Maya Bay is situated on Koh Phi Phi Leh, the second-largest limestone island in the Phi Phi archipelago of Krabi Province. Geologically, the bay is characterized by a crescent-shaped lagoon almost entirely encircled by towering limestone karsts, leaving only a narrow entrance to the Andaman Sea. What distinguishes this bay globally is its exceptional "powder sand"—extraordinarily fine, soft, and white, formed over millennia from the natural erosion of coral reefs and seashells. This unique seabed reflects sunlight to produce the bay’s signature crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Historically, Maya Bay became a global phenomenon after serving as the primary filming location for the movie "The Beach" (2000), starring Leonardo DiCaprio. This exposure triggered an era of overtourism, with thousands of daily visitors far exceeding the ecosystem’s carrying capacity. The ecological impact was severe, resulting in widespread coral bleaching and the displacement of marine life. In response, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) made the historic decision to close the bay for a massive restoration project lasting nearly four years, from mid-2018 to early 2022.

This restoration has become a landmark environmental case study. Over 30,000 coral fragments were replanted, and the area saw the miraculous return of "Blacktip Reef Sharks." These sharks now use the shallow waters of Maya Bay as a nursery for their pups, a key biological indicator of a healthy, recovering ecosystem. Today, tourism management has been completely overhauled. To prevent propellers from damaging coral, boats are strictly prohibited from entering the bay from the front. Instead, visitors arrive via Loh Samah Bay at the back of the island and access the beach through a raised wooden boardwalk designed to prevent soil erosion and protect coastal vegetation.

Furthermore, the bay now operates under a strict carrying capacity system, limiting visitors to approximately 375 people per one-hour slot, with mandatory pre-booking via official applications. The park also closes annually during the monsoon season (typically August to September) to allow the environment to rejuvenate without human interference. A critical regulation currently in place is the prohibition of swimming in the main beach area to protect the sensitive coral reefs and the shark nursery, ensuring that Maya Bay remains a sustainable natural treasure for future generations.

• Access is available via longtail boat or speedboat from Phi Phi Don (approx. 20-30 mins) or via day trip tours from Krabi mainland or Phuket. Boats now dock at Loh Samah Bay, where visitors walk through a designated nature trail to reach the main beach of Maya Bay.

• Arrive at the first 07:00 AM slot to avoid crowds and capture the best morning light.

• Pre-book your entry via the QueQ application to secure your spot for the specific time slot.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for the boardwalk trek from Loh Samah Bay to Maya Bay.

• Use only reef-safe sunscreen free from harmful chemicals to protect the delicate corals.

• Do not swim in the main beach area to avoid disturbing the blacktip reef shark nursery.

Admission Fees:

• Foreigners: Adults 400 THB, Children 200 THB 

• Thai Citizens: Adults 40 THB, Children 20 THB

• (National Park entry fee)

Opening Hours:

• Daily from 07:00 AM – 06:00 PM (The last time viewers will be allowed in is at 5:00 PM.)

• (Note: The bay may close annually during the monsoon season, typically August-September, for natural rejuvenation)