Maya Bay

Maya Bay is a famous and much-loved tourist attraction in Thailand’s Phi Phi Phi archipelago. Jagged cliffs, white beaches with velvet sand and coral reefs make a lasting impression on travelers who come here for a piece of real paradise. Maya Bay has been favored by world-famous directors: in the late 1990s, the movie “The Beach” was filmed here under the direction of Danny Boyle. The main role went to Leonardo DiCaprio.

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Video: Maya Bay

Contents

Highlights

Maya Bay sits off the coast of the uninhabited island of Phi Phi Phi Le, a national reserve in Thailand. For its visit it is customary to pay an environmental fee of 10 EUR, if you are not traveling with a tour group. Here you can find neither authentic bungalows, nor five-star hotels. For this reason, tourists stay on neighboring islands (for example, on Phi Phi Don) and early in the morning go to the turquoise waters to make great photos and breathe in the clean sea air. Maya Bay is a corner of pristine nature, surrounded on all sides by high pointed rocks, so neither fierce waves nor cold wind will not prevent you from enjoying your vacation on the shores of the Andaman Sea.

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Climate

Thailand’s long stretch from north to south explains the presence of two types of climate: tropical and subequatorial. It is the latter that reigns on Maya Bay. The southwest monsoon brings cool weather to the bay area, which is established from May to August. November marks the beginning of the velvet season, which develops into hot days with high humidity in February.

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Precipitation falls predominantly in late summer and throughout the fall. As a rule, they are represented by tropical showers, which go for half an hour and are again replaced by sunny weather and gentle breezes. The air heats up to +30 °C. On some days the temperature rises to a record +35 °C and above.

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Nature

The climatic features of Phi Phi Phi Le are favorable for the riot of greenery characteristic of tropical jungles. Both mountain ranges and gentle treeless slopes can be found on individual “islands” of terrain. Tourists walking in the vicinity of Maya Bay, admire the harmonious combination of teak, red and bamboo trees. Tall palms, spreading ficus and hopi trees can be found near the bay.

Do not go deep into the jungle: the desert island’s fauna is dangerous for the lost traveler. Leopards, tigers, rhinos, tapirs, buffalo – these and other animals will not be happy with the appearance of a man on their territory. But even on the edge of the rainforest you can enjoy the richness of Thailand’s fauna! Herons, parrots, peacocks and flamingos can be seen screaming loudly around Maya Bay, attracting the attention of camera lenses.

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The reefs that frame the bay’s coastline in a colorful belt explain the popularity of snorkeling – swimming above the surface of the water with a snorkel. The clear waters of Maya Bay do not obstruct the view, and tourists can admire brightly colored tropical fish flitting between the coral. Be careful when swimming over them: sharp edges can hurt you!

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What to see near Maya Bay

Phi Phi Phi Le Island is of interest to tourists who are fascinated by wildlife and the opportunity to take delightful photos. Don’t expect to see ancient architecture around Maya Bay. You will not plunge into the loud atmosphere of Thai villages: they are simply not here. But after walking about 600 meters to the northeast of the island, you can see the deepest lagoon of Thailand – Pile. The water is saturated with salt more than sea water, and the Thais believe that it can strengthen the flabby body, so Pile lagoon is called the “lagoon of rejuvenation.”

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Loch Samah Bay cuts into the southern part of the island, 300 meters from Maya Bay. The beach of the same name is where novice divers and those wishing to lounge on the sandy beach of Phi Phi Phi Le stay.

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Go around the island from the south and stick to the east coast: here you’ll find the famous Viking Cave (Tham Viking). Armed with long bamboo poles, Thais forage for swallow’s nests, the main delicacy of the local cuisine, characterized by its healthy properties and high value. Nest soup is said to be a powerful aphrodisiac, so don’t get too full of it. Although the price of the delicacy in local cafes and restaurants will not allow it: not every tourist is ready to give about 450 EUR for a portion.

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The way by sea from Maya Bay to the Viking Cave takes 4.5 kilometers. Tourists who like to take risks can shorten the route four times by cutting overland, but doing so is not recommended.

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Images of Maya Bay from the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio

Practical information

Since the island of Phi Phi Phi Le is uninhabited, there is no infrastructure in the Maya Bay area. The only available way to get around by land is by walking on your own. Supermarkets with a huge selection of groceries are also absent. Travelers can count only on light snacks of dubious quality and drinks sold in a small store near the beach. You can’t make traditional Russian shashliks here: it is forbidden to build fires on the territory of the national reserve. It is worth taking care of food in advance, for example, you can take on a trip to Maya Bay a couple or three sandwiches and a bottle of water.

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Prices for excursions to Phi Phi Le and one of the most picturesque bays in Thailand can not be called democratic, but at the same time they are not overpriced. So, the excursion from Phuket and Krabi will cost a tourist 40 EUR. If you plan to go to Maya Bay from Phi Phi Don, having pre-ordered a boat tour in the travel agency of Tonsai, you will have to pay about 13 EUR for one person. You can give half as much, but then the duration of the excursion will also be halved.

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Tourists who want to sail to the coast of Maya Bay, hire and private boat on any beach of Phi Phi Don. A three-hour trip to the bay will cost 40 EUR per two people. For real extremists, a trip to the bay with an overnight stay will be attractive to have a great time on the deserted shore of Maya Bay with dinner, alcoholic drinks and beach volleyball brought to the island in advance. After dark, you can spend the night on the boat and in the open air (in a tent or sleeping bag). For these unforgettable experiences you will have to pay about 80-130 EUR per person.

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As already mentioned, entrance to the national park costs 10 EUR. However, private boaters in most cases have some kind of agreement with the caretakers of Phi Phi Leh, so there is a great chance to pay half as much. You can avoid the environmental fee by docking at Maya Bay on the left side and stealthily stepping out onto the central beach.

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Travel Tips

If you want to make your trip to the bay an unforgettable experience, stick to the following tips:

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  • Maya Bay attracts a huge number of tourists, and during the day, the bay’s beaches are as crowded as rush hour buses. If you plan to capture amazing views of the bay without people in swimsuits, head to Phi Phi Phi Le Island in the early morning. Other tourists won’t bother you, and the sunlight will present Maya Bay in a favorable light. If photography interests you less than the chance to swim in the warm sea among a small number of travelers, leave closer to 3pm;
  • check with the Thais about the approximate time of low tide in the bay. The receding water will expose the bottom, dotted with sharp stones, and swimming will not be possible, because it is shallow;
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  • If you are susceptible to heat, bring a beach umbrella to hide under from the scorching sun. There are no lounge chairs or shady corners on Maya Bay Beach.
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Otherwise, a trip to Maya Bay is no different, so welcome!

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How to get there

The famous bay is located at the following address: Koh Phi Phi Phi Le, Ko Phi Phi, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand. Maya Bay can only be reached by water: by boat or private boat. Some daredevils talk about renting a kayak, but this method is the most risky: not everyone will be able to cope with the sea elements.

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