"Phi Phi Don and Le- Pos ..." a Ko Phi Phi Don Travel Page by trisanna

I feel it's not fair for me to create a page on these islands right now. Even though i have been to phuket before the tsunami. I first saw Phi Phi Don and Le in March. I wish i saw them before. I have many friends, who told me how beautiful these islands were and how the beaches were just magical. But i feel it's important to give information on various sites.

By boat, i felt Phi Phi Le and Don are stunning. Huge limestone looking rock islands that jet out of the sea. The water is a turquoise blue with yellow fish following us-for the chance of getting some bread or a piece of biscuit. Maya Bay on Phi Phi Le is beautiful and tranquil. This didn't seem to be disturbed by the tsunami.

On Phi Phi Don, it's a different story. Phuket is getting back to normal and it's hard to see damage, since people have worked quickly to get stores, restaurants and hotels running again. Phi Phi Don is a different matter. This island with Phuket's area of Khao Lak (north of airport) sustained the worst part of the damage. On Phi Phi Don this is all visible when you come into Tonsai Bay. A beautiful crest of coastline. Now the shallow waters hold floating barges that contain the debris. For me, seeing this was overwhelming and depressing. Plus the air didn't smelled bad. Reminded me of lower manhattan after the 9/11 attacks. A lot of dust in the air.

Slowly the area is coming back to life. Various hotels, such as the Holiday Inn(not sure where they are located), but they say they are open. Also they are offering lots of promotions. I know, it seems morbid to come back to this area. But the economic effects of the tsunami are hurting the Thai people, who work in the tourist industry. If you can, please visit the tsunami hit countries.

Photo taken in early March 2005. Cleaning up Tonsai Bay beach.

Photo taken in early March 2005. View of a hotel.