Island hopping through southern Thailand felt like stepping into a postcard at every turn. In Ko Phi Phi, we hiked to the famous sunset viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama over Phi Phi Don before taking a private longtail boat tour to Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh – the iconic beach made famous by The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. After 25 years on our bucket list, finally seeing Maya Bay in person lived up to the hype despite the crowds. From Phi Phi, we ferried to Krabi and based ourselves in Ao Nang, using it as the perfect hub for adventures around the region. A day trip to Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, brought some of our favorite memories – including the steep climb to the Railay Viewpoint, scrambling down to Princess Lagoon, and spotting adorable dusky leaf monkeys in the trees near the beach. Another day, we rented a motorbike to explore inland Krabi, conquering the 1,260 steps to Tiger Cave Temple for sweeping views over the countryside before rewarding ourselves with incredible Thai food in Krabi Town. We also zipped around to Mountain Buddha Temple and the Ao Nang Local Market, although our adventure came with an unfortunate run-in with the notorious traffic police who fined us for not having a motorcycle endorsement on our international driver’s license. Even with the unexpected “donation,” the freedom of exploring on two wheels made the rental worthwhile. One of our favorite excursions from Ao Nang was a full-day trip to stunning Hong Island, where we soaked in the scenery at Paradise Beach (Ko Lao La Ding) and climbed to the spectacular 360-degree viewpoint overlooking the emerald Andaman Sea. Back in Ao Nang, life settled into a perfect rhythm of amazing Thai food, beach time, traditional Thai massages, bustling markets, free nightly fire shows, and hikes along the Monkey Trail to Pai Plong Beach where mischievous crab-eating macaques entertained everyone passing by. Southern Thailand completely won us over with its dramatic scenery, laid-back atmosphere, and endless adventures both on land and sea.
A boat traveling past the distinctive limestone cliffs of Koh Phi Phi Leh
A cartful of coconuts at Koh Phi Phi Don
View of Phi Phi island from a sunset viewpoint
Becky at the best sunset viewpoint on Phi Phi Island
A magnificent sunset over Phi Phi Island
It was worth it to hike up to the famous viewpoint for sunset over Ko Phi Phi for a panorama like this!
A street vendor pulling a heavy load of young green coconuts on a cart in Ko Phi Phi
Cannabis dispensary in Ko Phi Phi
The friendly chef of Pa Noi, a local restaurant in Phi Phi Island
PP Charlie Beach Resort's swimming pool at night
Getting up before sunrise for a boat trip to Ko Phi Phi Leh
Sunrise as we approach Phi Phi Leh
Becky enjoying our private traditional longtrail boat ride to Phi Phi Leh
Pileh Lagoon is a natural, emerald green inlet at Phi Phi Leh renowned for its crystal clear turquoise waters and dramatic 100 meter tall limestone cliffs
A distinctive limestone karst formation in the Phi Phi Islands
Becky at the Maya Bay welcome sign
Juvenile blacktip shark commonly found in the shallow waters of Phi Phi Leh
Finally visiting "The Beach" after watching the movie back in 2000!
View of the iconic Maya Bay on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh
The turquoise water of Maya Bay, a famous cove located on the uninhabited island of Ko Phi Phi Leh
Maya Bay gained worldwide fame as the filming location for the 1999 movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio
Traditional longtail boats at Phi Phi Leh
Robby enjoying our private boat ride around Phi Phi Islands
Snorkeling at the mouth of Maya Bay
Enjoying some fresh pineapple after our snorkel session at Maya Bay
Crab-eating macaque at Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don is known for its population of wild crab-eating macaques that live on the coastal limestone cliffs
Gorgeous karst limestone formations on Phi Phi Island
Longtail boats are the only way to reach this remote beach on Phi Phi Don
The quintessential image of Phi Phi, an island known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation
Traditional longtail boats anchored at the main beach on Phi Phi Don
Fish sculpture constructed entirely from recycled plastic waste at the main harbor on Koh Phi Phi Don
Enjoying a pool day at our hotel on Phi Phi Island
Eating yummy pad Thai for dinner
Mango sticky rice for dessert...yummy!
