Maya Bay is the small bay on Phi Phi Leh, one of the Phi Phi islands south-east of Phuket, where limestone cliffs close around white sand and turquoise water. Seen from the air, the cliffs frame the bay on almost every side, and the colour of the water stands out against the rock. It is the farthest sight on the Phuket hub and the goal of the longest route.
That route is the Phuket Maya Bay 50-Minute Helicopter Tour. In about 50 minutes, the route runs along the coast into the Phi Phi archipelago and over Maya Bay, with its white sand, turquoise water and limestone cliffs, before returning to Phuket. A seat costs from THB 31,900. Maya Bay is seen from the air only; there is no landing.
Much of the flight is over open sea, and the crossing is part of the experience: the islands come into view ahead, and the cliffs of Phi Phi Leh grow larger as the helicopter approaches. Life vests are available on all flights over water.
The route is fixed, but weather or air traffic control can change it, and the pilot makes the final call on weather and safety, with a final weather check 2 to 3 hours before departure. Because the bay is enclosed by cliffs, the angle of approach decides how much of the beach you see, so the view changes as the helicopter passes.
Every tour starts and ends at the helipad near Phuket airport, where guests can use the helipad lounge, and your check-in time is confirmed after booking. Arrive at least 20 minutes before that time for the mandatory safety briefing. Hotel transfers are included only if listed in your booking confirmation. Tours allow no luggage beyond small personal items such as a handbag, and only bottled water is allowed on board; phones and cameras are welcome.
Each tour is sold by the seat, in a six-passenger helicopter with emergency floats and noise-cancelling headsets. On a shared flight you may fly with other guests, and the crew assigns the seats. To fly private, you book all 6 seats, and the whole helicopter is yours.
No minimum age is stated; children under 2 sit on a parent’s lap, children under 12 must fly with an adult, and pregnant passengers need a medical certificate. There is no free cancellation: cancelling more than 3 days before departure costs 25% of the fare, from 3 days to 3 hours before costs 50%, and later cancellations or no-shows pay the full fare. Rebooking is free more than 24 hours before departure. If the flight is cancelled for weather or safety, you can rebook free of charge or get a full refund (bank fees may be deducted).
Flights run all year, during daylight hours. In the rainy green season from about May, showers usually come in short bursts in the late afternoon, so morning flights are best, and the rain clears the haze for sharp views. To see Maya Bay from above, book the 50-minute Maya Bay tour.
Se Maya Bay från luften: Phuket · Phuket Maya Bay 50-Minute Helicopter Tour.