Maya Bay 2026: Everything to Know Before You Go

Made world-famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film "The Beach," Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh is one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand. After years of closure to let its coral and marine life recover, it has reopened — but with strict rules to protect it. Here's everything you need to know before you visit Maya Bay in 2026.

Is Maya Bay open in 2026?

Yes — Maya Bay is open to visitors in 2026. However, it closes every year for environmental recovery, and in 2026 the closure runs from 1 August to 30 September. If your trip falls in those months, you can still enjoy the rest of the Phi Phi Islands, but Maya Bay itself will be off-limits.

Opening hours

The bay is generally open daily from around 7:00 in the morning. Arriving early — on one of the first boats of the day — means cooler temperatures, softer light for photos, and far fewer people.

Entrance fee

Maya Bay sits inside a national park, so there's an entrance fee of around 400 THB for foreign adults (about 200 THB for children; Thai nationals pay less). This park fee is paid on the day and is not included in tour prices.

The no-swimming rule

You can no longer swim at Maya Bay beach. Visitors may wade into the water up to knee height only. It can feel strict, but it's the rule that's allowing the reef and blacktip reef sharks to return — and it's part of what keeps the bay so pristine.

How you actually arrive

Boats are no longer allowed to enter Maya Bay itself. Instead, they drop visitors at a floating pier at the back of the island (the Loh Samah side), and you walk through a short boardwalk to the beach. Your Krabi Voyager captain handles all of this for you.

Rules to respect (and fines to avoid)

• Use reef-safe sunscreen only — sunscreens containing oxybenzone are banned to protect the coral.

• Take all rubbish with you; littering is penalised.

• Stay on the marked paths and within the permitted areas.

• Daily visitor numbers are capped and time on the beach is limited (about an hour), so keep to your group's schedule.

Authorities have introduced heavy fines for breaking the rules, so it pays to follow them — and it keeps Maya Bay beautiful for everyone.

How to beat the crowds

Maya Bay gets busy fast. The trick is to go early and to travel privately, so you're not waiting on a big group's timetable. A private Phi Phi tour with Krabi Voyager can time your visit for the quieter window and pair it with the stunning Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Bay and Bamboo Island.

See Maya Bay with Krabi Voyager

Ready to tick Maya Bay off your bucket list? Book your private longtail boat tour with Krabi Voyager and enjoy Phi Phi at your own pace, with a beach picnic and snorkeling included.

National park rules, fees, hours and closure dates are set by the authorities and can change — please check the latest information before you travel.