Maya Bay
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The world famous Maya Bay, location of the film “The Beach” starring Leonardo Dicaprio, located in Phi Phi Ley, with white sandy beach, surrounded by gigantic limestone cliffs and coral reefs.
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- David DDevon, United Kingdom20,259 contributionsBeach closed - still amazing scenerySunday 16th February and this was a photo opportunity on our speedboat trip to Phi Phi Island. The Bay is situated on Koh Phi Phi Leh island Our Guide informed us that the Beach is only 250 metres long and 15metres wide. It became a popular tourist attraction following the release of the movie, The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, as some scenes were filmed here. As result in the upsurge in popularity there was a great increase in ecological damage. In order to redress the damage, The Department of National Parks, decided to close the beach to tourist in June 2019. Following positive regeneration results the park will remain shut until the middle of 2021. So sadly the beach. is currently no longer accessible to tourists, so we could only view it from afar. It looked like a large inflatable rubber barrage stretched across the beach to stop boats landing. Although we did get to see the beach, we were to see and appreciate the dramatic scenery around.Visited February 2020Written February 21, 2020
- r2thebizelPattaya, Thailand400 contributionsDepends Why You Are VisitingIt is a beautiful beach and black tipped sharks can be seen if you go before 08:30. Other than that, it is generally full of tourists and is, at the end of the day, a beach. Phi Phi has many others that are, in my view, equally beautiful and much less touristy. Although I feel the government need to be applauded on their efforts to restrict the people around here which seems to be working well. Boats can now not go into the beach itself, you have to walk in via the back, and no swimming which is lovely to see nature healing itself from the thousands at a time which used to visit.Visited April 2022Traveled soloWritten April 11, 2022
- Pawel BHawthorne, New Jersey81 contributionsYes it is closed for tourist but you can still see it from the boat.Cant go onto the beach but you can still snap some cool pics while on the border while on the boat. You can get there by long tail (which you can hire for few hours form the main are in town for around 1500/2000 (4 hrs) baht depending on your skills average price is 500/hr but can get better if u try) or by bigger tour boat. which ever way you go enjoy the area.Visited January 2020Written January 31, 2020
- mavi252351 contributionsBeautiful … but book an early morning tourBook an early morning tour to avoid the crowds. We took a long boat from phi phi island at 6.30 am & got to maya bay national park for 7 We stayed for 2 hours , enjoying the beach & taking photographs . During the 2 hours there was no more than 20 people on the beach at one time It was perfect … no swimming to protect the coral & the sharks that have returned back to the bay Would definitely recommend a tripVisited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 2, 2023
- wheredoesthefox_stayPrague, Czech Republic136 contributionsNot worth itThe beach is beautiful of course, but so crowded it’s just insane. Only good for filming some “expectations vs. reality” videos. The entrance to the national park is 400 baht which is a lot for a 10 minutes visit to an overcrowded beach.Visited February 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 3, 2023
- TraveljunkieKent, United Kingdom351 contributionsBeautiful Beach shocking Toilets!Came here as part of a Phi Phi Islands tour from Phuket we opted to go on an early bird tour which picked us up at 5am with a view to beating the crowds, they don't allow boats into the bay itself any more which is great and as we arrived at Maya Bay around 7.45am it was quiet, peaceful and it is so beautiful! Swimming is also not allowed in the Bay and the Ranger is blowing on his whistle all the time to tell the people to get out of the water who cannot understand a simple instruction. By the time we left there were loads of people arriving so my advice is get there early!!!!!!!!! I would give it 5 stars however, the Toilets at the islands Visitor Centre are smelly and totally disgusting even at 8am in the morning, they are by far the worst toilets I have ever had the misfortune to use in my life!!!!!!Visited January 2023Written February 6, 2023
- lstuartmdAtlanta, Georgia66 contributionsMuch ado about nothing.My ado about nothing. Very crowed beach - the definition of a "tourist trap." It's a pretty beach no doubt but not worth the effort or time to see it. It is mobbed by narcissistic women in thong bikinis taking selfies and hoards of visitors from Phuket. I was just underwhelmed from the whole experience and it's expensive by Thai standards. The admission to the beach is around $12 not to mention the cost to get there. Given the crowds, the beauty of the area is completely lost. Don't bother with this one - trust me. Oh and by the way, you are forbidden to go into the water so you just stand in the sand and watch the crowds and wannabe models adoring themselves.Visited February 2023Written February 15, 2023
