It's time to return to Maya Bay to experience the iconic beach at first hand - but this time with a late departure to avoid the crowds and enjoy a spectacular sunset at 4 Island. Get picked up directly from your hotel lobby in Krabi by the driver of Krabi Sunset Tour and meet the boat crew at Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang.
The experienced English speaking guide will explain the detailed itinerary of the trip which can be slightly adapted due to sea and weather conditions. Board the fibreglass speed boat with 60 limited seats and head over to Phi Phi Leh passing by the 4 Island group with a quick stopover at Railay Beach to pickup other guests.
The first snorkel stop will be at a stunning 150 m long strip of white powdery sand fringed by emerald waters at Monkey Beach. Then head further to the jetty on Phi Phi Don around 700 m away where you will enjoy a Thai-style buffet lunch in Arida Restaurant. After lunch stroll along the promenade of Tonne Sai and catch a first impression of this lovely shore.
Continue to Phi Phi Lee, an uninhabited island that lies 1.5 km off the southernmost tip of Phi Phi Don. Fly by at Viking Cave where locals harvest swiftlet birds’ nests which are believed to promote good health, specifically for the skin. Viking Cave owes its name to the paintings found on the eastern and southern walls of the cave. The second snorkel stop will be in Pileh Lagoon where you can jump into the cool and swim in turquoise water with colourful fish.
Finally arrive at the floating jetty at Loh Samah Bay where the boat is docked and the park rangers will check your entrance ticket. The island is part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and visitors must pay an entrance fee on the spot.
Climb over the rocks to an elevated wooden trail which leads to the beach at Maya Bay. Here you can touch the white sand and dangle your feet into the turquoise water. You will have approximately one hour to enjoy on one of the most stunning locations in Thailand, and if you lucky you can witness black tip reef sharks swimming in the shallows.
Notable rules at Maya Bay include no swimming, no single-use plastics, using reef-safe sun cream and no use of drones without permission.
On the way back you will make a short stop at Bamboo Island which is surrounded by a strip of white sand. Its central part is covered with lush vegetation, including casuarina and bamboo trees.
The trip will also include a stop at the 4 Island group where you can watch a spectacular sunset over the Andaman Sea before returning safely to the hotel.