History

The Phi Phi Islands are island group in Southwestern Thailand, between the large island of Phuket and the west coast of Krabi. The islands are administratively part of Krabi province. The name “Phi Phi” (pronounced as “pee-pee”). the word originates from Malay. The original name for the islands was Pokok Api-Api, or “fiery tree” or means grey mangrove which is found throughout the island. Ko Phi Phi Don is the largest island of the group, and is the most populated part of the island group, although the beaches of the second largest island, Koh Phi Phi Leh are visited by many people as well for its beautiful characteristics such as cliffd, lagoons, clear blue water great view especially when you are taking a stunning photo at the top of the hill or known as Phi Phi View Poit, and it is also known for its clean white sand. Such characteristics are one of the reasons why tourist people got attracted to spend their hiolidays in that particular place. The rest of the islands in the group, including Bida Nok, Bida Nai, and Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai), are not much more than large limestone rocks extent out of the sea. The Islands are reachable by speedboats or Long-tail boats most often from Krabi Town or from various piers in Phuket Province.
Phi Phi Don was primarily 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. The actual population however, if counting laborers, especially from the north-east, is much more Buddhist these days. The population is between 2,000 and 3,000 people (2013).

From archaeological findings, people believed that the area was one of the oldest communities in Thailand, dating back to the prehistoric period. It is known that this province may have taken its name from Krabi, which means “sword”. This may come from a legend that an ancient sword was unearthed prior to the city’s founding.

Reference:
www.yatra.com/international-tourism/phi-phi-isand/history
https://phi-phi.com/articles-phi-phi-info/culture/history.htm