Maya Bay beach
Phi Phi Leh
A white beach enclosed by towering cliffs. Visitors may walk on the sand and look at the water, but swimming is not allowed.
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Krabi, Thailand
Maya Bay — Phi Phi Leh
The famous bay ringed by cliffs on Phi Phi Leh, made world-famous by the film "The Beach" and now carefully protected.
Favourite places
Boardwalk from Loh Samah Bay
Back of Phi Phi Leh
Boats land at a floating pier in Loh Samah Bay, and a short boardwalk through the forest leads to the beach.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Blacktip reef sharks
Shallow water of the bay
Since the bay recovered, small blacktip reef sharks are often seen in the shallows from the beach.
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Local food
Fresh fruit
Krabi, Thailand
Tour boats usually provide fruit and drinks, as there is no food on Phi Phi Leh.
Fried rice
Krabi, Thailand
A simple lunch served on many tours or eaten back on Phi Phi Don.
Where to eat
Tonsai village
Phi Phi Don
The nearest place to eat, with many restaurants and food stalls.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Tour boat lunch
Included on many tours
Day tours from Krabi and Phuket often include a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don.
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Where to stay
Phi Phi Don
Krabi, Thailand
Stay on the island to visit Maya Bay early, before the day boats arrive.
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Krabi, Thailand
The main base for day tours from Krabi.
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Culture
Maya Bay is a protected area of the national park. Follow the rangers: no swimming, keep to marked areas and do not chase or feed the sharks. The strict rules are why the bay recovered.
History
Maya Bay was closed in 2018 to let its coral and beach recover from mass tourism, and reopened in 2022 with new rules: boats land at the back of the island, swimming is not allowed, and visits are limited in time. The bay usually closes for a few months each year (around August–September) for recovery.
Tour plans
Phi Phi Leh by longtail
Half dayStep 1: Early boat from Phi Phi Don
Hire a longtail at first light.
Step 2: Maya Bay
Land at Loh Samah and walk to the beach.
Step 3: Pileh Lagoon
Visit the lagoon and swim if permitted.
Step 4: Viking Cave
Pass the cave on the way back to Tonsai.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to April, when the bay is open and seas calm; first or last boats of the day are the least crowded. The bay usually closes around August–September.
How to get there
Only by boat tour from Phi Phi Don, Krabi, Ao Nang or Phuket.
Getting around
Maya Bay is reached only by boat — a longtail from Phi Phi Don or a speedboat tour from Krabi, Ao Nang or Phuket. Boats must land at the back of the island; visits are timed.
Travel tips
Check that the bay is open before booking; national park fee applies; no swimming.