- Anders FMalmö, Sweden121 contributionsOvercrowded - to be avoidedWe were here as part of a boat tour and our operator. The area is beautiful - but really really (really) overcrowded. At our visit it was impossible to enjoy the island since there were people everywhere. 80% of the time was spent in lines to and from the beach. Believe that authorities either have to increase visitor tax a lot in high season or limit the number of visitors per day to save the area and make it enjoyable.Visited December 2022Written December 28, 2022
- OdemaeLeeds, United Kingdom32 contributionsThe crowds!I visited 15 years ago and you had to swim through a cave to visit Maya Bay. Totally understand that the Thai’s needed to make it more accessible but the crowds and the many boats absolutely ruin what should be a real the experience. Beautiful bay but you can’t help to think what there thinking is behind what they are doing with it. My suggestion is a capped limit on numbers and boats and charge the visitors more!Visited February 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 14, 2023
- scotts-tourLondon, United Kingdom191 contributionsWell worth the moneyThis was the highlight to my tour of Thailand. I think I hit a sweet spot getting here a week before Christmas with the island recently re-opening. Our trip to the island was part of an early start 5 island tour run bu EZY Trails on large 25 seater speed boats. The arrival to the island is via a jetty around the back of the island. It's a five minute walk past the newly constructed toilet block and warden's centre. Since re-opening, in order to protect the coral reef from further damage swimming is no longer allowed and boats are not allowed in the bay. This is kind of good as it keeps the vista as you would imagine, you can walk up and down the beach have a paddle and take pictures. Time on the island is limited to an hour by the Thai Park Authority. We arrived around 8.45 and left an hour later which was enough time to enjoy the visit. Upon leaving we noticed the numbers coming ashore were increasing. Top traveller tip Get there early!!Visited December 2022Written January 8, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
8,807 reviews
Excellent
3,949
Very good
2,286
Average
1,504
Poor
611
Terrible
457
mavi252
mavi252351 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Book an early morning tour to avoid the crowds. We took a long boat from phi phi island at 6.30 am & got to maya bay national park for 7
We stayed for 2 hours , enjoying the beach & taking photographs . During the 2 hours there was no more than 20 people on the beach at one time
It was perfect … no swimming to protect the coral & the sharks that have returned back to the bay
Would definitely recommend a trip
We stayed for 2 hours , enjoying the beach & taking photographs . During the 2 hours there was no more than 20 people on the beach at one time
It was perfect … no swimming to protect the coral & the sharks that have returned back to the bay
Would definitely recommend a trip
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wheredoesthefox_stay
Prague, Czech Republic136 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
The beach is beautiful of course, but so crowded it’s just insane. Only good for filming some “expectations vs. reality” videos. The entrance to the national park is 400 baht which is a lot for a 10 minutes visit to an overcrowded beach.
Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveljunkie
Kent, UK351 contributions
Jan 2023
Came here as part of a Phi Phi Islands tour from Phuket we opted to go on an early bird tour which picked us up at 5am with a view to beating the crowds, they don't allow boats into the bay itself any more which is great and as we arrived at Maya Bay around 7.45am it was quiet, peaceful and it is so beautiful!
Swimming is also not allowed in the Bay and the Ranger is blowing on his whistle all the time to tell the people to get out of the water who cannot understand a simple instruction.
By the time we left there were loads of people arriving so my advice is get there early!!!!!!!!!
I would give it 5 stars however, the Toilets at the islands Visitor Centre are smelly and totally disgusting even at 8am in the morning, they are by far the worst toilets I have ever had the misfortune to use in my life!!!!!!
Swimming is also not allowed in the Bay and the Ranger is blowing on his whistle all the time to tell the people to get out of the water who cannot understand a simple instruction.
By the time we left there were loads of people arriving so my advice is get there early!!!!!!!!!
