Maya Bay
Maya Bay
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Thailand, located on Phi Phi Leh Island, Krabi Province, Maya Bay is beautiful with its fine white sandy beach, crystal clear blue water and is surrounded by 100-meter-high limestone cliffs. This place is widely known internationally, especially after being used as a filming location for the Hollywood movie The Beach (2000), starring Leonardo DiCaprio, making it a major destination for tourists from all over the world.
1. The atmosphere and beauty of Maya Bay
Maya Bay stands out with its impeccable scenery. The clear blue water allows clear views of marine life. The beach is approximately 250 meters long and is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, creating an atmosphere of privacy and tranquility. When entering Maya Bay, tourists will experience the unspoiled nature along with a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
2. Activities at Maya Bay
Tourists can do various activities at Maya Bay, such as:
Snorkeling: Maya Bay has a beautiful and popular snorkeling spot. The water is clear and there are colorful corals and many small and big fish. Which can be easily seen at close range
Kayaking: Tourists can kayak in the bay to experience the view of the beach and limestone cliffs from a different perspective
Walking on the beach: With its white, soft and quiet sand, tourists can walk on the beach to relax and fully experience the beauty of nature.
3. Conservation and measures to close Maya Bay for restoration
Due to Maya Bay's great popularity and the large number of tourists, the marine ecosystem and corals have been severely affected. In 2018, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced the closure of Maya Bay to restore the damaged ecosystem and control the number of visitors.
Such measures have resulted in the natural restoration in Maya Bay developing well. The corals have begun to recover and marine animals that were previously absent from the area have returned to their original natural state. Closing Maya Bay during this period is therefore an example of successful and effective nature conservation.
4. Reopening Maya Bay with protection measures
In 2022, Maya Bay reopened to tourists, but there are still strict tourism control measures to maintain the balance of nature, such as:
Limiting the number of visitors per day: The number of tourists per day is limited to prevent overcrowding and reduce the impact on nature.
No boat parking on the beach: Tourists cannot use boats to park directly on the beach, but must park at a designated point and walk to the beach to prevent damage to coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
No collecting souvenirs from nature: Tourists are prohibited from collecting shells, corals or marine life as souvenirs to preserve the natural resources of Maya Bay.
5. Traveling to Maya Bay
Tourists can only travel to Maya Bay by boat. Usually, there are boats available from Krabi or Koh Phi Phi. There are both speedboats and long-tail boats to choose from, which provide different travel experiences.
From Krabi: Tourists can rent a speedboat or long-tail boat from Ao Nang Pier or Koh Lanta Pier. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type of boat.
From Koh Phi Phi: Koh Phi Phi is very close to Maya Bay. Traveling from Koh Phi Phi to Maya Bay takes about 15-20 minutes by speedboat or long-tail boat.
6. Tips for visiting Maya Bay
Prepare snorkeling equipment: If you like snorkeling, you should bring your own snorkeling equipment, such as a mask and snorkel, for ease of use.
Follow conservation rules: Strictly follow the park's regulations to help preserve the natural environment and protect marine life and coral.
Be mindful of safety: Maya Bay is a very safe area, but be careful when swimming and snorkeling, especially if the waves are strong or the wind is strong.
Summary
Maya Bay is a paradise for tourists who love nature and the sea. With its beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning scenery, Maya Bay is not only a beautiful tourist attraction, but also a good example of nature conservation in Thailand. If you have a chance to visit, be sure to follow the protection measures to maintain the beauty and balance of nature here.
