Maya Bay: Is It Worth Visiting? The Reality of the Famous Beach in 2025

The Truth About Maya Bay

When the movie The Beach was released in 2000, thousands of tourists flocked to Maya Bay, nearly destroying its fragile ecosystem. After 4 years of restoration, the bay has reopened — but visits are allowed only under strict conditions. Important to know: ✔ Independent visits are prohibited. You can only enter with official tours. ✔ No more than 300 people are allowed in the bay at the same time. ✔ The beach closes at 18:00.

What Does the Beach Look Like Now?

• Sand: Still bright white, but brought in after erosion.
• Water: Crystal clear near the shore, but jellyfish may appear during the rainy season.
• Cliffs: Covered in lush greenery.

Infrastructure: What Changed After Reopening

Added:

• Modern toilets and showers (20 THB)
• Small lifeguard station
• Information boards with rules

Removed:

• Any permanent buildings on the beach
• Option to stay after sunset
• Equipment rentals

Things to Do

Pros and Cons

👍 3 reasons to go:

1. See a world-famous location in person.
2. Take stunning photos.
3. Combine it with visiting other bays.

👎 3 reasons not to go:

1. Crowds during high season.
2. Strict time limits.
3. No option to simply relax on the beach.

How to Get There

From Phuket:

• Speedboat from Rassada Pier (1.5 hours, from 2,800 THB)
• Group tour with 3 stops (6 hours, from 3,500 THB including lunch)

From Phi Phi:

• Longtail boat (15 minutes, from 600 THB per person)

Tour Comparison Table

Tip: Choose small group tours of 15–20 people for the best experience.

6 Rules for the Perfect Visit

1. Book in advance — spots sell out fast.
2. Choose morning tours — fewer people.
3. Bring a waterproof phone case.
4. Do not feed the fish — fine is 5,000 THB.
5. Fully charge your devices before the trip.
6. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

FAQ

❓ Can you swim at Maya Bay?

No, swimming is prohibited.

❓ Are there hotels nearby?

The nearest ones are on Phi Phi Don (from 1,500 THB/night).

❓ Do you need insurance?

Yes, it is recommended.

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