Maya Bay in Krabi Province is set to reopen for tourists on October 1, following a two-month closure aimed at allowing the environment to recover. Authorities at Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park have introduced new conservation-focused regulations to ensure that tourism activities do not negatively impact the bay’s fragile ecosystem. These measures include strict limits on the number of daily visitors and a focus on sustainable tourism practices.
On September 30, national park staff from the Underwater Operations Unit placed fish egg buoys to establish boundaries that prohibit tour boats from entering certain areas near Maya Bay. Additionally, mooring buoys at Loh Sama Bay, the designated entrance for boats, were repaired ahead of the tourist season to ensure safe docking and minimize environmental disturbance.
Maya Bay is renowned for its pristine beaches and clear waters, making it a prime destination for international visitors. However, in recent years, the bay has been subject to annual closures from August 1 to September 30 to help the local ecosystem regenerate, particularly during the region’s monsoon season.
Yutthaphong Damseesuk, Head of the National Park, noted that a significant number of tourists are expected as the new season opens. To manage the anticipated influx, authorities have capped visitor numbers at 4,125 per day, spread across 11 rounds, with each group allowed a maximum of one hour in the bay. Strict ecotourism measures are in place, including bans on collecting coral or marine life, using harmful sunscreens, and littering. Tourists are also prohibited from swimming in Maya Bay and must follow a no-anchor rule in coral-rich areas.
In preparation for the reopening, the Krabi Regional Harbor Department inspected safety measures for boats ferrying tourists to the islands. This included checks on life-saving equipment, boat registration documents, and the readiness of emergency systems.
Despite the challenges posed by mass tourism, Maya Bay continues to draw visitors from around the world, eager to experience its natural beauty under the protection of these new regulations.
