About
Maya Bay is a bay on Ko Phi Phi Le, one of the Phi Phi Islands off the coast of Krabi in southern Thailand. It is also known as Maya Beach, and many visitors come to see it because it was the filming location for the movie The Beach.
What to expect
The bay is framed by limestone cliffs that rise steeply around a curve of white sand. The water is clear, and its colour shifts from pale turquoise near the shore to deeper blue further out. Because the setting is so distinctive, it is easy to see why it drew film crews and, later, a steady stream of day-trippers.
Access is now limited. The area is protected in order to preserve its ecosystem, so the number of visitors and the way people reach the beach are managed. Plan ahead and expect that the experience will feel more controlled than a typical beach outing.
Planning your visit
- Location: Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Le, Krabi 81000, Thailand
- Contact: +66 75 637 200
- Who it suits: Visitors interested in landscape, photography and places connected to film, as well as those who want to see a protected marine setting
Because the bay is part of the Phi Phi Islands, many people combine it with other island stops and boat trips from the Krabi area. Check current access rules with the contact number before you go, as they may change to protect the site.
