Bangkok Airways Round-Up
- Being the filming location for ‘The Beach’ in 1999, Maya Bay gained global recognition for its stunning surroundings of pristine beach and emerald-green waters. Located on Koh Phi Phi Leh in Krabi, the best time to visit Maya Bay is from November to April, when the weather is pleasant, the seas are calm, and conditions are perfect for beach exploration.
- From Maya Bay, many other nearby beautiful beaches and islands can be visited in a one-day trip. Some of the stunning destinations are Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, and Loh Samah Bay.
Being a part of Koh Phi Phi Leh Island, Maya Bay is a stunning bay surrounded by 100-meter-high cliffs on three sides in Krabi, Thailand. Located in the Andaman Sea, the main beach is approximately 250 meters long, presenting powdery white sand.
Travelers can visit on a day trip from Phuket, Krabi, and Phi Phi Don, admiring one of Thailand’s most iconic marine environments. Bangkok Airways has gathered essential information about Maya Bay and its neighboring destinations in this comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip.
Maya Bay: From “The Beach” to a Reborn Paradise
One of the well-known stories about Maya Bay is that it was the filming location for the movie ‘The Beach’ in 1999. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, the film is about a young boy who escaped to live in a hidden lagoon in the south of Thailand.
Since the film was released, Maya Bay has gained global popularity for its jaw-dropping scenery and crystal-clear seawaters. With its pristine beaches and tall palm trees, Maya Bay attracted people from around the world with its majestic beauty and lush surroundings.
After inspiring travelers worldwide, Maya Bay encountered a surge in tourism, resulting in immense pressure on its fragile ecosystem. Due to thousands of visitors daily, the coral reefs and marine life started to deteriorate.
To preserve the natural resources, Thai authorities announced the closure of Maya Bay in 2018 to allow nature to recover from years of over-tourism. After a four-year closure, it reopened in January 2022 and has been operating under strict rules of limiting the number of visitors and prohibiting boats from directly entering onto the beach. Since then, Maya Bay has typically closed each year from August to September to continue protecting the marine ecosystem.
Opening hours:
- Daily, 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
- Last entry at 5.00 p.m.
5 Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss When Visiting Maya Bay, Krabi
1. Maya Bay
In May 2024, the UK-based website Beach Atlas announced its Golden Beach Award, and Maya Bay secured a spot in the top 5 of the 100 best beaches in the world. Moreover, Maya Bay was also named the ‘Best Beach for Cinematic Beauty’ by Lonely Planet in June 2025.
Measuring just 15 meters wide and 250 meters long, this small bay is hidden among towering limestone cliffs, home to turquoise seawaters and natural splendor. The majestic lagoon offers a cinematic and timeless atmosphere all year round.
To conserve the tranquility and environmental preservation, visitors are encouraged to respect nature and practice sustainable tourism by refraining from littering and following the designated guidelines.
Information: Swimming and snorkeling are prohibited at the bay. However, visitors are allowed to relax on the beach and wade into the waters up to knee level.
2. Pileh Lagoon
Located on the eastern side of Phi Phi Leh, Pileh Lagoon is just a 5-10 minute long-tail boat ride away from Maya Bay, making it a perfect next stop after experiencing the beauty of Maya Bay.
Known as a hidden gem in Southern Thailand, the Pileh Lagoon is a long and narrow 600-meter bay surrounded by impressive 100-meter limestone cliffs. The enchanting scenery of the lagoon is perfect for those seeking tranquility and relaxing water activities, with many stunning photo spots in this paradise.
Head to the western side of the lagoon, and you’ll find the stunning seascape with calm waters perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or simply chilling in the warm jade-hued waters. Combined with the golden rays of sunlight and pure natural serenity, Pileh Lagoon offers a peaceful place for ultimate relaxation.
3. Bamboo Island
Continue your island-hopping adventure to Bamboo Island. This island is another tropical escape with pristine white beaches and verdant vegetation. With its distinct island shape like a heart surrounded by fine sand and calm Andaman seawaters, it is a popular destination included in one-day trips from Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay.
Bamboo Island offers a relaxing getaway, allowing you to unwind and avoid big crowds. For those seeking more adventure, snorkeling is superb as you dive to the spot between Phi Phi Don and Bamboo Island to explore the vibrant corals and exotic marine life underwater.
