Made famous by The Beach (2000 film), this stunning cove enclosed by towering cliffs now has limited daily visitor numbers after restoration. Crystal blue water and white sand but gets crowded on day trips.
Maya Bay occupies the southwestern shore of Koh Phi Phi Leh, an uninhabited island within Krabi Province, southern Thailand. Enclosed on three sides by limestone cliffs that rise up to 100 metres from the sea, the bay frames a crescent of white sand and brilliant turquoise water that attracted global attention after serving as the filming location for the 2000 film The Beach. Following years of environmental damage caused by unchecked visitor numbers, Thai authorities closed Maya Bay to all tourists between 2018 and 2021 to allow the coral and marine ecosystem to recover. The site reopened in 2022 under strict management conditions.
Access is now regulated. Daily visitor numbers are capped per session, boats may not anchor inside the bay itself, and swimming is permitted only during designated hours enforced by national park rangers. Speedboats and longtail boats from Phi Phi Don (approximately 45 minutes) and from Phuket (approximately 2 hours) bring day-trippers on organised tours. A national park fee of 400 THB per person applies. Visitors disembark via water taxis into the shallows and wade approximately 20–30 metres to the beach.
The sand within Maya Bay is fine, bright white, and soft underfoot. Water colour transitions from pale aquamarine at the shoreline to vivid cobalt at depth. Facilities inside the bay are minimal by design: no sunbeds, no beach bars, and no permanent food vendors. Visitors must bring their own water and sun protection. Beach time per visit is typically limited to 30–60 minutes as part of a broader island-hopping itinerary.
Snorkelling in the waters surrounding Maya Bay — particularly around the smaller adjacent bays of Loh Samah and Pileh Lagoon, a striking enclosed emerald basin with sheer cliff walls — is consistently excellent, with coral recovery evident and reef fish populations visibly healthier than at pre-closure levels. Viking Cave, on the island's northeastern shore, features ancient painted boat imagery and is a significant site for swiftlet nest collection. It is included on some extended boat itineraries.
Koh Phi Phi Leh is administered as part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. No accommodation exists on the island; all visitors must depart by sunset and overnight stays are prohibited.
Amenities
- snorkeling
- day trip boats
- limited facilities on beach
Good to know
- Best for
- photographers, snorkellers, couples, swimmers
Highlights
- Limestone cliffs rising 100 metres on three sides of the bay, creating an almost enclosed amphitheatre of turquoise water
- Recovering coral reef and reef fish populations, visibly improved since the 2018–2021 closure period
- Pileh Lagoon adjacent to Maya Bay, an enclosed emerald-green basin surrounded by vertical cliff walls
- Viking Cave on the island's northeast shore with ancient boat paintings and active swiftlet nest collection
- Early-morning arrival before the main day-trip wave offers the bay nearly to oneself
Tips for visiting
- Book the earliest available morning speedboat from Phi Phi Don or Phuket to reach Maya Bay before the main crowd arrives around 10–11 AM
- National park tickets (400 THB per foreign visitor) are required; keep the receipt accessible as rangers check it at the beach
- No food, drink, or sunscreen is sold inside the bay — bring water, snacks, and reef-safe sun protection from the boat
- Swimming restrictions inside the bay change periodically; confirm current rules with the tour operator or boat captain before departure
- Pileh Lagoon can be explored by kayak from moored boats and is generally less congested than Maya Bay itself
When to visit
November through April for the calmest sea conditions and the best water visibility. The first boats of the day departing at 6–7 AM offer the quietest beach experience before the main day-trip wave arrives.
Accessibility
No step-free or wheelchair-accessible boarding is available. Visitors must disembark from a water taxi into shallow water and wade approximately 20–30 metres over sandy seabed to reach the beach. No beach wheelchairs, ramps, or adapted facilities exist within the bay or on Koh Phi Phi Leh.
Frequently asked questions
Is swimming allowed at Maya Bay?
Swimming restrictions inside the bay are enforced by park rangers and were periodically revised following the 2022 reopening. Current access rules should be confirmed with the tour operator or national park authority before departure, as they can change seasonally.
How much does it cost to visit Maya Bay?
A national park fee of 400 THB per person applies for foreign visitors. Day-trip boat packages from Phi Phi Don or Phuket typically cost 1,000–2,500 THB and include the park fee, snorkelling stops at other sites, and sometimes lunch.
Can visitors stay overnight on Koh Phi Phi Leh?
No. Koh Phi Phi Leh is protected national park territory with no accommodation. All visitors must depart by sunset; overnight access is prohibited by park regulations.
What other sites are included on a Maya Bay day trip?
Most itineraries also stop at Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, and sometimes Viking Cave. Snorkelling at the surrounding reef areas around Phi Phi Leh is a standard inclusion on speedboat tours.
Is Maya Bay suitable for children?
Yes, with adult supervision. The water inside the bay is generally calm and the shallows are manageable for children who can swim. Note that transfers involve wading ashore, and some vessel crossings to Phi Phi from Phuket can be choppy in rougher conditions.