I would give it 5 stars however, the Toilets at the islands Visitor Centre are smelly and totally disgusting even at 8am in the morning, they are by far the worst toilets I have ever had the misfortune to use in my life!!!!!!
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lstuartmd
Atlanta, GA66 contributions
Feb 2023
My ado about nothing. Very crowed beach - the definition of a "tourist trap." It's a pretty beach no doubt but not worth the effort or time to see it. It is mobbed by narcissistic women in thong bikinis taking selfies and hoards of visitors from Phuket. I was just underwhelmed from the whole experience and it's expensive by Thai standards. The admission to the beach is around $12 not to mention the cost to get there. Given the crowds, the beauty of the area is completely lost. Don't bother with this one - trust me. Oh and by the way, you are forbidden to go into the water so you just stand in the sand and watch the crowds and wannabe models adoring themselves.
Written February 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anders F
Malmö, Sweden121 contributions
Dec 2022
We were here as part of a boat tour and our operator. The area is beautiful - but really really (really) overcrowded. At our visit it was impossible to enjoy the island since there were people everywhere. 80% of the time was spent in lines to and from the beach.
Believe that authorities either have to increase visitor tax a lot in high season or limit the number of visitors per day to save the area and make it enjoyable.
Believe that authorities either have to increase visitor tax a lot in high season or limit the number of visitors per day to save the area and make it enjoyable.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Odemae
Leeds, UK32 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
I visited 15 years ago and you had to swim through a cave to visit Maya Bay.
Totally understand that the Thai’s needed to make it more accessible but the crowds and the many boats absolutely ruin what should be a real the experience.
Beautiful bay but you can’t help to think what there thinking is behind what they are doing with it.
My suggestion is a capped limit on numbers and boats and charge the visitors more!
Totally understand that the Thai’s needed to make it more accessible but the crowds and the many boats absolutely ruin what should be a real the experience.
Beautiful bay but you can’t help to think what there thinking is behind what they are doing with it.
My suggestion is a capped limit on numbers and boats and charge the visitors more!
Written February 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scotts-tour
London, UK191 contributions
Dec 2022
This was the highlight to my tour of Thailand.
I think I hit a sweet spot getting here a week before Christmas with the island recently re-opening.
Our trip to the island was part of an early start 5 island tour run bu EZY Trails on large 25 seater speed boats.
The arrival to the island is via a jetty around the back of the island. It's a five minute walk past the newly constructed toilet block and warden's centre.
Since re-opening, in order to protect the coral reef from further damage swimming is no longer allowed and boats are not allowed in the bay. This is kind of good as it keeps the vista as you would imagine, you can walk up and down the beach have a paddle and take pictures. Time on the island is limited to an hour by the Thai Park Authority. We arrived around 8.45 and left an hour later which was enough time to enjoy the visit.
Upon leaving we noticed the numbers coming ashore were increasing.
Top traveller tip Get there early!!
I think I hit a sweet spot getting here a week before Christmas with the island recently re-opening.
Our trip to the island was part of an early start 5 island tour run bu EZY Trails on large 25 seater speed boats.
The arrival to the island is via a jetty around the back of the island. It's a five minute walk past the newly constructed toilet block and warden's centre.
Since re-opening, in order to protect the coral reef from further damage swimming is no longer allowed and boats are not allowed in the bay. This is kind of good as it keeps the vista as you would imagine, you can walk up and down the beach have a paddle and take pictures. Time on the island is limited to an hour by the Thai Park Authority. We arrived around 8.45 and left an hour later which was enough time to enjoy the visit.
Upon leaving we noticed the numbers coming ashore were increasing.
Top traveller tip Get there early!!
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
d d
16 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Despite the attempts to control tourism with the new developments, the site completely over congested.
We visited as part of a day trip, we walked along the beach for 15 minutes, with literally thousands of other tourists, but we expected crowds so it was fine. Rangers are constantly blowing loud whistles to keep tourists off the reef, and seemingly everyone is there in an attempt to capture Instagram selfies and move on quickly. In our trip to Krabi we thought there is just as, or more, beautiful locations but with far less tourists than Maya Bay.
