Maya Bay, one of Thailand's most famous and picturesque beaches, is a major attraction drawing tourists to Koh Phi Phi Islands. Nowadays, it has become one of the world's renowned white sand beaches. The good news is that Maya Bay will reopen in 2024! Although it will be temporarily closed for environmental protection from August 1st to September 30th, it will welcome visitors again on October 1st, making now a great time to plan your trip!

Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, Maya Bay boasts turquoise sea water, small sharks swimming around, and pristine white sand. It looks like a paradise on earth. However, despite its unparalleled beauty, it also attracts a large number of tourists. But with careful planning, you can still enjoy this serene beach away from the crowds.

Here's a Maya Bay travel guide that will introduce you to how to visit, what to see, and when it's open.

If you're pressed for time or want to avoid the hassle of arranging your own itinerary, you can opt for a Koh Phi Phi Islands day tour from Phuket or Krabi. These tours usually include hotel pickup, boat tickets, island sightseeing, lunch, and return transportation on the same day.

Maya Bay is located on Koh Phi Phi Island in the Andaman Sea of Thailand, approximately 40 kilometers from both Phuket and Krabi. Koh Phi Phi Islands consist of six islands, with two main ones considered part of Krabi Province, Thailand, and only Koh Phi Phi Island is inhabited, with hotels, restaurants, and other facilities.

To get to Maya Bay, you can take a boat from Phuket or Krabi, or choose a ferry or speedboat. Koh Phi Phi Island does not have an airport, so the nearest airports are Phuket International Airport or Krabi International Airport. Upon arrival, you'll need to take a longtail boat to Maya Bay.

At Maya Bay, you can follow a short and easy shaded trail through the jungle to reach the beach. Although in the past, boats could land directly on the beach, now, to protect the environment, visitors need to walk from the back of the island.

Maya Bay gained fame due to the Hollywood movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Although the movie wasn't a box office success, it introduced the natural beauty of Thai islands to more people.

It's worth noting that Maya Bay closes for several months each year for protection, usually in August and September. Therefore, when planning your trip, please be sure to note its opening hours.