Most definitely it's a "wow, this is great" sort of Ahhhh!
Carol

Next day the baby squids were still there so the sea didn’t have its normal attraction. We spent quite some time in the new swimming pool which was today open for the first time. Whilst having our late afternoon drink on the veranda we were chatting to a young German couple from the bungalow next door and they were enthusing about the snorkel trip they had just returned from at Phi Phi Ley. Amongst many other species, they had seen turtles. This would be a first for us at Phi Phi, so we decided that to-morrow we will go snorkelling at Phi Phi Ley. I wandered along to the gypsy village and arranged to hire a longtail and driver for six hours next day and agreed a price of 2000baht. For this price we could have taken two other couples with us and shared the cost but we prefer the freedom of being just us.
After a light breakfast we set off at around 8.00. It took around 50 minutes to reach Pileh Bay, a small lagoon on the east coast of the island. It was pretty much deserted with I think only one other longtail in the bay. Entrance to this bay is only possible at low tide and you have to duck as the longtail goes through a hole in the rocks.
We only stayed here for half an hour or so experiencing nice but routine snorkelling and enjoying the lovely setting.
We then headed on to Pileh Wall which is where our German friends had seen the turtles and is about five or ten minutes by longtail. We had a great time here for about an hour, but no sign of any turtles. We encountered loads of black tip reef sharks, a couple of leopard sharks, various types of moray eels, (some of them are really ugly) and loads and loads of multi-coloured fishes of all shapes and sizes. I can’t find the words to adequately describe the beauty of snorkelling around Phi Phi. The water is just so beautifully clear and the colours of everything are breathtaking. I can swim in these waters day after day after day, and never tire of it. We’ve only been home for around a week and already I’m looking forward to our next visit. Every snorkelling session brings new experiences and sights. I just never tire of it, catching a glimpse of a completely different world. We moved on to Loh Samah Bay and finally to Maya Bay. A great day in the sea, but sadly, no turtles.
To night the resort put on a special dinner for Chinese New Year. They transformed the restaurant and the staff put together, a great show with Chinese music, dancing and a very nice buffet.
I won’t dwell any longer on the Phi Phi section of this trip other than to say that our ten days just flew by. I know that will be too long for many people, but I could easily have stayed longer. Maybe one day I will have had my fill, but for now…….I just can’t wait to return to Laem Tong Bay, Phi Phi.

Next stop Bangkok.

Yes, there's more to come !!! And I will be adding to the Phi Phi section.

Our flight from Phuket was at 13.30, so we arranged for our speedboat at 09.30. We were given a wonderful send-off. One of the resort office staff needed to visit the hospital in Phuket, so we gave him a lift. Sea conditions were a little choppy, so the transfer took nearly an hour.

We arrived at Bangkok Suvarnibum at around 3.15. We had pre-arranged a car to take us to our hotel. The Shangri-La. We splurged a little for our last few nights and had booked a de-luxe balcony room in the Krungthep wing. Very swanky and even had our own personal butler! Beautiful room with fantastic views over the river. For a special treat, this hotel really is something else.
We felt a little uncomfortable with the butler, who wanted to do everything for us…..right down to running the bath.
It’s been a few years since we last visited River City Shopping complex, so we jumped on a river taxi and headed up river.
The first and second floors of this complex are mainly for tourists. There are some nice silk shops, boutiques, tailors, jewellers, art galleries, leather products stores and gift shops offering all sorts of goods. The third and fourth floors are mainly art and antique shops which are just fantastic, even for a confirmed non-shopper like me.
For dinner we went to the Riverview Restaurant on the second floor.
Lovely little restaurant serving great traditional Thai food, and offering great views of the river. Many of the river dinner cruise boats embark here, so it’s quite entertaining. Not at all expensive and highly recommended.
We headed back to our hotel for an early night as we had quite a lot planned for the next day. Sitting on our balcony just taking in all the river action, we were treated to a fireworks display, which I think was put on by the Oriental, just next to us. I believe they do this display every Saturday night around 9.00.

Breakfast at this hotel is spectacular!!!
Served in the elegant Riverside Lounge. Would you like eggs sir? Yes please…..scrambled and the same for madam.
When they arrived the eggs had become…..scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, hash browns, and maybe even more. It was beautifully cooked and presented. Then we were offered the Asian buffet which was extensive. Of course all the usual cereals, fruits pastries etc were also available. Certainly a spectacular breakfast.

After a little walk around the hotel grounds, we headed for the river bus stop which is less than 50 yards from the hotel entrance….very handy.


If anyone is interested, this report, with loads of photos and videos can be found on link below. Still a work in progress, but, take a look

http://www.leightravelclub.com/thailandfeb2010.htm

Hi Leigh,

I've loved reading your travel blog and it makes me feel really confident that I've picked the right spot to enjoy one week while in Thailand for my honeymoon. I am currently trying to firm up the plans and am having trouble with the flight times and boat schedule to get out to the island from Phuket. Can you recommend someone I can higher a private speedboat from? I hear that's the best way to go.

Thanks,

Anne