Maya Bay

Bay

Maya Bay

Bay

4

Thailand

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Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null
Maya Bay by null

Highlights

Maya Bay is a stunning beach framed by dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and powdery white sand, now lovingly preserved with visitor limits.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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14 Best Beaches in Thailand

"Made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach, this picturesque bay was nearly decimated by overtourism. But thanks to a massive rehabilitation program and increased regulation (there’s no swimming here), the natural beauty of this beach has returned. Only several thousand tourists are allowed here daily, in prebooked time slots, but many say it's worth it for the limestone cliffs alone." - Katie Lockhart Katie Lockhart Katie is a freelance travel and food journalist specializing in luxury brands and hotels. She has been writing and traveling the world full-time for over four years. Travel + Leisure E

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-beaches-in-thailand-8727281
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@cntraveler

Jay Ellis on Uncovering the Serenity of Thailand’s Maya Bay With His Now-Fiancée

"But we finally reached the Phi Phi islands and the beach from the movie, and it was the most amazing thing I'd ever seen, with warm white sand and blue water. It was like a slice of paradise."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/jay-ellis-on-uncovering-the-serenity-of-thailands-maya-bay-with-his-now-fiancee
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@cntraveler

The Best New Openings in Thailand, From Buzzy Bangkok Restaurants to Koh Samui Resorts

"In other news, day trips to Maya Bay, which closed in 2018 due to overtourism, are once again possible. The pandemic lull has given the limestone-flanked bay (made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio's smash-hit movie The Beach) time to restore, and the national park has imposed a visitor cap to keep the beach clear from coral-trampling crowds."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-best-new-things-to-do-in-thailand
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@cntraveler

Thailand's Maya Bay, Made Famous by 'The Beach,' Is Closed Indefinitely

"The postcard-worthy beach destination—made famous by the hit movie The Beach in 2000—has been forced to close indefinitely due to overtourism. While it was previously announced in June that Maya Bay would close for four months to rehabilitate, Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation said Tuesday that the bay needs more time to recover, reports CNN. A stark contrast to the idyllic hidden bay portrayed in the movie, the real 'Beach' on Ko Phi Phi Island has been put under severe environmental strain thanks to the vast numbers of visitors that crowd it. At the time of the initial closure, Maya Bay was 'littered with trash, while visitors continue to flock to the area on overcrowded snorkel boats'—not unlike the scene at Boracay in the Philippines, which closed to the public in April (it's slated for a 'soft' reopening at the end of October, but won't be fully restored until the end of 2019). Although Maya Bay didn't attract quite as many daily tourists as Boracay—5,000, as opposed to 6,400—the resulting damage is still significant. It's estimated that about 80 percent of the coral reefs around Maya Bay have been destroyed due to 'pollution from litter, boats and [sunscreen],' according to The Guardian, and it might take years for them to bounce back. As a result, tourists will have to go elsewhere until the ecosystems recover."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/thailands-maya-bay-made-famous-by-the-beach-is-closed-indefinitely
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Rohini P

Google
Maya Bay is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited. The sheer beauty of this iconic beach exceeded all my expectations, and it’s easy to see why it became so famous after being featured in The Beach. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I’d stepped into a postcard-perfect paradise. The first thing you notice is the dramatic limestone cliffs that surround the bay, creating a sense of secluded serenity. The turquoise water is so clear you can see the sandy bottom even from the boat. The sand is soft, powdery, and incredibly white—perfect for walking barefoot. The lush green landscape adds to the dreamlike vibe of the place. To help preserve its natural beauty, access to Maya Bay is now limited and boats aren’t allowed to dock directly on the beach. This system is a fantastic way to protect the ecosystem, but it also means you’ll need to swim or wade a short distance from the boat. Honestly, it’s worth the effort. I really appreciated the environmental efforts in place. There are signs everywhere reminding visitors not to litter or disturb wildlife, and some areas are roped off to protect the coral reefs. Our guide shared a lot about the bay’s history and its ecological importance, which made me feel like I was contributing to preserving this beautiful spot for the future. That said, the beach can get pretty crowded even with visitor limits. It’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the rush. You’ll also want to book your tour in advance since spots fill up quickly. If you enjoy snorkeling, you’ll love the waters around the bay. They’re full of marine life. It was both peaceful and exciting at the same time. it’s an experience. The stunning scenery, the crystal-clear water and the feeling of being surrounded by nature make it unforgettable. Even though it’s popular and can get crowded, it’s a must-visit if you’re in Phuket. A quick tip , bring a waterproof bag for your things, wear reef-safe sunscreen and don’t forget your camera. Trust me, you’ll want to remember every moment here.

