Day 10 View Point and farewell to Ko Phi Phi
- Heike Panagoulias
- Dec 15, 2024
- 6 min read
The last day here on this island has begun. I wanted to go to this view point, which many people have raved about on the internet because of the view. I took the opportunity to get a ticket for my onward journey tomorrow and I also really wanted to lie on one of these beautiful beaches, which I hadn't done since I've been in Thailand apart from this trip.
But of course you start such a relaxed day with a leisurely breakfast.
Since I liked the nice café so much, I went there again straight away.
What a great start to the day.
I slowly realized how I was really calming down inside. I've always found it uncomfortable to sit alone in a café or restaurant. When I did, I either had a book or a magazine with me or I spent the whole time looking at my cell phone.
Here I started just looking at my surroundings, observing people and following my thoughts.
I felt an inner contentment and I fully enjoyed organizing my day the way I wanted to. I already felt this way a few days ago in Chiang Mai, but now I also felt inner peace.
What, you want to go to Thailand alone?
Can't you find anyone to go with you?
Aren't you afraid to go to Thailand all by yourself?
What will you do if something happens to you?
Don't you think you're taking on too much?
Do you really think it's a good idea to travel alone after everything you've been through?
Don't you at least want to travel with a tour group?
These are just some of the questions I listened to in the weeks leading up to my trip.
You can clearly hear the worry that everyone had. But not just the worry about me, but also the worry about being alone. And certainly, without offending anyone, my own fear of being alone.
But being alone doesn't mean being lonely. There is a big difference.
I wasn't lonely on my trip. There were so many nice encounters and conversations. I didn't feel lonely for a single moment.
My last 20 years were dominated by my family and children. Everyone knows that. And that's right and proper for that time. I wouldn't have wanted this time to be any different. I always knew that my time would come again when the children were old enough and went their own way. Then the time will come when I can look forward to myself and my time.
And now I'm here.
I admit, it wasn't entirely voluntary at first.
The death of my son changed a lot in my life, including my view of life.
I actually wanted to go to rehab, which I unfortunately didn't get approved for. But the feeling of needing to get out and the desire for a change of scenery remained.
It became clear relatively quickly that I wanted to go to Thailand. If not rehab, then at least a vacation. The ideal time was over the turn of the year, as the company was closed until the beginning of January. I could add the 3 weeks' vacation to this time. I liked my idea more and more. But who could travel with me? I definitely wanted to have more than 3 weeks off. That wasn't feasible for most people around me. What's more, not everyone wants to lie on the beach for hours on end or go sightseeing for several days in a row and then also loves spicy food. I didn't want to make any compromises during these three weeks. The image of the trip took shape inside me and I became more and more friends with it.
And then... The one who could never dream of ever going on vacation alone! Eating out alone... most of you reading this know what I mean.
And people! Do it! Embark on this adventure. It's so good to enjoy time on your own terms. I'm still pretty much at the beginning of my journey, but I'm already realizing how good it feels. Just think through the thoughts you have in peace. Or simply dwell on these thoughts for a long time... I found it a pure luxury over time.
I also realized that the initial overcoming of going out, out into this foreign country, became easier and easier for me. Until I finally stopped thinking about it at all. It no longer took me any thought at all to embark on a new adventure every day.
I actually paid more and more attention to making sure I didn't miss out on anything I wanted to experience here.
And so I sat here for half an eternity having breakfast in the café with a cup of coffee or two and a fantastic view of the beach and the sea. Sitting there barefoot and completely relaxed, listening to the countries of the people at the next table and watching guests come and go or simply walk past this café.
Time to pursue these thoughts that are running through your head.
The View Point, of which there are three in total, was still on the agenda for me today. I was quite curious as the route and how difficult it was were described in totally different ways. So I set off well equipped with good shoes, water, sun protection and curiosity.
First you stroll through all the lovely little alleyways here on this island and follow the signs. Then you come to the first steps. First past restaurants and apartments and then just nature.
It was hot. It was exhausting! The many stairs, the sun and the temperatures didn't make it easy. When we reached the top, there was a small seating area under a tree. Have a drink, catch our breath and enjoy the view! And looking down to see what you've already achieved, hahaaaaa!
A few more steps and you arrive at the entrance to View Point 1, which is a private area belonging to a family. You pay a small entrance fee of around 80 cents and walk through a beautifully landscaped garden.
It was a beautiful view of Ko Phi Phi from here! The garden was really lovingly laid out with lots of small seating areas, art objects and statues. You have a great view of the twin bays of Tonsai and Loh Dalam.
We continue up the stairs through this family's beautiful property.
After a while you reach View Point 2, which is about a 20-minute walk away and rewards you for your efforts with a wonderful view
You walk through nature here, hear the wind and some birds, see lots of plants and of course some tourists who struggle up here in these temperatures. But you will agree with me that the effort was worth it for these pictures. You automatically take enough breaks as you stop again and again to enjoy the view and take photos.
The path continues steeply upwards to the last viewpoint.
Here there is a café run by the family and a great platform for lots of great photos and videos
And of course I had an ice-cold iced coffee here, omg it was delicious! Just the thing after the strenuous climb and the breathtaking view. It invites you to linger and enjoy. I looked for a shady spot, drank my coffee in peace and quiet and just took in the view. What can I say? It was simply beautiful!
I took a few more photos and videos before making my way down. Here I not only discovered more beautiful views and statues, but also mega relaxed cats again... Honestly, I thought she was no longer alive. She was fast asleep!
After the exhausting tour, I made my way to the beach. I opted for the quiet side of the island and found a wonderful spot under a tree. I stayed here for the rest of the afternoon and simply enjoyed the warm sand, the cool sea, the light breeze and - you won't believe it - a coffee
With all the beautiful things I saw today, I couldn't shake the thought of why I was here. This deep pain drove me here to paradise. I couldn't help but shed a few tears at these thoughts.
At some point I went back to my hotel to pack my things properly for tomorrow. I checked my ticket and departure times and of course I wanted to eat something delicious one last time at my favorite cookshop. I also didn't want to miss out on one last visit to a nice beach bar. So I ended my last evening here on this island just as relaxed as the whole day had been.
Conclusion of the day:
It doesn't hurt to find out about a lot of things on the internet beforehand. Opinions often differ widely, we all know that. Unfortunately, we often tend to see the negative and complain about it extensively. That was also the case here on this island. Party island, far too loud, too many tourists... Yes, that's true. But you shouldn't forget the beautiful aspects.
It was absolutely worth spending some time here! The great snorkeling trip and the view point were incredible!
Make up your own mind, take a look and try it out!
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