Maya Bay, Marine bay in Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
Maya Bay is a crescent-shaped cove on the Phi Phi Islands with white sand beaches and steep limestone cliffs that rise directly from the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea. The enclosed setting creates a sheltered shoreline where the water maintains its vibrant turquoise color throughout the day.
The bay gained worldwide attention after the 2000 film 'The Beach' starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which sparked a tourism surge. The overwhelming visitor numbers caused environmental damage, prompting authorities to close it in 2018 to allow recovery.
The cove has become a popular gathering place where visitors come to experience the natural surroundings and witness the recovery of marine life. People spend time swimming, photographing, and observing the wildlife in this remote setting.
Visit by boat from Phi Phi Don or Phuket, with a daily limit of 2000 visitors to protect the environment. Early morning hours are best to avoid crowds and experience calmer water and better light.
Black tip reef sharks regularly appear near the shore during early morning hours when the water is calmest. These sharks are harmless to humans and demonstrate how successfully the marine ecosystem has recovered since the bay reopened.
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