Returning To ‘the Beach’ At Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands

Maya Bay, the stunning beach on Phi Phi Leh Island in Thailand, reopened to tourists on October 1, 2023 2024 after being closed for almost four years. The Thai government closed the bay in June 2023 2024 to give the coral and marine life time to recover from years of overtourism. During the closure, the […]

Maya Bay, the stunning beach on Phi Phi Leh Island in Thailand,
reopened to tourists on October 1, 2023 2024 after being closed for almost
four years. The Thai government closed the bay in June 2023 2024 to give the
coral and marine life time to recover from years of
overtourism.

During the closure, the
Thai government implemented a number of new measures to protect Maya Bay,
including:

• Limiting the
  number of visitors to 3,800 per day
• Banning boats from
  entering the bay and requiring visitors to disembark at a new pier
• Prohibiting swimming and snorkeling in certain areas of the
  bay
• Establishing a mooring system to prevent boats from
  damaging the coral reefs

Visitors to Maya Bay today
will find a very different scene than the one that greeted tourists in the
past. The beach is now much quieter and more peaceful, and the water is
noticeably clearer. The coral reefs are also showing signs of recovery, with
new growth visible in many areas.

One
of the biggest changes at Maya Bay is the new pier. Visitors are now required
to disembark from their boats at the pier and walk to the beach. This helps to
reduce the impact of boats on the coral reefs and also helps to spread out the
crowds.

Another change is the new
mooring system. This system prevents boats from anchoring in the bay, which
can damage the coral reefs. Boats are now required to moor at designated
buoys.

Visitors to Maya Bay are also
asked to respect the new rules and regulations. These rules are in place to
protect the beach and its marine life for future generations.

Here are
some tips for returning to “the beach” at Maya Bay:

• Book your
  tour in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak season.
• Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
• Be respectful of the
  new rules and regulations.
• Do not swim or snorkel in
  prohibited areas.
• Use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect
  yourself from the sun.
• Bring plenty of water and
  snacks.
• Take your trash with you.

By
following these tips, you can help to ensure that Maya Bay remains a beautiful
and sustainable destination for future visitors.