Maya Bay

The iconic bay made famous by the film The Beach, set between towering limestone cliffs on Koh Phi Phi Leh. After years of closure for ecological recovery, Maya Bay is now open under managed national park rules, with swimming restrictions in place to protect the coral and the blacktip reef sharks that frequent the shallows. Access is via a boardwalk from the back of the island. The turquoise water and dramatic cliffs are as striking as the photos suggest. Go early to avoid crowds. Reached by day trip from Koh Lanta.