Tourists are being reminded that in less than half a month they won’t be allowed to visit Thailand’s Maya Bay as it undergoes much-needed environmental rejuvenation.
The area, made popular in Leonard DiCaprio’s ‘The Beach’, will be shut for a period of four months from 1 June, during which time tourists will be banned from visiting and boats will be prohibited from entering the bay in front of the beach or dropping an anchor at the nearby Loh Samah Bay.
According to Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), the temporary closure will give conservationists time to study the condition of the surrounding reef and create a long-term sustainability plan.
Travellers will still be able to get an Instagram shot of the beach from a 400-metre distance but will be closely monitored by authorities from the DNP.
They’ll also be able to visit nearby beaches at Mu Ko Phi Phi (Phu Phi Islands), which will remain open during the four-month period, along with other famous beaches such as Ko Hong, Ko Dam Hok Dam Khwan, Ko Poda, Ko Ngai, Ko Lanta, Nopparat Thara Beach, Ao Nang Beach, Thap Khaek Beach, Ba Kantiang Beach and West Rai Le Beach.
“Krabi still has much to offer with a diverse archipelago boasting 154 islands plus three national parks and its own unique way of life.”
Apinan Puakpong, Krabi Vice Governor
Maya Bay will re-open to tourists late September.
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