Maya Bay

A natural jewel of Krabi province, Maya Bay is an uninhabited beach on Koh Phi Phi Ley. Popularized by the movie "The Beach," it is renowned for its incredible beauty. It's a dream destination for tropical beach enthusiasts and exotic getaways.

Introduction to the beach

Maya Bay stretches approximately 250 meters long and 15 meters wide, resembling a coin shape. The white sandy beach spans about 200 meters in length and is surrounded by rocks, coral formations, palm trees, and coconut groves.

The entire area is framed by limestone cliffs covered with dense jungle, effectively shielding the beach from winds and waves. The bay's tranquil, crystal-clear turquoise water allows for easy viewing of corals, fish, and other marine species. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities at the site.

Exceptional tropical biodiversity

The white sandy beaches and limestone rock formations are home to various lizard and bird species.

Coastal mangroves serve as playgrounds for crabs and marine avian fauna.

Hard and soft corals provide habitat and food for a variety of marine animals. Colorful tropical fish, sea sponges, crustaceans, mollusks… In the bay, one often encounters anemones, groupers, reef sharks, clownfish, surgeonfish, and parrotfish.

Maya Bay: Closed for 4 years for restoration

At the height of its popularity in 2018, Maya Bay welcomed over 5000 visitors daily during peak season. Due to mass tourism, the beach suffered significant damage, including coral reef degradation, water pollution, coastal erosion, and the disappearance of many aquatic and terrestrial species.

To protect the bay's ecosystem, Thai authorities temporarily closed Maya Bay in 2018. It took Maya Bay four years to recover from its wounds and regain its natural state. The site officially reopened to the public in January 2022.

Changes after reopening

Allowed activities

• Swimming and sunbathing: Tourists can swim in designated areas of the bay and lounge on a section of the beach.
• Snorkeling: Snorkeling areas are limited to preserve the marine ecosystem.
• Guided boat tours: The number of vessels touring Maya Bay has been minimized to reduce erosion effects on the coastline and coral reefs.
• Kayaking: Visitors are free to paddle in a section of the bay to enjoy the exotic scenery.

Rules in effect

Any activity that disturbs Maya Bay's natural environment is prohibited.

• Boats must anchor on floating buoys to avoid damaging the corals. A floating pier is installed behind the limestone cliffs for boat mooring.
• Visitor numbers are capped at 3000 per day, divided into 8 or 7 groups of 300 people. Access to the beach is permitted only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Visitors are encouraged to move only on the wooden walkway to avoid trampling plants.
• Littering on the site is strictly prohibited. Visitors are also not allowed to touch corals or feed fish.

The best times to visit Maya Bay

The high tourist season runs from November to March. During this period, temperatures are cooler and rainfall is less frequent. The weather is pleasant, but the beach can be crowded.

Heavy rainfall occurs between May and October, which is also tropical storm season. The advantage is that the bay is less crowded, which can make for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.

Both in low and high seasons, weather conditions may lead to temporary closures of Maya Bay. Always check the weather before planning a visit.

How to get there

Maya Bay is accessible only by boat. Visitors can choose from boat trips departing from Koh Phi Phi Don, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta.

Here are some transportation options to reach Maya Bay:

• Boat excursion: Cruises to Maya Bay are offered from Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Phi Phi Islands. These trips often include stops at other marine attractions, such as snorkeling spots, as well as beachside lunches.
• Water taxi: Water taxis can be booked from neighboring islands to reach Maya Bay. This is the most flexible option, allowing you to choose your schedule and duration of visit. However, fares may be higher.
• Kayaking: You can rent kayaks from beaches on nearby islands to paddle your way to and explore Maya Bay at your own pace. The journey is slower, but it offers a chance to experience the beauty of Maya Bay intimately.