Tag: Maya

This Safe Destination Is Surging In Popularity Since The Launch Of The New Maya Train

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The Maya Train has forever changed the way we approach travel in the Mexican Caribbean, shortening travel distances between all the major resort zones, and making it a lot leasier for foreign tourists to reach lesser-known destinations that could be accessed with a car previously.

As a result, one of these hidden gems, the charming, remarkably-safe city of Campeche, is becoming increasingly more popular for vacationers to visit, with Mexican President himself confirming it is now the third most sought-after destination on the route.

Since the Maya Train debuted, as many as 7,230 tickets for Campeche were sold, surpassed in sales only by Merida and Cancun.

Tourists Flock Into Campeche For The Fascinating Culture

Campeche is one of the oldest cities not only in Mexico but also on the mainland North American continent.

European settlers established it as early as 1540 in a strategic location on the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s not a place you want to skip if you’re a culture aficionado.

Picture centuries-old cobbled lanes lined by brightly-painted facades that still retain their Old World charm, plazas flanked by monumental, viceregal Baroque palaces, and well-preserved Spanish convents and churches built to last for eternity.

Campeche is easily one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, and a historically charged one at that.

The main building in the Historic Center, Campeche Cathedral, was constructed as early as the 16th century, and it’s one of the most impressive colonial structures in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Other points of interest in town include the Mayan Angel, a landmark statue celebrating Campeche pre-Columbian origins, San José Fort, one of the city’s main defensive mechanisms against pirate incursions, and the surviving city walls.

Out of all colonial cities of the New World, Campeche is only of two to still have its protective murallas nearly intact, the other being Quebec City, Canada’s Europenized, French-speaking city. In recognition of its cultural value, UNESCO has added it to its World Heritage Site list.

Beautiful Beaches, High Levels Of Safety And Affordable Stays

Besides the historical attractions, Campeche is within short driving distance of several paradisaical Gulf beaches, such as Playa Caracol, a serene, family-friendly swimming site bounded by mangroves, and the aptly-called Bahamitas, or ‘Little Bahamas’, where sands are virgin-white and waters a bright-blue.

Other than being indisputably beautiful, Campeche has made headlines lately for being one of the safest state capitals in Mexico and the only major city other than Merida to have attained a Level 1 status, as awarded by U.S. authorities.

If you are unfamiliar with travel advisories, Washington classifies different destinations between Levels 1 and 4, with 1 being the safest possible—including risk-free countries like Iceland, Norway, and Finland—and 4 being the most dangerous and that should be avoided at all costs (Russia, North Korea, and the like).

Despite being a fairly large city, home to over a million residents in its wider metropolitan area, Campeche can feel incredibly quaint, with a high number of pedestrianized streets, which means less of the usual chaotic traffic and very low crime rates.

As is the case with other cities in Mexico, you should definitely not let your guard down, however encouraging advisories sound, but you shouldn’t expect harassment and scamming to be as common, nor pickpocketing or violence, compared to Cancun or Mexico City.

Campeche is also a lot more affordable than your usual Mexican resort town, with centrally-located boutique hotels costing between $112 and $160 to book per night, as listed on Booking.com, and lower food and consumer prices.

How Easy Is It To Get To Campeche On The Maya Train?

Now that you know why Campeche is trending with Maya Train travelers, you are probably wondering how actually easy it is to get there if you’re landing in Cancun, and how much tickets cost.

As seen on the official website, there are two Cancun-Campeche departures planned every day, at 7 am and 9 am, at a total journey length of five-and-a-half hours. The train calls at a number of stations along the way, including ‘Magical Towns’ Valladolid and Izamal and fellow colonial gem Merida.

Tickets can be purchased via the Maya Train online shop or any station and authorized vending point. There are three seating categories: Tourist, Premium, and Local.

Tourist tickets start from around MXN 1,166 during the inaugural phase, or roughly $67.

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March 18, 2024
The New Maya Train Will Launch From Cancun To This Mega Popular Beach Town By The End Of February

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The Maya Train has forever changed the way tourists approach travel in the Mexican Caribbean since launching last December.

