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How to Visit Famous Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand? – Detailed Guide and Review

Table of Contents

By Beata – Adventure Travel Writer

Modified on

March 15, 2026

Postcard-perfect Maya Bay is a must-see, but its legendary fame comes with massive crowds.

On my first visit, the breathtaking scenery was buried under a sea of group tours.

To help you avoid my mistakes, I’ve put together this guide based on my time on the islands.

If you want to actually connect with nature here consider booking a private boat and heading out early in the morning.

Keep reading to find out how to visit famous Maya Bay, get my honest opinion on the experience, and plan the perfect trip for yourself!

View of the Koh Phi Phi Leh Maya Bay, clear, blue sea and huge limestone cliffs in the distance

TL;DR Maya Bay Shortcut

Maya Bay is one of the most iconic places to visit in Southern Thailand. For more destinations, see this Southern Thailand travel guide.

The Reality -> While breathtaking, Maya Bay is extremely crowded.
The Strategy -> Avoid group tours arriving after 10:00 AM. For the best experience, hire a private long-tail boat and arrive by 7:00 AM.
Getting There -> Maya Bay is accessible only by boat. Tours from Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Lanta take 1.5–2 hours; when staying on Koh Phi Phi Don it is only a 20-minute boat ride, with many tour options.
The Cost -> Group tours from Phi Phi Don start at 600 THB ($19). Private boats cost 1,500+ THB ($48). In addition to that there’s a separate 400 THB ($13) National Park entry fee.
Conservation Rules -> Maya Bay is a protected area, swimming is strictly prohibited in the bay itself—respecting this rule is vital for the recovery of the coral reef ecosystem.
Ethical Note -> Many tours visit Monkey Beach, where animals are stressed by crowds. To travel more responsibly, ask your driver to skip this stop and spend more time at the bay or snorkeling.

Where is Maya Bay Located

Maya Bay is located on Koh Phi Phi Leh, the second largest of the Phi Phi Islands.

You can’t stay there overnight since it’s an uninhabited and protected area.

The nearest place to find accommodation is on Phi Phi Don, just a short boat ride away.

For more beaches, viewpoints, and travel tips, see mycomplete Koh Phi Phi travel guide.

Maya Bay is part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park.

Most travelers arrive at Koh Phi Phi by ferry before continuing their island hopping trip through the region.

Koh Phi Phi is a group of islands in the northern part of the Andaman Sea. Located in the Strait of Malacca, on Thailand’s west coast.
It’s close to Koh Lanta, Phuket, and Krabi Town – within 1 hrlong speedboat ride.
The biggest island in the group, and the only inhabited one, is Koh Phi Phi Don.
The other islands include Koh Yung, Koh Mai Phai, Koh Pida Nok, and Koh Pida Nai.

Why is Maya Bay famous?

Maya Bay became famous for its unique, paradise-like scenery: crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand and distinctive limestone cliffs guarding the bay.

This natural gem was also the filming location for the Hollywood movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio.

The movie turned Maya Bay into a globally recognized destination, attracting even more visitors.

Most tourists, including myself, haven’t seen the movie but know it was filmed there – seeing day trips advertised everywhere on Koh Phi Phi Don, we felt obliged to visit this must-see spot.

Unfortunately, Maya Bay’s fame led to its decline.

At its peak, hundreds of people would crowd the beach daily, causing significant damage to its natural environment.
Sunscreen pollution and boat activity damaged unique coral reefs.
Overtourism also contributed to the disappearance of blacktip reef sharks residing in the area.

During the pandemic, Maya Bay was closed, and when it reopened, new rules were implemented to protect it.

Boats no longer have direct access to the bay; instead, a pier was built on the opposite side where visitors now arrive.
Swimming In the sea and flying drones is not allowed.

Park rangers closely monitor the area, ensuring visitors don’t go too deep in the water and harm the fragile coral reefs.

How to Visit Maya Bay

1. Booking a Group Tour to Maya Bay

Koh Phi Phi Don is famous for its huge parties and lively nightlife, but you don’t need to stay there to visit Maya Bay.

The easiest way to visit Maya Bay is by booking an organized tour.

These tours are available all along the Thai Andaman coast.
You can find countless options for visiting Maya Bay from Phuket, Koh Lanta, Ao Nang, Krabi Town and other destinations.
Tours booked from these locations tend to be more expensive than those on Koh Phi Phi Don since it takes about an hour by speedboat to reach the island.
To find a tour, you can simply walk down one of the popular tourist streets, where you’ll see plenty of agencies offering their packages.
Other option is to book a trip online.
Or you ask your hotel for assistance – they often have brochures from tour operators that work with them.

