Maya Bay
Thailand’s Maya Bay is a true paradise on Earth. This picture-perfect destination is the stuff of dreams, boasting talcum-white sand and crystal-clear aqua waters that are simply irresistible. As you step onto the beach, you’ll feel surrounded by towering karst cliffs that enclose the lagoon, creating a secluded and serene atmosphere like no other. It’s no wonder Maya Bay is the star of Thailand’s brochures – it’s a must-see destination that will capture your heart and soul.
What Makes Maya Bay Famous?
The Beach, a stunningly beautiful location, stole the show in the box office hit movie of the same name. If you take a photo of it just right, you’ll see the beach and bay appear to be completely secluded, as if you’re the only one in the world who knows about this incredible spot. This idyllic haven was the fictional home of a hippie community, and movie-goers were transported to this paradise through Leonardo di Caprio’s character, Richard.
Unfortunately for us mere tourists you get to enter the bay from the Andaman Sea, with the sinking realization that another dozen boatload of visitors had the same idea as you – hoping for a private experience. Indeed Maya Bay is firmly on Phi Phi Island’s day tour itinerary.
All the same, this should not discourage those who are visiting Krabi or Phuket from visiting these gorgeous islands, and Phi Phi Ley, on which Maya Bay is located, is surely one of the most impressionable experiences one can have in Thailand.
Maya Bay is one of several in the region that boasts stunning limestone cliffs hanging over its waters, except this one is the only bay that is almost formed into a lagoon as well as having a beach to land on. And the beach itself is pure eye candy that has all visitors reaching for their cameras.
Maya Bay Day Tours
For those looking to explore the breathtaking beauty of Maya Bay and the Koh Phi Phi islands without the added stress of planning, GetYourGuide has the perfect solution.
With prearranged day tours available from both Phuket and Krabi, visitors can enjoy a hassle-free experience complete with hotel transfers, boat tickets, lunch, and the chance to see all of the top sights.
From Pileh Lagoon to Monkey Bay, these tours guarantee an unforgettable adventure. For those wishing for a more personalized experience, private and semi-private tours are also available at a slightly higher cost.
As frequent users of GetYourGuide ourselves, we can highly recommend them to anyone wanting to discover the hidden treasures of Maya Bay and beyond.
The Beach at Maya Bay
There’s about 200m of sand, with a swimming area marked out in the center, and it provides calm clear waters which are ideal for cooling off in the hot Southern weather. Due to tide restrictions on the tours’ activities, most boats arrive here at about the same time, and it can get somewhat crowded. If you really want the place to yourself then try staying on Phi Phi Don overnight and chartering a longtail boat with a few others to get here early or late.
No one is allowed to stay overnight on the small bit of inhabitable land, except the park rangers. You can wander inland through a pretty nature trail to toilets. Continue on and you come to a small tidal lagoon that empties via a blow hole to a lagoon at the rear of the island. Tours generally stop in that lagoon for snorkeling.
Food and Drinks at Maya Bay
A small stall sells snacks and refreshments, otherwise, there are no other amenities at Maya Bay. Don’t expect to have the whole beach to yourself, sometimes it can be quiet, and other times you might want to leave as soon as you’ve taken the gorgeous pictures. Some of the other beaches offered on the tours’ itineraries are less crowded. All the same, it’s fun to watch everyone around you marveling at the sheer beauty.
The toilets, located further back from the beach, are basic, so it’s best to bring your own toilet paper just in case. As for food, visitors must bring their own snacks and meals or head back to the nearby town to indulge in some delicious Thai cuisine. A word of caution though, fires are prohibited, but there is a permanent barbeque stand available for those who want to cook up a storm.
More Things to Do on Phi Phi
While Maya Bay was once a must-see spot, there are still plenty of other exciting things to do and see. From wandering through limestone caves to taking a kayak to hidden bays, there is something for everyone. One of the most popular stops on tours to Maya Bay is Pileh Lagoon, with its stunning turquoise waters. There is also Viking Cave and Monkey Bay, which offer a glimpse into the island’s unique wildlife. And Bamboo Island, with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.
There’s more to Phi Phi Leh too. Around the back of the island are two more lagoons, one similar to Maya Bay but elongated and without any beach or landing points. This needs to be entered at the right time of day and often you’re let off the boat to swim among the tropical fish in this clear shallow pale blue water.
Around the corner are caves where they harvest the famous birds’ nests for the soup so sought after as a delicacy among Asian diners. A century ago when piracy was rampant here, local fishermen used to hide out in these caves.
Phi Phi Leh is about 20 minute ride from Phi Phi Don by speed boat, and about 45 minutes directly from Phuket. There are several more islands in the archipelago that are visited as part of the day tour. Staying on Phi Phi Don is realistic for all budgets although pre-booking is essential in the high season. It’s a bit more relaxed than Phuket but by no means paradise. Most visitors enjoy the islands best on a day trip that takes in all the highlights conveniently.
Don’t miss out on exploring all the other hidden gems Phi Phi Island has to offer!
How To Get To Maya Bay
If you’re dreaming of visiting Maya Bay, the stunning bay made famous by the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, then you’ll need to plan your journey carefully. Getting to the Phi Phi islands, where Maya Bay is located, requires a boat from Phuket or Krabi, either by ferry or a speedy speedboat. Although there’s no airport in Koh Phi Phi, you can fly into either Phuket or Krabi, both of which have cheap flights from Bangkok.
Alternatively, you can book a day tour to Phi Phi by speedboat with a tour company based in Phuket or Krabi. With shared and private tours available, you’ll have the chance to visit all the main sights, including Maya Bay, in one full day. So, pack your sunscreen and prepare for a slice of paradise like no other!
Best Time To Visit Maya Bay
If you are planning to visit Maya Bay in Thailand, the best time for tourists is between November and April. During this period, the weather is pleasant and the rainfall is low. However, May to October is not the best time to visit as the chances of rain and storms are high. The ideal month to plan a visit is April, which marks the end of the dry season.
Not only is the weather perfect, but hotel prices and other facilities also reduce since there are fewer tourists around. The average temperature during this time is around 30 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time to soak up some sun and enjoy the serene beauty of Maya Bay.
Where To Stay near Maya Bay
If you’re planning a trip to Maya Bay, you might be wondering where to stay. While there are no hotels on the uninhabited island itself, nearby Phi Phi Don island offers plenty of options. Staying on Phi Phi Don can also give you more time to explore the many attractions of the surrounding area.
Maya Bay may be small, but it boasts a lovely shop where you can stock up on snacks and drinks, as well as restrooms near the path of Loh Sama Bay. So if you’re looking for convenient accommodations near this idyllic spot, Phi Phi Don island is your best bet.