In a way, it’s greatly diversified transportation options in the region, where taxi monopolies operate and local buses cannot always be trusted to be on time.

Prior to the launch, we expected all lines to open simultaneously, but as you should know by now if you’ve visited Mexico since, that did not materialize.

Thanks to construction delays, the train is being inaugurated in steps, and service from Cancun to Palenque is the only one available.

Luckily, some progress is being made, and starting February 29, a second line will be added to the Maya Train, linking Cancun to this mega-popular beach town:

A Beautiful Laid-Back Town In The Caribbean

Playa Del Carmen is one of the trendiest destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.

Located only an hour south of Cancun, it is traditionally seen as a more laid-back alternative to the bustling resort city that captures nearly half of all foreign arrivals to the country.

While Cancun’s greatest strength is its all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts, Playa’s appeal lies in a youthful, full-of-character beachfront, with its hippy markets and a myriad of casual beach bars and well-frequented discotecas catering to a more diverse audience.

If you’re hoping to meet like-minded travelers or locals and chat over cheap drinks in an internationalized, safe environment, or simply relax on the white sands as you sip on some fresh coconut and admire the tropical view, this is the place to be.

Playa’s days as a quaint settlement on the shores of the Caribbean may be long gone since the first luxury resorts and American expats arrived some decades ago, but as it is much smaller than Cancun – 304,942 permanent residents against 888,797 – it can feel less chaotic.

With the exception of Quinta Avenida, the main pedestrian thoroughfare and busiest street in town, lined by restaurants, quirky art galleries, and souvenir shops, the town is relatively quiet, with verdant residential areas and endless miles of coast begging to be discovered.

Some of the top attractions in Playa are Parque Fundadores’ Mayan Portal, possibly the most beautiful gateway to a beach you’ll ever see, the club-packed Calle 10, your nightlife spot after sundown, and Mamitas Beach, where the white sands unfold along a turquoise ocean.

Why Is The Maya Train To Playa Del Carmen Delayed?

Seeing it is one of the trendiest spots in the Mexican Caribbean, it’s no surprise it’s been added to the Maya Train railway map, but like many Playa-bound travelers, we were negatively surprised late last year upon learning the route wasn’t opening as planned in time for the tourist season.

Since December, the only service available is westbound, traveling towards Merida, then down to San Francisco de Campeche, two of the most traditional colonial cities in Mexico, before terminating in Palenque, the furthest stop from Cancun.

Strangely enough, the most highly-anticipated route, the one traveling along the southeast coast of Yucatan, calling at the nearby leisure destinations of Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen itself, Tulum, and many more gorgeous beach zones, did not launch this winter.

We know as well as you do that waiting for ADO inter-municipal buses that may, or may not depart on time, or booking overpriced private transfers from Cancun International Airport can cause a lot of stress, especially when you’ve flown all the way to sunny Mexico for a relaxing vacation.

The train is set to make multi-destination trips across the Mexican Caribbean easier and safer to plan, as trains typically run on time, and the Maya Train in particular has been touted as one of the safest transportation modes in the world.

Regrettably, the wait has been longer than predicted, and this has led to some confusion among regular tourists who do not follow every single Maya Train development daily, and landed in Cancun only to find out some rail links are still unavailable.

From February 29, the long-delayed line is finally opening, at least partially.

On The Downside…

From this date onward, the train will depart from Cancun, calling at Puerto Morelos, before coming to a halt in Playa Del Carmen. For those hoping to continue the journey toward Tulum, however, the news isn’t nearly as exciting.

The other service was originally set to be up and running by June 2 at the earliest, coinciding with Mexico’s general elections, but as reported by local news outlets, a judge has ordered ‘stop‘ to an extension from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum.

The new blow to Maya Train enthusiasts comes after a number of environmental groups revealed cenotes and underground waters were being polluted as a result of the driving of pillars along the planned railway, and it’s unlikely construction will resume anytime soon.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) himself conceded ‘section 5 south’, namely the stretch from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum, is ‘one of the most challenging‘ due to the nature of the terrain, and pushbacks on the part of environmentalists.

