Visiting Maya Bay: Is It Still Worth It in 2025?

When I finally made it to Maya Bay in Thailand, I was beyond excited — only to find out that it was actually closed to visitors at the time.

I didn’t know about the closure, so I was surprised when our boat stopped a few meters away from the shore, with the entire beach completely empty, surrounded by buoys and ropes keeping boats from entering.

Even from the water, though, it was easy to see why it is so famous. Perfectly soft white sand, water so turquoise it almost glows, and towering limestone cliffs wrapping around the bay like a giant natural wall — it honestly looked like a postcard.

The bay rose to fame after the movie The Beach was filmed here, and while that brought in millions of visitors, it also caused serious environmental damage.

After several years of closure and restoration, Maya Bay is now open again — with strict rules in place to protect its fragile ecosystem.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting this place today — from how to get there and what’s changed since the reopening, to the best time to visit, what to expect, and tips to make the most of your trip.

Is it worth it?

Often overcrowded and with strict rules in place, you might be wondering if it is actually worth visiting or if it’s just another tourist trap. But if you time your visit right, you can avoid the biggest crowds and really soak in the beauty of the place.

I’d say it’s genuinely stunning — the dramatic limestone cliffs, the crystal-clear water, and the soft white sand make it feel almost surreal. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime spots that really does live up to the hype.

What I loved most, though, wasn’t just Maya Bay itself but the entire boat trip experience. Between visiting the other lagoons, snorkeling in different spots, and cruising past those incredible rock formations, the whole day felt like an adventure.

Where is Maya Bay

Maya Bay is located on Koh Phi Phi Leh, the smaller, uninhabited island of the Phi Phi Islands group in southern Thailand. It’s just a short boat ride from Koh Phi Phi Don, the main island where all the hotels, restaurants, and nightlife are.

From Ton Sai Pier on Phi Phi Don, it takes around 20–30 minutes by speedboat. If you’re coming from Krabi or Phuket, expect a longer trip — roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by speedboat.

I traveled to Phi Phi directly from Railay Beach, which takes around 1.5 hours.

📍Open the exact location in Google Maps.

How to get there

Join a tour

One of the easiest — and most budget-friendly — ways to visit is by joining a boat tour that covers all the highlights in the area. If you don’t want to spend a few nights on Phi Phi, you can easily visit as a day trip from Krabi or Phuket, too.

Below, I’ve listed some of the best-reviewed and most recommended tours out there:

• From Krabi: This early bird speedboat tour departs before sunrise, meaning you’ll reach Maya Bay before the crowds. It also includes several other stunning stops like Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island, plus a buffet lunch and hotel pickup.
• From Phuket: This full-day tour includes multiple stops and a buffet lunch with fresh fruit on board. You also get hotel pickup and drop-off, making the whole day extremely convenient.
• From Phi Phi Don: If you’re already staying on Phi Phi, this sunrise tour is by far the best way to beat the crowds. It leaves early, gets you to Maya Bay before the bulk of day-trippers arrive, and includes snorkeling, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Bay, and more.

Hire a private boat

For those who prefer flexibility over following a group, hiring a private longtail boat is a solid alternative. It gives you full control over the schedule—you choose when to start, how long to stay at each stop, and which places to visit.

This option is especially ideal for small groups or couples who want a quieter experience. Most half-day tours start at around 3,300 THB for the whole boat. The price usually includes snorkeling gear, a cooler with water, and a friendly local captain who knows all the best spots.

If the goal is to visit Maya Bay without the crowds, a private boat can get there right after sunrise, before the big tour groups arrive. It’s also a great way to discover hidden coves or spend more time at a favorite stop.

Just make sure to agree on the itinerary and price in advance—or better yet, book online to avoid any misunderstandings. One of the best-rated options is this Private Longtail Boat Tour to Maya Bay.

Entrance fee

To visit Maya Bay, there’s a National Park entrance fee of 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children. This fee covers the entire Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, so you’ll also be covered when visiting spots like Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island.

Most tours include the entrance fee in the final price, but double-check that. If your tour doesn’t include the fee in the price, it’s usually collected by your tour guide during the trip.

If you’re visiting on your own by hiring a private long-tail boat, you’ll need to bring cash and pay at the ticket booth at the entrance.

Is Maya Bay open?

Yes — Maya Bay is open as of 2025, after being closed from mid-2018 until the start of 2022 for environmental restoration.

Years of mass tourism caused serious damage to the coral reefs and marine life, so the Thai authorities shut it down to allow the ecosystem to recover.

Today, visitors are welcome again, but with strict regulations in place to protect the bay and keep it from being overrun like before.

