Koh Phi Phi Leh & Maya Bay

Koh Phi Phi Leh is the second largest island in the small Phi Phi archipelago. Uninhabited apart by a few rangers established in a small camp belonging to the Hat Nopharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, the island hosts only one beach situated in Maya Bay that became world-famous after the release in 2000 of a blockbuster movie with Leonardo Di Caprio: The Beach.

With clear crystal waters, white sand powder, and lush tropical vegetation, Maya Bay gathers all the postcard clichés in one place; all along high season (from November to April), its international fame attracts a myriad of daily visitors. Despite the crowded feeling, Maya Bay remains a place to see. A small terrace has been built at the far backend of the beach, offering a superb view point to Loh Sama, a small bay renowned for snorkelling. Another cool spot on the northeastern side of Koh Phi Phi Leh is the Viking Cave; featuring ‘ancient’ (no trustable source has given a precise date of their making yet) paintings figuring what seems to be drakkars – hence the cave’s name; the cave is still used nowadays to show tourists how to capture bird’s nests (swifts live in the cave), a great source of income for local fishermen.