Tourists have finally been allowed to visit the Maya Bay in Thailand. This is where Leonardo DiCaprio starred in The Beach.
On New Year’s Day 2018, the stunning cove hosted sun worshippers for the first-time since June 2018, when it had been closed due to a rejuvenation plan.
Before authorities secured it to save the coral reef system, it had already been overrun by more than 5,000 tourists in a single day.

After nearly four years, tourists have been able to reopen the Maya Bay, Thailand’s iconic setting, for Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The Beach.

This stunning cove was open to sun-seekers on New Year’s Day, for the first since it closed in June 2018, when it was part of a rejuvenation program.

The film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and based on Leonardo’s 1996 novel The Beach (pictured), was shot in this beautiful bay.
New measures prohibit boats entering the bay. Boat drivers must pick up passengers from a nearby Pier. Eight speedboats may dock together.
It is strictly forbidden to have more than one visitor per hour. The maximum number of visitors per round is 300, and it runs from 10am until 4pm.
Maya Bay can be reached by boat within an hour from Phuket, Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. It is also one of the main Phi Phi islands located in Krabi.
Although the larger Phi Phi Don has more accessibility and offers cheaper accommodation, it is still a popular tourist spot that provides budget accommodations. The uninhabited Phi Phi Leh which was home to Maya Bay was available for only day trips.
The coral reef was planted and visitors facilities expanded upon its closure. It is just 800ft in length and 50ft in width.

The coral reef system was being overflowed by 5,000 tourists per day, and authorities had to rope it off.

New measures prohibit boats entering the bay. Boat drivers must pick up passengers from a nearby Pier. Eight speedboats may dock together.

One visit is permitted per hour. Maximum 300 persons per round, between 10am and 4pm.
Tourists from all around the world have been constantly interested in Maya Bay. However, this has led to the natural area’s deterioration, particularly corals,” Varawut Sillpa-Archa, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, stated in a statement.
“After shutting Maya Bay down to revitalize and restore it up to the present, it is now in a good state.”
The original closure was supposed to be for four months, but was extended due to the need to plant coral reefs and increase tourist facilities.
The Krabi Provincial Administration Organisation, Ao Nang Tambon Administration Organisation(TAO), and other environmental groups brought a lawsuit against 20th Century Fox in 1999 for the damages to Maya Bay caused by The Beach.

Maya Bay, which is located in Krabi’s Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park is just an hour boat ride from Phuket.

The coral reef was planted and the visitor facilities expanded during its closure. It is just 800 ft in length and 50 ft wide.

Initially, the closure was only for four months. However, it was extended to allow the necessary replanting of corals and expansion of tourist facilities

As tourists arrive at Maya Bay, a Thai wildlife officer in a mask guards them. This is after Thailand has reopened the world-famous beaches.
Leonardo DiCaprio issued a statement that said: “From my perspective, everything seems okay. There has not been any damage to my eyes.
“I saw Fox caring for this island with great respect. Ich consider myself to be an environmentalist. “I believe the world will benefit if it leaves this island.”
In 2006, the Supreme Court decided that damages orders would be issued. This was in accordance with a 2002 appeal court decision that stated that filming had caused Maya Beach damage.