Discover Maya Bay, Thailand: Phi Phi Leh Beach Reopens!

The beach at Maya Bay is among the most renowned and picturesque locations in Thailand, serving as the primary attraction that lures visitors to the Phi Phi islands. It is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated white sand beaches worldwide.

Maya Bay has reopened for 2024! After a temporary closure for conservation from August 1 to September 30, it welcomed tourists again on October 1, making it an opportune moment to plan a visit.

The beach is encircled by towering limestone cliffs, with pristine turquoise water, baby sharks swimming nearby, and sand as white as snow. Every aspect of the setting appears idyllic. Indeed, this is paradise!

While the natural beauty of Maya Bay has drawn large crowds of tourists, thoughtful planning can still allow one to relish the beach without overwhelming numbers of visitors.

This travel guide elucidates the logistics of visiting Maya Bay in Thailand, highlights the sights, and informs readers on its operational status!

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Day Tours for Maya Bay

If you are constrained by time or prefer to avoid the complexities of organizing your trip to Phi Phi Island and Maya Bay, GetYourGuide offers curated day excursions to Phi Phi from Phuket or similar tours from Krabi, which include hotel transfers, boat tickets, island tours, meals, and same-day returns.

These excursions encompass all major attractions in the Koh Phi Phi islands, including Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Monkey Bay. Additionally, private tours or semi-private options are also available for a more personalized experience, although they may come at a slightly higher price unless traveling with a group.

We have utilized GetYourGuide for numerous tours and activities globally, and they consistently deliver exceptional experiences. Highly recommended.

Where Is Maya Bay?

Maya Bay is situated on Phi Phi Leh Island, located in the Andaman Sea of Thailand, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Phuket and similarly distanced from Krabi.

In total, there are six Phi Phi islands, with the primary islands being Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, all of which are part of Krabi Province in Thailand.

The only populated island is Phi Phi Don, which features accommodations, dining establishments, and all necessary amenities for a brief stay.

How To Get To Maya Bay In Thailand

The only means of accessing the Phi Phi islands is via boat from Phuket or Krabi, with options for either a ferry or speedboat.

There is no airport on Koh Phi Phi; therefore, the nearest airports are Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Krabi Airport (KBV), both of which offer economical flights from Bangkok. You can explore flight options to Thailand on Skyscanner.

Numerous boat companies provide daily services to Phi Phi from either Phuket or Krabi, generally including complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off. Day trips can also be arranged from Koh Lanta or even as far as Khao Lak, Thailand.

The slow ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi Don has a travel time of about 2 hours, while the fast ferry (speedboat) takes approximately half the time. Should you commence your journey from Krabi instead of Phuket, the boat travel duration to Phi Phi is generally around 30 minutes shorter.

It is important to note that these transfers only bring you to the main island of Phi Phi Don. Upon arrival, you will need to organize a longtail boat for exploring Maya Bay and other attractions in the Phi Phi islands. This can usually be arranged easily at Ton Sai Beach in Phi Phi Don.

Alternatively, you could opt for a guided day tour to Phi Phi via speedboat with a Phuket or Krabi-based tour operator. Shared or private tours cover most of the noteworthy sites, including Maya Bay, all in one day. This option is ideal for visitors with tight schedules or those who wish to avoid logistical hassles.

Visiting Maya Bay: What To Expect

Access to Maya Bay involves docking a boat at Loh Samay Bay (the rear side of Phi Phi Leh Island), followed by a brief and straightforward walk through shaded jungle pathways leading to the beach. This flat walk takes roughly 5 minutes.

Historically, boats could land directly on the beach at Maya Bay, yet this practice has ceased. The Thai government has devoted significant effort towards conservation, meaning the only way to reach the beach now is to traverse from the rear side of the island.

This alteration has proven beneficial in maintaining the bay free from boat congestion, though the absence of perfect postcard visuals featuring Thai longtail boats on the beach is somewhat lamented.

The main beach is exceptionally photogenic, measuring approximately 250 meters in length, with a shallow cave at one end providing an attractive backdrop for photos. The far end of the beach tends to host fewer visitors, offering a respite from crowds.

Most Phi Phi island tour packages allocate one hour at Maya Bay, which affords ample time to explore the beach, capture photographs from various angles, and enjoy a brief dip in the water (swimming is no longer permitted at Maya Bay).

Notably, the beach has been kept remarkably clean, with minimal litter visible, even with daily visitor numbers occasionally reaching as high as 5,000! The park rangers have been effective in maintaining cleanliness.

Maya Bay gained international fame through the 2000 Hollywood film ‘The Beach,’ featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. Although the movie received mixed reviews, it successfully highlighted the natural splendor of the Thai islands.

In summary, visiting Maya Bay is an extraordinary experience, and it ranks among our favorite beaches globally!

Thai National Park Fee

A national park admission fee of 200 baht per individual (approximately $6 USD) is collected in cash upon disembarkation at Maya Bay. This fee includes entrance to Bamboo Island and other attractions within the Phi Phi islands.

This charge applies every day you visit either location; thus, if you return to Maya Bay two consecutive days, the national park fee must be paid twice.

