Maya Bay
4
About
The world famous Maya Bay, location of the film “The Beach” starring Leonardo Dicaprio, located in Phi Phi Ley, with white sandy beach, surrounded by gigantic limestone cliffs and coral reefs.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Maya Bay
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1 within 5 kms
Attractions
13 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- hannah p52 contributionsBeautiful beachThe most beautiful beach I have ever seen, you must visit Maya Beach. The sand was white like powder and the water was so clear, we were lucky enough to see fish and baby sharks. You can only go into the water up to your knee to help protect the sea life and coral. We arrived around 09.00 am and it was the perfect time too go, it wasn’t overcrowded. If you go too early there are lots of people and if you arrive from 10am it get very busy and it’s hard to enjoy the beachVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 December 2023
- Joseph K2 contributionsOne of the most beautiful beaches (if you can overlook the crowds)!Maya Beach is hands down the most stunning beach I've ever visited, a must-see for sure. The sand is as fine as powder, and the ocean water is crystal clear. We were even fortunate enough to spot some fish and baby sharks. To preserve the marine life and coral, you're only allowed to wade in water up to your knees. We got there around 09:00 am, which seemed like the ideal time – not too crowded. Arriving earlier means more people, and after 10:00 am, it starts getting really busy, making it less enjoyable to relax on the beach.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 January 2024
- Ruchira KhandelwalNew Delhi, India198 contributionsHeaven on Earth!The most stunning beach I have ever visited. One should not escape this island when in Phuket. White powdered sand, Crystal clear sea. One can clearly sea baby sharks and corals. Highly recommended!Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 January 2024
- CheekyKBNewcastle, United Kingdom289 contributionsBeautifulWow, travelled here as part of a trip and was not disappointed by the beach itself. Absolutely stunning. You can't swim here as it's a National Park but you can paddle and have pictures taken. Definitely a tourist location so can only stay a short while. Worth a visit to see it's beauty but an hour or so s long enough.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 January 2024
- Yann RenaudSwitzerland859 contributionsA place to visit... and respectThe beach in itself is wonderful. There are a huge number of tourists, even though less than I would have expected. The facilities for tourists on the island, especially the toilets, are dramatic. I would be better to close them. The beach is, however, definitively a place to visit, as long as it is respected.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 January 2024
- Russell3939Castle Rock, Colorado1,026 contributionsOne of this placesWe have had the opportunity to travel a bit. I haven’t said it very often but this was one of the places I said to my wife everyone should have the opportunity to see this once in their lives. I thought it was stunning. Yes, there are a lot of people here. If you go into with that understanding, it can be enjoyed. If you are concerned about the people, do a sunrise tour. This is what we did. We used Simba Sea tours(5 stars) and got here around 7:30a. There was probably 100 people on the beach already. I would like to have seen the water with the sun already in it which would be around 930. We left at 830 and it was packed. I just thought be whole bay was stunning. You will get dropped off on the other side of the island. You have a 5 minute walk to the bay with some stairs if that is an issue for you. There is a small viewpoint before you get to the beach which is worth a picture. You are only allowed to get into the water up to your knees. We saw a woman go for a swim and she was fined immediately with 100,000 baht. The lifeguards enforce this fined right there. The sand feels so amazing. What a lifetime experience.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 20 March 2024
- Robertos-JourneySandpoint, Idaho89 contributionsThe Thai Beach that I Love to HateMaya Bay is another one of those places that you love to hate. I made this a highlight of my round the world trip and wasn’t disappointed. But the crowds – wow. You can no longer approach the beach from the water so be prepared for a wobbly landing and a 200–300-meter hike, including stairs, though what can be a very hot and humid environment. The government says they limit attendance to 1,000 per day, but they also say it is limited to 380 per hour, which of course doesn’t add up. From what I saw, there was FAR more than that. When you reach the beach, there is no doubt it is one of the finest in the world, but you are sharing the experience with swarms of selfie takers. If you’re looking for a respite from the heat, head to one of the kharst overhangs. Plenty of bathrooms, food and souvenirs on site.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 23 April 2024
- vip_foodieBengaluru, India3,410 contributionsStunning and beautiful beachI visited this famous Maya Bay Beach as part of the Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket. There is a 5-10 min walk along the trail before you reach the beach. The beach is stunningly beautiful and definitely the prettiest beach I have been to. Unfortunately swimming is not allowed here. The famous Leornardo Di Caprio movie has been shot here. There is an entry fee to the National Park which must be bought to visit this beach.Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 6 July 2024
