Maya Bay in Thailand is now open to visitors, including the beach on Phi Phi Leh island.

Maya Bay beach in Thailand is widely known for its picturesque beauty and played a significant role in attracting tourists to Phi Phi island. Currently, it stands as one of the world’s most renowned white sand beaches.

Maya Bay has been reopened for tourists on October 1, 2023 after a four-year closure by the government of Thailand. It is now a good time to visit the Koh Phi Phi islands.

The beach is enclosed by towering limestone cliffs. The water is a clear turquoise color, with baby sharks seen swimming nearby. The sand appears pure white, resembling snow. It presents an idyllic and flawless scene. Indeed, this can be considered as paradise.

Maya Bay, like many other popular tourist destinations, receives a large number of visitors, but with proper planning, it is still possible to enjoy the beach without excessive crowds.

The travel guide provides information on visiting Maya Bay Thailand, including current entrance fees at Koh Phi Phi Leh island, as well as the open/closed status and other essential details to consider before your trip.

Maya Bay Day Tour Packages are available for booking.

If you are looking for a convenient way to visit Phi Phi island and Maya Bay without the hassle of organizing everything yourself, GetYourGuide offers prearranged day trips from Phuket or Krabi. These trips include hotel transfers, boat tickets, island tours, lunch, and same day return.

The day tours offer visits to popular sights in the Koh Phi Phi islands, such as Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Monkey Bay. They also provide options for private or semi-private tours if you prefer a more personalized experience, although the prices may be slightly higher unless you bring additional people.

We have found GetYourGuide to be a reliable platform for booking day tours and activities worldwide, and we would recommend their services.

You can book a Maya Bay tour from Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, or Koh Lanta.

Where Is Maya Bay?

Maya Bay is located on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea of Thailand, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Phuket and a similar distance from Krabi.

There are six Phi Phi islands in total, with the two main islands being Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, and they’re all considered part of the Krabi province of Thailand.

Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island, offering accommodations, dining options, and various amenities for a convenient stay.

The image shows a drone view of Phi Phi Leh island and Maya Bay in Thailand.

This guide provides directions on how to reach Maya Bay.

To reach the Phi Phi islands, you can take a ferry or a speedboat from either Phuket or Krabi.

The closest airport to Koh Phi Phi is either the international airport in Phuket (HKT) or the one in Krabi (KBV), as there is no airport on the island. Both of these airports offer affordable flights from Bangkok. To search for flights to Thailand, you can use Skyscanner.

There are several boat companies that offer daily trips to Phi Phi from either Phuket or Krabi. These trips usually include free hotel pickup and drop-off. It is also possible to do a day trip from Koh Lanta or even as far away as Khao Lak Thailand.

This is Maya Bay Thailand, a popular beach destination.

The ferry ride from Phuket to Phi Phi Don takes approximately 2 hours, with the speedboat option taking half the time. If departing from Krabi instead of Phuket, travel times to Phi Phi are approximately 30 minutes shorter.

Please note that the transfers mentioned are only for the main island of Phi Phi Don. If you wish to explore Maya Bay and other attractions in the Phi Phi islands, you will need to arrange a longtail boat trip. This can be easily done upon arrival at Ton Sai Beach in Phi Phi Don.

Another option is to book a day tour to Phi Phi by speedboat with a tour company based in Phuket or Krabi. These tours, either shared or private, visit all the main sights, including Maya Bay, in a full day. This can be a convenient choice if you have limited time or wish to avoid any inconvenience.

Maya Bay from above

What can you expect at Maya Bay Thailand?

Maya Bay can be reached by docking a boat at Loh Samay Bay on Phi Phi Leh island and taking a brief and straightforward trail through the jungle to reach the beach. The walk is level and lasts approximately 5 minutes.

Previously, boats were permitted to enter Maya Bay and dock directly on the beach; however, this is no longer allowed due to the Thai government’s ongoing conservation efforts. Presently, the only access to the beach is by walking from the island’s rear side.

This change was made for practical reasons as it helps maintain the clarity of the bay by restricting boat access, even though it may be disappointing for some who enjoyed the picturesque scene of Thai longtail boats on Maya Bay’s beach.

The main beach is approximately 250 meters long and has a picturesque appeal. Additionally, there is a shallow cave at the end of the beach that is often sought after for photography purposes. For those looking for a more secluded experience, fewer individuals can be found at the far end of the beach.

There is a shallow cave at Maya Bay.

Phi Phi island tour packages typically include a one-hour visit to Maya Bay, where tourists can enjoy the beach, take photographs, and briefly wade in the water (note that swimming is no longer permitted at Maya Bay).

The beach is observed to be consistently clean, despite the high number of tourists who visit daily. The park rangers deserve recognition for their effective maintenance.

Maya Bay gained popularity after being featured in the 2000 Hollywood movie “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Although the movie received mixed reviews, it helped to increase awareness of the natural beauty found in the Thai islands.

Maya Bay is considered a remarkable beach and is highly regarded as one of the top beaches globally.

The length of the beach is approximately 250 meters.

Visitors are allowed to observe and capture photographs at Maya Bay, but swimming is no longer permitted. However, it is acceptable to wade and dip your feet in the water.

National Park Fee

Visitors to Maya Bay are required to pay a national park fee of 200 baht per person (~$6 USD) in cash. This fee covers admission to Maya Bay, as well as other attractions in the Phi Phi islands, including Bamboo Island.

The national park fee will be charged for each visit to Maya Bay, whether it is on consecutive days or not.

