United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Maya Bay to stay closed for at least two more years
Thai authorities confirmed that Maya Bay will remain closed to tourists for another two years at least.
The iconic location for Hollywood flick ‘The Beach’ closed nearly a year ago to allow the beach to recover and for its coral reefs to be restored.
Prior to its closure in 2018 it was visited by up to 5,000 people a day, causing major damage on land and sea.
"The meeting concluded that Maya Bay is to be closed for two more years as the natural environment needs more time to recover," said marine specialist Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat.
The prolonged closure had been opposed by tour operators in Phuket and Krabi.
Still, it is a victory of sorts for them, as Worapot Lomlim, chief of the Hat Nopparat Thara Phi Phi Islands national park recently hinted it could stay closed for up to five years.
National Park officials have said when it does eventually open there will likely be significant restrictions imposed with a much reduced daily carrying capacity and designated zones for snorkelling and the anchoring of boats.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Foreign Office issues travel advisory for winter sun destinations