Maya Bay in Thailand, located on Phi Phi Leh island, has reopened to visitors. This beach is well-known for its beauty and popularity among tourists, attracting many to the Phi Phi islands. It is now considered one of the top white sand beaches globally.
Maya Bay has reopened for visitors in 2025 after being temporarily closed for conservation efforts from August 1 to September 30, 2024. The bay welcomed tourists back on October 1, making it an ideal time to start planning a trip there.
The beach is completely enclosed by towering limestone cliffs, boasting crystal-clear turquoise water, small sharks gliding through the waves, and white sandy shores. Every aspect of this place appears flawless. It truly is a paradise!
Certainly, the stunning beauty of Maya Bay has drawn in large numbers of tourists, just like many other incredible destinations around the world. However, with careful planning, visitors can still experience the beach without being overwhelmed by crowds.
In this guide, you will learn about visiting Maya Bay in Thailand, the attractions to see, and how to determine its opening and closing times.
If you are short on time or prefer not to deal with the hassle of planning a trip to Phi Phi island and Maya Bay yourself, GetYourGuide offers pre-organized day tours from Phuket or Krabi. These tours include everything you need for a trip to the islands, such as transportation, boat tickets, a tour of the islands, lunch, and a return on the same day.
The day tours offered cover popular destinations in the Koh Phi Phi islands such as Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Monkey Bay. Private or semi-private tours are available for those who prefer a more exclusive experience, but the cost may be higher unless you bring along friends to share the expenses.
We have utilized GetYourGuide for numerous day tours and activities globally, and we have had a positive experience with them. We highly recommend their services.
Reserve your spot now for a tour of Maya Bay from various locations such as Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak, and Koh Lanta
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Maya Bay can be found on Phi Phi Leh island in the Andaman Sea of Thailand, approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Phuket and Krabi.
In total, there are six islands in the Phi Phi archipelago, with the most prominent ones being Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don. These islands are all located within the Krabi province of Thailand.
Phi Phi Don is the sole island with residents, offering accommodations, dining options, and various amenities for visitors looking for a brief getaway.
Aerial perspective of Phi Phi Leh island and Maya Bay in Thailand.
Navigating to Maya Bay in Thailand involves taking a boat from either Phuket or Krabi to the Phi Phi islands. Both ferry and speedboat options are available for transportation.
Koh Phi Phi does not have its own airport, so travelers can fly to either the international airport in Phuket (HKT) or the one in Krabi (KBV) as they are the closest options. Both airports offer affordable flights from Bangkok, which can be found by searching on Skyscanner for flights to Thailand.
Numerous boat companies offer daily trips to Phi Phi from Phuket or Krabi, and many of them provide complimentary hotel transportation. You can also take a day trip to Phi Phi from Koh Lanta or even from as far as Khao Lak in Thailand.
Greetings! We are now at the beach known as Maya Bay.
Traveling from Phuket to Phi Phi Don by slow ferry usually takes around 2 hours, while the fast ferry or speedboat takes only half that time. If you depart from Krabi instead of Phuket, the boat journey to Phi Phi is approximately 30 minutes shorter.
Please remember that these are only transfers to the primary island of Phi Phi Don. After you arrive, you will have to organize a longtail boat excursion if you wish to visit Maya Bay and the other attractions in the Phi Phi islands. You can easily arrange this upon arrival at Ton Sai Beach in Phi Phi Don.
Another choice is to reserve a day trip to Phi Phi by speedboat through a tour company located in Phuket or Krabi. These tours can be either shared with others or private, and they typically cover all the main attractions such as Maya Bay in just one day. This could be a convenient option for those with limited time or who prefer to avoid any inconvenience.
A view of Maya Bay from an
Exploring Maya Bay: What You'll Experience
To reach Maya Bay, visitors must first arrive at Loh Samay Bay by boat, located on the opposite side of Phi Phi Leh island. From there, a brief and simple stroll through the shaded jungle is required to reach the beach. The walk is level and only takes around 5 minutes to complete.
Previously, boats were able to enter Maya Bay and dock on the beach, but this is no longer allowed. The Thai government has been focusing on conservation efforts for the past few years, resulting in visitors now having to reach the beach by walking from the rear side of the island.
I believe that the decision to implement this change was positive as it helps maintain a clear bay without boats, even though I do feel nostalgic for the picturesque images of Thai longtail boats on the shore of Maya Bay.
The primary beach is very picturesque and measures around 250 meters in length. At the end of the beach, there is a shallow cave that is perfect for taking photos. If you're looking to avoid large crowds, you can typically find fewer people at the far end of the beach.
The small cavern located at Maya Bay
The majority of Phi Phi island tour packages typically include a one-hour stop at Maya Bay. During this time, visitors can freely explore the beach, capture photos from various perspectives, and simply enjoy dipping their feet in the water. It's worth noting that swimming is no longer permitted at Maya Bay.
I must say, the beach is very clean and we hardly saw any litter, despite the fact that up to 5,000 tourists visit in a day sometimes! The park rangers have done a great job at keeping it clean.
Maya Bay gained popularity after being featured in the 2000 Hollywood movie 'The Beach' with Leonardo DiCaprio. While the film did not receive great reviews, it did bring attention to the stunning natural beauty of the Thai islands.
In general, Maya Bay offers an incredible experience and is one of the top beaches we have ever visited.
The length of the beach is approximately 250 meters.
Visitors are allowed to observe and photograph Maya Bay, but swimming is prohibited. Only dipping your feet in the water is permitted.
