Maya Bay closed again right after this visit, and Dave and Kim from Almost Retired in Thailand made it in on the last day it was open. This video shares their trip to the Phi Phi Islands and their very first visit to Maya Bay, scheduled with just one day to spare before a two month closure.
A First Visit to Maya Bay
Despite past trips to the region, this was Dave's first ever visit to Maya Bay, because the famous cove had been closed during his earlier visits. Maya Bay, made world famous by the movie The Beach, has been closed repeatedly in recent years to let its fragile ecosystem recover, so timing a visit takes a bit of luck.
One Day to Make It Happen
When the couple arrived in Krabi, Dave searched for Maya Bay tours and discovered the bay was closing again for two months. They had just one day to schedule a tour, and they grabbed it. For travelers, the lesson is clear: check closure dates before building an itinerary around Maya Bay, because access can change with little notice.
Why Maya Bay Is Worth It
Dave calls the trip epic, and it is easy to see why. Towering limestone cliffs ring a shallow turquoise lagoon on Koh Phi Phi Leh, making it one of the most photographed spots in Thailand. Visiting on the final open day made the experience feel even more special for the couple.
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