Here’s the thing, I’ve been obsessed with ‘The Beach’ ever since I read the Alex Garland book as a teenager and then watched it come to life with everyone’s teen crush, Leonardo DiCaprio, it just had to go on my travel bucket list. And yes, it really is as beautiful as it looks in the movie.
Anyone who is interested in visiting may know that this bay was closed for more than three years to help regenerate the coral reefs that had suffered due to the high levels of pollution. But as of 1st January 2022, Maya Bay was reopened to tourists, this time with some new restrictions in place.
Now you most definitely can hire a private boat to take you here, but we opted for a full-day tour of Phi Phi Islands, where we visited some popular tourist spots as well as a few opportunities to snorkel and check out the amazing underwater world.
So let’s dive straight in shall we…
THE PACKAGE
There are several trip options you can pick leaving from Phuket, our itinerary included:
- Transfers to/from our hotel
- Small breakfast & coffee
- Sightseeing at Monkey Beach
- Sightseeing at Viking Cave
- Buffet lunch
- Soft drinks & snacks provided on board throughout the day
- 3x swimming/snorkelling opportunities
- 1-hour visit to Maya Bay
- 1-hour stop at Khai Nai Island
The company we choose offer three levels and the price depends on the number of people joining you on the boat, the itinerary includes all of the same stops but for Level 3 they stop at Maya Bay a bit later in the day so the majority of tour boats have left for the day = less crowded.
Level 1 – เธฟโ1700 (ยฃ40) per person (max 25 – 35 people)
Level 2 – เธฟโ2000 (ยฃ46.80) per person (maximum 25 people)
Level 3 – เธฟโ3000 (ยฃ70.20) per person (maximum 20 people & leave later to avoid the crowds)
LEVEL 2
Your driver will collect you from outside your hotel early in the morning, for us that was 07:15 am. We arrived at Phuket Pier at 08:30 where a small breakfast selection was available including fruit, juice & coffee. There is a small shop onsite where you’re able to purchase water shoes and waterproof phone cases.
You’ll be divided into small groups and given a short and informative briefing from your tour guide, giving you a rundown of the itinerary as well as some safety information before you board the speedboat and head out for the day.
VIKING CAVE & MONKEY BEACH
Viking Cave is located on the east of Phi Phi Lee and gets it name from the historic paintings on the walls of the cave which depict various types of boats, including a Scandinavian Drakkar or Viking Ship. You’re no longer allowed to visit the cave as it is now home to swiftlet birdsโ nests, which are harvested to be eaten. In Chinese culture, these edible nests are believed to promote good health, specifically for the skin.
Monkey Beach some tours will stop at this beach, but I would urge you to view some videos on Youtube regarding this area. For years locals and tourists have used food as a tool to get the monkeys to pose for photos and sadly this had made them a little aggressive. We didn’t visit this beach for safety reasons but the boat did pull up alongside the cliffs for some great photo opportunities.
SNORKELLING
There are a total of three swim stops on the trip and you can borrow a snorkel from your tour guide, allowing you to admire the very many tropical fish and colourful corals. This is also where a waterproof photo case might come in handy. Our underwater photography skills still need some work but it really is beautiful and the little fish are certainly not shy, so if you have a Go-Pro or are an expert with a smartphone underwater you’ll be guaranteed to get some epic shots.
LUNCH
A buffet lunch is included in the ticket price, you’ll be dropped at one of the islands and taken to a large and busy dining hall. The food was basic but tasty and offered vegetarian options as well as fried chicken and a chicken green Thai curry.
You have approximately one hour at this location, so after lunch you have the opportunity to sunbathe, swim or just sit back with a nice cold beer at one of the little beach bars before heading off to the main attraction.
MAYA BAY
Most famous for being the movie location and backdrop for the filming โThe Beachโ, chosen by the film directors as the most beautiful point to tell the story. Maya Bay is surrounded by crystal clear waters and has a breathtaking scenic view of the limestone mountains.
It has been closed for 4 years, only reopening in 2022 for tourists. They have made a few changes, firstly boats can no longer enter the bay and instead drop you at a pier on the other side of the island, don’t worry it’s just a short 5-minute stroll through the jungle to reach the iconic white sands and crystal clear waters.
You are also not allowed to swim here. They will allow you to have a paddle and take a few photos in the water (ankle deep) but no swimming and they are very strict on this point.
The reason the bay closed in 2018 was due to the high levels of pollution from petrol, suntan lotions and litter which caused the coral reefs to suffer as well as the populations of fish and sharks, yes, there really are sharks in Maya Bay.
They now have a thriving coral reef and many baby sharks which your guide may be able to point out to you if you’re lucky.
Yes, it is busy but there are still plenty of great photo opportunities and if you head further away from the entrance you’ll find it’s much quieter, with the opportunity to sunbathe and enjoy the view, just don’t forget what time your boat is due to leave.
There are toilets and some small kiosks near the pier serving snacks and drinks, just remember to put any litter in the bins provided.
FRIED EGG ISLAND & HOME
After you visit Maya Bay you have one final stop at Khai Nai Island – nicknamed Fried Egg Island as Khai means ‘egg’ in Thai.
It’s only a brief stop and there’s not much to see, but again you can choose to sunbathe, swim, hire a jetski or check out one of the reggae bars for a banana roti and a cold bottle of Chang.
After 45 mins you’ll be taken back to the pier and driven back to your accommodation for approximately 18:30.
SUMMARY
If you’re looking for a great day out, with snorkelling, excitement & an iconic beach visit then this is well worth booking during your stay in Thailand. Just remember your towel, suntan lotion & maybe a dry change of clothes for the journey home.
If youโre a fellow long-term traveller or travel lover weโd love to connect with you over on Instagram or check out some of our previous blogs below.
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Until next time,
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