Maya Bay

  • Krabi NewsMaya Bay reopens after two-month environmental rehabilitation

    Maya Bay reopens after two-month environmental rehabilitation

    Maya Bay, the iconic destination in Krabi’s Phi Phi Islands, will welcome visitors once more after a two-month closure for environmental rehabilitation. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), led by its Director-General Attapon Charoenchansa, confirmed the reopening of Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Lor Kor Bay, marking the end of their temporary closure from August…

  • Thailand NewsMaya Bay to close for two months for monsoon season recovery

    Maya Bay to close for two months for monsoon season recovery

    The renowned Maya Bay in the Phi Phi Islands will be closed to tourists from August 1 to September 30 to allow nature to recover and ensure visitor safety during the monsoon season. Despite the rough seas, tourists continue to flock to this destination made famous by the Danny Boyle movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Yutthapong Damsrisuk, head of…

  • Thailand NewsMaya Bay ranks 5th in world’s best beaches for 2024 (video)

    Maya Bay ranks 5th in world’s best beaches for 2024 (video)

    Maya Bay, located on the idyllic Phi Phi Islands in Krabi province, has been named the 5th-best beach in the world for 2024 by Beach Atlas, a website based in the United Kingdom. This prestigious recognition places Maya Bay at the top of the list not only in Thailand but also as the number one beach across the ASEAN region.…

  • Thailand NewsWhy Swedish tourists flock to Thailand

    Why Swedish tourists flock to Thailand

    According to recent statistics from reputable sources, Thailand remains one of the top five travel destinations for Swedish tourists and the number-one destination for Swedish tourists outside of European destinations, but why? Let’s dive straight in to discover some of the main reasons why so many tourists from Sweden tend to flock to this exotic location in the heart of…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s iconic Maya Bay: From Hollywood glamour to environmental struggle

    Thailand’s iconic Maya Bay: From Hollywood glamour to environmental struggle

    Maya Bay, nestled in Thailand’s Phang-Nga province, clinched third place in the world’s beaches, according to the Lonely Planet travel guide. Dubbed “a slip of a beach hidden by limestone cliffs,” Maya Bay skyrocketed to international fame when acclaimed director Danny Boyle handpicked it as the backdrop for his blockbuster hit The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Despite its cinematic allure,…

  • GuidesExperience Koh Phi Phi’s best itinerary in just 3 days

    Experience Koh Phi Phi’s best itinerary in just 3 days

    The picturesque Koh Phi Phi is an archipelago located off the southwest coast of Thailand, nestled in the Andaman Sea. This tropical paradise, well-known for its glistening blue waters, soaring limestone cliffs, and exciting nightlife, is the ideal retreat for both beachgoers and thrill-seekers and families. Settle in for an adventure through Koh Phi Phi’s must-see attractions and hidden jewels.…

  • Thailand NewsMaya Bay closed until September 30 for nature restoration and tourist safety

    Maya Bay closed until September 30 for nature restoration and tourist safety

    Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi Nationa Park authorities, located in the southern province of Krabi, announced they will close Maya Bay and Loh Sama Bay from August 1 to September 30. The move aims to preserve nature and prioritise tourist safety during the monsoon season. Ratchanok Parenoi, the national park director, pointed out that Thailand experiences the monsoon season…

  • Environment NewsManaging blacktip reef sharks in Maya Bay, Thailand

    Managing blacktip reef sharks in Maya Bay, Thailand

    The National Parks Department of Thailand aims to enhance the management of the country’s popular tourist conservation areas following the return of blacktip reef sharks to Maya Bay. Maya Bay was closed for four years, from 2018 to 2022, to facilitate the recovery of the island’s wildlife. The bay’s popularity surged after the release of the 2000 movie The Beach,…

  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Foreigners anger Chiang Mai locals for kissing in temple

    Thailand News Today | Foreigners anger Chiang Mai locals for kissing in temple

      Maya Bay on Koh พีพีเล in Krabi province has reopened to the public. The iconic bay had been closed to tourists to allow for environmental recovery. … The closure will be an annual occurrence to try to protect the ecology and wildlife living or visiting the iconic bay. Maya Bay exploded in popularity after serving as the picturesque backdrop to the 2000 film “The Beach” starring…

  • Tourism NewsMaya Bay reopens once again to the public

    Maya Bay reopens once again to the public

    After a two-month hiatus, Maya Bay on Koh Pi Pi Leh in Krabi province has reopened to the public. The iconic bay had been closed to tourists to allow for environmental recovery. The closure will be an annual occurrence to try to protect the ecology and wildlife living or visiting the iconic bay. Maya Bay exploded in popularity after serving…

