Beach made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio film to FINALLY reopen after being closed for 4 years due to overtourism

THE iconic Maya Bay is finally reopening after being closed for nearly four years due to overtourism.

The Thailand beach was made famous by the 2000 film The Beach, featuring Leonardo DiCaprio.


However, its popularity led to its closure after the volume of tourists resulted in damage to the local wildlife and corals.

It was first shut down in 2018 to allow a full recovery of its corals and wildlife.

Thai authorities also said the white-sand paradise was suffering from the pressure of thousands of day-trippers arriving by boat.

Authorities had initially said the beach – popular for day trips with backpackers – was going to be closed for four months, but the reopening was repeatedly postponed.

Thon Thamrongnawasawat, adviser to the Department of National Parks, told AFP the ban on visitors would be extended until mid-2021.

It will now reopen in January 2022, after authorities delayed the opening during Covid to allow it to recover further.

However, there will be new restrictions in place when visiting, according to CNN Travel.

Speedboats will no longer be able to enter the bay, with a pier at the back of the island dropping off passengers instead.

Only eight boats will be allowed at a time, with tourists only able to visit for one hour between 10am and 4pm.

This means less than 2,000 people will be able to visit a day, compared to 5,000 when it was open.

Brits can now return to Thailand after the country lifted their Covid restrictions this month.

Vaxxed tourists no longer have to quarantine on arrival, and can return to the UK with just a lateral flow test.

Low-cost airline Scoot is even offering bargain flights to Thailand from just £170 next month.


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