For travellers around the world, a tropical beach getaway is almost a yearly ritual but sometimes, nature calls for a pause. During the rainy season, Maya Bay took time off for ecological recovery, giving its iconic shores a well-deserved rest. Now, after two months of renewal, the legendary beach has reopened.
Famed as the filming location for the Leonardo DiCaprio-starring The Beach and named the world's most photogenic beach in June 2025 by Heepsy, Maya Bay boasts postcard-perfect turquoise waters, powdery white sands and dramatic limestone cliffs. Every year, over two million visitors flock to this paradise in Krabi province. However, years of over-tourism took a toll on its delicate ecosystem, leading to a major closure in 2018 to allow the environment to heal.
Since its reopening in 2022, Maya Bay has adopted an annual two-month closure during the low or monsoon season (August 1-September 30) to let its marine habitat rejuvenate. This pause gives coral reefs and marine life, such as blacktip reef sharks, time to recover from tourists' impact. It’s also a crucial period for ecological restoration projects and ensures tourist safety during rough sea conditions.
Now, after this year’s short break, Maya Bay is once again ready to welcome guests back to Phi Phi Island to soak in its breathtaking natural beauty.
But with beauty comes responsibility. Every individual plays a part in preserving this island. By following park guidelines and practising mindful tourism, we can all help ensure that Maya Bay remains just as stunning for generations to come.