Woke up at 5.30 ready to catch the early boat which left Koh Phangan at 7am. After squeezing on a little minibus we climbed up a few 'vertical' hills and across bumpy tracks to the ferry. Ferry crossing took a couple of hours but managed to sleep after the early start. Then, a second bus collected us from the port and took us to Surat. By this time getting a bit stressed with lugging our HEAVY bags on and off various forms of transport - but the worst was yet to come! We then got a 'taxi' to a random travel centre. This taxi, made for approx 6 people and their bags, somehow fit 14 of us on it - with a couple of lads clinging onto the bars at the back for dear life - the Thai's are nutters when it comes to driving!

We were then dropped off at a random travel centre, where we waited for about an hour. The finally our minibus arrived which was to take us to Krabi. The minibus then proceeded to pick up everyone who had just been in our 'taxi' who had all been dropped at different travel centres. We can only guess that they all left us there so we would buy food from their little cafes. But Jen and I refused to give in to this conspiracy. HA! (but were then hungry and thirsty for the remainder of the journey - doh!! Jim and Shaun were on the same bus (guys we had met in Phagnan) so at least we had then to keep us company and to play cards with.

Jen and I (being the smallest on the bus) were made to sit up front in the minibus on what can only be described as the most uncomfortable seat I have ever sat in!! Plus there wasnt enough legroom - even for us! And to make matters worse we had to listen to Thai music for the entire journey. i was so uncomfortablte i couldnt even pretend to be asleep, so the driver, oblivious to my rude remarks - decided to chat to me half the time, and try to con us into booking a place to stay through him! Nightmare.

Finally we reached Krabi where we sat in another travel centre, for another area (to buy the food - which we did this time). Then we took another 'taxi' to the ferry port where we caught the ferry to Phi Phi island. I was a bit freaked that the ferry might sink. Somehow water was pouring in through the roof and the life jackets were far to worn for my liking...but finally we made it to Phi Phi. Ishouldnt really complain tho... the entire journey from phangan cost less than 8 quid!

Phi Phi is well worth the nightmare journey to get there. It is easily the most beautiful place we have been so far. There is still lots of damage from the tsunami and everyone has a story to tell about it. It is very sad hearing about all the friends and family they lost - not to mention everthing they owned. The place we stayed opened the day before so was really nice and clean and the Thai couple running it were so lovely. Went out for gorgeous dinner - fresh sea bass, then early to bed after the long journey.