Tourists visit Maya Bay as Thailand reopens world-famous beach after closing it for more than 3 years

Maya Bay, which is surrounded by 100-metre (328-ft) high cliffs, lies on the island of Phi Phi Leh in the Andaman Sea.

Updated on: Jan 10, 2022 1:35 PM IST

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Thailand on January 1, reopened its world-famous Maya Bay, after closing it for more than three years to allow its ecosystem to recover from the impact of over-tourism. (REUTERS)

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This white sand beach was made famous by the 2000 film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. (REUTERS)

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It is only accessible by boats from nearby spots such as the islands of Phuket or Phi Phi, or mainland Krabi. (REUTERS)

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Authorities shut the whole of Maya Bay to the public in 2018, saying coral reefs and beach areas had been damaged by constant tourist activities. But since the start of this year, some visitors have been allowed to return. (REUTERS)

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To ensure it remains protected, authorities said only up to 375 visitors will be allowed to visit at one time and swimming will be prohibited for now. Boats will only be allowed to dock at a designated location at the back of the bay to avoid damaging coral reefs, they said. (REUTERS)

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Before the coronavirus pandemic, tourism accounted for about 12% of Thailand's economy and was a key driver of growth, with the country attracting 40 million visitors in 2019. (REUTERS)

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Mass tourism has often come at a cost to the environment in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asian, with once-beautiful tropical beaches becoming polluted and strewn with garbage. (REUTERS)