Thai tourism authorities clarify local opportunities following Maya Beach closure

With iconic Thai tourism attraction Maya Bay having been closed indefinitely since 1st June to allow it to recover from the damage caused by millions of tourists, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has clarified that, while the world famous Maya Beach is closed, there are a range of other nearby experiences for visitors.

Concerned at a potential dip in visitor numbers to the region and day excursions from nearby locations including Phuket and Krabi, a TAT delegation led by TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn last week visited the location to obtain a first-hand view of the situation

The TAT delegation learned that Phi Phi Leh Island, where Maya Bay is located, is still open to tourists and while Maya Beach is off limits, visitors can still enjoy the stunning views of Maya Bay - without people - from a boat.

With diving and snorkelling trips around Mu Ko Phi Phi running as usual, visitors can also enjoy snorkelling in the front of the Bay and also stay overnight on Phi Phi Don Island - enjoying many other beautiful beaches and bays of Krabi's Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

Other attractions include Phi Phi Don Island's main pier at Tonsai Bay, a busy location with a host of accommodation, restaurants and tourist shops.

For visitors seeking to relax and stay away from the crowd, TAT highlighted other beaches such as Laem Tong Beach - situated at the northern end of Phi Phi Don Island and is only accessible by a 45-minute boat ride from the main pier.

It is home to a beautiful and secluded beach as well as a handful of four- to five-star resorts, known for their sustainable operations adhering to strict guidelines to reduce their impact on the environment.

From Phi Phi Don Island, local long-tail boats can be hired for a day cruise to view Maya Bay, visit Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island as well as enjoy snorkelling and swimming.

Day trips can also be made from Krabi and Phuket to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

Explaining these opportunities, Supasorn stated “for many years, the local community at Mu Ko Phi Phi has been undergoing a regular beach and underwater clean-up aimed at helping to preserve the marine ecosystem as well as the coral reef system, which are the reasons why tourists and divers return to the area year after year.

"TAT is ready to support all stakeholders to work together to achieve common goals towards socially and environmentally sustainable tourism."

Image: Thailand's Maya Bay is now closed to tourists (top), the nearby Tonsai Bay (middle) and Bamboo Island (below).