Worth a Journey

Read by 254k monthly readers

The World’s 100 Best Beaches

Maya Bay

Koh Phi Phi Leh, Thailand

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST BEACHES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 24 2026
Maya Bay

A beach of about 200 metres with soft white sand and clear turquoise water, enclosed on three sides by limestone cliffs, with forest behind it. Tour boats dock at a pontoon on the far side of the island, followed by a walk through the trees.

Highlights

  • Soft white sand
  • Clear turquoise water
  • Baby blacktip reef sharks

Good to know

  • Swimming prohibited in shark conservation area
  • Entrance fee of 400 baht
  • Crowds build after 9 a.m

Also in Thailand

  1. Phra Nang Beach N° 33 Phra Nang Beach Railay Island beach
  2. Bamboo Island N° 81 Bamboo Island Phi Phi Islands Island beach