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Ko Phi Phi is considered to be one of the most naturally beautiful islands in the world. The Phi Phi Islands are located in Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the western Andaman Sea coast of the mainland.
The islands are administratively part of Krabi province. Ko Phi Phi Don meaning "island" in the Thai language) is the largest island of the group, and is the only island with permanent inhabitants, although the beaches of the second largest island, Ko Phi Phi Lee (or "Ko Phi Phi Leh"), are visited by many people as well.
 The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Noi, and Bamboo Island, are not much more than large limestone rocks jutting out of the sea.
Phi Phi Don was initially populated by Muslim fishermen during the late 1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. The Thai population of Phi Phi Don remains more than 80% Muslim.
 The actual population however, if counting laborers, especially from the north-east, from the mainland is much more Buddhist these days.
The islands came to worldwide prominence when Ko Phi Phi Leh was used as a location for the 2000 British-American film The Beach. This attracted criticism, with claims that the film company had damaged the island's environment, an accusation the film's makers contest.
The film's release was attributed to an increase in tourism to the islands. Phi Phi Leh also houses the 'Viking Cave', from which there is a thriving bird's nest soup industry.
Ko Phi Phi was devastated by the Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 2004, when nearly all of the island's infrastructure was destroyed. As of 2010 Â most, but not all, of this has been restored.
From archaeological discoveries, scientists think that the area was one of the oldest communities in Thailand dating back to the prehistoric period. It is now part of Hadnopparattara-Koh Phi Phi National Park, which is home to an abundance of corals and amazing marine life.
There are limestone mountains with cliffs, caves and long white sandy beaches. The national park covers a total area of 242,437 Rai. Phi Phi
Don and Phi Phi Le are the largest and most well-known islands. Phi Phi Don is 28 sqm: 8 km in length and 3.5 km wide. Phi Phi Le is 6.6 km.
The name Phi Phi (pronounced ‘pee pee’) originates from Malay, the original name for the islands were ‘Pulao Pi ah Pi’.
The name refers to the mangrove wood found there. They were incorporated into the national park in 1983.
posted on Jan 25, 2010 6:46 PM ()
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