Private LongtailMaya Bay and the Phi Phi Islands, Early Start

Maya Bay became famous because of a film and nearly lost what made it worth filming in the first place. Thailand closed it in 2018 to let the reef recover, and it reopened in 2022 with strict rules: limited visitor numbers and time slots, no swimming in the bay, and boats may no longer enter the bay itself, so they dock at a pier on the other side of the island.

Maya Bay is only open during the park's daytime visiting hours, so this trip starts early rather than at dawn: your longtail leaves Phi Phi Don soon after first light, visits the quieter sites first and reaches the bay's opening slot. The water is the colour it was in the photographs that made the bay famous, and the limestone walls rise on all sides.

Visits to the bay are limited in time, usually to around an hour, and we plan the day so that you are among the first visitors of the day, when it is quietest. Afterwards, your private longtail takes you through the island's sea caves and to snorkelling sites that the tour boats skip entirely.

The park authorities set the rules for Maya Bay, and they have changed several times since it reopened. The bay usually closes for a month or more each year, in the low season, to give the reef time to recover, so check the dates before planning. Visitors walk in from the pier on the western side of the island along a wooden boardwalk, and swimming in the bay is not allowed, to protect the young blacktip reef sharks and the coral. Time limits and visitor caps apply, and the national park fee is included.

The rest of the day is a chance to explore the islands from the water. Phi Phi Leh, the smaller island, has steep limestone cliffs, sea caves and a tranquil lagoon called Pileh, where the water is calm and green. Viking Cave, known for the swiftlet nests harvested from its walls, can be seen from the boat. Depending on the conditions, the route continues to a snorkelling spot with coral and reef fish, and to a quiet beach for breakfast before the day-trip boats arrive.

The longtail boat is a traditional Thai wooden boat with a long propeller shaft, and the trip is a wonderful way to see the coast. The engine is loud, and the seats are simple, so bring a cushion if you like. The boat is private for your party, with a local captain who knows the currents and the best times.

The best time to visit is from November to April, when the Andaman Sea is calm and visibility is good. From May to October, the monsoon brings rough seas, and trips may be cancelled or rescheduled. If weather cancels your trip, you can rebook or be refunded according to the booking conditions.

Wear reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a light cover-up and swimwear, and bring a towel, a dry bag and water shoes. Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are provided.

The trip lasts around six hours. A private longtail with a captain, snorkelling equipment, breakfast provisions, the national park fee and life jackets are included. Transfers to the pier and gratuities are not.