After being closed to tourists for the previous three years, the renowned Maya Bay on the Phi Phi Islands returned to the public in 2022. In that amount of time, the animals and plants that were harmed as a result of the vast number of tourists have made a full recovery.
The location of Maya Bay was made famous when the film “La Playa” was shot there with Leonardo Di Caprio in the leading role. Since then, millions of tourists have been drawn to its stunning appearance. Due to the sheer volume of people that visited the beach in 2018, there were times when it was physically impossible to move around on the sand. The corals and other aquatic life in the area suffered an incredible amount of damage as a result. As a result, it was agreed that it should be temporarily closed so that it could recuperate. Because of this change, the process of going to Maya Bay is completely different now.
Where is Maya Bay
Maya Bay is a section of Phi Phi Leh Island that may be found inside the boundaries of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. To be more specific, it may be found on the western edge of this island, on the other side of Loh Sama Bay. It can be reached from Phuket in one hour via motorboat due to the distance between the two. And it takes around half an hour to get there from Aonang in Krabi.
How is the visit to Maya Bay now?
Since Maya Bay was reopened to tourists in 2022, the process of seeing the area has undergone significant transformation. In the past, the boat would enter the bay and then proceed straight to the beach when it reached its destination. This behaviour is not permitted any more. The goal is to keep from causing further harm to the native flora, animals, and corals of that area.
A floating dock may be found at Loh Sama Bay, which is on the other side of Maya Bay from where the dock is located. After that, you must travel around 200 metres on a hardwood floor so that you do not damage the verdant foliage that is present in the surroundings. This path leads up to a platform, which is also built of wood, from which you get a magnificent view of the bay in all of its glory. After getting some excellent pictures from that vantage point, you may take a stroll along the beach. Additionally, you are permitted to get into the water up to your waist; however, swimming is not permitted. And if you’re very lucky, you could even get a glimpse of some baby black sharks that have recently moved into the bay.
The amount of time spent visiting is restricted to less than an hour. In addition, 375 visitors are considered to be the utmost number that may be present there at one time.
How to get to this famous bay?
To get to Maya Baya, the only method to get there is via boat. And because of this, you are need to hire a sanctioned trip in order to make your visit. It is possible to get there on a Phi Phi Islands Tour that departs from Phuket and travels by motorboat. The trip should take around one hour to complete. In addition, it is possible to visit there as part of a tour that departs from Krabi. In this instance, it takes between forty-five and fifty minutes to get there. Finally, it is possible to reach Maya Bay from Phi Phi Don Island, which is the only island in the area that contains hotels. In addition to this, you will need to book a trip on a traditional long-tail boat because it is located nearby. You will come no later than twenty-five minutes at the very most.
What is the best time to visit Maya Bay?
Because of its stunning beauty, a visit there is worthwhile at any time of year. Even when it is stormy, she has a really unique and endearing quality. What has to be taken into consideration are the circumstances of the water. As a result, the months of November through April are often times of reduced wind and more sunshine. October, July, and August are also not terrible months to visit. The months of May and June are traditionally when the weather is at its worst. On the other hand, the weather in Thailand is notoriously fickle, and just when you think it’s going to be nice, it’ll surprise you by turning foul.
As you have seen, the experience of going to Maya Bay is currently much more attractive and enjoyable than it was in the past. The fact that there are not a lot of visitors there means that the beach may be experienced in all of its glory, despite the fact that there are restrictions on where people can swim.
As a result, whether you find yourself in Krabi, Phuket, or even the Phi Phi islands themselves, you should make it a point to go on an excursion that includes a visit to this well-known bay. You are going to adore it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maya Bay, and where is it located within the Phi Phi Islands?
Maya Bay is a beautiful bay on the island of Phi Phi Leh, which is one of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands. It became famous all over the world after Leonardo DiCaprio starred in the movie “The Beach,” which showed it. Maya Bay is known for its beautiful scenery. It is surrounded by tall limestone rocks, blue water, and lots of grass, which makes it a must-see place for nature lovers.
How can I reach Maya Bay from popular tourist destinations like Phuket or Krabi?
You can take a speedboat or ship from a famous visitor spot like Phuket or Krabi to get to Maya Bay. These ways to get around are common, and you can book them through tour companies or right at the ports. The trip takes between 30 minutes and an hour, based on where you start and how the sea is.
Is Maya Bay open to visitors throughout the year, or are there specific periods when it is closed?
In recent years, Maya Bay has been closed for short periods of time so that the environment can heal and protection attempts can be made. As far as I know, the bay has been closed for good since September 2021. But it’s important to check with local authorities or trip operators for the latest information on when Maya Bay will be open to tourists again.
Are there any restrictions or rules for visiting Maya Bay to protect the environment?
There are rules and limits in place to protect the delicate environment of Maya Bay. There may be limits on how many people can come each day, rules about where boats can dock near the bay, and rules about not touching or hurting the coral reefs. To make sure that this natural gem will be around for a long time, guests need to follow these rules and be careful tourists.
Can I go snorkeling or scuba diving in Maya Bay?
Even though Maya Bay isn’t known for swimming or scuba diving, there are places close in the Phi Phi Islands where you can have a great time underwater. Popular places to dive and snorkel nearby include Bamboo Island, Hin Klang, and Shark Point, where you can see colorful coral reefs and a wide range of marine life.
What is the best time to visit Maya Bay in terms of weather and crowd levels?
Most of the time, November through April, which is the dry season, is the best time to visit Maya Bay. During this time, the weather is usually warm and the sea is calm, which makes going to the beach more fun. But it’s important to remember that this time of year also tends to bring in more tourists, so going on the weekends or during the slow seasons may help you avoid too many people.
Can I stay overnight on Maya Bay or nearby islands?
As far as I know, people can’t stay overnight on Maya Bay itself until September 2021. But there are many places to stay on nearby islands like Phi Phi Don, which are close to the Phi Phi Islands. There are resorts, hotels, and guesthouses that offer nice places to stay with easy day trips or tours to Maya Bay.
Are there any other attractions or activities near Maya Bay?
Beyond Maya Bay, the Phi Phi Islands have a lot of things to see and do. On Phi Phi Don, you can check out the lively nightlife, go to the Viking Cave, cliff jump at Pileh Lagoon, or go on island-hopping tours to see other beautiful places in the archipelago. When you visit the Phi Phi Islands, these things will give you a well-rounded experience.
Can I take a private boat tour to Maya Bay?
Yes, you can take a private boat tour, which lets you customize your trip and enjoy the freedom and ease of making your own plans. Private tours can be set up through a number of tour companies, and they give you the freedom to discover Maya Bay and other secret gems on your own time. You can choose how long you want to stay at Maya Bay, go to other places with less people, and do other things that suit you. Private boat tours are great for couples, families, or small groups of people who want privacy and a more customized experience.
Are there any cultural or historical sites to explore near Maya Bay?
The Phi Phi Islands have a lot of history and culture. Maya Bay is known for its natural beauty. The Viking Cave on Phi Phi Leh is an interesting place to visit because it has old paintings and is linked to collecting bird nests. You can also visit the charming town on Phi Phi Don, where you can learn about local culture, try traditional Thai food, and meet the nice people who live there.
- My Caffeinated Journey: The Top 8 Best Coffee Shops in Bangkok - September 11, 2023
- My Encounter with Thailand’s Black and White Striped Snakes - September 2, 2023
- The Koh Samui Island Tour - July 24, 2023