For now, trains from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen are going ahead, with an inaugural journey set for later this month and complete operationalization this spring.

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February 19, 2024
5 Incredible Destinations You Can Visit From Cancun On The Maya Train Right Now

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The Maya Train is the greatest infrastructure project to have been launched in Mexico in years. Traveling on a loop around the Yucatan Peninsula and as far southwest as Palenque, it has greatly improved connectivity between some of the country’s top tourist sites since its launch last December.

These include Cancun, the bustling resort zone on the Caribbean coast, party capital and archaeological zone, all-in-one Tulum, and even charming lesser-known spots like Bacalar, best known for its multicolored lake, and Merida, a hugely historical city with preserved colonial architecture.

Unfortunately, not all of the Maya Train’s planned lines are up and running, and some tourists have been noticeably disappointed when landing in Cancun, hoping to catch a scenic train down to the nearest beach town, only to find out some stations are not open yet.

The project is only expected to be finished this upcoming March at the earliest – knowing Mexico, there will probably be additional delays – so if you’re flying to the Mexican Caribbean this winter and you’re keen on testing out this brand new railway, where exactly can you go?

Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and much of the Riviera Maya are not available as Maya Train destinations right now, but you can still travel to these five incredible spots (in this exact order):

Chichen Itza

Officially the most visited tourist attraction in all of Mexico, Chichen Itza is now more accessible than ever, hosting its very own Maya Train station.

This means it is no longer necessary for tourists to book expensive day tours or pay exorbitant transfer fees when visiting the archaeological complex.

That’s great news already, but if you’re not familiar with the historical site, you may be wondering what it is about Chichen Itza that makes it so special: to put it simply, it stands among the best-preserved and most impressive ancient cities known to mankind.

With a towering step pyramid, richly-decorated temples depicting unique carvings, and a number of sacred cenotes – sinkholes filled with the bluest of waters previously used as sacrificial chambers – it is one of 7 New Wonders of the World, and a surviving symbol of the erstwhile Mayan civilization.

Izamal

Competing for the title of most Instagrammable small town in Mexico, if not the entire world, Izamal is a charming cobbled settlement a stone’s throw away from the larger city of Merida, easily distinguished by its endless rows of bright-yellow-painted houses.

The Maya Train also calls here, and if you do choose to hop off for the day, some of the main sights that may interest you other than the picturesque streets include the lesser-known Mayan pyramid of Kinich Kak Moo and the massive Convent of San Antonio de Padua.

This yellow-washed gem – in line with the city’s overall theme – was one of the first built by the Spanish in the New World, at a time when most of Mexico was still a colony, and its central Atrium is second in size only to the Vatican’s.

Merida

Next on the Maya Train line, you’ll find Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan (named after the peninsula), and possibly one of the prettiest cities in the country, famous for its stunning Spanish-era architecture and multicultural heritage.

It is a city of two conflicting cultures, Mayan and Spanish, with many of the historical buildings you see standing today being, in fact, built out of disassembled, far older pre-Columbian structures, including the imposing cathedral and colonial palaces that dominate the skyline.

Additionally, Merida has been dubbed the safest major state capital in Mexico due to its low rates of pickpocketing and other forms of petty crime: based on the U.S. State Department’s own definition, safety levels are on a par with European countries like Iceland, Finland and Norway.

Maxcanu

The first stop on the Merida-Campeche line, Maxcanu is a quaint, laid-back pueblo that has largely thwarted the poisonous overdevelopment plaguing most of Yucatan: prices still reflect living standards in Mexico, restaurants are typically family-owned, and gentrification is not a common concern.

It’s hard to know whether it will stay this way for long with the arrival of the train, and thus more tourists, but if you’re looking for a chance to experience ‘deep Mexico’, away from the luxurious resorts and Americanized coast, this may be a good time to visit Maxcanu while it’s still a ‘secret’.

