge of the island and the monkeys would jump down to the trees awaiting their special treat...Bananas! You could just hand or throw the bananas to the monkeys and they were so excited to receive their feast! Pictures aren't that great as we were there for just a few minutes and there were many people.

Phi Phi Island-Phuket

We went on a day tour of Phi Phi Island. We stopped at many beaches on our adventure and got to snorkel a little bit.

We first stopped at Maya Bay, which is where 'The Beach' was filmed. This was the most beautiful water I had ever seen. However because we were on a tour, we were there just to get some pictures and be on the way.

Bangpae Waterfall

We quickly climbed to the top of the Bangpae Waterfall just long enough to get some pictures!

Loy Krathong Part 2

In addition to floating krathongs, we also released 2 hot air balloons. This was truly an amazing sight that pictures could not capture (well at least not with my camera)! While we were eating dinner we noticed that the sky was filled with floating lights. It was beautiful! After dinner, we walked down to the beach and found Thais (mostly children) selling these balloons. Once we decided on a price, they helped us light the flammable piece and we held the outer part of the bag and waited (fingers getting hot ;-)). When there was enough hot air inside the bag, we released our bag, now a balloon, into the air! It was truly amazing to see thousands of these lights floating by.

Loy Krathong Festival

We were so lucky to be in Thailand for the annual Loy Krathong Festival!

On the night of the full moon of the 12th lunar month, Thais throughout the country gather by rivers, canals and streams to pay homage to Mae Khongkha, goddess of water. In Thai, loy means "to float" and a krathong is a little lotus-shaped boat made out of banana leaves bearing offerings of flowers, incense, a candle and a coin. The focus of the festival is for everyone to launch a krathong both as a gesture of homage to Mae Khongkha for the gift of water and as a symbolic sending away of ill fortunate.

This was truly an unplanned treat for us! The beach was full of Thais making, selling and of course floating their Krathong. Of course, the hotel offered complimentary Krathongs and we places those into the pool.

Can You Pick Out The Monkey?

I know this is hard, but concentrate and do your best! While in Phuket we saw a monkey show, LITERALLY! (I am so glad that I write these!!! lol)