Ko Phi Phi keeps Maya Bay closed through 30 September
Published on 09/27/2026 at 18:18 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
A scheduled annual closure at Ko Phi Phi (Mu Ko Phi Phi) keeps Maya Bay closed to landings through 30 September 2026 in Krabi, Thailand. The restriction is part of a two-month ecological rehabilitation period covering the bay and nearby coastal areas.
Maya Bay closure continues through 30 September 2026
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation closed Maya Bay from 1 August to 30 September 2026. The same restriction applies to Loh Samah Bay and Lor Kor Bay, according to a report from Thai Times coverage of the closure.
The measure is intended to give coral, beach and coastal habitats a period without visitor activity during the southwest monsoon. It also responds to safety concerns linked to rough seas around the access point used for Maya Bay.
The national park authority says the closure is not a shutdown of the whole island group. A report from Thailand's national parks department identifies the affected bay as part of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province.
Ko Phi Phi access changes at its best-known bay
For travellers, the important distinction is between Ko Phi Phi and Maya Bay. The wider destination remains available for boat excursions, while the landing at the famous cove is not permitted during the closure.
Operators continue to run trips around the archipelago, with other locations used instead of a beach visit at Maya Bay. The closure therefore changes one part of a day on the water rather than removing every visit to the surrounding islands, as an announcement about the annual closure explains.
The arrangement reflects the site's recent conservation history. Maya Bay was previously closed for a longer rehabilitation period before controlled access returned, and current management keeps boats away from the main bay while limiting disturbance on shore.
That link between the closure and the landscape is especially direct here: the place that draws visitors for its beach and limestone setting is also the area given a seasonal break from landings. The pause is therefore part of how the attraction is managed, not an unrelated transport disruption.
What the closure means for October travel plans
The national parks department reported that staff worked during the closure on maintaining buoys designed to protect coral and improve visitor safety. Its September survey also recorded marine life near the shore, reinforcing the conservation purpose of the restriction.
Travel information published on 27 September 2026 continues to describe Maya Bay as closed through 30 September. Visitors planning a trip immediately after that date should check the latest park notice before departure, because sea conditions and conservation work can affect access.
Visiting Ko Phi Phi: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay and Lor Kor Bay remain closed to landings through 30 September 2026.
- Ko Phi Phi boat trips continue, but the Maya Bay beach stop is replaced or viewed from the water during the closure.
- The destination lies in Krabi province, and boat excursions reach the island group from Krabi, Ao Nang or Phuket.
- Maya Bay is on Phi Phi Leh, while Phi Phi Don is the main inhabited island in the group.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Ko Phi Phi
When does the Maya Bay closure end at Ko Phi Phi?
The annual closure runs through 30 September 2026. Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay and Lor Kor Bay are affected.
What is closed at Ko Phi Phi?
Landings at Maya Bay and the two nearby bays are closed, while other parts of the island group remain available to boat visitors.
Where is Ko Phi Phi and how do you get there?
Ko Phi Phi is in Krabi province in southern Thailand. Visitors reach the island group by boat from Krabi, Ao Nang or Phuket.
