The Phi Phi Islands, a paradisiacal travel destination in Krabi province

Posted by admin on December 20th, 2007 filed in attractions, sightseeing, travel tips

Several of wonderful and photogenic off coast destinations, which belong to Thailand’s scenic Krabi province, form the majestic Phi Phi Islands. The islands’ gorgeous geographical location is between the Andaman and the Phuket Sea, about halfway between the mainland and Thailand’s largest island of Phuket.

The main and most popular islands are known as Koh Phi Phi Leh and Koh Phi Phi Don. These island destinations boast some of the country’s most stunning spots of natural beauty and have become extreme popular tourist destinations. In addition, the islands form a national park as well.

The Phi Phi Islands enjoyed plenty of free promotion during the making of the movie “The Beach” in which the mega-star Leonardo DiCaprio played the main role. While the region’s tourism industry significantly benefited from being chosen as the film’s location, there were also many lovers of natural beauty against the entire production of the movie.

Hollywood’s 20th Century Fox used the force of bulldozers on Phi Phi Leh to move huge amounts of sand, creating the perfect artificial tropical beach, which would become the feature’s essential location. Despite the national park’s strict rules, which goal was to protect the breathtakingly beautiful environment, the production company was allowed to create the desired beach.

The beach, which featured in “The Beach” movie.

Immediately there was suspicion and activist were convinced that 20th Century Fox paid a lot of dollars to the local authorities, in order to ignore the protective rules. This is most likely true as Thailand has a bad reputation with regards to many corrupt officials.

Another much more tragic event, which resulted again in worldwide attention for the islands, was the devastating Tsunami, which enormously hit the islands in December of the year 2004. The tourist infra structure on large parts of the islands was severely destroyed.

The 2004 severe earthquake in the ocean nearby Sumatra created a huge wave, which was devastating for many coastal destinations in entire region of South-East Asia and parts of Eastern Africa.

The Phi Phi’s most populated and tourist hot spot, which was the thin stroke of land between its renowned and much appreciated twin bays, was entirely wiped out, and a number of around 700 unfortunate souls – Thai and visitors from international countries – tragically perished in the catastrophe that took place at the height of the holiday season.

However, today most parts of the island are successfully restored and the locals are pleased, seeing many tourists visiting again. If you are planning to visit the Phi Phi Islands, the internet resource 1stopkrabi provides reliable, essential, up-to-date, complete and useful Phi Phi and Krabi travel information.