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Phi Phi Islands - more than party

As I mentioned in my last post, from Bangkok we went to Ko Phi Phi Don (pronounced Pee-Pee). We flew to Krabi and from Klong Jirad Pier we took the boat. Tip: don't buy return ticket from Krabi. I bought one and it was more expensive than the ones sold on the island and I couldn't use it for the earliest boat departing from the island. To get from the airport to the pier, Grab is your friend. The boat ride is ~2h. 
Ko Phi Phi Don is a party island, especially the area of Tonsai beach and Loh Dalum beach. If you are looking for activities less touristic I have some suggestions. 
Firstly, if you look on google maps you will see that most beaches are accessible only by boat, but it's not true. A local from a restaurant recommended Maps.me which has all the marked roads on the island. 
I am not saying that a ride with a longtail boat is not nice. To Long beach we first went by boat, one way 100THB (~3EUR) by day and 150THB(4.5EUR) by night. 

Long beach
Another way is through the forest. The good part about using Maps.me is the offline map and you don't have to worry about using data in roaming. Also, the trail is marked with signs. From Tonsai pier is about 45min walking.

The trail is easy. No need for special footwear. Do not forget to bring with you a bottle of water (it can get hot), put some sunscreen even if most of the hike is in the shadows and least but not last mosquito repellent. 
On the way to Long beach you can also stop at Viking beach, which is smaller and less crowded. Expect some noise from all the boats passing by.

Viking beach
Long beach and Viking beach can be done in one day because they are close. You can end the day with another hike to one of the view points from the island.
Sunset from Viewpoint 2
There are many ways to get to Viewpoint 2 and we chose the most difficult one. The easiest way to get is to follow the signs to Viewpoint 1 (there will be some stairs to climb up) and from there walk to Viewpoint 2. There is fee of 30THB to enter this area. I would say the effort is worth it!
Another beach that can be easily accessible from Long beach (only 20 minutes walking) is Loh Moo Dee beach.

One this side of the island you can enjoy a moment of silence.
Loh Moo Dee beach
I have never seen so many cats in one place. At Loh Moo Dee beach there was one which came and sat on my towel. On this beach I spotted also chickens.

One the way I saw a multitude of colourful butterflies 
The last day on the island was the most exciting when we explored the northern part. For this hike I recommend proper footwear. Flip-flops are not a very good idea. Take it from me which I did this in flip-flops.
The first stop was at Nui beach, which is accessible only during low tide. At noon it was still possible to enter. But first a challenge: climbing up and down on a trail like this.

If you pass the challenge you are rewarded with this spectacular view. On the day I left my water shoes home I needed them the most. The water has pebbles. That was the moment I realised that I enjoy more the journey rather than the destination. 
Nui beach
From Tonsai pier to Nui beach the hike is ~1h20 and a part is running along the sea and the rest is through the forest. Even in the forest there are signs so you can't get lost. Again, bring some water with you, mosquito repellent and put some sunscreen.
After Nui beach you can go to Loh Ba Kao Bay. On the way you will come upon a mangrove forest and a small village.
Mangrove forest

Small village in northeastern coast of the island

Hippie bamboo and thatch restaurant in the village with hanging bottles
 Loh Ba Kao Bay is more than a stunning, white, powdery sand beach running along a picturesque coconut grove.
Loh Ba Kao Bay
 As we had to return back at sunset (you don't want to wonder in the dark in the forest) we happened to be at the right moment and place to enjoy the end of the day. There are few spots on the island from where you can see clearly the sunset. Another option is to kayak.
Everything is still. The music coming from Loh Dalum beach can ruin the moment. 

Sunset over Loh Dalum beach and the party is starting again!

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