  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Court fines “The Beach” producers 10m baht to restore Maya Bay

    Thailand News Today | Court fines “The Beach” producers 10m baht to restore Maya Bay

      Court fines “The Beach” producers 10m baht to restore Maya Bay Thailand’s Supreme Court ruled that Hollywood movie company 20th Century Fox – now renamed 20th Century Studios – is required to pay 10 million baht in environmental damages caused by the movie “The Beach” back in 2000 starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Filming for “The Beach” began at Maya Bay…

  • Crime NewsThailand orders 20th Century Fox to pay 10 million baht to restore Maya Bay

    Thailand orders 20th Century Fox to pay 10 million baht to restore Maya Bay

    Today, Thailand’s Supreme Court ruled that Hollywood movie company 20th Century Fox – now renamed 20th Century Studios – is required to pay 10 million baht in environmental damages caused by the movie “The Beach” (2000) starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Filming for “The Beach” began at Maya Bay at the Phi Phi Islands in Krabi province, southern Thailand, in 1998. The…

  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Thailand admits to spying on its citizens

    Thailand News Today | Thailand admits to spying on its citizens

      Less than a day after police denied using spyware to track Thai democracy activists, a government minister admitted Thailand does use surveillance to monitor its citizens. Successive Thai governments have been accused by Human rights groups of using broad definitions of national security as an excuse to prosecute or suppress the activities of their main rivals. This past Monday,…

  • Environment NewsThailand’s iconic Maya Bay to temporarily close again

    Thailand’s iconic Maya Bay to temporarily close again

    Thailand’s iconic Maya Bay – located on Koh Pi Pi Leh in Krabi province – will be off-limits to tourists for the duration of August and September for another period of environmental restoration. The bay, made famous by “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, reopened to tourists on January 1 after a three and a half year closure. All tourist activities…

  • Environment NewsMore Thai national parks to close to allow for recovery during monsoon season

    More Thai national parks to close to allow for recovery during monsoon season

    The national parks at Mu Koh Similan and Mu Koh Surin have joined Mu Koh Lanta in Krabi province in closing for the monsoon season. The famous tourist attraction of Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Leh, kicked things off recently, when officials announced that it would once again close to allow the bay’s fragile eco-system to recover. Maya Bay re-opened…

  • Thailand NewsMonkeys party in hot tub at luxury resort in Krabi, Thailand

    Monkeys party in hot tub at luxury resort in Krabi, Thailand

    A couple were excited for a two night getaway to a luxury resort in Krabi with a sea view room and a private hot tub. But when they arrived, it turned out the hot tub was more communal than they thought. In a video posted on Facebook, a group of monkeys can be seen having the time of their lives,…

  • Thailand video newsChanges to the Thailand Pass | GMT

    Changes to the Thailand Pass | GMT

    A few minor changes to the current Thailand Pass and last week tourism officials announced that they plan to present a proposal to cancel Thailand’s Test & Go entry scheme at the next meeting of the CCSA. Songkran, full moon party, Maya bay and Caviar. All these stories and more coming up on todays Good Morning Thailand.  

  • Environment NewsWildlife at Krabi beach from Leonardo DiCaprio film recovers from tourist overrun

    Wildlife at Krabi beach from Leonardo DiCaprio film recovers from tourist overrun

    A famous beach in Krabi, featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach, is now recovering its wildlife after having been overrun by tourists in the past. The beach, the focus of visiting Maya Bay, closed in 2018, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, because of how much tourism had damaged the ecosystem. Now, plant and animal species that disappeared are returning. The bay…

  • Thailand video newsThailand News Today | Omicron surge warning, Pfizer reveals pill results

    Thailand News Today | Omicron surge warning, Pfizer reveals pill results

    The Department of Medical Services says Thailand could end up dealing with a surge of Omicron infections after the end-of-year celebrations. The tourist hotspot of Maya Bay, in the southern province of Krabi, will re-open as scheduled on New Year’s Day. Japan has donated 17 second-hand diesel trains to Thailand which will be refurbished and ready to be in service…

  • Krabi NewsMaya Bay re-opening to go ahead with strict conditions attached

    Maya Bay re-opening to go ahead with strict conditions attached

    The tourist hotspot of Maya Bay, in the southern province of Krabi, will re-open as scheduled on New Year’s Day. However, the re-opening comes with some strict conditions attached. There had been some doubt about whether the re-opening of the beauty spot would go ahead, but Thailand’s prominent marine ecologist, Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasawat from Kasetsart University, says it’s happening. According…