On top of its unspoiled Mexicanness, it has a number of Mayan ruins in its vicinity, such as Oxkintok, where a one-of-a-kind Mayan labyrinth has been unearthed, the ruined Chunchucmil, and the otherwordly Calcehtok caves.

Campeche

The last entry on this list and the last stop on the Merida-Campeche line, San Francisco de Campeche, is yet another gorgeous colonial treasure built atop a conquered Mayan city, though unlike Merida, very few traces of the previous settlement remain.

Campeche is special for having most of its Spanish-built city walls intact: it is one of two cities in North America, alongside Quebec City in Canada, to have retained them, and its historical value is truly impossible to measure.

While Spaniards lived within the walls, the native Mayans were pushed out to the outskirts, and this heart-wrenching, yet inherently fascinating History is everywhere to be seen today, be it in native-dominated barrios with a distinctly Mayan character, or 500-year-old, ornate colonial churches.

Find out more about the Maya Train and all the incredible places you will be able to visit once it fully launches here.

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February 5, 2024
3 Exciting Destinations Travelers Will Be Able To Visit From Cancun On The New Maya Train

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Cancun is already the number one destination for Americans going abroad this year, but it is set to become even more popular in winter when the long-anticipated Maya Train launches.

A scenic train going on a loop around the Yucatan Peninsula, linking all of the top attractions in the Caribbean provinces of the country? Yes please!

The train will revolutionize travel in the region and help Cancun visitors reach lesser-known locations that were previously harder to get to.

In case you’re wondering where exactly you can go with the train, we bring you 3 exciting Maya Train destinations that will soon be easier to reach from the city.

Bacalar

One of Mexico’s trendiest destinations right now, having amassed millions of views on TikTok, Bacalar is a quaint town in the Southern half of the Quintana Roo state, away from the hustle and bustle of the resort zones and their riotous party scene.

It is your best bet at experiencing the Mexican Caribbean at its most authentic, as it is locally known as a stronghold for Mayan culture, having been inhabited since pre-Columbian times, and in 2006, it was awarded the title of ‘Magical Town‘ – way before the coveted designation was handed out at random.

To this day, huge international luxury brands and upscale resorts are yet to firm their roots in the area, being repeatedly fenced off by family-owned businesses and independently-run boutique hotels.

When staying locally, tourists have a myriad of wellness retreats bounded by the verdant jungle to pick from on the shores of the landmark Lake Bacalar, or Lake of Seven Colors, which unlike the Mayan Coast, does not suffer from rising levels of sargassum.

Sitting 133 miles from Cancun, Bacalar will be an easy day trip from the city once the Tren Maya launches, as it is only four stops away on the Chetumal line, and the two-and-a-half-hour drive, often disrupted by heavy traffic, could become a much shorter train ride.

Izamal

129 miles northwest and only 3 stops away from Cancun Terminal, on the planned Cancun-Merida line, Izamal is a colonial-era gem notorious for its yellow-tinged townscape.

Originally a Mayan settlement, it was repopulated by European colonizers in the 16th century.

They pushed out the locals and built a new city out of the rubbles of the previous one, though Izamal’s indigenous character was not fully lost, as ruins of Mayan pyramids and temples – the City of Hills – have been preserved for posteriority.

With its Mayan stone-carved churches, arcaded convent, and picturesque streets, Izamal is one of the prettiest cities in the Yucatan Peninsula, and certainly all of Mexico, having been granted ‘Magical Town’ status as early as 2002.

The famous open atrium of the Franciscan Monastery of San Antonio de Padua, built atop an ancient Mayan acropolis in 1591, is second in size only to the Vatican City’s.

Merida

One stop after Izamal, Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan – not to be mistaken for the wider peninsula – and a most fascinating historical city, laying claim to being one of the first European settlements in all of the Americas.

Merida’s appeal lies in its rich heritage, which includes a 16th-century cathedral erected with stones from surrounding Mayan ruins, and the oldest to be established in mainland America, Italian and French-style architecture, and unique cuisine, combining both native and post-Columbian elements.

