Cover picture: Maya Bay
Jetty for the longtail boats on Koh Phi Phi
With these boats you can sail the sea all day with your private skipper!
Alternatively, there are speedboats and larger boats such as special scuba diving exchange boats
We opted for the private longtail boat and set off for Maya Bay!
On the way there, we drove along the famous „Viking Cave“
Swiftlets (salangan birds) nest in the limestone cave. Their nests are made of saliva and are a popular delicacy in Southeast Asia & China - yes, you read that right!
We also make a snorkeling stop in the crystal-clear Phi Leh Lagoon!
Then we reach Maya Bay! However, the boats are only allowed to sail as far as the barrier (entering the bay has been prohibited since 2018)
To reach the beach, the boats have to go to the pier on the far side
After a few minutes' walk we reach this dream beach with a fascinating rocky backdrop!
The bright turquoise blue water makes Maya Bay look like a South Seas paradise
Two more beaches are hidden to the right, of which only the one at the back is accessible by boat
The water is tempting for swimming or snorkeling, but only a photo shoot or a walk along the shore is permitted here
A ranger group patrols the island, which was appointed by the government solely for the protection of the island and compliance with local regulations
Costs
1,140 THB p.p.
(≈ 30,00 EUR)
Opening hours
Tour dependent
Maya Bay
The beautiful Maya Bay is located on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh in the Andaman Sea and is only accessible by boat. From the main island Koh Phi Phi Don the crossing takes around 30 minutes and leads past impressive limestone cliffs over the turquoise blue sea until finally a picturesque open bay appears.
At the turn of the millennium, this place became known worldwide when the Movie „The Beach“ with Leonardo DiCaprio was released in cinemas in 2000. At the time, nature was still largely untouched, but the response to the film caused a massive increase in tourism within a few years, severely affecting the natural habitat of the local plants and marine animals.
At times, up to 5,000 visitors a day to Maya Bay, much to the suffering of the fragile ecosystem. The former paradise lost much of its natural beauty, Coral reefs have been damaged or completely bleached, the beach has been neglected by irresponsible tourists, with Garbage and plastic waste littered and the daily boat traffic scared away more and more sea creatures like Turtles and reef sharks, which until now lived peacefully in the waters ...
Finally, the Thai Ministry of the Environment made a decision in 2018 and closed the island completely so that tourists could no longer arrive. The Visiting ban lasted a total of four years. During this time far-reaching measures The seabed has been rehabilitated, corals have been replanted, areas in the sea and on land have been replanted and access to the bay has been closed to all boats.
Under strict conditions Maya Bay was opened in 2022 reopened for visitors, to showcase their reclaimed beauty. Boats are now no longer allowed to enter the bay, but only with extensive Distance anchor to enjoy the view of the bay. The tourists are moored at a artificial pier and can reach the beach section on foot via a wooden walkway. The length of stay is limited to one hour per visitor limited so that the island is no longer overcrowded. Swimming is strictly prohibited in the bay (a maximum of one walk with your feet in the water is permitted). In order to comply with the new measures and rules, daily Several rangers in action, who keep order on the island and keep a close eye on all visitors.
There are no special amenities such as restaurants or cafés on the premises, only Toilets for the visitors. The authorities have deliberately avoided any commercial benefit, so that the place does not lose its luster again.
The bay can only be accessed with a organized boat tour not be visited on your own - either with a simple Longtail boatª or with the Speedboatª (The costs are between 20 and 50 Euro per person). As Maya Bay belongs to the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park is also subject to a fee of 400 Baht per person (≈ approx. 10 euros), which goes towards the maintenance and preservation of the national park. You can book the boat tickets either on site or online, e.g. at GetYourGuide. Optionally, the bay can also be visited as part of a day tour from Phuketª, Khao Lakª or Krabiª can be visited.
ConclusionMaya Bay is and remains an incredibly beautiful place that has been restored to its original natural charm and a healthy habitat for flora and fauna. As with all stays, care should be taken, appreciate the land and nature and Respectful towards locals behavior. And of course: take all garbage back with you or dispose of it properly, because it has absolutely no place in nature.
Note: Every year the island remains August 01 until September 30 closed for a two-month recovery phase. So if you really want to visit this place, you should plan your Thailand vacation between October and July!
Places of interest in the vicinity
- Phi Leh Lagoon
- Viking Cave
- Monkey Beach
