After enjoying the beach I decided I wanted to take it further out to one of the islands to really immerse myself in island life. While there are many island in southern Thailand all offering something a little unique I decided to go to Phi Phi island. I chose this island because it is known as one of the mostly naturelt beautiful islands. Coincidentally, it also has a decent night life!
I arrived on the island midday and didn’t really have any plans, but a New Zealander at my hostel happened to invite me on a hike to a viewpoint for sunset. He told me there was a 30 baht ($1) fee to get there, but he saw some trails on his map that lead around the backside so you wouldn’t have to pay. I am always up for some impromptu hiking, so we headed out.
It turned out to be a roughly 2 hour hike. There were nice parts walking along secluded beaches, but mostly it was a trek through an unkept path where sharp leaves would cut you and weird 6 inch centipedes would startle you. Cervantes did say, “The road is better than the in.” With that sentiment in mind we both felt a good amount of accomplishment when we reached the viewpoint with plenty of time before sundown.
There the New Zealander and I made friends with two British fellows and we made a plan to meet at the bar later that night. The New Zealander and I returned to our rooms and got ready to go out. First, we went to a bar that showed a free movie every night. We got a free showing of The Hitman’s Bodyguard. It was a funny film and some much needed relaxation from the hike earlier.
Then we made our way to a bar that featured Muay Thai fights. That definitely excited me, and this is also where we met up with the Brits. Evidentially at this bar if you golenteer to get in the ring against another person you both her a free bucket of alcohol. Thrilled by the idea of free alcohol, but mostly by having a Muay Thai fight I signed up. No waiver no nothing. After putting on some sweaty used shorts, next thing you know I’m in the ring!
There’s the footage of the fight! You can hear my New Zealander mate narrating.
Next day I took a hike to some other beaches and to the grand daddy viewpoint of the island. Honestly, I got lucky with the viewpoint because I didn’t know it was there until I saw the signs. I never pass up an opportunity for a viewpoint and I’m sure glad I didn’t this time!
After that I relaxed and ate a good lunch and got on my feery back to the mainland! It was a quick but absolutely beautiful island trip!
Next up, my journey to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand where I start my true Muay Thai career!