About this place

Maya Bay, located on the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh island in Krabi Province, Thailand, gained international fame after featuring in the 2000 movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This picturesque bay is encircled by towering limestone cliffs on three sides, creating a secluded and stunningly beautiful environment. Its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make it a top destination for tourists seeking the quintessential Thai beach experience.

Due to its fame, Maya Bay experienced significant environmental impact from overwhelming tourist numbers, leading to the closure of the bay by Thai authorities in June 2018 to allow for ecological recovery. The bay was reopened in January 2022 with strict new measures in place to protect its delicate ecosystems. These measures include limiting the number of visitors, controlling boat traffic, and establishing designated swimming areas to prevent damage to coral reefs.

The Reopening and New Regulations

With the reopening, visitors are now able to enjoy Maya Bay's natural beauty while adhering to regulations designed to ensure its preservation. The daily visitor count is capped, and boats are no longer allowed to anchor within the bay itself. Instead, tourists are transported to the beach via a designated route that minimizes environmental impact.

Accessibility

Maya Bay is accessible by boat, with tours available from Phi Phi Don, Krabi, and Phuket. These tours typically include stops at other attractions in the Phi Phi islands, offering a full day of exploration and adventure. Since direct access to the beach by boat is restricted, visitors now disembark at a pier on the backside of Phi Phi Leh and access Maya Bay via a boardwalk through the island