Maya Bay Reopens: Why 2025 Is the Perfect Year to Visit

Phuket's most photographed bay is back in action. After its annual conservation break, Maya Bay, the star attraction on Koh Phi Phi Leh, officially reopened on the 1st of October 2025, welcoming travellers back after a well-earned break.

Safeguarding Maya Bay's Longevity

Maya Bay's re-opening follows the continuing conservation effort to preserve the incredible ecosystem that makes this tourist destination so attractive. Seasonal closures will remain in effect for the foreseeable future with strict rules in place to prevent deterioration in the months when the Bay is open to visitors. Subsequently, as a result the marine life that calls the bay home is able to thrive, thus giving tourists the chance to see Maya Bay in all its magnificence.

One crucial rule that sustains the region during the open months is that boats are not permitted to enter the bay directly, instead they are requested to dock in nearby Loh Samah Bay, and guests can conveniently reach the beach via a short boardwalk from the island's sheltered side. Additionally, swimming is not permitted in Maya Bay however tourists can wade in the shallows with the opportunity to take that instagram-worthy photo that many so desperately crave. Furthermore visits are managed to a capacity limit throughout the day which allows for visitors to experience the area without stepping over each other and with a view of the bay that is absent of boats.

For the visiting traveler, these measures ensure the best possible experience.  You still get an uninterrupted view from the sand which helps keep the bay feels as pristine and photogenic as ever.

Practicalities: tickets and expectations

Maya Bay is located within Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park with foreign visitors requested to pay a park fee of 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Because capacity is managed very strictly, the timing of your visit to the bay is a crucial decision. The most common sense approach is to arrive early, with one of the early-bird tour operators that ensure you arrive when the region is at its emptiest. Simba is one such tour operator that ensures you get to the Bay in the absence of crowds. The alternative is to go later in the day when most group tours have departed on their way back to Phuket. The one drawback with a later tour is you are unlikely to be afforded as much time as an early tour, or if you are, the light is not quite as good for those memorable photos that you'll be wanting to revisit in the weeks and months ahead.

What you’ll actually do at Maya Bay now

When taking part in a Maya Bay tour with almost all group tours, you'll likely experience the following:

• Approach via Loh Samah Bay, mooring in calm water and taking a brief, shaded walk along the boardwalk to the beach.

• Enjoy the viewpoints and shoreline, with time to explore the glorious beach and capture many wide angle shots of the incredible cliffs that surround Maya Bay.

• Spend roughly an hour in the bay under the current system, enough for photos and a calming stroll without feeling rushed.

The reason an hour is more than enough simply comes down to the many other places to see on a boat tour to the Phi Phi Island region. The best tours of Phi Phi compliment a stop at Maya Bay with nearby tourism highlights that include Pileh Lagoon, the Viking Cave and Monkey Beach, while some also getting you to the much underrated Bamboo Island.

Why book Maya Bay with Simba Sea Trips

If you’re based in Phuket, Simba Sea Trips’ Phi Phi Island tour is built around the two ingredients that Maya Bay now rewards most: timing and flexibility. Early departures give you a head start on the day, arriving in the quietest windows when the beach looks its best. Small groups keep the experience personal and unhurried, while fast, comfortable speedboats mean you can reach each stop ahead of the pack and adjust the sequence as conditions evolve.

Simba’s crews are experienced, with careful consideration for the safety of all on board. With first-hand knowledge of the bay, the surrounding sites, and Phi Phi Island as a whole, a trip with Simba Sea Trips is the difference between simply visiting Maya Bay and truly savouring it.

Alternative Considerations: Playing Your Role

While Maya Bay is closely cared for, visitors themselves can assist in the conservation effort with a few very simple considerations. Simply choose reef-safe sunscreen, follow ranger guidance on where to walk and stand, and make sure to take all rubbish back to the boat while also resisting the urge for a souvenir and leave shells, coral and wildlife undisturbed. A little care goes a long way.

2025 at a glance

• Re-opened: 1st of October 2025 after the August–September conservation pause.

• Access: Boat landing at Loh Samah Bay with a five-minute boardwalk to the beach. No boats inside Maya Bay.

• On-site rules: No swimming in the bay itself, timed visits, capacity limits.

• Park fees: 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children (foreign visitors).

Ready to go?

For travellers who care about both experience and impact, Simba Sea Trips is the smart way to travel on a Maya Bay tour. With the smallest groups, sunrise starts and a thoughtful itinerary that makes every stop count. Book your place for the opening months of the season, aim for first-light or late-day windows, and bring your camera. “The Beach” is back—and this time, it’s better for everyone.