Artist: Jonas Hornehoj
4446 x 5557

This is debatably the most famous island in Thailand, Koh PhiPhi Le, home to Maya Bay. Most would recognize this island from "The Beach”. Visiting this island was a dream ever since watching the film at a young age.

The problem though was that the entire bay was filled with speedboats and tourists wearing life-vests… on the beach. There was no limit to how many people were allowed on at once, and as a result, the entire ecosystem of the bay was slowly destroyed.

It was then shut for visitors for 3 and a half years to restore the marine ecosystem in the bay, bringing it back to life. It was during this time that I returned to Koh Phi Phi Le for my second visit, to capture this image from above without any boats in the turquoise bay.

I lucked out with the conditions as the low clouds filtered the harsh sun, casting a beautiful light on the island. I positioned the drone among the clouds to add a unique perspective to the frame.