Becky enjoying the amazing breakfast buffet at our hotel, PP Charlie Beach Resort
Goodbye Phi Phi Don! One last view of the traditional longtail boats before we hop on a ferry to our next island
Railay Beach is a beach famous for its powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic karst limestone cliffs. The peninsula is cut off from the mainland by these high cliffs and can only be reached by boat from Ao Nang
View of Railay Beach from the Railay Lookout Point
Climbing down a steep and muddy trail from Railay Lookout Point to the nearby Princess Lagoon
Princess Lagoon at low tide
Robby in a cave at Princess Lagoon
Handcrafted Thai Sawasdee lady welcome statue at a massage spa in Railay Beach
Chillax Bar on Walking Street in Railay Beach
Reggae themed "Happy Shake" bar with happy shakes and brownies
Wake and Bake marijuana bar at Railay Beach
Wooden boat filled with seafood at Railay Beach
A cute dusky leaf monkey sitting in a tree
Dusky leaf monkey (also known as a spectacled langur) resting in a tree at Railay Beach
Ao Nang Tower is a popular spot for rock climbing
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) located near Krabi Town
Robby climbing the 1260 steps leading to the top of Tiger Cave Temple
View from the peak of Tiger Cave Temple
Robby at the base of the Golden Buddha at the summit of the Tiger Cave Temple
Becky by a sign congratulating visitors on climbing 309 meters vertically on 1260 steep steps to the peak of Tiger Cave Temple mountain
Panoramic viewpoint from the summit of Tiger Cave Temple Mountain
Shrine at Tiger Cave Temple of Shakyamuni Buddha seated in meditation under a Bodhi tree
Tiger Cave Temple complex is famous for its extensive maze of natural caves such as this one
Becky on a massive kapok (silk cotton) tree at the Tiger Cave Temple complex
Long-tailed macaque at the Tiger Cave Temple complex
Portrait of a macaque at the Tiger Cave Temple
Interior decor of the Tiger Cave Temple near Krabi
Mural of the Tiger Cave Temple inside the Tiger Cave Temple
A muralist working on a painting inside the Tiger Cave Temple
Selfie at the Tiger Cave Temple
Mud Crabs Sculpture at Krabi Town
Thai comfort food at a food stall in Krabi Town
The wonderful owner of the food stall we ate at in Krabi
Deep fried hard boiled eggs dipped in a sweet and sour tamarind sauce at a food stall in the Krabi Market
Fried black bean balls, coconut pancakes and banana fritters on offer at this stall in the Krabi market
How many police does it take to pull Robby over?
Prehistoric cave man statue at a traffic light in Krabi
View from the top of the Phu Khao Phra Maha Bodhisattva Temple (also known as the Mountain Buddha Temple) approximately 3 kilometers from Ao Nang
Thousand hand Guanyin and main Buddha statue at the Mountain Buddha Temple
Mountain Buddha Temple artwork depicting the Parinirvana of Buddha (which is the final moment of his death and his entry into nirvana)
Realistic wax statue of a Thai Buddhist monk at the Mountain Buddha Temple
Seafood stall at the Ao Nang Local Market
Melo melo sea snails at the Ao Nang Market
Seafood section of the Ao Nang Market
Thai street food vendor preparing food at a market stall
Pineapple seller at the Ao Nang Local Market
Chicken seller; Ao Nang Market
Grilled Thai catfish dish
Fresh clams for sale at the Ao Nang Local Market
Hand painted coconut bowl for sale at the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market
Tasty coconut ice cream at this stall at the Ao Nang Night Market
Deep fried scorpions as a street food snack at the Night Market in Ao Nang
A spectacular fire show performance at the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market
Noppharat Thara Beach is a 3 kilometer stretch located just north of the popular Ao Nang Beach
Accessible only by boat, visitors are rewarded with the scenic tropical paradise of Koh Lao Lading (also known as Ko Lao La Ding or Paradise Island)
Koh Lao Lading beach is nestled between limestone cliffs that protect the calm, crystal clear lagoon. While known as a "hidden paradise" with soft white sand, it becomes insanely crowded with tourist boats by mid morning
Traditional Thai long-tail boat at Koh Lao Lading
View as we approach Hong Island
Robby on the 419 step staircase up to the 360° panoramic viewpoint on Hong Island
Dramatic karst scenery around Hong Island
Selfie at the Hong Island lookout point
View of Hong Island's hidden lagoon from the observation deck
Hong Lagoon is a stunning emerald green lagoon enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, ideal for swimming and photography
Racha Thaifood in Ao Nang specializes in fresh seafood and Thai cuisine
Vibrant mural of a countryside landscape at a cafe in Ao Nang
Longtail boats at Ao Nang Beach
Swimming pool at Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa
Tropical bungalow at Golden Beach Resort in Ao Nang
Beachside massage pavilion near the beginning of the famous "monkey trail" hike in Ao Nang
Crab-eating macaque at the aptly named "Monkey Trail" hike in Ao Nang
A tourist gets way too close to a macaque to take its photo. Tourists are often bitten when they harass or tease the macaques
Pai Plong Beach is famously accessible via the "Monkey Trail", a short but steep walking trail from Ao Nang Beach
Karst rock formation just off shore at Pai Plong Beach
Coconut tree at Pai Plong Beach
A man grilling corn on a portable charcoal grill at Ao Nang Beach
Prominent sailfish sculpture on the Ao Nang promenade
Ao Nang promenade at dusk
An excellent dish at Kodam Kitchen where we ate Khao Pad Sapparod - a traditional Thai pineapple fried rice seasoned with curry powder, fish and soy sauce, and mixed with shrimp, pineapple chunks, raisins, and cashews
Becky enjoying a bit of sun at Ao Nang Beach before the afternoon rain came down
Every afternoon, dark clouds rolled in and brought heavy rain for a brief spurt
Ao Nang promenade during the daytime
Poolside bar at Bamboo Beach Club in Ao Nang
Muay Thai advertisement on the back of a truck to attract visitors to a Wednesday night match
