To westerners the real beach is called Maya bay on the island of Phi Phi Ley in Phang Nga, Thailand. The beach was modified for the filming of the movie but the 2004 tsunami has returned it to its natural state. Snorkeling within the bay is good, there are large underwater boulders covered with coral and home to many brightly colored tropical fish.

The beauty of Maya awes everyone who visits, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, lush jungle and clear waters. However ever increasing tourist numbers have spoiled any sense of serenity you might have hoped for. More traditional long tail boats taking visitors to the island have largely been replaced by multi engined speed boats.

Visually Maya bay is as spectacular as ever but its atmosphere is not what you hope for with revving engines replacing the sounds of tropical birds and lapping waves. To avoid this you have to organize early morning trips from Phi Phi Don or you can camp overnight. Either way you’ll probably still have to share the experience with others, but for the most part you will avoid the noise and numbers of the day trip speed boats from Phuket.

Nearby Phi Phi Don caters mostly to backpackers a bit of a party island, like most islands though prices are higher for accommodation, food and entertainment, as Phi Phi Ley has no accommodation options other than camping this is the nearest option for longer stays. It also provides a good base for exploring other islands in the area. There are also a number of diving outfits on the island that can provide both dive tours and lessons.

Maya bay is a must see if you are visiting islands in Phang Nga, many backpackers looking for that beach paradise in the movie head north to the province of Krabi where other great beaches like Ao Nang are less visited but equally beautiful.

Ao Nang is, at the moment, arguably Thailand’s best all-round beach destination. It is predominately a family and sports destination. It lacks wild nightlife and young party travelers will bore quickly, it does have a few relaxed bars but is definitely not like Patong or Pattaya which makes it great for families, couples and adventure seeking but relaxed backpackers. Ao Nang is the tourist center of Krabi, a destination in itself or as a base.

Ao Nang represents, for many people, an ideal compromise between a pristine but boring destination and a fun but polluted one, if you need either there are plenty of pristine options nearby and regular boats to Koh Phi Phi for the party animals.

While not quite as scenic as Railay, there is a good range of cheap accommodation, many good restaurants, easy transport and travel/tour agencies ready to cater to your every whim, making it a excellent base for exploring Krabi. Ao Nang is right next door to Railay and with many islands to explore nearby it is somewhat surprising that it remains such a relaxed atmosphere. Although the geography of the area does not lend itself to large development this may be its saving grace it also makes it a mecca for rock climbers, there are world class rock climbers testing themselves here year round.

Ao Nang is one of the main gateways for travel to the Phi Phi islands, about 2 hours away by long tail boat, 40-50 mins by speed boat. Many tour operators in Ao Nang offer day trips to Phi Phi.

Ao Nang itself has two idyllic, unspoiled beaches, which are lapped by clear, warm water. Other, tropical beaches are located on the outlying islands which can be accessed cheaply and quickly from Ao Nang by longtail.

Tiger Cave Temple is the most popular Buddhist temple to visit in the area. The temple is set at mouth of a cave in the base of a stone pillar rising almost 1,000 feet. There are over 1200 steps leading up to the temple and it is a strenuous climb. Sunset is a popular time to visit, especially at a full moon, when it is possible to see the sun setting over the islands in the Andaman Sea in the west, while a the moon rises over the Krabi lowlands in the east.

Isolated from the mainland, the peninsula of Railay is surrounded by the Andaman Sea, lush jungle, and twisted rock. It contains enough activities for the most adventurous while allowing those who just want to chill out in paradise the opportunity to do just that. Accessible only by boat due to the high limestone cliffs cutting off mainland access. These cliffs attract rock climbers from all over the world, but the area is also popular due to its beautiful beaches and quiet relaxing atmosphere.

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There are two Railay beaches, Railay East and Railay West. The eastern beach is mangroves, or at least what is left of them, there is budget accommodation and a fantastic relaxed atmosphere however the beach is not suitable for swimming. Railay West is a beautiful sandy beach with large limestone outcrops at either end, its a great place to just sit and watch a stunning tropical sunset. There are two other beaches on the peninsula Ton Sai and Phra Nang and both are also highly rated.

On this small peninsula you’ll find gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides. Adding to the hidden paradise feel is the fact that there are no roads to Railay, the peninsula is inaccessible from the mainland due to the limestone cliffs and thick jungle valleys, maybe this also leads to so many people staying much longer than they originally planned. Railay doesn’t see a lot of travelers only staying for a day or two, its attraction is magnetic.

Unfortunately Railay is becoming more developed and prices are increasing, during the high season accommodation prices are significantly more expensive. It would be worth getting here before the commercialization goes over the top. Stay in a cheap bungalow and let the Thai’s know we value relaxed paradises more than 5 star resorts and the jet ski mafia. Some would say it has already happened, there are resorts but not to the extent of Phuket or Samui. There is a balance and unfortunately it almost always tips in the favor the money. On the upside a few resorts mean the beaches and surrounds are kept cleaner.