TRAVELNEWS

Maya Bay is now open to tourists

After three and a half years of closure in order to restore the marine ecosystem, Maya Bay in Krabi is once again open to tourists. The bay falls under the supervision of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

From Jan 1, Maya Bay has started welcoming visitors from 10am to 4pm. The number of tourists is limited to 375 per round and the one-hour tour must be booked in advance.

The reopening of Maya Bay comes with certain rules and regulations. Visitors are required to get off at Loh Sama (Sama Bay) at the back of the island and walk five minutes on a wooden trail to Maya Bay. They are only allowed to walk around the area and take photographs and are not allowed to enter the water.

After a long closure, Maya Bay has seen improvement in terms of environment and natural resources. However, according to veteran ecologist Thon Thamrongnawasawat’s Facebook post last month, Maya Bay is only at 14% of its previous condition.

Known as Paradise Island among tourists, Maya Bay was one of the locations in the 2000 film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Prior to the recent closure, the area fell prey to over-tourism.

Special fares on offer by Emirates

Emirates has launched a new campaign offering specialfares for travel in 2022. Emirates customers canget special fares toa variety of popular destinations includingDubai, New York, London, Manchester, Paris, Zurich, Madrid and Milan, starting from 18,999 baht in Economy Class and 45,099 baht in Business Class.

Emirates passengers can take advantage of the promotion by booking their flight on Emirates.com/th or via participating travel agents from Jan 3-23 for travel from Jan3 to Nov 30 in Economy Class and Business Class.

Get a spa deal at So Sofitel Hua Hin So Sofitel Hua Hin has launched a new spa promotion valid from now until the end of February.

A 90-minute full body and facial massage is priced at 2,900 baht++ per person and starts witha 60-minutebody Ayurvedic treatment which will help relax muscles and stimulate the body’s energy, followed by a30-minute body massage.

A 1+1 WeekdaySpecial deal is also available where visitors can have a 3,200 baht course which comprises a 60-minute body massage (except coconut oil massage) for twopersons, available from Monday to Thursday.

For reservations, visit bit.ly/3suVUoE, email wellness@so-sofitel-huahin.com or call 032-709-555.