Some tours to Phi Phi may encompass this fee within their price structure, though typically it is paid separately in cash upon disembarkation.

Is Maya Bay Open / Closed?

Maya Bay is operational for tourists in 2024! It experienced a closure from August 1 to September 30, resuming on October 1.

The Thai government initially closed the beach in June 2018 for conservation purposes, intending to provide coral and wildlife with a period for recovery. During this closure, the remaining parts of Phi Phi Island remained accessible, with only Maya Beach being restricted.

The closure lasted an impressive four years, but Maya Bay eventually reopened for tourism in January 2022. During the low seasons of 2022, 2023, and 2024, Maya Bay was additionally closed for two months (August and September) before reopening on October 1, 2024.

It appears that Maya Bay will continue to undergo closures for a few months annually for conservation (typically August and September), a factor worth considering, particularly for those planning visits during the rainy season, when such closures are more probable.

Where To Stay

Maya Bay is devoid of permanent residents aside from Thai national park personnel. There exists a modest shop offering snacks and beverages, and restrooms are available near the path upon disembarkation at Loh Sama Bay.

There are no accommodations within Maya Bay or Phi Phi Leh Island; however, travelers have the option of staying on the adjacent Phi Phi Don Island. This is an excellent choice for those looking to spend additional time exploring various attractions in the Phi Phi islands.

Below are some top hotel recommendations for Phi Phi Island.

Phi Phi Island Hotels

Is Maya Bay Worth It?

Indeed, Maya Bay is undoubtedly worth visiting, even amidst the crowds! The scenery is quintessential bucket list material, and the cost is quite reasonable.

In my opinion, Phi Phi is arguably the premier destination in Thailand and ranks among the most beautiful locations in Southeast Asia as well.

Best Time To Visit

The optimal time to visit Maya Bay depends on your specific preferences.

Conditions in the Andaman Sea (inclusive of Phi Phi) are most favorable from November to April, when the weather is typically drier and sunnier, and sea conditions are ideal for boat excursions. However, this period also corresponds with peak tourism, resulting in larger crowds.

From May to October, the weather is less favorable, characterized by increased rainfall and frequent evening storms. Nevertheless, these months feature fewer tourists, and one can still have an enjoyable experience given flexible scheduling.

Should you visit Phi Phi during the rainy season, it is advisable to allow for a few extra days in case the weather disrupts boat services for a day or two.

It is also imperative to confirm that Maya Bay is open, since, as previously mentioned, it can be closed at times during the rainy season.

We have had the opportunity to visit Phi Phi during both the dry and rainy seasons on distinct travels. On each occasion, we experienced remarkable enjoyment, with generally favorable weather conditions!

More Things To Do In Phi Phi Island

While Maya Bay is undeniably one of the highlights in the Phi Phi islands, a wealth of additional attractions and activities await exploration, such as azure lagoons, limestone caves, viewpoint hikes, secluded bays for kayaking, and more.

The majority of tours to Maya Bay also make stops at Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Bay, and Bamboo Island. Each of these destinations is exceptional and definitely merits a visit. Pileh Lagoon is particularly well-known for its vibrant turquoise waters.

Ensure to consult my comprehensive Phi Phi island travel guide for further details before embarking on your journey to Maya Bay in Thailand!

What To Bring

Consider the following packing tips for your excursion to Maya Bay in Thailand.

• Snacks & Beverages: Bringing snacks and drinks on the boat is advisable since options for purchases at Maya Bay are limited. These can be acquired from Phuket or Krabi, with numerous affordable stands in Phi Phi Don near the port.
• Sunscreen: Although there is often some shade in speedboats and longtail boats, sun exposure while swimming or walking on the beach can be significant. Packing a hat and sunscreen for boat tours is highly recommended.
• Waterproof Bag: Essential for safeguarding your electronics during boat travel. I utilized a 30-liter bag that accommodated my drone, tablet, camera, phone, and other items. Everything remained dry, even after taking the bag for a swim on a few occasions!
• Waterproof Phone Pouch: Similar to the earlier item but designed solely for your phone. An excellent choice for those not carrying additional electronics who simply need a compact solution to protect their phone while at Maya Bay.
• Snorkeling Gear: Beneficial for exploring the clear waters surrounding Koh Phi Phi. Snorkels and masks can be borrowed or rented from boat services; yet, bringing your own equipment is preferable if you plan extended stays on the island or multiple tours.
• Water Shoes: These can prove useful while snorkeling, particularly when navigating rocky surfaces to exit the water.

Can You Fly A Drone At Maya Bay?

Thailand’s regulations regarding drones are relatively lenient, as flying them is permitted across most islands; however, restrictions apply within national parks.

This includes Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay, where park rangers are present and impose fines for unauthorized drone usage. They are particularly vigilant at Maya Bay, consistently monitoring all areas of the beach.

Nonetheless, if you are discreet, it is still feasible to launch drones from alternative locations. For instance, parking your boat at Pileh Lagoon or Viking Cave and operating the drone from these sites typically draws little attention, unless a ranger vessel happens to pass by.

Such drone restrictions do not pertain to Phi Phi Don island; you are free to fly drones in any area of Phi Phi Don without concern, though it remains courteous to fly them in places that will not disturb others.

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