Let us revisit Phi Phi Islands, a beautiful island group that grew from seclusion to becoming one of the world’s most in-demand islands. Koh Phi Phi, popularly known as Phi Phi Islands originated from “Pulau-Api-Api,” which refers to “Pokok Api Api” or a “fiery tree” called gray mangrove. “Phi Phi” is pronounced as “pee-pee,” and it came from Malay roots.
The nearest airports on the island are Krabi International Airport and Phuket International Airport, but travelers need to note that Phi Phi is largely separated from the mainland and the only way to go there is by sea travel, whether by riding ferries or hiring private speedboats from Krabi or Phuket. If you want to rediscover other nearby islands, here are 7 Phuket Nearby Islands That Are Perfect For A Day Trip.
It is composed of six islands: the two main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, boasting a stunning lush sanctuary with epic views facing the Andaman Sea and Malacca Strait. Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest inhabited island and when people refer to “Phi Phi Islands”, they are generally referring to Koh Phi Phi Don―housing restaurants, resorts, and other types of accommodations where tourists are allowed to party and have fun activities by the beach.
Related Article: 12 Best Islands to Visit in Thailand
Timeline of Events
2000: The Beach Phenomena
The Beach is an adventure drama film in 2000, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Danny Boyle, which sparked a global interest in the island. The movie featured the picturesque beauty of Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi Leh, the smaller and uninhabited island in Phi Phi Islands that is surrounded by a dramatic stretch of limestone formations, majestic reefs, and a pristine-conditioned island.
2004: The Tsunami
On the 26th of December 2004, a massive 9.1-9.3 earthquake hit Thailand and the western coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The Phi Phi Islands are one of the most severely affected, causing extensive damage to its infrastructure, resorts, and beaches, and resulting in thousands of casualties. This is one of the deadliest natural disasters recorded in history, leading to its lengthy recovery and rebuilding process.
2019-2023: The Closure of Maya Bay
Since it gained its massive global following after The Beach, Maya Bay has then attracted millions of tourists causing a high influx in Thailand’s tourism, contributing 20% to Thailand’s GDP before the pandemic, but on the other hand, causing significant ecological damage to its supposed untouched landscapes and rich marine life. This discovery came with a cost and led to a massive need for rehabilitation. Thai authorities ordered Maya Bay’s temporary closure to provide its fragile ecosystem a recovery period from human activities causing overcrowding on the beach, disturbances in its marine sanctuary, and pollution from oil spills and poor waste disposal.
2024: Creating Balance with Conservation and Tourism
The temporary closure of Maya Bay was highly urged by scientists. According to Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine biologist, “The best solution is nobody comes.” He worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment alongside private sectors before, advocating for more sustainable practices in the region. Thon added that when they first checked the corals around 30 years ago, 70-80% of the bay’s reef was still intact, and years after, only less than 8% remained.
Since closing the bay in 2018, Dr. Thon and his team have replanted over 30,000 corals, with about 50% surviving. The corals are now gradually growing and spreading, while other marine species have returned. Early this 2024, Thai authorities again announced Maya Bay’s periodical closure from August 1 to September 30, during the monsoon season, for the rehabilitation to take place.
The Department of National Parks aims to limit visitors up to 4,125 per day, allocating only 375 people per one-hour slot, starting at 7 a.m. Boats must now also drop passengers at a newly built jetty at the back of the island, as part of the rejuvenation plan to protect the famed cove.
Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat believes that the success of Maya Bay could serve as a blueprint for other vulnerable tourist spots in the world.
“It will change the image of Thai tourism, showing that we are not merely a country obsessed with money,” he explains. “We want to protect our sea. And we can—if we manage to do it at the most heavily trafficked tourism site in the Thai sea, we can do it anywhere. The Maya Bay project is one of the biggest undertakings of my life. As long as I live, I will continue to keep a close watch on Maya Bay.”
Related Articles: Phuket Sails Towards Green Tourism with the EA and FTI Partnership, How Luxury Travelers in Southeast Asia Can Adopt the ‘Conscious Travel’ Mindset
Final Thoughts
Tourism and conservation can go hand in hand with proper policies in place and cooperation from locals and tourists. Experience a seamless vacation on your own or contact our Guest Experience Concierge to customize your itinerary to the majestic Phi Phi Islands without shedding sweat and explore your options to the most opulent private villas in Phuket.
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Featured Photo: Cristiano Pinto
