Maya Bay

Limestone cliffs enclose Maya Bay’s white sand and clear shallows, where young reef sharks have returned since restoration.

Walk through the forest from Loh Samah Bay to the beach, then frame the sea between its limestone walls from the waterline. Boats may not enter Maya Bay and swimming is banned; only paddling at the edge is allowed. Rangers limit visitor numbers and stays to about an hour. Take rubbish back, use reef-safe sunscreen and expect rough seas to cancel trips.

Best light
Morning
Best months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Time needed
Half a day

Get around

Eat & drink

Sleep

On the map

OpenStreetMap · OpenFreeMap

Maya Bay

Limestone cliffs enclose Maya Bay’s white sand and clear shallows, where young reef sharks have returned since restoration.

Walk through the forest from Loh Samah Bay to the beach, then frame the sea between its limestone walls from the waterline. Boats may not enter Maya Bay and swimming is banned; only paddling at the edge is allowed. Rangers limit visitor numbers and stays to about an hour. Take rubbish back, use reef-safe sunscreen and expect rough seas to cancel trips.

Best light
Morning
Best months
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Time needed
Half a day

Get around

Eat & drink

Sleep

Links

The Best of the WorldThis spot and 99 more