The Phi Phi Islands of Thailand
March 2007
The beautiful Phi Phi Islands in Thailand are back in business after the devastation of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Day trips can be taken to these islands via Phuket. During one of these trips you will be able to visit Maya Bay, which is the site that was used to film The Beach, the 2000 movie about Leonardo DiCaprio’s hunt for the perfect beach oasis. The location is as good as it looks in the movie. The beach is not spoilt by pollution or overcrowding as boat trips usually only stay a short time.
You can also visit the main island Phi Phi Don, where tourism has led to the establishment of over-priced markets and expensive resorts.
If you want to get wet, there is snorkelling at Monkey Beach. The reef is better here than on the mainland, although it is still well short of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. You can also swim at Bamboo Island.
The most peaceful and serene place to visit is Maya Bay, where the turquoise water allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the mainland.