Our Story

By sharing our story, we take you back in time to the 1970’s when Phi Phi Island was home to vast coconut groves and sea gypsy villages. Island life was very simple but at the same time difficult, as there was no electricity, no water supply or government services on the island.

It was during this era that regular boat service began running to Phi Phi Islands from Phuket, bringing small groups of tourists for day trips. The founder of the resort was struck by the natural beauty of the island and acquired a large plot of land on its northern tip, the most remote spot furthest from the main port at Tonsai.

Local villagers were curious why anyone would want to own this land so far from civilization. In the years to follow, our founder worked with the community to build a small resort at Laemthong Beach, the first of its kind on this remote northern coastline. The sea gypsy community was involved from the offset, helping to transport materials and goods in long tail boats, and gaining employment in the resort.

In 2000, the movie “The Beach” was filmed at Maya Bay, and Phi Phi Islands became a top destination for backpackers and hotels quickly appeared across the island. Sadly, in December 2005, the deadly tsunami hit and took many lives with it.

The aftermath was a time to reflect, rebuild and refocus on the future. Phi Phi Natural Resort built a primary school for the local community within its grounds, another way to give back to the local people who have helped our Laemthong Beach resort through good and bad times.

At Phi Phi Natural Resort, we continue to focus on what is important, respect for nature and respect for the community we live in, and we want our guests to appreciate and cherish this unique island home as much as we do.