An uninhabited beach on Koh Phi Phi Leh, in Krabi Province, Maya Bay gained worldwide fame after Danny Boyle filmed The Beach there in 2000. A victim of its own success, the bay was closed for four years to allow its ecosystem to regenerate, before reopening in January 2022 under a controlled visitation regime.

Why visit Maya Bay

Maya Bay combines several characteristics that explain its reputation: a white sand bank about 200 metres long backed by limestone cliffs covered in jungle, turquoise waters sheltered from ocean swells, and diverse marine life nearby. The bay measures approximately 250 metres long by 15 metres wide and forms an almost enclosed circular shape, giving it the appearance of a protected lagoon.

Beyond the postcard image, the site's appeal today lies in its status as a pilot experience in tourism management. Visitor numbers are capped, mooring on the main beach is prohibited, and swimming is strictly regulated. You are visiting a site in acknowledged recovery, within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

History: from cinematic icon to closure

In 1999, Danny Boyle chose Maya Bay as the primary setting for his adaptation of Alex Garland's novel starring Leonardo DiCaprio. To enhance the paradisiacal appearance, the crew added coconut trees and made occasional modifications to the vegetation—changes that sparked environmental concerns even at the time.

The film's success, released in 2000, transformed the bay into a pilgrimage site. Visitor numbers climbed to more than 5,000 per day during peak season by 2018. The consequences were visible: degraded coral reefs, coastal erosion, water pollution and the decline of several species.

Facing these findings, Thai authorities closed the site in June 2018, initially for a few months. The closure was ultimately extended to nearly four years. The official reopening took place in January 2022, accompanied by measures designed to prevent falling back into the same pattern.

What you'll see on site

Arrival now takes place via a floating pier installed at Loh Samah Bay, on the opposite side of the island. A short walk through a fissure in the rock leads to the beach. This separation of boats from the bay was designed to reduce pressure on the coral.

On site, you'll find:

• the white sand bank approximately 200 metres long, flanked by limestone cliffs tens of metres high;
• clear, calm water thanks to the wave-breaking effect of the cliffs;
• information panels about the coral restoration programme;
• marked circulation zones enforced by park rangers.

As for marine life, observable mainly during snorkelling stops around the island rather than in the bay itself: sea anemones, grouper, reef sharks, clownfish, surgeonfish and parrotfish are among the most common species.

Practical information

Maya Bay is located on Koh Phi Phi Leh, an uninhabited island within Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, approximately 40 km south-east of Phuket and 30 km south-west of Krabi (coordinates 7°40'39.6"N 98°45'52.8"E). The site is accessible only by boat.

Key rules to know before you go:

• Visitor quota: capped at approximately 375 people per hour, during opening hours between 10am and 4pm (subject to change).
• Swimming: prohibited in the main bay. Snorkelling takes place at other sites during excursions.
• Access: via the Loh Samah Bay pier, short walk to the beach.
• Entrance fee: a national park ticket is required in addition to transport, at a moderate rate.
• Duration of visit: allow 30 minutes to 1 hour on the beach, to be incorporated into a day excursion.

No accommodation exists on Koh Phi Phi Leh. Travellers typically stay on Koh Phi Phi Don, in Phuket, Krabi or Koh Lanta.

When to go

High season runs from November to March: cooler temperatures, clear skies, calm seas, but maximum crowds and quotas reached quickly. Book your excursion in advance and prioritise early morning departures.

From May to October, the rainy season and tropical storms make the crossing more unpredictable. The bay may close for several consecutive days due to weather. The advantage: fewer visitors when access is possible. Always check conditions the morning of your visit.

How to get there

As Maya Bay is only accessible by sea, several options are available:

Organised boat excursion

Departing from Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi Don. Day trips typically include Maya Bay, several snorkelling spots around the archipelago and lunch. Choose between speedboat (fast, 1 to 2 hours crossing depending on departure point) or slower traditional longtail boats.

Private water taxi

Available from nearby islands. More flexible with schedules and duration, but considerably more expensive than a shared excursion.

Kayaking from Koh Phi Phi Don

Possible but long and physical: the crossing takes several hours and is only recommended in perfectly calm seas, ideally with a guide.

Nearby attractions

Maya Bay is part of an archipelago rich in complementary sites, often included in the same excursion:

• Bamboo Island, north of Koh Phi Phi Don, for its shallow waters and pristine white sand;
• Koh Phi Phi Don, the main base for exploring the archipelago;
• Koh Hong, a closed lagoon accessible through a narrow opening in the cliffs;
• Ao Nang, Krabi's beach resort, a common departure point;
• Ao Thalane, a mangrove bay ideal for kayaking.

Incorporating Maya Bay into your journey

Maya Bay fits naturally into an itinerary combining southern beaches, the Andaman archipelago and northern culture. To build a bespoke trip incorporating Krabi, Phi Phi and other regions, explore our Thailand tours.