The bucket-list beach on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh became famous when it featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio movie and it has been a great draw for tourist ever since. However, environmental concerns mean it will close to tourists from June through to September.
Leonardo Di Caprio, The Beach
It is one of the world’s most recognisable beaches, thanks to its starring role in Danny Boyle’s film of Alex Garland’s bestselling novel, and is often referred to simply as “the beach”. However, this summer Maya Bay, on the Thai island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, will be closed to tourists as authorities attempt to reverse decades of damage to the region’s marine environment.
The closure will take place from June to September, during the island’s low season, to give its coral reef time to recover. While similar measures have been introduced on other Thai islands – in 2016 local authorities closed Koh Tachai – it is the first time tourists will be forbidden to visit Maya Bay.