- Ole Blue EyesTustin, California186 contributionsAmazing experienceWe were able to visit Maya Bay as part of our boat tour. It had just reopened after a closure for environmental reasons. So we were some of the first guests back. We went in July of 2022 (I couldn’t choose an earlier visit date from the drop down menu). It was my family of 5 with 3 small kids. We had a beautiful time there, it was exactly as we’d hoped, like a postcard. We were allowed an hour on the beach, and no swimming, before our time was up. It was a day I will never forget.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 July 2024
- Czar EmmanuelManila, Philippines10,230 contributionsOvercrowded and no swimming allowedThis is definitely the most visited spot on Phi Phi Island, which is not surprising after it was made famous by the 2000 film "The Beach" starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Boats are not allowed to dock on the beach itself but on its other side side 5-10min walk away. Sometimes the waters can be quite rough, making it impossible for boats to dock. The beach itself looks lovely, but it's currently under rehabilitation -- hence, swimming is also not allowed. The most you can do is wade a bit on its waters not too far from the beach and have some photos taken. Expect a lot of crowd jostling their way for a nice shot.Visited July 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 26 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.0
8,850 reviews
Excellent
3,968
Very good
2,296
Average
1,506
Poor
612
Terrible
468
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
mavi252
mavi252357 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Book an early morning tour to avoid the crowds. We took a long boat from phi phi island at 6.30 am & got to maya bay national park for 7
We stayed for 2 hours , enjoying the beach & taking photographs . During the 2 hours there was no more than 20 people on the beach at one time
It was perfect … no swimming to protect the coral & the sharks that have returned back to the bay
Would definitely recommend a trip
We stayed for 2 hours , enjoying the beach & taking photographs . During the 2 hours there was no more than 20 people on the beach at one time
It was perfect … no swimming to protect the coral & the sharks that have returned back to the bay
Would definitely recommend a trip
Written 2 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wheredoesthefox_stay
Prague, Czech Republic123 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
The beach is beautiful of course, but so crowded it’s just insane. Only good for filming some “expectations vs. reality” videos. The entrance to the national park is 400 baht which is a lot for a 10 minutes visit to an overcrowded beach.
Written 3 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Сиамский следопыт
Almaty, Kazakhstan5,147 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Lived on P.P. Dong and agreed to a private boat. For 2 hours 1500 baht. Right by the marina. Admission costs another 400 per person. Let's go in the early morning by 7:00 a.m., the crowd was very small, the paint is certainly not like at noon, but at noon you can't take pictures there. - terribly what's going on
Automatically translated
Written 22 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveljunkie
Kent, UK343 contributions
Jan 2023
Came here as part of a Phi Phi Islands tour from Phuket we opted to go on an early bird tour which picked us up at 5am with a view to beating the crowds, they don't allow boats into the bay itself any more which is great and as we arrived at Maya Bay around 7.45am it was quiet, peaceful and it is so beautiful!
Swimming is also not allowed in the Bay and the Ranger is blowing on his whistle all the time to tell the people to get out of the water who cannot understand a simple instruction.
By the time we left there were loads of people arriving so my advice is get there early!!!!!!!!!
I would give it 5 stars however, the Toilets at the islands Visitor Centre are smelly and totally disgusting even at 8am in the morning, they are by far the worst toilets I have ever had the misfortune to use in my life!!!!!!
Swimming is also not allowed in the Bay and the Ranger is blowing on his whistle all the time to tell the people to get out of the water who cannot understand a simple instruction.
By the time we left there were loads of people arriving so my advice is get there early!!!!!!!!!
I would give it 5 stars however, the Toilets at the islands Visitor Centre are smelly and totally disgusting even at 8am in the morning, they are by far the worst toilets I have ever had the misfortune to use in my life!!!!!!
Written 6 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lstuartmd
Atlanta, GA83 contributions
Feb 2023
My ado about nothing. Very crowed beach - the definition of a "tourist trap." It's a pretty beach no doubt but not worth the effort or time to see it. It is mobbed by narcissistic women in thong bikinis taking selfies and hoards of visitors from Phuket. I was just underwhelmed from the whole experience and it's expensive by Thai standards. The admission to the beach is around $12 not to mention the cost to get there. Given the crowds, the beauty of the area is completely lost. Don't bother with this one - trust me. Oh and by the way, you are forbidden to go into the water so you just stand in the sand and watch the crowds and wannabe models adoring themselves.
