The film-makers traveled to Thailand, not just to scout locations, but to get a feel for the country where the story was set. Like the fictional Richard, they traveled mostly backpacking style, visiting Bangkok, Ko Samui, Kho Pangan, Ko Tao, Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands. It was an illuminating experience for the filmmakers. "The country was fascinating, in particular in relation to the film," says Hodge. "I was interested in the effect of western tourism on Thailand and the people. I was struck by the superficiality of any 'conversion' to western ways, in that immediately beneath the surface is the robust indigenous Thai culture itself."
Hodge returned to write the screenplay while Boyle and Macdonald scouted locations. Their search extended to Australia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, the Seychelles and Malaysia, before landing where it had begun - in Thailand. "We were looking for a paradise with all the conventional features that tourists dream of but sealed away from traditional travelers," says Macdonald.
During this visit they re-discovered Phi Phi Le, a small island off Phuket. "It was ideal in that the beach was enclosed by a sea wall of cliffs, and the lagoon was beautiful," recalls Macdonald. "The beach was quite neglected but it had exquisite white sand."
1. Phi Phi Island (pronounced Pee Pee), some 30 kilometres off Kabri province, is one of the world's most beautiful tourist destinations. Now a National Park, it comprises of two rocky tree-covered islets -- Phi Phi Don with long, white powdery beaches and Phi Phi Le, uninhabited but blessed with a crystal-clear sea, secluded beaches, cliffs and colourful coral reefs. On the western part of Phi Phi Leh is Maya Bay, a white, sandy beach dominated by a high cliff -- the main location they used for the film. Two other islands: Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island, were used for the scene when the three main leads swam to the beach.
2. Phuket - Phuket (pronounced poo-get) is Thailand's largest island and one of the most popular holiday destinations in south-east Asia, attracting up to one million visitors each year. The film studios in Talang were used for interiors as well as the beach bungalows. Many other locations around the island were also used.
3. Krabi - Krabi city and province doubled for Khao San Road and the marijuana field. In Krabi city they built a large reclining Buddha which can still be seen.
4. Khao Yai National Park - Khao Yai National Park covers an area of over 2000 square kilometers and the wildlife includes many endangered mammals such as elephants, gibbons, tigers, leopards and Malaysian sun bears. The park was used for the waterfall scene when the three main stars first arrived at the beach.
Photograph: Reclining Buddha in Krabi (www.thaistudents.com). Please note that this Buddha was made from foam for the movie and it is unknown how much longer it will last.
Three excellent books about Thailand which we have used many times are Lonely Planet for Thailand by Joe Cummings (a visitor to this web site), Eyewitness Travel Guide and Thailand Handbook. You can order your copy today at amazon.com at a special discounted price by clicking on the book covers. Follow the link for reviews and prices. Click here for more books on Thailand.