Private Boat News

Maya Bay Beach was closed for over 2 years by the Thai Government to help the environment as it had become ruined by over-tourism, and it reopened in January 2022 with new rules and regulations that help to manage the tourists and how they access the bay.

Maya Bay, Thailand with its towering limestone cliffs, clear waters, coral reefs, and white sandy beach, is one of the most beautiful locations in Thailand. The main beach on Maya Bay is about 200 meters long, with soft white sand and exquisitely wonderful Corals, in fact, the whole bay is one big beautiful Coral Reef.

Although small in size just 200 meters long and 15 meters wide — the bay has drawn global attention since it featured in the Hollywood movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, filmed there in 1999 and released in 2000.

The Beach movie was directed by Danny Boyle and was based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Alex Garland. It was not a huge hit at the box office and Leonardo DiCaprio who played Richard, a young American seeking adventure, was nominated for a Raspberry Award for the worst actor the year the movie was released. He lost to John Travolta as Terl from Battlefield Earth and as Russ Richards in Lucky Numbers.

Here’s a fact: Ewan McGregor was cast as the main character of The Beach, before leaving due to disputes with the director.

On August 1, 2024, the popular Maya Bay is scheduled to close once more for a period of two months. This is a component of the updated National Parks plan to preserve the recently recovered maritime ecosystem. This closure is consistent with the closing of other national parks, such as the islands of Koh Ha and Koh Rok National Park, and the Similan and Surin National Park.

Walking will not be permitted on Maya Bay, but swimming, sightseeing, and taking pictures from behind the roped line will still be permitted. These regulations are precisely the same ones that were put in place during the lengthy closure.

At 5 Star Marine, we wholeheartedly endorse the closure of the park as a sustainable solution. Although some tourists may be disappointed to learn they are unable to stroll along the famous beach, this is necessary for the Bay’s long-term health.

Before Maya Bay was closed for good a few years ago, the reefs there had suffered substantial damage, and there was very little to no marine life. Since the closure, the reef has begun to recover, the marine life has returned in large numbers, and some reef sharks are now resident in Maya Bay.

You can still see the famous Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Bamboo Island, Camel Rock, Phi Phi Don, and other attractions if you are visiting Phi Phi during the closed period. Maya Bay is the reason Phi Phi is so well-known, but that is not all it has to offer.