There may be instances where the fee for certain Phi Phi tours is already incorporated into the overall cost, but it is generally expected that you will settle this fee individually in cash upon disembarking the boat.

Can you please confirm the status of Maya Bay?

Maya Bay will reopen for tourists in 2024.

The Thai government closed Maya Beach for conservation in June 2018 to allow the coral and wildlife to recover, while the rest of Phi Phi island remained open.

Maya Bay was closed for a period of 4 years before reopening to tourists in January 2022. It experienced another closure of 2 months (August and September) during the low season of 2022 and 2023, but reopened for business on October 1, 2023.

Maya Bay is usually closed for conservation for a couple of months every year, typically in August and September. It is advisable to monitor the situation, especially if planning to visit during the rainy season when closures are more probable.

Upon entering Maya Bay, a wooden sign can be seen.

Where To Stay

Maya Bay is uninhabited with the exception of Thai national park staff. There is a small shop offering snacks and drinks, and restrooms are available along the pathway when you first arrive at Loh Sama Bay.

Maya Bay or Phi Phi Leh island do not have any hotels, but staying on the nearby Phi Phi Don island could be a good option for those who want to fully explore all the attractions in the Phi Phi islands.

Below are our top hotel recommendations for Phi Phi.

Phi Phi Island Hotels

Is Maya Bay Worth It?

Maya Bay is considered to be a worthwhile destination, despite the presence of crowds. It is renowned for its stunning scenery and reasonable prices.

Many people consider Phi Phi to be one of the top tourist destinations in Thailand and Southeast Asia due to its stunningly beautiful islands.

Best Time To Visit

The optimal time to visit Maya Bay varies depending on individual preferences and interests.

The optimal weather for the Andaman Sea in Thailand, including Phi Phi, occurs between November and April. During this time, there is less precipitation and more sunshine, creating favorable sea conditions for boat tours. However, it is important to note that this time period also coincides with the peak tourist season, resulting in increased crowds.

From May to October, the weather in Madrid tends to be less favorable with more rainy days and frequent evening storms. However, these months are less crowded with tourists, allowing for a more flexible and enjoyable trip.

‘The Beach’

When visiting Phi Phi during the rainy season, it is advisable to have additional days available in case of unfavorable weather that may lead to boat cancellations.

It is advisable to check the availability of Maya Bay as it may occasionally be closed during the rainy season.

We have visited Phi Phi during both the dry season and the rainy season, on different occasions. In both instances, we had a wonderful time and the weather was mostly pleasant for extended periods.

Here are additional activities and attractions to explore in Phi Phi Island.

Maya Bay is a popular tourist destination in the Phi Phi islands, offering a variety of attractions such as blue lagoons, limestone caves, viewpoint hikes, hidden bays for kayaking, and more.

Most tours to Maya Bay also include stops at Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Bay, and Bamboo Island. These are popular attractions that are highly recommended. Pileh Lagoon is well-known for its vibrant turquoise water.

Please make sure to consult my comprehensive guide for more information on Maya Bay Thailand before your visit.

For more information on activities available in the Phi Phi islands, please refer to my comprehensive Phi Phi Island Guide.

Pileh Lagoon is a popular attraction located near Maya Bay, and it is typically included in most Phi Phi tours.

What To Bring

Below are some packing suggestions for your upcoming trip to Maya Bay, Thailand.

• It is recommended to bring snacks and drinks with you on the boat as it can be difficult to purchase them in Maya Bay. You have the option to bring them from Phuket or Krabi or you can find affordable snack and drink stands in Phi Phi Don near the port.
• Sunscreen and a hat are recommended for boat tours since there may be limited shade and exposure to the sun while swimming or walking on the beach.
• Having a waterproof bag is essential for keeping your electronics safe on boats. I bought a 30 liter bag and was able to fit my drone, tablet, camera, phone, and other stuff inside. The bag kept everything dry, even when I took it swimming a few times.
• These waterproof phone pouches are ideal for protecting your phone while visiting Maya Bay in Thailand, especially if you don’t have other electronics and are looking for something compact.
• Snorkels and masks are available for borrowing or renting from the boat companies for exploring the clear waters around Koh Phi Phi island. However, if you plan to stay on the island or do multiple tours, it’s recommended to bring your own gear.
• Water shoes can be useful when snorkeling if you need to walk on rocks to exit the water.

Koh Phi Phi Leh island features stunning limestone cliffs.

Is it possible to fly a drone at Maya Bay?

Thailand has regulations surrounding the use of drones; while they are generally permitted on most islands, they are prohibited from being flown in national parks.

Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay are monitored by park rangers who will impose penalties for unauthorized drone usage. The monitoring at Maya Bay is particularly stringent, with rangers constantly observing all sections of the beach.

However, it is possible to fly from other locations if you are discreet. For example, one can park their boat at Pile Lagoon or Viking Cave and launch the drone from there. Typically, no one is likely to notice or care unless a park ranger boat happens to drive by and witness it.

Drones can be freely operated on Phi Phi Don island without any restrictions. However, it is important to exercise consideration and only fly in areas that do not disrupt others.

Phuket Hotels

See Also

• A comprehensive travel guide to Phi Phi Island, highlighting the best activities and attractions in the Koh Phi Phi Islands.
• A guide to James Bond Island – Phang Nga Bay Boat Tour.
• The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is renowned as one of the best spots in Thailand to witness a beautiful sunrise.
• The Thailand Travel Guide provides information, pictures, and a blog about the country.
• Why was Maya Bay in Thailand closed