Ko Phi Phi Don

Ko Phi Phi Don ("ko" meaning "island" in the Thai language) is the largest of the Phi Phi Islands, in Thailand. It is the only island in the group with permanent inhabitants.

Geography

Like the other islands in the group, Ko Phi Phi Don is a non-volcanic island largely made of limestone. It is almost separated into two islands, but a strand of flat land connects them. On this strand lies the largest town on the island, as well as most of the resorts.

Villages

*Ban Laem Tong
*Laem Tong
*Ban Ton Sai
*Hat Yao

Tourism

Ko Phi Phi Don is now squarely on the tourist map, and tourists from all over the world (especially Europe, Japan, and the wealthier Southeast Asian countries) flock to the island. Accessible from Phuket and mainland Krabi province, all tourists must arrive by boat. (The trip from Phuket takes around 90 minutes.) This has essentially turned the island into a rush of day trippers who overpopulate the island from 11AM-3PM. The island still holds much charm that can be enjoyed in the hours that the flocks from Phuket are not there. While in former times, Ko Phi Phi Don was a serene paradise, parts of it (especially the Ton Sai Bay area) have been exploited for tourism. Restaurants, shops, internet cafes, and shanty towns abound.

Ecology

While much of the island is a so-called "marine reserve", not much is being done about the rampant growth on the island and destruction of the reefs. Also, litter (usually in the form of cans and plastic bags) is strewn all over certain areas of popular beaches (usually near the shanty towns). Much of the litter is not from tourists, but from the locals. However, since Ko Phi Phi Don is popular for diving and snorkeling, the locals have done away with dynamite fishing and other harmful activities that had probably threatened the reef even more than tourism.

Though in need of much greater conservation efforts, Ko Phi Phi Don is still a spectacular island in its own right. Featuring limestone cliffs abounding with vegetation, a look-out point, and clear waters, this island will probably stay on the tourist map as long as development becomes more in tune with nature.

Tsunami

700 people died on Dec 26 2004 when a tsunami struck this tourist island.

Lohdalum Bay was hit the hardest with the majority of the bungalows and restaurants along the beach destroyed. As of 20, January 2006 there has been little re-building on this beach due to land right issues but should be built back soon.There is a memorial for those killed in the tsunami on the beach facing Lohdalum Bay. Every year there is a small memorial service where family members and friends come to pay their respects and talk about those they lost. A moment of silence is observed at the time the tsunami hit.

ee also

* List of islands of Thailand

Many organisations have been supporting Ko Phi Phi, these include Government of Japan supporting the local hospital, Round Square supporting the local school.