The biggest problem was leaving. We stood in line for an hour to get back to our boat. The boardwalk is narrow and chaotic. Thai park rangers were screaming at people trying to control the crowd, one aggressive tourist I saw had an intense argument with a ranger who threatened him with jail, over what infringement I have no idea. It was not a relaxing or enjoyable experience at all.
I would advise all tourists to avoid Maya Bay at all costs and visit Hong Island or the dozens of other near by sites instead which are just as beautiful.
We visited as part of a day trip, we walked along the beach for 15 minutes, with literally thousands of other tourists, but we expected crowds so it was fine. Rangers are constantly blowing loud whistles to keep tourists off the reef, and seemingly everyone is there in an attempt to capture Instagram selfies and move on quickly. In our trip to Krabi we thought there is just as, or more, beautiful locations but with far less tourists than Maya Bay.
The biggest problem was leaving. We stood in line for an hour to get back to our boat. The boardwalk is narrow and chaotic. Thai park rangers were screaming at people trying to control the crowd, one aggressive tourist I saw had an intense argument with a ranger who threatened him with jail, over what infringement I have no idea. It was not a relaxing or enjoyable experience at all.
I would advise all tourists to avoid Maya Bay at all costs and visit Hong Island or the dozens of other near by sites instead which are just as beautiful.
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcella
Rotterdam, The Netherlands58 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Please do not waste your time, money and energy and skip Koh Phi Phi. The whole area is trashed and full with party people. We did a boat tour to the highlights but we hated it because of the extreme amount of tourists, stinking motor boats and trash in the water. Maya Bay is closed so nothing to see there. Such a shame!
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa
Buckingham, UK55 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Wish we had read the reviews before we went! Don’t do it to yourself, it’s not worth it at all.
Absolutely packed FULL of tourists, lines and lines and lines of people, no organisation just Thai rangers shouting lots of things that don’t seem to make a difference. Takes forever to get anywhere. The beauty of the place is completely overtaken by the shear amount of people. Plus the toilets are the most disgusting ever! Basically get there mega early, or don’t go at all.
Absolutely packed FULL of tourists, lines and lines and lines of people, no organisation just Thai rangers shouting lots of things that don’t seem to make a difference. Takes forever to get anywhere. The beauty of the place is completely overtaken by the shear amount of people. Plus the toilets are the most disgusting ever! Basically get there mega early, or don’t go at all.
Written April 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dhananjay K
5 contributions
Is it possible to go Maya bay by long boat from phi phi island . What are boat charges for 3 hours and from where to book it
scotts-tour
London, UK191 contributions
My trip was from the main land by speed boat. I believe long tail boats operate from the larger Phi Phi lsland resort having not used this service I can't advise you on price. I can only repeat, that the island can get crowded despite restrictions, so worth going early.
Pankaj Shah
Mumbai, India11 contributions
Hi Mavi252
Can you please tell me how did you travel from Koh Phi Phi to Maya bay so early? Did you book a private long tail boat or boats available at pier? What was the cost of such trip to Maya bay and how much time do you get at the Maya Bay Beach. I have read some reports which says the time limit for an individual is only 1 hour at Maya bay.
Also, what else can we cover during the boat trip to Maya Bay. Me and my wife will be travelling to Thailand covering Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Bangkok. If you have any suggestions, please do share.
Chris
251 contributions
Maya Bay is so overrated! If you still wanna do it, go private at sunrise! But I prefer Koh Rok, Ko Haa and Koh Deng for snorkeling, and Koh Hong (although it can get very crowded, too).
Johan Gomez Alvarez
Santiago, Chile56 contributions
Hola Fakun29.
Tengo una consulta, tu publicación es en diciembre de 2019, tu fuiste y estuviste en Maya Bay, lo pregunto porque estoy leyendo que está cerrada por los daños que tenía la playa. Te agradezco me puedas indicar si pudiste estar en la playa ya que estoy organizando mi viaje próximamente para Tailandia. Muchas gracias.