The highlight of the island is its vast variety of coral reefs, making it known as ‘The Hundred-Thousand-Rai Coral Garden.’ With its rich natural ecosystem, Bamboo Island is a true gem of the Phi Phi archipelago with a remarkable underwater world.
4. Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is located 700 meters away on the southwestern side of Tonsai Bay. Being one of the most iconic beaches on Phi Phi Don, it stretches approximately 150 meters long, surrounded by emerald-green waters and steep limestone cliffs. Monkey Beach is perfect for snorkeling, as its underwater world is full of shallow coral reefs and colorful schools of fish gliding under the surface.
Home to wild monkeys, the beach earned its name from the population of monkeys inhabiting the area. While travelers can observe the monkeys near the shore, feeding them is strictly prohibited. It is recommended to keep a safe distance and avoid touching the monkeys to prevent bites or scratches.
Getting to Monkey Beach is easy by taking a long-tail boat from Tonsai Pier. For the more adventurous, travelers can paddle a kayak from the pier to the beach, which takes about 40 minutes.
5. Loh Samah Bay
Tucked behind a narrow canyon, Loh Samah Bay, also known as Samah Bay, is connected to the world-famous Maya Bay by a small tidal ledge. The highlight of the bay is its vertical walls that drop to around 20 meters between the small middle island and Phi Phi Leh, attracting plenty of reef fish and small blacktip reef sharks. At night, divers can witness soft corals glowing under torchlight and tiny crustaceans reflecting on the seabed.
Best time to visit Maya Bay, Krabi
The best time to visit Maya Bay is from November to April, when the sea is calm and boat access is easiest. During this period, the weather is mostly clear with blue skies and calm waters, making it ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
- November to April (High Season): Plenty of sunshine and beautiful sea conditions make it perfect for unwinding and partaking in adventurous activities.
- May to October (Low Season): This period is during the monsoon season, when the weather can be unpredictable, with rough seas and occasional storms. Maya Bay is also usually closed between August and September for natural restoration.
FAQs about Maya Bay, Krabi
Can I swim at Maya Bay?
No, swimming in Maya Bay is strictly prohibited. Travelers are allowed to wade only up to knee-depth, and repeated violations may result in fines. This rule is established to help protect the blacktip reef sharks that use the shallow waters as a breeding ground.
Can I snorkel near Maya Bay?
Yes! The area around Maya Bay is excellent for snorkeling, with a range of corals and marine life. Bamboo Island is home to small schools of fish, with chances to spot parrotfish. At Pileh Lagoon, with a stunning coral-covered wall teeming with marine life, travelers may find many types of fish, including blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles. Meanwhile, Loh Samah Bay is ideal for night diving, featuring both soft and hard corals. With some luck, you might even spot some seahorses among the reefs.
How much is the entrance fee for Maya Bay?
Part of the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Maya Bay requires a national park entrance fee of 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children. The ticket can also be used to access other attractions in the Phi Phi Islands National Park
Why is Maya Bay so famous?
Maya Bay gained international fame after ‘The Beach’ was filmed here in 1999. The movie portrays the stunning scenes of Maya Bay, making it one of the most iconic destinations in Krabi, Thailand. Even today, Maya Bay remains a breathtaking paradise with crystal-clear waters glistening under the sun. The beauty of the bay captivates travelers from around the world, creating a scene straight out of a movie.
Can I stay overnight at Maya Bay?
No, you cannot stay overnight at Maya Bay. While there are small snack shops and restrooms available, overnight stays are not permitted.
Discover More Travel Destinations In Krabi, Thailand
- Railay Beach: Thailand’s Hidden Treasure for Beach Lovers
- Khao Phanom Bencha National Park: Krabi’s Best-Kept Secret
- Tiger Cave Temple Krabi: Explore a Spiritual Adventure
- Krabi’s Hidden Gems: Top Places to Explore and Visit
Travel to Maya Bay Paradise with Bangkok Airways
Discover the beauty of Maya Bay in Krabi, where towering limestone cliffs embrace emerald waters. Start your journey in comfort by flying with Bangkok Airways, and arrive at one of Thailand’s most stunning islands with convenience.
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