  • Krabi NewsNo confirmation on whether January 1 re-opening of Maya Bay can go ahead

    No confirmation on whether January 1 re-opening of Maya Bay can go ahead

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation says it’s still waiting to hear from the Natural Resources and Environment Minister if the re-opening of Maya Bay can go ahead. The hugely popular tourist draw was expected to re-open from January 1 and Damras Phoprasit from the DNP says he’s already reassured Minister Varawut Silpa-archa that the newly-constructed pier…

  • Thailand video newsThe “Dislike: button, Serving alcohol, Thai longtail boats | Thaiger Bites | Ep.75

    The “Dislike: button, Serving alcohol, Thai longtail boats | Thaiger Bites | Ep.75

    Jay and Tim go through your video messages, comments and feedback from Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and Thaiger Talk forum on the website.

  • Tourism NewsMaya Bay reopening likely to be postponed | VIDEO

    Maya Bay reopening likely to be postponed | VIDEO

    Maya Bay, on Koh Phi Phi Leh, in between Krabi and Phuket, was slated for a reopening on January 1. But now there’s a building swell of local support to keep the famous Bay closed, for a while anyway. A Line group used by the Marine National Park, along with tour operators and other stakeholders, has revealed a groundswell of…

  • Tourism NewsThe future of Thailand’s Maya Bay – Report #1 | VIDEO

    The future of Thailand’s Maya Bay – Report #1 | VIDEO

    Should Maya Bay reopen? Of course it probably will, at the start of 2022. But there are fears that, despite the best intentions, it will be back to mass tourism and ‘market forces rule’. Maya Bay is the Andaman region’s most popular tourist destination, based on interest generated from the 2000 Hollywood movie “The Beach” from the Alex Garland novel…

  • Thailand video newsThai Airways generates profits, Maya bay re-opens | Good Morning Thailand LIVE | Ep.132

    Thai Airways generates profits, Maya bay re-opens | Good Morning Thailand LIVE | Ep.132

    In today’s episode Jay, Tim and Arina discuss about the re-opening of Maya Bay, Thailand’s electric vehicle ecosystem and Thai Airways making a profit.

  • Tourism NewsThailand’s Maya Bay set to reopen in January

    Thailand’s Maya Bay set to reopen in January

    Maya Bay. Remember that breathtakingly pretty beach on Koh Phi Phi Leh off Krabi? Now, the beach that featured in “The Beach” is now poised to reopen. The iconic natural cove of limestone karsts, turquoise waters and THAT beach was one of Thailand’s most popular attractions for a decade with up to 6,000 visitors everyday. But in the end even…

  • Krabi NewsWork on Maya Bay jetty nearly complete, but officials say, “not yet” to re-opening

    Work on Maya Bay jetty nearly complete, but officials say, “not yet” to re-opening

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has responded to pleas for Maya Bay to re-open by telling local officials to wait. Krabi authorities are anxious for the famed beauty spot to re-open as they desperately try to revive tourism in the province. The bay has been closed since 2018 after conservationists determined that a break from visitors…

  • Thai LifeTracking down “The Beach” – the inspiration for the 2000 Hollywood movie

    Tracking down “The Beach” – the inspiration for the 2000 Hollywood movie

    Tourists flocked to Maya Bay, you know ‘The Beach’ featured in the 2000 movie starring Leonardo de Caprio and directed by Danny Boyle. Since 2000, the tourist magnet on Koh Phi Phi Ley became a Mecca for the back-packer crowd followed by a mass tourist flock, bringing some 5,000+ tourists to the small bay every day at its peak. In…

  • Environment NewsNational parks may close annually to recover wildlife

    National parks may close annually to recover wildlife

    Environmentalist think Thailand’s national parks need to take a break. They’re considering closing the parks once a year to give wildlife time to rehabilitate. Since many parks have been closed during the coronavirus pandemic, wildlife has returned to areas, according to Environment and Natural resources Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. By closing the parks for a 2 to 4 months out of…

  • Environment NewsTourist and environment groups share concerns for new access piers for Maya Bay

    Tourist and environment groups share concerns for new access piers for Maya Bay

    The Chairman of Krabi Tourism Industry Council has shared his concerns about new piers and landing facilities on Koh Phi Phi Ley after being made aware that the Department of National Parks had the initiative to build a pier so tourist can travel by foot to Loh Samah Bay area behind Maya Bay, Ao Nang Subdistrict, Muang District, Krabi. Maya…