The Phi Phi Islands are located between Phuket and the western Andaman Sea coast of the mainland. Phi Phi Don is the larger and principal of the two Phi Phi islands. Both Phi Phi Don, and Phi Phi Leh, the smaller island, are administratively part of Krabi Province, most of which is on the mainland.

Koh Phi Phi Don is the only island with permanent inhabitants, although the beaches of the second largest island, Ko Phi Phi Leh are visited by many people as well. There are no accommodation facilities on Ko Phi Phi Leh, but it is just a short boat ride from Ko Phi Phi Don. The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Noi, and Bamboo Island, are not much more than large limestone rocks jutting out of the sea.

Phi Phi Don was initially populated by Muslim fishermen during the late 1940s, and later became a coconut plantation. The Thai population of Phi Phi Don remains more than 80% Muslim.

There have always been sea gypsies coming to Phi Phi Don for as long as records have been kept. These ancient people are at home with the sea and make temporary homes as the seasons change. In high season they often make a community on the west coast in Lodalum Bay out of drift wood. In the low season, they are on the east coast sheltering from the occasional westerly winds.

They row their small boats great distances in search of fish. Recently, poor fishing techniques have made them unpopular with conservationists. Government attempts to improve their lifestyle have been slow but progress is being made.

In 1945 there was nobody living on Phi Phi Don Island. By 1950 the first settlers from Koh Yai to the north of the Phi Phi Islands in Phang Nga Bay had arrived. Subsequently, people from Koh Lanta and Krabi province have given the village a "three-flavored" feel. The families who still own most of the land today are descendants from these first settlers and visit their cousins in Koh Yai and Krabi often. The call to prayer heard in the village during the morning and evening comes from the Mosque. The high attendance in the Mosque is as much driven from community spirit as any extreme devotion to the faith.

The number of people making a living from cashew nut farming is few, though the cashew nut plantations can be seen quite clearly on the path up to the viewpoint. Coconut farming is still in full swing. The coconut milk is still the raw ingredient of the delicious curries made on Phi Phi Island.

The local children go to the primary school near Bayview Resort, but at the age of 12 stay with relatives in Krabi for their secondary education.

Fishing is also still important and most of the local men pride themselves as good fishermen. The better ones are full time captains of the dive and fishing boats.

The Muslims love the sea and captain all of the boats in the area.