"Phi Phi Island - Hidden Jewel in the... " a Ko Phi Phi Don Travel Page by MikeAtSea

Once a backpacker’s best kept secret, Phi Phi island (a title which invariably refers to the habited Phi Phi Don as opposed to the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh) is one of the most beautiful of the Andaman Sea islands belonging to Thailand. In fact there are several islands in the archipelago but only one has any development. Most visitors come for a day trip, visiting several, while others opt to stay awhile on Phi Phi Don.

Words do little justice to the awesome coastal scenery surrounding the islands and while photographs can capture the essence, those who experience it for themselves will tell you that the real things is worth a thousand words or pictures. The classic butterfly shape of Phi Phi Don, with its two distinctive back-to-back bays is one of the world’s most spectacular seascapes.
The Tsunami reverted the island to a natural undeveloped state The 2004 Tsunami took its toll on the island and the burgeoning tourist development was completedly devastated. The recovery has been slow due to the authorities’ reluctance to allow unchecked development too close to the beach, and this has actually had a positive effect on the island. Whereas many considered the island to be overrun and spoilt before the tragedy, it now seems to have returned the island more to its natural state. Although there are fewer beds available on the island, those who come as day trippers experience a much more beautiful Phi Phi Don.