Holiday2612
Dresden, Germany41 contributions
Hallo,
ja die Bucht ist geschlossen. Die Boote halten nur davor an, so dass die Besucher von Weiten sich den Stand anschauen können. Kann man sich anschauen, muss man aber nicht. Wir nehmen persönlich gerne alles mit um es einfach mal gesehen zu haben. Ich hoffe ich konnte Ihnen helfen. Eine schöne Zeit😇
Jennifer campbell
Kiama, Australia2 contributions
Hi, we are planning to go to Maya Bay in a couple of months, but I read that the beach is closed. You know if will be open again ? Thanks
Jantje
14 contributions
It will reopen in June 2021...
Maribcost
141 contributions
Hello
Will Maya Beach be open this January 2020. We are arriving in Phuket by Cruise ship and I booked a trip to Phi Phi Island by ferry to Tonsai pier. What is there to see or do on Phi Phi Island in 4 hrs please?
Dannie69
Mortdale, Australia822 contributions
Hi , so you have 4hours , not sure if you realise it takes 2 hours with the ferry to tonsai pier and back it’s quiet far once you arrive don’t forget you have to pay your $20 baht to step foot on the island , you will see lots of little boats near the pier , I would recommend to go out to monkey beach , you will love that not very far, Maya Bay is quiet far away with the local boats it will take roughly over an hour to get out their, speed boat might be quicker but it is more expensive but you can bargain them down , and they mainly leave early morning also take a walk up to the lookout, it’s amazing , their is lots of steps and is quiet steep, once you are up their you can see all the island , make sure you take water as it will be hot, once you have done that , you can wander around the whole island , you can see the tsunami memorial and all the little local shops you really need a full day on the island if you want to go out to Maya , I am also not sure when it will be open I know it is this year but not exactly sure when , good luck and have lots of fun
cahedo
Madrid, Spain6 contributions
Hola a tod@s,
Viajo en enero 2020 a Tailandia y pensaba ir a visitar Koh Phi Phi Leh. Me podéis aclarar si está abierta al público o cerrada? Es que parece que estaba cerrada pero por el último post de diciembre 2019 parece que se puede ir...
Gracias por vuestra colaboración
Saludos viajeros,
Carmen
cahedo
Madrid, Spain6 contributions
Thanks a lot for your info ¡¡¡
Hughs,
Carmen
Скажите пожалуйста, когда лучше ехать в Пхукет в марте или феврале, чтобы отливы были ночными?? И где в каком месте они ярко выражены? Спасибо большое
Скажите пожалуйста, когда лучше ехать в Пхукет в марте или феврале, чтобы отливы были ночными?? И где в каком месте они ярко выражены? Спасибо большое
Владимир Б
24 contributions
Добрый день! Погода в феврале и марте примерно одинаковая. Но в феврале слетать выйдет дешевле. Рекомендую остров Пхи Пхи Дон. На самом Пхукете очень много народу и насладиться атмосферой полностью не получится.
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Claim your listingMaya Bay - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Maya Bay
- We recommend booking Maya Bay tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 215 Maya Bay tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Maya Bay:
- Full-Day Phi Phi Islands Tour with Lunch from Krabi (From $98.14)
- Phi Phi Island Speed Boat Tour by Sea Eagle from Krabi (From $46.18)
- Exclusive Small Group - Phi Phi Islands Sunrise OR Day trip (From $101.31)
- Amazing Phi Phi Island & Maya Beach and Snorkeling Day Trip with Lunch (From $103.91)
- Phi Phi Full Day Tour - Small Group 12 pax from Krabi (From $98.14)
- Hotels near Maya Bay:
- (7.07 mi) Zeavola Resort
- (5.84 mi) SAii Phi Phi Island Village
- (4.03 mi) Mama Beach Residence
- (4.60 mi) Blanco Dorm Room & Restaurant
- (4.33 mi) PP Insula
- Restaurants near Maya Bay:
- (0.50 mi) Restaurant Knock Out
- (4.30 mi) P.P. Wang Ta Fu
- (4.30 mi) Efe Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant
- (4.30 mi) ACQUA Restaurant Phi Phi
- (4.33 mi) JaJa Cafe & Spice
Maya Bay Information
Excellent Reviews | 3,949 |
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