Maya Bay, ringed by cliffs on Ko Phi Phi Ley island and surrounded by azure waters, was made famous when it featured in the 2000 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.It was shut last June by Thai authorities due to worries the white-sand paradise was suffering from the pressure of thousands of day-trippers arriving by boat.
Thon Thamrongnawasawat, adviser to the Department of National Parks, told AFP on Thursday the ban on visitors would be extended until mid-2021. After it is reopened, measures such as limiting the number of daily visitors and banning boats from parking within the bay’s waters will be enacted, Thon said.
“Maya Bay is the heart of our tourism,” said Wattana Rerngsamut, chairman of Krabi Provincial Tourism Association that represents some 200 tourism and hotel operators.
Chinese tourists strike again...
The irony of DiCaprio being an environmental activist and the effects of Hollywood tourism are not lost on me.