Ko Phi Phi beach scenes

Thailand's Ko Phi Phi is one of the country's best known islands -- it's certainly not untouched, but if you're in the market for a pretty spot and don't mind the crowds, it can be a very good choice.

Taken on: 1st February, 2005. Copyright: All Rights Reserved - See travelfishery's page of Flickr

Read more about Ko Phi Phi

Ko Phi Phi, or Phi Phi Island, is one of the most talked about places in Southeast Asia, with its natural beauty and reputation for good times putting it firmly on the tourist trail. The beauty of the island is unparalleled, even in a region of the world renowned for its stunning destinations. Limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, white sand beaches and miles of trackless forest make Phi Phi a perfect tropical island.

Developments over the past 20 years however have made it the subject of great controversy. Those who wanted to preserve its natural character have been pitched against those who wanted to make it a world-class holiday destination, and profit financially from the trade.

To understand the dispute, imagine what the island was like more than two decades ago when it was first 'discovered' by adventurous backpackers looking for Eden on earth. They found it on Ko Phi Phi Don -- a long, wide sand bar gracefully arching between two magnificent islands, ... Read our complete Ko Phi Phi travel guide

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