Sad news guys. As you know, on my journeys I have shared my knowledge and opinions on what I believe to be the very best places to visit in Thailand. One spot I have always recommended to tourists has been Phi Phi Leh Island which was made famous by Danny Boyle's film 'The Beach'. Since the film's release in the early 2000s, over 25 million tourists, including me have shared a moment on that famous beach, but sadly that is all about to change
The Thai beach where Leonardo DiCaprio once starred is due to close due to a large number of visitors the area receives a day. Last week, Thailand's National Park and Wildlife Department announced that Maya Bay which looks out onto the Andaman Sea would close for 4 months every year. The decision has been taken so that the area, coral and sea life can recover, which I totally respect.
So what does this mean for backpackers and holiday goers who are desperate to emerge themselves into the beautiful island and the world of film? Well, currently it has not been announced when the 4 months cool down period will be. I personally expect the period to cut the tourist season in half creating a worry in my mind of how overpopulated Maya Bay will be during the open season for tourists. A 4 month cool down period will only make the area more in demand in my opinion.
I really hope the idea works. The thought behind the idea is to protect something close to my heart, so I am going to show my full support. I have been lucky enough to visit Maya Bay a number of times, but I still have some reservations which I really hope have been considered otherwise I fear that the area will have the same issues however with a lot less money from tourists coming into Phi Phi Leh.
