Maya Bay is one of the Andaman coast’s most iconic landmarks – a place that both gained and lost the most because of a single movie.

It was The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, that put Maya Bay on the world map. Tourists flocked to its crystal-clear waters and towering limestone cliffs, and simply overwhelmed the fragile ecosystem.

Then came a historic decision – Thai authorities closed Maya Bay for over two years. Nature responded in spectacular fashion: coral reefs revived, marine vegetation flourished, and blacktip reef sharks returned.

To allow nature to rest, the bay now closes for two months during the low season. Other marine national parks close for the whole season from May 15 to October 15 — not just for conservation but for tourist safety during the monsoon.

If you dream of experiencing Maya Bay, the Surin Islands, or the Similan Islands at their finest, now is the time. March, April, and early May offer the perfect opportunity before the seasonal closure.

And when you visit, remember the lesson Maya Bay has taught us: respect nature, travel responsibly, and put sustainability first.