THE GOOD: It goes without saying, but southern Thailand is beautiful. In any given area, there are dozens of limestone islands with pristine beaches to marvel at and explore. Seeing Koh Phi Phi and the surrounding Phi Phi islands checked a box on our list, since Mike is a big fan of the book and movie The Beach, which used Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh as one filming location. 

THE BAD: The best way to see the Phi Phi Islands efficiently and relatively cheaply from Ao Nang, where we stayed, is to join a one-day tour group, which is not our favorite way to travel. At all. Basically, we got herded around and had limited time in each place. (However, without going the group tour route we would have spent double the time and at least double the money. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and be a tourist for a day.) 

THE UGLY: How many people can fit on Maya Bay beach? I can't tell you the exact number but it's however many people were there when we were. Holy crowded. Are we on an only-accessible-by-boat Thai island or in Times Square?! Mike even took one photo that you'd have to study for a few minutes to find me, Where's Waldo style. There were almost enough people there to take away the amazing natural beauty... Almost. 

Also, I was very sad to see a few pieces of trash, such as a plastic water bottle, floating in the water around Koh Phi Phi Leh. Clearly, the human impact resulting from tourists flooding the area has already had negative effects on what was once pristine, untouched nature. Hopefully Thailand will be able to protect its waters and islands so future generations can continue to enjoy them. 

PS: for anyone who doesn't know, Phi Phi is pronounced like "pee pee" (hehe) #ifyoudontknownowyouknow