Varun’s Phi Phi Islands Escape in Thailand with Thrillophilia
When Varun Verma boarded the flight to Thailand in May 2025, he was chasing time. A time covered in the memories of laughter-filled hostel rooms, late-night bike rides, and college dreams. Standing next to him at the boarding gate was Mod. Parvej Khan, his childhood friend.
They had been inseparable once as classmates, bunking partners, cricket rivals, and brothers in spirit. But years had passed. Promotions, weddings, and responsibilities kept piling on, while their friendship came to the occasional "Hope you are doing well" text.
Now, here they were, carrying nostalgia and about to revisit a friendship and a forgotten version of themselves. Their journey was a Thrillophilia speedboat tour to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket.
Chasing Waves on Their Speedboat Tour
At Chalong Pier, the air was filled with energy. The tourists were in flip-flops, vendors were selling sun hats, and boats rocked gently in the sea breeze. The speedboat they boarded was sleek and white, and floating in the open water.
As the engine started and the coastline slipped behind them, Varun turned to Parvej and smiled. “Feels like we are in a movie,” he shouted over the wind. Parvej smirked, “Just wait till Maya Bay. That is where they actually shot one.”
The Andaman Sea stretched endlessly around them. The boat cut through waves, and with each splash, their excitement grew.
Their first stop was Maya Bay, which looked like a dream-come-true experience. Surrounded by tall cliffs and lined with baby-soft sand, it was the kind of place postcards are jealous of. As the two friends stood barefoot, waves lapped at their feet.
For a few moments, they were simply existing together, present, and surrounded by beauty.
Caves of Time and Stillness
Next, the boat slowed near a rough limestone cliff. Their guide pointed at the Viking Cave ahead, which was a sacred site with ancient cave drawings and history etched into its walls.
As the boat floated near, Varun leaned forward to see the faint outlines of birds and ships painted centuries ago. “Imagine the stories trapped inside those stones,” he murmured.
Parvej said, “Or maybe they are meant to remind us we are not the first to chase meaning.”
The cave was not open for entry, but its stillness spoke volumes. The contrast between roaring engines and ancient silence struck a chord in both men. It was a moment of reflection and a pause in the thrill.
Underwater Conversations and Emerald Lagoons
By the time they reached Pileh Lagoon, the sun had climbed higher and painted the water in hues of jade and teal. The cliffs closed in around them and formed a secret sanctuary of calm.
Varun had never snorkelled before. As he adjusted his mask and fins, a part of him hesitated. “What if I mess this up?” he asked.
Parvej just laughed. “Then you will look like a fish, and I will never let you forget it.”
But as Varun dipped below the surface, something shifted. Beneath the water, the chaos of the world melted away. Schools of fish moved by, and coral reefs twisted and bloomed.
Back on the boat, soaking wet and exhilarated, Varun said, “I did not expect to feel this much peace while holding my breath.”
Parvej replied, “That is what diving into the unknown does. Reminds you to breathe deeper when you come back up.”
The Monkey Ambush and a Lunch to Remember
Their next stop was Monkey Beach, which offered less peace and more personality. Dozens of macaques ruled the island as they stole snacks, posed for selfies, and showed off their climbing skills.
One particularly mischievous monkey tried to unzip Parvej’s backpack. “Bro, he is better at this than airport security,” Varun laughed while snapping a photo.
The chaos was short-lived. Soon, they were back on the boat and headed for the largest and only inhabited island of the archipelago, Phi Phi Don. Their lunch spot was a beachfront restaurant with panoramic views, where the aroma of Thai spices mingled with the ocean breeze.
As they sat over plates of pad thai and grilled fish, Varun looked out at the sea. “This is the kind of lunch we dream about while stuck in office meetings.”
Parvej sipped his coconut water and nodded. “We should promise to do this again. Sooner.”
The Goodbye at Khai Nai Shoreline
Their last destination, Khai Nai Island, was less crowded and more tranquil. The beach shimmered under the golden afternoon sun. Most tourists headed straight for the water as they were eager to snorkel again.
But Varun and Parvej walked to the quieter side of the beach, barefoot on warm sand, while talking about life and how they had both changed and how they had not.
They stood side by side and looked out at the infinite blue.
It was friendship in its purest form.
The boat ride back to Phuket felt slower. Maybe it was the setting sun or the heaviness in their hearts of goodbyes they had not spoken yet.
Varun leaned against the side of the boat and watched the waves behind them…
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