Prices and itineraries vary, so it’s worth comparing options available in different places to find the best deal.

2. Renting a private boat to visit Maya Bay

An alternative to a group tour is renting a private boat.

The cheapest option is to get the boat on Koh Phi Phi Don, as it’s the closest to Maya Bay.
This is a great choice if you want flexibility, control over your itinerary, and an early start to beat the crowds.
Although, even if you arrive early in the morning (Maya Bay opens at 7 AM), you won’t be alone.
But there will be fewer visitors, and the cooler morning temperatures will make it more comfortable.

The only downside to renting a private boat is the cost, as it will be less affordable than a group tour.

You will need to pay for the boat rental and additional 400-baht fee to enter Maya Bay.

Boats and people swimming at the snorkeling spot near Koh Phi Phi

What to Expect from a Group Tour to Maya Bay

When booking a group tour to Maya Bay, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

We wanted to see all the beautiful and famous destinations in the area and decided to book a full-day trip.

Our package, apart from Maya Bay, included also: Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, and countless snorkeling and swimming spots.

The day began early, around 8 AM.
Our meeting point was McDonald’s, and from there, we were guided to a nearby beach restaurant where our speedboat was waiting.
Despite the crowds and multiple tours gathering in the area, everything ran smoothly.
We were given wristbands to distinguish us as full-day tour participants, while people on half-day tours had different colours.
Expect around 15 other people from various countries on the boat.

Our tour guide spoke English, but unfortunately didn’t provide much information or guidance.

His main role seemed to be ensuring our safety and keeping the group organized.

The tour provided snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and some snacks, including fruit, water, Coke, and watermelon.

Once on board, be prepared for a busy day with multiple stops and sights.

Keep in mind that the ride can be bumpy, even if the sea appears calm near Koh Phi Phi.
Small speedboats can have rough rides, so take sea sickness medicine beforehand if needed.
Maya Bay was the third stop on our itinerary, so unfortunately, we didn’t arrive early enough to avoid the crowds.

Experiencing Famous Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh

We arrived at the floating pier on Koh Phi Phi Leh and were directed by our tour guide toward Maya Bay.

Even before noon, the area was bustling with people.
We had to follow the crowd carefully to avoid losing sight of our group members.
Our meeting point was the information area near the public toilets.
The walk from the pier to Maya Bay is short but packed with people moving in both directions.

I must admit, Maya Bay is breathtaking.

The sand is incredibly soft and white, and the water is a perfect shade of turquoise.
The unique rock formations add to the stunning scenery, unlike anything else in the region.

However, aside from taking pictures, there isn’t much to do.

Tourists from all over the world flock to Maya Bay, each trying to capture the perfect shot.
Navigating through people posing for photoshoots can be challenging.
National park guards are vigilant, ensuring visitors don’t venture too deep into the water, as swimming and disturbing the coral reefs is prohibited.
Flying drones is also not allowed in Maya Bay.

We spent no more than an hour at Maya Bay, strolling and soaking in the scenery, with a brief bathroom break on our way back.

For me, the experience was somewhat underwhelming due to the crowds and the intense heat.

While the natural beauty of Maya Bay is undeniable, the sheer number of tourists made it less enjoyable.

View of the Koh Phi Phi Leh Maya Bay, tourists on the beach, clear, blue sea and huge limestone cliffs in the distance

Viking Beach and Monkey Bay

Other highlights of our trip included stops at Viking Cave and Monkey Beach.

We visited these spots before Maya Bay, and I wish we had done later to avoid the crowds at Maya Bay.

Our first stop was Monkey Beach, located on the southern part of Koh Phi Phi Don.

Unfortunately, this was the worst experience I had in Thailand. It just felt wrong.
We arrived at the beach alongside numerous long-tail boats and speedboats, each packed with tourists visiting this small beach.
The beach, known for its population of monkeys, was overcrowded with tourists far outnumbering the monkeys.
People chased the monkeys to take close-up pictures and pose with them.
I couldn’t understand why this is considered an attraction. It’s just a beach with monkeys and hundreds of tourists flocking around them daily.

The monkeys, now accustomed to humans, have developed bad habits – they search for food and items to steal (like glasses and phones).

