Richard is an American backpacker, seeking adventure in Bangkok when he meets the mysterious Daffy, who gives him a map to a secret island in the Gulf of Thailand. However, all is not what it seems, and the island turns out to be less than idyllic…
What takes place at the scene: Who could forget the moment when Richard first arrives on the beach, drinking in the natural beauty surrounding him? It’s a scene that struck beach envy into the heart of every cinema goer.
People who starred: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Robert Carlyle
Year of release in UK: 2000
Insider blogger tips to Maya Bay
I’ll never forget camping, partying, and sleeping on the famous beach of Maya Bay in Thailand. This entire region of the country in the Andaman Sea is stunning, but there really is something special about this particular destination. Once you sail into Maya Bay for yourself, you’ll be wishing you were Leo’s character from “The Beach”, and join the fictitious utopian society. The secret to visiting this widely popular beach is booking the “Maya Bay SleepAboard”, which is an overnight tour that allows it’s travellers to sleep on the beach! It’s absolutely incredible, and one of my favourite travel experiences!
Fun Fact
In Alex Garland’s novel of the same name, the character of Richard is born in 1974, the same year as Leonardo DiCaprio.
The dry season lasts from December to March. Between April and November, it can rain a lot but on some sunny days rain can come in a quick burst, so it may be worth travelling out of season for quieter beaches.
Scenes on the island were filmed in the equally beautiful Maya Bay, in Ko Phi Phi Lee. It can be easily reached by boat from its neighbouring island in the Krabi province of Thailand.
