Last Updated on September 10, 2025 by Sam
Maya Bay is more than just one of the best beaches in Koh Phi Phi; it’s also one of the most breathtaking beaches in all of Thailand. Its striking limestone karsts and powdery white sand make it one of the most popular day trips from Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest of the Phi Phi Islands. This idyllic spot is easily accessible by day trip on a long-tail boat, and there are even tours from nearby Krabi and Phuket if you aren’t staying on Koh Phi Phi itself. Find out when to go, how to book tours, where to stay, and more with this complete guide to visiting Maya Bay.
Maya Bay Information
Maya Bay is part of the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and is famously one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches. With towering 100-meter limestone cliffs surrounding a pristine white-sand beach and shimmering turquoise waters, it’s no surprise it was picked as a filming location for The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The bay was closed from June 2018 to January 2022 to recover from environmental damage caused by overtourism. Since its reopening, swimming at Maya Bay Beach is prohibited, but you are allowed to wade in the water up to knee-level.
There’s not much in the way of facilities other than a ranger station and toilets, and there’s no overnight accommodation or restaurants.
Entry Fee
As of 2025, the entry fee for non-Thai nationals visiting Maya Bay is 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children. The entry fee for Thai nationals is 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children.
Opening Hours
Maya Bay is typically open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, with last entry at 5:00 PM. In recent years, it’s been closed to the public during August and September to protect the nature from overtourism.
How To Get to Maya Bay
Maya Bay is situated on Koh Phi Phi Lee, the smaller of the two main Phi Phi Islands. As there’s no accommodation on Koh Phi Phi Lee, you’re best to stay on Koh Phi Phi Don, which is around 20 minutes away by boat.
We recommend checking our guides on how to get to Koh Phi Phi from Krabi and how to get to the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket for more information on getting to the area.
Once you’re on Phi Phi Don, you can easily arrange a private long-tail boat trip with one of the boatmen on the island. Prices vary, but expect to pay between 1,800 baht and 2,500 baht depending on the length of your trip, the number of people, and your negotiation skills.
In order to protect the area’s nature, boats aren’t actually allowed into Maya Bay itself. Instead, boats will drop you off at a floating jetty on the other side of the island. From there, you can walk to the beach via some stairs and along a short boardwalk.
Maya Bay Tours
If you don’t want to pay for a private trip, group tours are also available and can either be booked via agencies on Koh Phi Phi or in advance via the Get Your Guide website.
A typical Maya Bay tour will also take you to places like Viking Cave and Pi Leh Lagoon, and can also include spots like Bamboo Island, which is one of the best snorkelling spots in the Phi Phi Islands.
It’s possible to take speedboat day trips to Maya Bay from Krabi and Phuket, but it’s well worth staying on idyllic Koh Phi Phi Don if you have the time.
Tours typically start from around 750 baht per person for a group tour, or 2,500 baht for a private tour, but exact prices will vary depending on the itinerary and operator.
We personally suggest booking your trip online in advance, as tours to Maya Bay are extremely popular and so can sell out. Fortunately, if you book via Get Your Guide, most tours offer free cancellation or date changes as long as you give at least 24 hours notice.
Click here to see the amazing tours and day trips available through Get Your Guide!
Maya Bay Closure Dates
Every year, Maya Bay closes for a period of two months to give the area’s nature a break from tourists and to allow the ecosystem to recover. The closure typically takes place in August and September, though dates for 2026 are yet to be confirmed.
Between June 2018 and January 2022, Maya Bay was fully closed to tourists to help the area recover from years of overtourism. There was severe environmental damage, so the Thai government took drastic action to help preserve the bay’s natural beauty.
The extended closure was a success and even saw the return of blacktip reef sharks to Maya Bay. Further action has been taken to reduce human impact, including the construction of a boardwalk to the beach, banning boats from entering the bay, and limiting the number of visitors to a maximum of 375 per hour.
Best Time To Visit Maya Bay
The best time to visit Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay is during the dry season, which runs from November through to April. During this period, it’s typically dry and sunny, with calm seas and stunning clear water that’s perfect for cooling off in and snorkelling. The only slight downside of visiting during these months is that it’s typically the busiest period of the year.
You can still visit Maya Bay during the rainy season, which runs from May to October, but be prepared for wetter conditions. Be sure to avoid August and September, as the bay has been closed during these months every year since its reopening in 2022.
In terms of crowds, the best time to visit is early in the morning. Trips to Maya Bay are one of the most popular things to do in Koh Phi Phi, so it can get very busy from around 10:00 AM. Mornings are also typically the best time to see blacktip reef sharks in the area, and many tours include a snorkelling stop on the outskirts of Maya Bay or in Pi Leh Lagoon.
Where To Stay in Koh Phi Phi
Staying on Koh Phi Phi Don is the most convenient way to visit Maya Bay, as you can arrange a boat to leave early in the morning so that you arrive before the day trips from Phuket and Krabi. To find the top hotels, check out our guide to the best places to stay in Koh Phi Phi. If you just want a quick overview, we’ve covered a couple of the best value options below.
PP Princess Resort
Located right on Loh Dalum Beach and complete with two outdoor swimming pools, PP Princess Resort provides wonderful value right in the heart of Koh Phi Phi. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and come equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay, and the resort’s location is perfect for those who want to be in the middle of the action, as there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.
Click here to check out the great value PP Princess Resort on Booking.com!
Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort
CoCo Beach Resort’s bamboo-style bungalows are among the most unique places to stay on Phi Phi. The property’s large outdoor pool and direct beach access are highlights, and its close proximity to restaurants and the island’s nightlife make it a particularly convenient accommodation option.
Click here to book a stay at the wonderful CoCo Beach Resort on Booking.com!
FAQs: Maya Bay
Why is Maya Bay famous?
Maya Bay is famous for being one of the most spectacular beaches in Thailand, thanks to its clear waters, white sand, and dramatic karst formations. Its fame reached new levels following the release of The Beach in 2000, as it was the primary filming location for the Leonardo DiCaprio-led movie.
What are some other must-visit beaches in Koh Phi Phi?
The Phi Phi Islands are home to some amazing beaches, with Loh Dalum Beach, Long Beach, and Nui Beach being some of the top spots on the main island of Koh Phi Phi Don. There are plenty more fantastic beaches to visit on day trips, with Bamboo Island being a popular choice for its fine white sand and wonderful snorkelling.
What marine life can you see at Maya Bay?
Snorkelling at Maya Bay gives you the opportunity to see a range of marine life, but since boats aren’t allowed to enter the bay, you can only snorkel on its outskirts. You can see everything from sea snakes and barracuda to parrotfish and clownfish, and if you’re lucky, you might even get to see a blacktip reef shark.
If seeing the reef sharks is a priority, we recommend heading to Shark Point at Long Beach on Koh Phi Phi Don, where you’ll often find a number of them just a short distance from shore.
How long is the boat ride to Maya Bay from Koh Phi Phi Don?
The trip from Phi Phi Don to Maya Bay takes around 20–30 minutes by long-tail boat.
Can you stay overnight at Maya Bay?
There are no hotels or accommodation options at Maya Bay itself, as you can only visit the area on a day trip. The best option is to stay on the nearby island of Koh Phi Phi Don, where you can find plenty of great properties on Booking.com.
Can you swim at Maya Bay?
Although you used to be able to swim at Maya Bay, this is no longer the case. Due to conservation rules introduced for its reopening in 2022, swimming is now prohibited, but you are allowed to wade in the water up to knee height.
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