The white sandy beach of Maya Bay is one of the most beautiful and most photographed spots in Thailand. Recently Phi Phi Island got all the attention of local and international visitors due to the popularity of Maya Bay. There are different ways to get there depending on where you start your journey. I have been there three times, from Railay Bay in Krabi, from Phuket and the closest one was from Phi Phi Don independently by a rented longtail boat. Unfortunately, I was part of a tour group from Ao Nang, Krabi, and on another occasion from Phuket, so I had limited time to spend on the beach and explore the island.
May Bay – Where Is It
Maya Bay is located in the Andaman Sea, Thailand, part of Koh Phi Phi Leh, about 25 miles (25 km) from Phuket Island and almost the same distance from Krabi on the other side. If you plan to stay overnight or spend a few days unwinding close by, then Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island where you will find hotels, resorts, restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
How To Get There
The only way to reach Maya Bay is by boat from any direction, such as Phuket or Krabi. Ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi Don island, takes about 2 hours, and from there, by boat to Maya Bay. The other option is by speedboat, which takes half as long. Both can be booked as part of a package guided or self-guided tour. They will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel if you book a package tour. The advantage of a shared or private guided tour is they visit the most famous sights, including Maya Bay, as part of a day trip with a complimentary lunch. This tour package is perfect for those on a tight schedule.
What To Expect On The Island
Previously I entered the bay on the front side directly to the main beach, but since the reopening of the bay for tourists after a closure, you no longer can access it from the front; instead, your boat will land at Loh Samay Bay on the back side of the Phi Phi Leh island, from there you need to walk through the jungle for few munites to get to the main beach. If you are visiting as part of your Phi Phi package tour, you will get an hour to explore the beach and the bay area. You will find a small cafe come bar on the island, for toilet follow the sign.
If you are entering the bay on your own, there is a National Park entry fee of 400 baths. However, as part of a package tour, the total package price includes the entry fee, so you don’t need to worry.
Things to do
Maya Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay surrounded by tall limestone cliffs on three sides. Inside the bay, there are several beaches, most are small, and some you can see only at low tide. The main beach is about 700 feet with silky soft white sand, colorful underwater coral. You will also see colorful exotic fish swimming around in exceptionally clear water; the whole bay is one big reef.
Everything looks so relaxing and serene. But make no mistake; the beach gets crowded pretty fast during the mid-day as tourists from all directions kept coming. So to avoid the crowd, you can spend a day in Koh Phi Phi Don or head there early. Then from Koh Phi Phi Don, rent a private boat for a few hours to take you to Maya Bay.
Long Tail Boat Trip
Phi Phi and Maya Bay were always popular tourist spots, but it got bustling since the filming of ’The Beach’ in 1999. They claim between November, and April is the best time to visit that part of Thailand because the seas are calm and access to the islands is easy, but it is not always the case. I was there in November and December but had practical experience of how bumpy and rough the sea could be. But anyway, that was a completely different experience, never to forget.
Snorkeling, Diving and Kayaking Close By
Our tour boat took us snorkeling and diving in a remote bay, underwater we saw a lot of colorful fish, and the visibility was excellent. I saw people kayaking, but I opted out as we needed to move on to another island for more adventure.
Where to stay in Phi Phi Don Island
ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel and Resort
At the beachfront with panoramic views of the sea, ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort offers accommodations in Phi Phi Don. Guests can enjoy sunset views while indulging in the outdoor pool. The on-site tour and information desk can assist guests with sightseeing arrangements around the island. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
SAii Phi Phi Island Village
SAii Phi Phi Island Village is a dream-like tropical resort on a private 2,400 feet stretch of pristine white sandy beach lapped by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. The resort is set amid 70 acres of coconut palm plantations in the privacy of Loh Ba Gao Bay on the peaceful northeast coast of beautiful Phi Phi Island. Accommodations include 189 traditional Thai-style bungalows and 12 exclusive Hillside Pool Villas. Each villa has its own private pool overlooking the island’s magnificent scenery. Resort facilities include five restaurants, three bars, a spa, a gift shop, a recreation center, a fitness room, two large swimming pools, and tennis courts.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Koh Phi Phi, Thailand? Any cool tips to share?
Over the years I have visited Thailand multiple times, but during this particular trip, I was flying out of Singapore to Phuket for 4 days then flying to Bangkok for a few more days. While in Phuket I have visited Phi Phi Don Island where most of the hotels are. Here is a few I have listed. It was a great experience and definitely loved it. Hope my story has given you some idea and motivated you to plan a trip.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
Was this travel guide helpful for you?
If you’d like to help me continue making free guides, here is one way you can help:
- Share This Guide – If you have a friend that would benefit from this guide, share it with them. Or post this guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+
Your Support would definitely help me make more free guides like this. Thank you in advance!
Affiliate Link – This post in Dizzy Traveler contains affiliate links, which means I receive a referral commission if you purchase after clicking at no additional cost to you. These funds go to maintain the site. Thank you for your support.
Book your Sightseeing Trip
There are a lot of beautiful places to visit to bring unforgettable memories back home. Please click on our below affiliate link to see your options.
