Made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach, Maya Bay, located on Phi Phi Leh island, recently reopened after being closed for almost four years. This scenic part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park closed in 2018 after the arrival of visitors saw the bay’s ecosystem suffer greatly.

In 2018, the park recorded more than 5,000 people visiting every day, resulting in most of the bay’s coral dying. The bay’s closure was initially reported to stay in effect for just four months, but upon realizing the extent of the damage to the ecosystem, the bay remained closed for years. Upon closing Maya Bay, the Thai government invested in planting trees, plants and coral as well as cleaning trash from the area. A boardwalk has since been built to protect the sand and plants. Plans to build a floating dock are also underway for future visitors to reach Maya Bay.

As Thailand begins to open up to travelers since the beginning of the pandemic, the government will enforce strict guidelines for all visitors. Entering the country requires proof of vaccination. To enter Maya Bay, most foreign travelers must apply for a Thailand visa. To apply for a visa, visit the official website. The park set a limit of visitors per day and designated a few areas for water activities. Currently, only 3,000 people will be allowed to visit the park per day. The Thai government encourages all visitors to Maya Bay to be respectful of the land and act responsibly. With new plans in place to better protect the island’s coral, visitors must abide by these rules.