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Czar Emmanuel
Manila, Philippines10,230 contributions
July 2024 • Friends
This is definitely the most visited spot on Phi Phi Island, which is not surprising after it was made famous by the 2000 film "The Beach" starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Boats are not allowed to dock on the beach itself but on its other side side 5-10min walk away. Sometimes the waters can be quite rough, making it impossible for boats to dock. The beach itself looks lovely, but it's currently under rehabilitation -- hence, swimming is also not allowed. The most you can do is wade a bit on its waters not too far from the beach and have some photos taken. Expect a lot of crowd jostling their way for a nice shot.
Written 26 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anders F
Malmö, Sweden121 contributions
Dec 2022
We were here as part of a boat tour and our operator. The area is beautiful - but really really (really) overcrowded. At our visit it was impossible to enjoy the island since there were people everywhere. 80% of the time was spent in lines to and from the beach.
Believe that authorities either have to increase visitor tax a lot in high season or limit the number of visitors per day to save the area and make it enjoyable.
Believe that authorities either have to increase visitor tax a lot in high season or limit the number of visitors per day to save the area and make it enjoyable.
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Odemae
Leeds, UK42 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
I visited 15 years ago and you had to swim through a cave to visit Maya Bay.
Totally understand that the Thai’s needed to make it more accessible but the crowds and the many boats absolutely ruin what should be a real the experience.
Beautiful bay but you can’t help to think what there thinking is behind what they are doing with it.
My suggestion is a capped limit on numbers and boats and charge the visitors more!
Totally understand that the Thai’s needed to make it more accessible but the crowds and the many boats absolutely ruin what should be a real the experience.
Beautiful bay but you can’t help to think what there thinking is behind what they are doing with it.
My suggestion is a capped limit on numbers and boats and charge the visitors more!
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scotts-tour
London, UK184 contributions
Dec 2022
This was the highlight to my tour of Thailand.
I think I hit a sweet spot getting here a week before Christmas with the island recently re-opening.
Our trip to the island was part of an early start 5 island tour run bu EZY Trails on large 25 seater speed boats.
The arrival to the island is via a jetty around the back of the island. It's a five minute walk past the newly constructed toilet block and warden's centre.
Since re-opening, in order to protect the coral reef from further damage swimming is no longer allowed and boats are not allowed in the bay. This is kind of good as it keeps the vista as you would imagine, you can walk up and down the beach have a paddle and take pictures. Time on the island is limited to an hour by the Thai Park Authority. We arrived around 8.45 and left an hour later which was enough time to enjoy the visit.
Upon leaving we noticed the numbers coming ashore were increasing.
Top traveller tip Get there early!!
I think I hit a sweet spot getting here a week before Christmas with the island recently re-opening.
Our trip to the island was part of an early start 5 island tour run bu EZY Trails on large 25 seater speed boats.
The arrival to the island is via a jetty around the back of the island. It's a five minute walk past the newly constructed toilet block and warden's centre.
Since re-opening, in order to protect the coral reef from further damage swimming is no longer allowed and boats are not allowed in the bay. This is kind of good as it keeps the vista as you would imagine, you can walk up and down the beach have a paddle and take pictures. Time on the island is limited to an hour by the Thai Park Authority. We arrived around 8.45 and left an hour later which was enough time to enjoy the visit.
Upon leaving we noticed the numbers coming ashore were increasing.
Top traveller tip Get there early!!
Written 8 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Russell3939
Castle Rock, CO1,026 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We have had the opportunity to travel a bit. I haven’t said it very often but this was one of the places I said to my wife everyone should have the opportunity to see this once in their lives. I thought it was stunning. Yes, there are a lot of people here. If you go into with that understanding, it can be enjoyed. If you are concerned about the people, do a sunrise tour. This is what we did. We used Simba Sea tours(5 stars) and got here around 7:30a. There was probably 100 people on the beach already. I would like to have seen the water with the sun already in it which would be around 930. We left at 830 and it was packed. I just thought be whole bay was stunning. You will get dropped off on the other side of the island. You have a 5 minute walk to the bay with some stairs if that is an issue for you. There is a small viewpoint before you get to the beach which is worth a picture. You are only allowed to get into the water up to your knees. We saw a woman go for a swim and she was fined immediately with 100,000 baht. The lifeguards enforce this fined right there. The sand feels so amazing. What a lifetime experience.
