Island hopping

This weekend Matt and I escaped the hustle and bustle of Bangkok for a bit of beach time on the islands. While it was only a short trip (Friday night through Sunday night) it still felt wonderful to get away and spend some time in the sun (or - let's be honest - under the shade of an umbrella or gigantic hat in my case).

We stayed at a great hotel in Phuket (on points of course - we are way too cheap to pay for anything like this with real dollars) and spent one of our days just relaxing by the pool and beach. The other day we did a full-day boat trip out to the Phi Phi islands. These are a cluster of islands, mid-way between Phuket and Krabi (a ~1 hour boat ride from each side) that are the classic photos you often see and think of when you think Thailand. They are giant rock formations that literally look like they were just plopped right in the middle of the ocean - sheer rock faces, really clear turquoise water, and tons of fish and coral to scope out.

Phi Phi Ley islands

Parked at a cove for a swim break

Matt getting his snorkel on.

Whitest stomach in Thailand, perhaps?

One of many awesome little wooden boats dotting the islands

Hanging at the hotel

Hotel - lots of little individual huts all built into the cliffs