2025 Regulations

• Seasonal closure – The bay is closed for two months each year for ecosystem recovery.
• Limited visitors – Only a few hundred people are allowed per day to prevent overcrowding and protect the environment.
• No swimming – Swimming is no longer allowed inside the bay to protect the recovering coral reefs and marine life. You can only walk in the knee-deep water.
• No boat entry – Boats cannot enter the bay; they must anchor at designated areas outside, and visitors walk in via a floating pier.
• Short visits only – Time inside the bay is limited to around one hour per group to minimize impact.
• Respect wildlife – Feeding fish or disturbing marine life is strictly prohibited.
• Don’t take anything – You’re not allowed to take any sand, stones, or shells.
• Follow staff instructions – Park rangers monitor the area.

Arriving at Maya Bay

Before the restoration, boats used to anchor right in the bay, letting visitors hop straight onto the sand.

It sounds convenient, but in reality, it meant hundreds of boats lined up near the shore, engines running, fumes in the air, and anchors destroying the fragile coral. It also completely ruined the atmosphere.

Now, after the closure and cleanup, all boats must drop visitors off at a small floating pier on the other side of the island. The process is quick; it’s a constant flow of people coming and going. After climbing a short ladder, you follow a short path through the jungle before reaching the bay.

Honestly, this part of the visit isn’t exactly pleasant — you’ll feel like you’re being herded along with everyone else, with staff whistling to keep the line moving.

But the moment you step onto the sand and see the incredible turquoise water and towering cliffs, all of that is quickly forgotten.

And truthfully, this system is a huge improvement. The beach feels calmer and cleaner now, without the chaos of dozens of boats clogging the bay.

How to avoid crowds

Let’s be honest — Maya Bay gets busy. It’s one of the most famous places in Thailand. But there is a way to see it in peace… you just have to get there early.

The only real way to enjoy it without hundreds of tourists is to arrive at sunrise — before the big groups start rolling in. That’s easiest if you’re already staying on Phi Phi Don, which is just a short speedboat ride away.

If you’re based in Krabi, Ao Nang, or Phuket, it’s technically possible to organize a transport — but it’ll mean a very early start and a longer journey. To keep things smooth and stress-free, I highly recommend spending a night on Phi Phi if this spot is a must-see for you.

We found this sunrise speedboat tour from Phi Phi Don, and it is totally worth the early wake-up call. The boat departs at 6:00 AM, and arrives before anyone else.

The tour continues to Pileh Lagoon (my personal favorite spot of the entire day — seriously, don’t skip it), Monkey Bay, and a few snorkeling stops. It also includes snorkel gear, life jackets, and a light breakfast on the boat — simple but appreciated.

Facilities

Facilities here are very basic, so don’t expect much.

• There are public toilets near the entrance, but they’re not the cleanest and cost a small fee to use — bring a few coins.
• There’s no food or drink sold on the beach, so bring your own water and snacks (and take all your trash with you).
• No chairs, umbrellas, or shops.

Best time to visit

If you want to see Maya Bay at its best, the early morning is the way to go. Most tours start arriving after 9 AM, so if you can book a sunrise or early bird tour, you’ll have a much better chance of experiencing the beach without the crowds.

In terms of season, the best months to visit are during the dry season, which runs from November to April. These months offer calmer seas, clearer skies, and better visibility for snorkeling around the nearby reefs.

If you’re planning your trip between May and October (rainy season), the weather can be unpredictable, and boat trips are more likely to be canceled due to rough sea conditions.

Other places to visit nearby

• Railay – A laid-back area only reachable by boat, with great beaches and viewpoints. Don’t miss the East Railay Viewpoint if you’re up for a short but muddy adventure.
• Phra Nang Beach – Famous for its stunning cliffs, white sand, and the unique Princess Cave filled with wooden carvings. One of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.
• Tiger Cave Temple (Krabi) – A temple up in the hills known for its 1,200-step climb to the top. It’s tough, but the panoramic views over the jungle and limestone peaks are worth it.
• Phuket – A natural next stop if you’re continuing your journey. It offers lively beaches, nightlife, day trip opportunities, and easy transport connections.

FAQ

Final thoughts

Maya Bay wasn’t exactly what I expected — especially since I visited during its closure and could only admire it from a distance. But even then, it was breathtaking.

Now that it’s open again (with much stricter rules), I honestly think it’s worth seeing at least once in your life. The cliffs, the color of the water, the way the whole bay feels like a hidden paradise — it’s pretty unforgettable.

That said, don’t expect a peaceful, empty beach unless you plan your visit carefully. I’d really recommend joining an early morning tour if you want to avoid the crowds.

And while Maya Bay might be the most famous, I think what made the experience special for me was the full day out on the boat, hopping between lagoons, snorkeling spots, and hidden corners of the Phi Phi Islands.

If you’re already coming to Phi Phi, it’d be a shame to skip Maya Bay — just go with the right expectations and enjoy the ride.