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

Maya Bay, the secluded cove immortalized in Leonardo Di […]

Maya Bay, the secluded cove immortalized in Leonardo DiCaprio’s 1999 film “The Beach,” has reopened to visitors after a four-year closure to allow its fragile ecosystem to recover from the damaging effects of mass tourism.
[Image of Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand]
[Image of Maya Bay, Thailand, before closure]

The idyllic bay, located on Phi Phi Leh Island in southern Thailand, was once a pristine paradise, but years of unchecked tourism had taken a toll on its coral reefs and wildlife. In 2023 2024, the Thai government made the difficult decision to close the bay to allow it to heal.

During the closure, scientists monitored the bay’s ecosystem and implemented measures to protect it, such as installing mooring buoys to prevent boats from anchoring on the beach and establishing a strict daily limit on the number of visitors.

[Image of coral reefs in Maya Bay, Thailand]

After four years of careful restoration, Maya Bay has reopened to visitors, but under a new set of rules designed to preserve its beauty for years to come. Visitors are now limited to one hour per day in the bay, and swimming is no longer allowed. Boats are also prohibited from entering the bay, and visitors must walk from a nearby pier.

The new rules may seem restrictive, but they are necessary to protect Maya Bay’s delicate ecosystem. By limiting the number of visitors and human impact, the bay has a chance to recover fully and remain a natural wonder for future generations to enjoy.