Ajish Jacob

Google
Best beach I have visited ever - crystal clear / pale green water, clay beach,dramatic cliffs. Usualky corowded heavily being an ionic location Kudos to the authorities to maintain it wonderfully. Wash rooms, refreshement counters, seats.. All of them are very well organized.

Michel Bivrot

Google
Maya Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches and islands I've ever seen in my life. We were lucky enough to take a tour before sunrise, leaving at 5:30 AM, and arriving just as the island opened, so we had it all to ourselves. The beach is absolutely stunning, with crystal-clear water and dramatic cliffs surrounding it. While swimming is not allowed to protect the environment, it's the perfect place to enjoy the surroundings and admire the breathtaking landscape in peace. If you have the chance to visit, going early in the morning is highly recommended for a tranquil experience.

Tymoteusz M.

Google
It’s an extremely beautiful beach, unfortunately destroyed by mass tourism. We departed for Maya Bay at 9:30 and arrived around 10:30, which turned out to be already way too late. Just hordes of tourists, you had to “wait in line” for your turn to take a picture/selfie of this superb beach. Sharks are there, too, so don’t go in too deep. In order to get the vibe of this beach, you need to arrive like at 8am or earlier, I guess.

Ajith N

Google
Very scenic and captivating bay & beach.. pristine and well maintained with a lot of greenery and wooded areas covered by cliffs all around. Getting to to this place from the pier itself is a long walk and you will only see it after a roughly 10 minute walk through the forest. It can ger crowdy, but I believe they do have restrictions on the number of people allowed per hour . After the movie "The Beach" was shot here, its popularity soared and saw some unwanted effects of over tourism forcing the authorities to shut the beach , for the sea life to recover.....no more swimming allowed here and the result is there to see.....getting here by long boat from Phuket or Krabi will take time....a speed boat will cut the time ... overall a good spot not to miss, if you ever have Phi Phi islands on your plan, no matter where you get from.

John

Google
This beach is absolutely stunning! The scenery is breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters, soft golden sand, and beautiful surroundings that make it feel like paradise. The atmosphere is vibrant, with plenty of activities and people enjoying the sun and sea. However, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours, making it a bit difficult to find a quiet spot. Despite the crowds, the beach’s natural beauty makes it well worth the visit. Just be prepared for a bustling environment, and if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening.

Jason Tabrett

Google
I mean, it’s a bay with a beach. Sure the view was beautiful, but no more than the other islands. It was also extremely more crowded than all of the other island visits and you had to walk in single file lines to get from the boat to the beach. It’s well worth a visit to take a few photos and say you’ve been to the beach from the Leo movie “The Beach”, but there’s no reason to stay there after that.

Gagandeep Singh Panesar

Google
Our family trip to Maya Bay was an experience we will cherish forever. Located on Phi Phi Leh Island, this iconic destination, made famous by the movie The Beach, is a masterpiece of nature. The combination of crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and powdery white sand is truly mesmerizing. The journey to Maya Bay itself was exciting. We took a longtail boat early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and as we approached, the stunning view of the bay left us in awe. The kids were thrilled by the boat ride and couldn’t wait to explore. The beach at Maya Bay is picture-perfect and ideal for families. The shallow, calm waters were perfect for swimming and wading, even for our youngest, while we marveled at the surrounding cliffs that gave the bay its secluded charm. Snorkeling was a highlight for everyone—spotting vibrant marine life in the crystal waters was a treat. We appreciated the efforts to preserve the bay’s beauty, as visitor numbers are regulated to protect its fragile ecosystem. The staff’s emphasis on responsible tourism taught our kids the importance of respecting nature. Though it can get crowded, we found our visit peaceful and enjoyable by arriving early. Maya Bay is more than a beach; it’s an escape into nature’s masterpiece, offering tranquility, beauty, and unforgettable moments. It was a perfect family outing, and we’ll always treasure the memories we made there.