Location
Andaman Sea, between Phuket and Krabi
Two Main Islands
Phi Phi Don (Inhabited) & Phi Phi Leh (Protected National Park)
Hollywood Setting
Maya Bay featured in Leonardo DiCaprio's 'The Beach'
Transit
2 hours by ferry or 45 mins by speedboat from Phuket/Krabi
The Jewels of the Andaman Sea
Rising like emerald fortresses from the turquoise Andaman Sea, the Phi Phi Islands are universally recognized for their dramatic vertical limestone karst cliffs, hidden sea lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs. While Koh Phi Phi Don is the vibrant, pedestrian-only hub of beachfront hotels and fire shows, uninhabited Koh Phi Phi Leh is a protected marine national park enclosing the world-famous Maya Bay.
Visiting Maya Bay Ethically
Maya Bay is celebrated for its circular amphitheater of 100-meter karst cliffs enclosing crystal-clear shallow water. Following years of strict environmental rehabilitation by the Thai Department of National Parks, tourist boats no longer anchor directly in the bay; visitors arrive via a floating dock on the rear side (Loh Samah Bay) and walk through a rainforest boardwalk, preserving the resident blacktip reef sharks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is swimming allowed inside Maya Bay?
Wading up to knee depth is permitted for photography, but deep swimming is strictly prohibited to protect the recovering marine ecosystem and shark nursery.