They can become aggressive, making it unsafe to interact with them.

There are more ethical destinations in Thailand to see monkeys.

You can go kayaking in the mangrove forests of Koh Lanta, visit Buddhist temple near Koh Lanta Old Town or Tiger Temple near Krabi.

Our second stop was the Viking Cave, located on the east coast of Koh Phi Phi Leh.

The boat stops near the cave, and the tour guide points out where to look.
Old paintings inside the cave are fascinating, but you can’t get too close.
Viking Cave is closed to tourists and we could only view it from the boat.

The cave is also famous for the white-nest swiftlet birds that reside there. Locals collect their nests to make traditional swift nest soup.

In conclusion, while Monkey Beach and Viking Cave are notable stops, they didn’t add much value to our trip.

Monkey beach at Koh Phi Phi, people taking picture of the monkeys

Swimming and Snorkeling Spots

After visiting Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and Maya Bay, our tour was focused on stopping by scenic snorkeling spots around Koh Phi Phi Leh.

One of the most beautiful places to swim and snorkel is Pileh Lagoon.
The magnificent limestone cliffs surrounding the lagoon make it a picturesque destination.
You can jump from the boat and swim in the warm waters surrounded by stunning scenery.

Unfortunately, this part of the trip wasn’t perfect:

The space to swim was quite limited by the many boats with other tourists.
It’s advisable to wear a lifejacket to stay visible to other boats.
We also saw many jellyfish in the water, making swimming less enjoyable and somewhat dangerous.

Some day trips also stop for snorkeling by the Shark Point at the Long Beach on Koh Phi Phi Don.

Midway through the trip, we returned to Koh Phi Phi Don for (packed) lunch.

After that, we were supposed to visit Bamboo Island and other snorkeling spots.

However, we decided to end our journey here as one of our friends got seasick and couldn’t continue. To be honest I wasn’t feeling great myslef and was happy to cut the trip short.

Speedboats to Maya Bay can be very fast and bumpy. Don’t repeat our mistake and pack sea-sickness medicine before the trip.

I wasn’t impressed with the tour up to this point, although Bamboo Island was supposed to be a lovely spot for relaxing and snorkelling.

Snorkeling spot near Koh Phi Phi, boats and limestone cliffs in the distance

Is a Day Trip to Maya Bay Worth It?

Honestly, I wouldn’t book the same trip again.

Seeing Maya Bay once was enough for me, and if I were to go back, it would be on a private boat, very early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

I didn’t enjoy the format of the group trip. It felt rushed, as we had to follow a strict schedule, and move quickly between popular spots.
The tour guide mainly directed us from point A to B, without providing much insight into the wildlife or Thai culture.
Compared to a private long-tail boat trip we took to visit Emerald Cave, this experience felt far more commercial.

If you’re traveling solo, a group tour might be more economical, but if you can split the costs with others, a private boat usually offers a more authentic experience.

Our group tour cost around $25 per person (half-day trips are cheaper).
In contrast, private boat rentals are around $80 plus a 400-baht per person entry fee for Maya Bay.
Although renting a private boat can be pricey, it’s definitely worth for more personalised and flexible experience

It’s also worth considering alternative types of tours to Maya Bay, like a sunset trip with bioluminescent plankton, or visiting Maiton Private Island with dolphin watching.

Overall, if you really want to visit Maya Bay, consider booking a private boat and, if possible, try skipping Monkey Beach.

Useful Tips for Visiting Maya Bay

Tip	Recommendations
Go Early – Consider a Sunrise Package	Beat the crowds and high temperatures by arriving at sunrise Enjoy the bay’s beauty in peace before the main tour boats arrive Cooler morning air makes exploring the island more comfortable
Book a Private Boat for Flexibility	Hire a local boat driver directly to support the community and save money Start earlier than organized tours, which often depart later due to the nightlife scene Customize your itinerary and stay as long as you like at each spot
Prepare for Rough Seas	Expect a bumpy journey, especially when traveling on smaller speedboats Take motion sickness medication beforehand if you are prone to seasickness Arriving prepared ensures the boat ride doesn’t ruin your energy for the day
Watch for Jellyfish While Snorkeling	Stay cautious as jellyfish are common in the waters around Koh Phi Phi Leh Check the water surface before jumping in, as they can be hard to spot Wear a rash guard or full-body swimsuit for added protection against stings