Visitors to Thai national parks are required to pay an entrance fee of 200 baht per person, approximately equivalent to $6 USD. This fee must be paid in cash upon arrival at Maya Bay. The entrance ticket grants access to Bamboo Island and other attractions within the Phi Phi islands.
You will be charged a fee each day you go to either of these two places. If you go to Maya Bay two days in a row, you will need to pay the national park fee twice.
Certain Phi Phi tours may already cover this fee within the total cost, however, typically you will need to pay it separately in cash once you disembark from the boat.
Is Maya Bay currently accessible to visitors? Yes, Maya Bay has reopened to tourists in 2025 after being closed from August 1 to September 30, 2024. It started welcoming visitors again on October 1.
In June 2018, the Thai government decided to close Maya Beach for conservation purposes, aiming to allow the coral and wildlife in the area to regenerate. While Maya Beach was closed, the rest of Phi Phi island remained open to visitors.
Maya Bay was shut down for a total of 4 years before welcoming back tourists in January 2022. Following this, the bay was closed for 2 months (August and September) during the low seasons of 2022, 2023, and 2024. However, it reopened for visitors on October 1, 2024.
It is probable that Maya Bay will be shut down for a few months each year for conservation purposes, typically in August and September. This is important to consider if you are planning to visit during the rainy season, as closures are more common during that time.
As you step into Maya Bay, a welcoming wooden sign catches your eye.
Accommodation options at Maya Bay are limited as it is mainly uninhabited, with only Thai national park staff present. Visitors can find a small shop offering snacks and drinks, as well as restrooms located near the path upon arrival at Loh Sama Bay.
Maya Bay and Phi Phi Leh island do not have any hotels, but visitors can choose to stay on the neighboring Phi Phi Don island instead. This option is ideal for those who wish to have more time to explore the various attractions in the Phi Phi islands.
Below, you can discover some of the best hotels that we recommend in Phi Phi.
Accommodations on Phi Phi Island
P2 Wood Loft accommodations
Zeavola Resort is a
SAii Island Village is a
Phi Phi Natural Resort is a hotel
Should you visit Maya Bay?
Absolutely, visiting Maya Bay is worth it, even if it means dealing with large crowds. The stunning scenery is a must-see and the costs are reasonable.
In my opinion, Phi Phi is the top destination to visit in Thailand and stands out as one of the most stunning locations in Southeast Asia. The islands are known for their breathtaking beauty.
Thailand's Maya Bay
Ideal Time to Explore
The ideal time to explore Maya Bay varies depending on your preferences and what you hope to experience.
The ideal time to visit the Andaman Sea of Thailand, including Phi Phi, is between November and April when the weather is drier and sunnier, and the sea is calmer for boat tours. Keep in mind that this is also the busiest time for tourists, so expect larger crowds.
The weather is not as favorable from May to October, with more rainy days and frequent evening storms. Despite this, there are fewer tourists during these months, making it still possible to have a enjoyable trip if your schedule is flexible.
Title: "The Seashore"
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When visiting Phi Phi during the rainy season, it is advisable to have some extra days available in case bad weather causes boat cancellations for a day or two.
It is important to check if Maya Bay is open before planning a visit, as it may be closed during certain periods of the rainy season.
We have been to Phi Phi Island during both the dry season and the rainy season on different occasions. During both visits, we had a fantastic time and the weather was mostly good for weeks.
There are many attractions besides Maya Bay in Phi Phi Island, such as blue lagoons, caves made of limestone, hiking trails with beautiful views, secluded bays perfect for kayaking, and many other activities to enjoy.
Many tours that visit Maya Bay also take guests to Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Bay, and Bamboo Island. These destinations are all stunning and definitely worth a visit. Pileh Lagoon is known for its vibrant turquoise water.
Make sure to take a look at my detailed travel guide for Phi Phi island before you go to Maya Bay in Thailand.
Check out my detailed guide to Phi Phi island for a list of activities and attractions to explore during your visit
Another popular attraction near Maya Bay is Pileh Lagoon, which is typically included in Phi Phi tours.
Suggestions for what to pack for your trip to Maya Bay in Thailand are provided below.
The impressive limestone cliffs on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh
Is it possible to operate a drone at Maya Bay?
Thailand has lenient regulations regarding drones, allowing you to use them in most island areas. However, drone usage is prohibited in national parks.
Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay are both places where park rangers enforce strict rules against flying drones. If caught, visitors may face fines. In particular, Maya Bay is closely monitored by rangers who keep a constant watch on the entire beach area.
If you are careful and avoid drawing attention to yourself, it is still feasible to fly a drone from different spots. One option is to dock your boat at Pileh Lagoon or Viking Cave and then fly the drone from there. Typically, no one will pay attention or be concerned unless a park ranger boat happens to pass by and observe you flying the drone.
Phi Phi Don island does not have any restrictions on drone usage. You are allowed to fly drones on the island without any issues, but it is important to be mindful of others and only fly in areas where it will not disrupt or disturb people.
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Stay at the Katathani
The Ocean Gallery
Resort with Tea
Nonya-themed specialty shop
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3 comments
Appreciate the helpful information, thank you.
The photos are amazing! I was surprised to see that they had built a walkway in Loh Samay Bay – it's a smart move for conservation. It's wonderful to know that they are preserving the area well. I will definitely be including Maya Bay in my travel plans for Thailand next year!
Wishing you a fantastic journey!
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Hello! I'm David Leiter, a citizen of the United States who has been traveling continuously for the past 9 years. My spouse, Intan, and I typically reside in Bali as our second home, but we also visit various locations worldwide during our travels. Feel free to join us on our adventures!
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