Written 20 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Average cost of a long boat from phi phi to Maya bay?
Is there hour restrictions in March?
Written 21 March 2024
Is it possible to go Maya bay by long boat from phi phi island . What are boat charges for 3 hours and from where to book it
Written 12 March 2023
My trip was from the main land by speed boat. I believe long tail boats operate from the larger Phi Phi lsland resort having not used this service I can't advise you on price. I can only repeat, that the island can get crowded despite restrictions, so worth going early.
Written 13 March 2023
Hi Mavi252
Can you please tell me how did you travel from Koh Phi Phi to Maya bay so early? Did you book a private long tail boat or boats available at pier? What was the cost of such trip to Maya bay and how much time do you get at the Maya Bay Beach. I have read some reports which says the time limit for an individual is only 1 hour at Maya bay.
Also, what else can we cover during the boat trip to Maya Bay. Me and my wife will be travelling to Thailand covering Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Bangkok. If you have any suggestions, please do share.
Written 29 January 2023
Maya Bay is so overrated! If you still wanna do it, go private at sunrise! But I prefer Koh Rok, Ko Haa and Koh Deng for snorkeling, and Koh Hong (although it can get very crowded, too).
Written 5 February 2023
Hola Fakun29.
Tengo una consulta, tu publicación es en diciembre de 2019, tu fuiste y estuviste en Maya Bay, lo pregunto porque estoy leyendo que está cerrada por los daños que tenía la playa. Te agradezco me puedas indicar si pudiste estar en la playa ya que estoy organizando mi viaje próximamente para Tailandia. Muchas gracias.
Written 22 January 2020
Hallo,
ja die Bucht ist geschlossen. Die Boote halten nur davor an, so dass die Besucher von Weiten sich den Stand anschauen können. Kann man sich anschauen, muss man aber nicht. Wir nehmen persönlich gerne alles mit um es einfach mal gesehen zu haben. Ich hoffe ich konnte Ihnen helfen. Eine schöne Zeit😇
Written 31 January 2020
Hi, we are planning to go to Maya Bay in a couple of months, but I read that the beach is closed. You know if will be open again ? Thanks
Written 12 January 2020
Hello
Will Maya Beach be open this January 2020. We are arriving in Phuket by Cruise ship and I booked a trip to Phi Phi Island by ferry to Tonsai pier. What is there to see or do on Phi Phi Island in 4 hrs please?
Written 5 January 2020
Hi , so you have 4hours , not sure if you realise it takes 2 hours with the ferry to tonsai pier and back it’s quiet far once you arrive don’t forget you have to pay your $20 baht to step foot on the island , you will see lots of little boats near the pier , I would recommend to go out to monkey beach , you will love that not very far, Maya Bay is quiet far away with the local boats it will take roughly over an hour to get out their, speed boat might be quicker but it is more expensive but you can bargain them down , and they mainly leave early morning also take a walk up to the lookout, it’s amazing , their is lots of steps and is quiet steep, once you are up their you can see all the island , make sure you take water as it will be hot, once you have done that , you can wander around the whole island , you can see the tsunami memorial and all the little local shops you really need a full day on the island if you want to go out to Maya , I am also not sure when it will be open I know it is this year but not exactly sure when , good luck and have lots of fun
Written 5 January 2020
Hola a tod@s,
Viajo en enero 2020 a Tailandia y pensaba ir a visitar Koh Phi Phi Leh. Me podéis aclarar si está abierta al público o cerrada? Es que parece que estaba cerrada pero por el último post de diciembre 2019 parece que se puede ir...
Gracias por vuestra colaboración
Saludos viajeros,
Carmen
Written 8 December 2019
Thanks a lot for your info ¡¡¡
Hughs,
Carmen
Written 5 January 2020
Скажите пожалуйста, когда лучше ехать в Пхукет в марте или феврале, чтобы отливы были ночными?? И где в каком месте они ярко выражены? Спасибо большое
Written 28 November 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 69
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing