Phi Phi Lay Island and Maya Bay Beach in Krabi

Phi Phi Lei Island (Koh Phi Phi Leh, also Phi Phi Le) is located in Krabi Province in the south of Thailand (island on the map), and is part of of the Phi Phi Archipelago of six small islands. Declared a protected protected area (national park), you can visit only as a one-day excursion, or stay for a couple of days in a camp (camping) with minimal amenities. There is no tourist infrastructure, except for the ranger camp and camping here.

Phi Phi Leh (Phi Phi Leh) and the beach of Maya Bay (Maya Bay, also May Bay) on it is the most famous place in the province of Krabi, and maybe in the whole of Thailand. This is the same beach where the famous movie "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio based on Alex Garland's bestseller of the same name was shot in 1998. That is why hundreds of thousands of tourists rush here every year, expecting to see amazing landscapes and a magical beach, as it is shown in the film.

But in fact, you should be prepared for disappointment. Maya Bay Beach is really beautiful: the entrance to the bay is framed by picturesque rocks, the sand is fine and white, the water is clear and turquoise. But he doesn't look at all like in the movie. During the filming, this place was decorated with computer graphics and cinematic effects, resulting in a paradise bay hidden from the outside world. In fact, it is open, and not as big as it seems on the screen. The island itself is also very different from the created image, because part of the film, where the actions take place in the depths of the island, was generally filmed on the mainland.

You should also be prepared for the huge number of tourists arriving on the island. It is naive to believe that you will find yourself alone on this beach, because up to several thousand people visit it every day, and at the peak of these trips there is simply nowhere to fall on the shore. Every now and then boats dock, unloading groups of tourists for a half-hour walk, during which most only have time to snap a few selfies, and immediately give way to a new party.

The flow of tourists and the activities of people have led the reserve into decline. Coral reefs have completely disappeared, underwater wildlife has significantly decreased. In order to somehow restore nature, starting in 2018, the authorities decided to temporarily close it for visiting. So, since June 2018, it has been closed for four months, and in the future it is planned to close it again periodically.

What to see at Phi Phi Le

In addition to the famous Maya Bay beach, you can also see the following places here:

• Lo Sama Bay is a beautiful bay on the other side of the island from Mai Bay beach (Lo Sama Bay on the map). It is included in the program of visiting (but not necessarily) most excursions. A path leads to it from the beach through the forest and camping, part of the way passes along bridges and stairs. The route takes no more than 10 minutes, and at the end of the way there is an observation deck from which you inspect the bay (the view is really so-so), after which you go back. This route is not exactly delightful, but in fact it is the only opportunity to walk around the island. In a corner of this lagoon there is a small isolated beach, where few people get there. You can get to it only by hiring a boat, excursions are not carried here (yet).

• Pileh Lagoon is an amazingly beautiful lagoon on the north side of the island, but it is very difficult to disembark (Pileh Lagoon on the map). Therefore, boats usually drop anchors here so that you can snorkel or just enjoy the views.

• Viking Cave – a cave above the water on the edge of the island, a historical landmark (cave on the map). Inside there are ancient rock carvings allegedly left by ancient sailors. Whether this is really the case is a big question, and it is possible that all this is said only to attract tourists. In addition, they do not allow you to look at the drawings: excursion boats sail near the cave, and guides talk about it.

Tips for visiting

• If you want to get beautiful photos of the bay and the beach of May Bay, then it's best to go here in the middle of the day, not in the morning. In the first half of the day, the sun does not illuminate the bay, there is a shadow everywhere, the photos turn out to be bad.
• The best season to visit is from October to May. You can also go at other times, but you should check the weather forecast in advance. Also find out if the reserve is closed to the public, because starting in 2018 it will be periodically closed for restoration.
• If you want to relax here without the fuss of people, you will have to hire a boat and go here early in the morning. Numerous groups of tourists begin to arrive after 10 o'clock almost until the evening.
• At low tide, the water goes far from the shore, revealing sharp stones at the bottom, and Mai Bay looks not so beautiful at all. Therefore, it is best to go here at high tide. The hourly forecast of tides on Phi Phi Lei can be viewed here – http://wisuki.com/tide/644/phi-phi-island.

Working hours

Around the clock, guided tours only during the daytime.

Entrance fee (cost)

A fee of 100 baht is charged for entering the island (national Park). Excursions from Phi Phi, Krabi or Phuket cost from 600 baht.

How to get there

Usually the island is visited in the form of excursions from Phi Phi Don, Phuket, or from resorts on the mainland of the province of Krabi (Krabi Town, Aonang, Railay). It's really easier, more convenient, and much cheaper than on your own. Usually a visit with an excursion includes a tour of the Viking cave from the water, disembarkation at Maya Bay beach and a walk around the island to Lo Sama Bay.

You can visit the island and the beach yourself, but for this you will have to hire a boat. The cheapest way to do this is at the nearest resort on the island of Phi Phi Don, from where it will cost from 1500 baht for half a day, but you need to bargain a lot. Swim for about 30 minutes. It is better to swim out as early as possible, because after 10 am large groups of tourists begin to arrive. Hiring a boat from the mainland of Krabi or Phuket will cost up to 10,000 baht.

If you really want, you can stay on the island for one or more nights, but you will have to spend the night in tents or bungalows at a campsite that operates at the National Park Ranger camp. The easiest way to do this is by buying an overnight sightseeing tour. The camp is located on the way from Mai Bay beach to Lo Sama Bay (camping on the map). There is a toilet, a shower, a bar with drinks and food at inflated prices.

• The cost of accommodation in a tent: from 500 baht
• The cost of accommodation in a bungalow: from 2000 baht