Maya Bay

📍 Location of Maya Bay 🚘 Directions to Maya Bay

About Maya Bay

Maya Bay, the world-renowned location of the film “The Beach” starring Leonardo Dicaprio, is nestled in Phi Phi Ley. This picturesque spot boasts a white sandy beach, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and vibrant coral reefs. However, despite its cinematic fame and natural beauty, some visitors find the experience underwhelming.

The beach, while undeniably beautiful, is often crowded to the point of insanity. The entrance fee to the national park is 400 baht, which some find steep for a brief visit to a beach teeming with people. The beach is often filled with tourists, many of whom are more interested in taking selfies than appreciating the natural beauty of the area. The cost of admission, coupled with the expense of getting there, can make the trip feel not worth the effort.

However, there are ways to enjoy Maya Bay without the crowds. One suggestion is to book an early morning tour. Some visitors have had success with taking a long boat from Phi Phi Island at 6.30 am, arriving at Maya Bay National Park by 7 am. During these early hours, the beach is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience. Swimming is not allowed in the bay to protect the coral and the sharks that have returned to the area, but the beach is still a beautiful spot for photographs.

Visitors who opt for an early bird tour from Phuket can also enjoy a quieter, more serene experience. Boats are no longer allowed into the bay itself, which has helped to preserve the tranquility of the area. However, by mid-morning, the crowds begin to arrive, so it's advisable to get there early. One downside to note is the condition of the toilets at the island's Visitor Centre, which some visitors have found to be less than satisfactory.

The area's beauty is undeniable, but the overcrowding can make it difficult to fully enjoy the island. Some suggest that authorities should either increase the visitor tax during high season or limit the number of visitors per day to preserve the area and enhance the visitor experience.

The appeal of Maya Bay can depend on what you're looking for in a beach visit. It's a beautiful spot where black-tipped sharks can be seen if you arrive before 8:30 am. However, it's often full of tourists and, at the end of the day, it's just a beach. Phi Phi has many other beaches that are equally beautiful and much less crowded. The government has made efforts to restrict the number of people in the area, which seems to be working well. Boats are now not allowed to go into the beach itself, and swimming is prohibited, which is helping nature to heal itself from the impact of mass tourism.

While the beach is currently closed to tourists, it's still possible to see it from a boat. Visitors can hire a long tail for a few hours from the main area in town for around 1500/2000 baht, depending on your bargaining skills. Alternatively, you can opt for a bigger tour boat. Either way, the area is still worth enjoying, even if you can't set foot on the beach itself.