Maya Bay is a world-famous cove on Ko Phi Phi Leh in Krabi Province, Thailand, ringed by towering limestone cliffs and white sand, made iconic by the film 'The Beach' (2000) with Leonardo DiCaprio. After nearly four years closed to recover from overtourism, it reopened in 2022 under strict conservation rules and is now a blacktip reef shark nursery. Most visitors arrive on a speedboat day trip from Phuket or Krabi.
The iconic scene of emerald water framed by a horseshoe of limestone cliffs
The white-sand beach that served as the real 'The Beach' filming location
A dramatic approach: boats dock at a floating pier in Loh Samah Bay behind the island, then a short jungle boardwalk (about 5–10 minutes) opens onto the beach
A recovered marine ecosystem, including blacktip reef sharks that returned after the closure
Nearby Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island, covered by the same national park fee
Good to know
RulesNo swimming. Since the 2022 reopening you may only wade at the water's edge (roughly knee-deep); swimming off the beach is not allowed.
RulesA separate national park entrance fee applies (reported around 400 THB for adult foreigners / 200 THB for children — confirm the latest) and covers the wider Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Fees and rules can change, so check the latest before you go.
SeasonThe bay closes annually for monsoon recovery, usually 1 August to 30 September, but dates vary by year — always confirm whether it's open for your dates. Opening hours are limited to roughly morning to early evening (e.g., 07:00–18:00).
SafetyThe Andaman Sea can be choppy even in high season, so speedboats often cause seasickness; take medication about 30 minutes before boarding or consider a catamaran, and wear the mandatory life jacket. In the rainy season (roughly May–October) sea conditions worsen and tours may be cancelled or changed.
CautionConfirm the full price of any day trip, boat, or transfer before boarding, including whether the park fee is included. Longtail fares are largely fixed by destination and time slot, but booking through pushy third-party touts can cost more — check your operator and what's included in advance.
RulesA cap on the number of visitors at one time (about 380) and roughly a one-hour visit limit apply, and access must be via Loh Samah Bay. Follow reef-protection rules (e.g., sunscreen restrictions) and take all litter with you.
Practical info
Visit on a speedboat day trip from Phuket or Krabi (Ao Nang); most tours bundle Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island. Early slots are less crowded. Confirm the entrance fee, opening hours, and annual closure dates right before you travel.
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