Thursday, 21 May 2009

Koh Phi Phi - island paradise or shanty town?

I wanted to see Phi Phi again. Its beautiful, and known for "The Beach" (a film I've never seen), and some of the more graphic footage from the tsunami.
I remembered a ramshackle collection of shops, eateries and accommodation. Later, the tsunami ripped through TonSai beach. The tragic aftermath should have been an opportunity, to develop the island to its true potential - hence my curiosity to see how things have changed.

Nothing seems to have changed - the same grungy back streets, over-priced accommodation (it took a couple of hot, sweaty hours to find a very average room for double the price of a nice bungalow in Koh Lanta), predictably samey tourist shops, overpriced food, overpriced drinks, overpriced massages, overpriced internet access....the price of popularity.

However, take away the beach bums, the night owls and the profiteers, and its a magical place....the views, from the beach or the mountains, are fabulous.
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/scuba50/KohPhiPhi?feat=directlink

One night was enough though. Did it, didn't bother buying the T-Shirt, moved on, not for me.

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