Alternative Day Tours to Maya Bay

Emerald Cave – Visit the famous Emerald Cave on Koh Mook, where you’ll go through a dark tunnel to reach a hidden lagoon. While it can be crowded, this experience is much more adventurous than visiting Maya Bay.
7 Island Snorkeling – this tour includes visits to some of the most beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea. The full-day journey takes you to pristine beaches and fabulous snorkeling spots located in the National Marine Parks.
James Bond Island – Explore James Bond Island, made famous by the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.” The dramatic limestone cliffs and unique rock formations make it an unforgettable adventure
Koh Tabalong – Discover the natural beauty of Koh Tabalong with its serene beaches, dark caves and vast mangrove forests. You will be exploring Thailand’s hidden gems by sailing on a long-tail boat, kayaking and swimming.

Other Things to Do on Koh Phi Phi

Hiking – Explore the island’s stunning viewpoints, jungle trails and scenic coastal paths.
Snorkeling and Diving – The waters surrounding Koh Phi Phi are perfect for snorkelers and divers. Head to the best sites like: Blacktip Reef Shark Point, Bida Nok, Bida Nai, or the King Cruiser Wreck.
Kayaking – Rent a kayak and paddle around the island to discover remote beaches and maybe even some secluded snorkeling sites.
Exploring Beaches – Spend your day beach-hopping to explore the pristine beaches of Koh Phi Phi Don. Each destination offers a unique atmosphere and stunning scenery.
Visiting Mangrove Forest – Kayak through the mangrove forests near Loh Ba Kao Bay for a perfect nature escape. You might even spot wildlife up close, including massive monitor lizards that inhabit the mangroves.
Nightlife – Experience the rich nightlife of Koh Phi Phi Don. Choose from huge pool parties, lively beach bars and spectacular fire shows, just to name a few of the countless entertainment options.
Relaxing in a massage parlor – Thailand is renowned for its high-quality, affordable massage parlors. Indulge in a spa day or simply pop in for a classic Thai massage to let your muscles relax.
Getting a bamboo tattoo – Consider getting a traditional bamboo tattoo from one of the local tattoo studios. This ancient technique is supposed to be less painful and heal faster than machine tattoos.
Fighting on a Muay Thai ring – Visit a popular Thai boxing bar, where you can watch how amateurs and professionals fight (but not each other). You might even join other tourists on a ring, if you’d like to experience Thailand’s national sport up close.

Koh Phi Phi viewpoint, buildings and mountains in the distance

Support More Sustainable Initiatives in Southern Thailand

Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Visit “Following Giants,” an ethical elephant sanctuary on Koh Lanta.

Here you won’t interact directly with rescued elephants.
Instead, you’ll spend the day observing them in their natural habitat, following them as they roam through the jungle.
This experience includes hiking, visiting waterfalls, and learning about Thailand’s wildlife and sustainability efforts.

Lanta Animal Welfare

Support Lanta Animal Welfare, a shelter dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray and abused animals on Koh Lanta and the surrounding islands.

You can contribute to their mission by joining a guided tour, donating, volunteering, or even adopting a pet.
Your involvement helps provide essential care for animals in need.

Engaging with the Urak Lawoi Community

The Urak Lawoi are an indigenous “sea people”, a tribe native to the Andaman coast.

Due to the development of southern Thailand, this semi-nomadic group was resettled from their traditional beachfront villages.
Now, they live in communities on islands like Koh Lipe, Koh Mook, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phi Phi Don.
When visiting these islands, consider exploring their villages to learn about their culture and history.
If you’re lucky, you might join their traditional celebrations or festivals.

Support businesses that employ Urak Lawoi people.

Hiring them as boat drivers for guided fishing tours, is a meaningful way to contribute to their community.

They are excellent boat drivers and can even take you on a guided fishing tour into the deep sea.

Black cat sleeping in the carton box, Lanta Animal Welfare

Final Thoughts on Visiting Famous Maya Bay

Maya Bay is undeniably beautiful, with its breathtaking scenery and unique nature.

However, the reality of visiting it can be somehow underwhelming due to the crowds and its commercial feel.

While group tours are convenient, they can feel rushed and lack the flexibility.

For a better experience, consider renting a private boat and going on a sunrise or sunset trip to avoid the crowds.

If you’re looking for more authentic and sustainable options, explore other stunning spots around Koh Phi Phi.

Maya Bay is worth seeing, but planning ahead is key to a better trip.