At its peak, a typical day at Maya Bay could best be described as mayhem. From first light through to sunset, fleets of long-tail boats tussled to moor and offload seemingly endless batches of selfie-hungry tourists from around the world who, in some cases, would spend hours waiting for just a few moments on the fabled shore — albeit with hundreds of others jostling for that perfect shot.
Immortalised by Hollywood movie The Beach, the spectacular cove on Koh Phi Phi Leh was welcoming an estimated 6,000 daily tourists by 2018. Yet, in an effort to restore the natural attraction to its former glory, Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (NDP) last year closed Maya Bay to all tourists.
Since then, visitors to the Phi Phi archipelago have not only reaped the benefits of a more tranquil holiday experience but are also rediscovering some of its other stunning attractions, including the breathtaking Pi Leh Bay and Bamboo Island.
Located on Phi Phi Leh’s eastern coast, Pi Leh Bay is the definition of a postcard-perfect island cove and has arguably always been a prettier proposition than Maya Bay. Shallow turquoise waters are flanked by tree-flecked limestone karsts providing a shaded haven for swimming and snorkelling throughout the day. Bamboo Island, known locally as Ko Phai is one of the area’s better-kept secrets. Ideal for day trips, the pristine island on the northernmost tip of the archipelago is covered in lush vegetation and powder-sand bays, while the abundance of coral reef off the coast single it out as one of Thailand’s top snorkelling spots. Other highlights include Viking Cave, famous for its ancient wall paintings and feathered inhabitants, the legendary James Bond Island and Monkey Bay on Koh Phi Phi Don.
To showcase these spectacular attractions and more, the celebrated Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, which sits on 800 metres of absolute beachfront overlooking the Andaman Sea, has launched nine immersive itineraries catering to guests from all walks of life — from thrill-seekers to wildlife enthusiasts and the young to the young at heart.
The new collection of half- and full-day tours also features exclusive romantic excursions for two (including a champagne hamper), speedboat trips to the nearby Krabi coast, eco-marine adventures to Runtee Bay and even the opportunity to swim alongside blacktip reef sharks. Almost all of the options include snorkelling stops in some of Thailand’s best dive spots and photo opportunities to capture the stunning marine and coastal scenery.
“Koh Phi Phi is a one-of-a-kind destination that boasts an array of incredible natural attractions, including unique marine wildlife, unspoiled bays and uninhabited tropical islands,” says Chao Treenawong, General Manager of Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort. “We’re blessed to have these marvels on our doorstep and want to share them with the world via our fun-filled excursions and eco-conscious outings.”
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