Ultimate Guide Of Maya Beach 2023
Reading Time: 4 minutes Maya Bay located in Phi Phi Islands Krabi Thailand is a famous beach that gained popularity after being featured in the movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio
. However due to the environmental damage caused by over-tourism Maya Bay was closed from 2018 to 2022 to allow the beach ecosystem to recover. It reopened at the end of 2022 but there are now restrictions on swimming. Visitors are only allowed to stand in the water up to knee-length.Here is an ultimate guide to Maya Bay in 2023:
- Getting There:
- Maya Bay is accessed by landing a boat at Loh Samay Bay which is on the back side of Phi Phi Leh island.
- You can reach Maya Bay from Phuket or Krabi by taking a boat.
- Activities:
- Once you arrive at Maya Bay you can spend time taking iconic photos and relaxing on the white sand.
- Swimming is no longer allowed but you can stand in the water up to knee-length.
- The beach is surrounded by tall limestone cliffs and the water is clear turquoise with baby sharks swimming around.
- Tourist Numbers:
- Maya Bay can get crowded with tourists so it’s recommended to plan your visit wisely to avoid large crowds.
- The beach can receive up to 5000 tourists in a single day but the park rangers have done a good job of keeping the beach clean.
- Boat Tours:
- Many boat tours are available that include a visit to Maya Bay.
- Your boat will drop you off and wait for you to return so you’ll have time to explore the beach.
It’s important to note that the information provided is based on the available. It’s always a good idea to check for the latest updates and regulations before planning a trip to Maya Bay.
What Specific Measures Have The Park Rangers Implemented To Ensure The Beach’s Cleanliness And Prevent Environmental Damage Considering The High Tourist Numbers Maya Bay Can Accommodate?
To ensure the cleanliness of Maya Bay and prevent environmental damage park rangers have implemented the following measures:
- Limiting the number of tourists: There is a cap on the number of tourists allowed at the beach and visitors must book online in advance. The number of people entering Maya Bay has been reduced from around 7000 to 380 tourists per hour.
- Limiting the amount of time visitors can stay: Visitors are not allowed to stay for an extended period of time.
- Restricting visitor movement: Visitors are not allowed to stray from a newly built boardwalk.
- Monitoring tour boats: Park rangers use digital trunk radio and other monitoring systems to keep tabs on tour boats.
These measures are part of an effort to make tourism more sustainable in the long term and conserve nature. The changes at Maya Bay are needed “if we want to sustain Maya Bay in the long run for the next generation”.
It will likely take some time for visitor numbers to return to pre-pandemic levels but the goal is to balance tourism with sustainability.
Could You Provide More Details About The Boat Tours That Include A Visit To Maya Bay? Are There Any Specific Tour Operators That Are Recommended And Do They Offer Any Additional Activities Or Attractions During The Tour?
There are several tour operators that offer boat tours to Maya Bay and some of them are recommended by travelers. Here are some details about the tours and operators:
- GetYourGuide: This website offers several Maya Bay cruises and boat tours including a full-day tour from Phuket that visits Maya Bay Phi Phi Island and Bamboo Island. They also offer a guided speedboat day trip from Phuket that explores Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh with three snorkeling stops included.
- Viator: This website offers tours and tickets to experience Maya Bay including a sleepaboard option that lets you spend the night on a purpose-built boat in Maya Bay. They also offer tours that explore Southern Thailand and the Andaman Coast as well as tours in nearby places.
- Klook: This website offers a private longtail boat tour that visits Maya Bay and Phi Phi Island with a captain included for privacy.
- TripAdvisor: This website offers a tour by speed boat that visits Maya Bay Money Beach and Phi Phi Khai Island.
In addition to visiting Maya Bay some of these tours may offer additional activities or attractions such as snorkeling stops or visits to other islands. It’s best to check the details of each tour to see what is included.