Thailand's Maya Bay to Reopen for Tourists on Tuesday

[webfact]

 

Thailand's famous Maya Bay, located in the southern province of Krabi, will reopen to visitors on Tuesday after a two-month closure for environmental rehabilitation. The iconic bay, renowned globally from the Hollywood film "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, had been closed from August 1 to September 30 to allow natural restoration.

 

Attapon Charoenchansa, director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, confirmed that Maya Bay, along with nearby Loh Samah Bay and Lor Kor Bay on the Phi Phi islands, will welcome tourists again. During the closure, Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park staff undertook essential maintenance tasks, such as securing buoys to protect coral reefs and ensuring visitor safety for the forthcoming high tourist season.

The shutdown was part of ongoing efforts to manage and preserve the bay's delicate ecosystem. The temporary closure allowed marine life and coral reefs to recuperate from the wear and tear caused by extensive tourism. This strategy has been employed since 2018, following severe environmental degradation from the bay's popularity post-filming of "The Beach" over two decades ago, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Maya Bay’s clear waters, limestone cliffs, and stunning marine life have made it a prime destination, attracting countless tourists eager to experience its natural allure. Authorities hope that the rehabilitative measures will sustain the bay’s ecological balance while continuing to offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

 

Tourists planning a visit should be mindful of the new protective measures in place to support ongoing conservation efforts. This reopening marks a significant step in balancing ecological preservation with tourism, ensuring that Maya Bay remains a pristine paradise for future generations. 

 

As the high season approaches, officials anticipate a surge in visitors drawn to the bay’s world-renowned beauty, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance in environmental management.

 

FILE - Maya Bay. Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

-- 2024-09-30

 

 

[nightfox]

Last time I was there, there was a fine of 5,000 Bhat for anyone attempting to swim at May Bay. 

[thaibeachlovers]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

Maya Bay’s clear waters, limestone cliffs, and stunning marine life have made it a prime destination, attracting countless tourists eager to experience its natural allure.

LOL. They only go because it was in the movie and it's no more spectacular that any other beach in that area. When I went it was included in the tour to Phi Phi and I had no choice. At least back then no tour group was allowed on shore.

 

Coral damage was by thousands of anchors being dropped on them, so hopefully they have fixed anchor buoys now. The beach was ruined by thousands of feet- no more people on shore.

 

Bit of history.

Richard, the main character in both book and movie despised, nay, would more than despise every single person that visits Maya Bay to gawk.

 

The real beach was near Samui in the Marine Park, not on the West coast, and because the Maya Bay beach has no palm trees, they transplanted a load of them, and removed them after.

 

The cliffs in the entrance to the bay in the movie are CGI.

 

Krabi town used to have the big Reclining Buddha from the movie on display. It was made of polystyrene. Long gone from the town.

 

The On On hotel was used as the hotel Richard stayed at in the movie.

 

The bus routes on the bus shelter at the start of the movie don't exist from that place

 

De Caprio changed the entire story from that in the book by insisting that he got the girl. I read that Danny Boyle regretted allowing him to do so. He certainly ruined the movie. So much for sucking up to film stars. I understand that he wasn't even the first choice ( I think it was supposed to be Ewan McGregor ), but he called Boyle and wanted to do it.

 

In the book Richard is English and the main female character Sal is American. In the movie Richard is American and Sal is English.

 

The design of the settlement at the Beach is supposedly based on a resort that was on the west coast of Phangan.