50 Best Travel Destinations in The World 2023

45. Maya Bay: Tropical Escape

Maya Bay is a stunningly beautiful bay located in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Thailand. It is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and has a pristine white sand beach. The water in the bay is a clear turquoise color and is teeming with marine life. Maya Bay is a popular spot for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.

The bay was made famous by the 2000 film “The Beach,” which was filmed there. The film's popularity led to a surge in tourism to Maya Bay, which eventually took a toll on the environment. In 2018, the Thai government closed Maya Bay to tourists for four years in order to allow the ecosystem to recover. The bay reopened to tourists in 2022, but with strict limits on the number of visitors allowed each day.

Today, Maya Bay is still a beautiful and pristine place, but it is important to be respectful of the environment and to follow the rules when visiting. Here are some tips for visiting Maya Bay:

• Book your tour in advance, as there are limited spots available each day.
• Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
• Be respectful of the environment and do not litter.
• Do not feed the fish or touch the coral.
• Snorkel or swim with caution, as there are strong currents in the bay.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that Maya Bay remains a beautiful and sustainable destination for future generations to enjoy.

Here are some additional things to know about Maya Bay:

• The bay is located in the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
• The nearest inhabited island is Phi Phi Don, which is about 40 kilometers away.
• The best time to visit Maya Bay is between November and April, during the dry season.
• The bay is open to tourists from 9am to 3pm each day.
• The cost of a tour to Maya Bay typically includes transportation, lunch, and snorkeling gear.