We wouldn’t suggest you visit Merida on a day trip, as it will take roughly three hours to get there from Cancun on the train, but maybe you could spend the night and explore it at a lower pace, as there’s no certainly no shortage of incredible sights around its Old Town to take in.

Additionally, Merida boasts one of the highest safety levels and quality of life indices anywhere in Latin America. It is often referred to as the best city for living in Mexico, so you’ll have no issues getting around town or staying overnight.

Learn more about the Maya Train and other incredible towns you will be able to visit from Cancun with the Maya Train here.

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October 8, 2023
These Are The Perfect Luxury Villas For Groups In The Riviera Maya

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Thinking of booking that group getaway somewhere truly special?

We just had the most luxurious stay of our lives in a villa in the Riviera Maya that is absolutely perfect for families, groups of friends, a work retreat, or even a couple looking for the ultimate splurge.

Read on to hear about a level of luxury we’ve only ever dreamed about:

Luxury At Every Turn — Maya Luxe

Have you ever gone on a group vacation and felt like you got cheated on the room assignments?

What if every room in the house was spacious, had its own luxurious bathroom, and had giant beds that felt like sleeping on a cloud?

That’s what travelers should expect at Vista Hermosa, as well as every other villa offered by Maya Luxe.

Our property, Vista Hermosa, offered 8 rooms dripping in character and class. Everything from the linens to the soap felt hand-picked to make sure you felt like royalty.

The living area was spacious and pristine, and the outdoor terrace was a highlight of the property. We spent our evenings lounging in the cool Caribbean breeze while enjoying carefully crafted cocktails.

We enjoyed starting the days with coffee and a beautiful sunrise lounging next to our own personal infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

When the sun was hot at midday, the pool was a welcome break from the heat, and we didn’t even have to leave our property to enjoy it.

@traveloffpath Maya Luxe villa rentals will make every other vacation seem irrelevant. Perfect for groups and the ultimate luxury getaway in the Riviera Maya! . #mayaluxe #travel #traveloffpath #fyp #foryoupage #traveler #mexico???????? #mexico #rivieramaya #luxury #vacation ♬ original sound – Travel Off Path

Amenities To Die For

We’re not sure about you, but family and group vacations can sometimes mean fighting over who’s cooking, who’s doing the dishes, and who should be the designated bartender.

At Vista Hermosa, we didn’t have to worry about any of that.

The villa included housekeeping staff, a personal butler, and a personal chef. And let us tell you — Chef Olan could give every restaurant in Playa del Carmen a run for its money.

Having never experienced a level of luxury this high, it took a moment to get used to every single need being catered to without even asking. However, our butler, Israel, was happy to do anything and everything to make sure that we didn’t have to lift a finger if we didn’t want to.

If you are traveling with a group, conflicts can sometimes arise over the smallest things.

With Maya Luxe, all of the small things are taken care of for you, and you are free to focus on enjoying yourself and connecting with the people around you.

@traveloffpath Peaceful mornings at Vista Hermosa with @mayaluxe ❤️ . #mayaluxe #travel #traveloffpath #fyp #foryoupage #traveler #mexico???????? #mexico #rivieramaya #luxury #vacation ♬ original sound – Travel Off Path

The Service

We touched on it above, but the level of service with Maya Luxe really deserves its own section.

The staff will make you feel like royalty, and every request will be met with a yes. Guests can decide what they want to eat and drink when they want to eat and drink it, and anything that isn’t on hand will be bought and delivered.

Coffee, margaritas, snacks, waters… you name it; you can have it whenever you want.

Every meal felt like dining in a 5-star restaurant, the presentation was gorgeous, and Chef Olan gave us a description of each meal’s ingredients, as well as how to enjoy it best.

@traveloffpath Private Chef & Butler Service at Vista Hermosa in Playa del Carmen ???? . #mayaluxe #travel #traveloffpath #fyp #foryoupage #traveler #mexico???????? #mexico #rivieramaya #luxury #vacation #playadelcarmen ♬ Undertone – Luke Williams

Don’t worry about getting up to grab a drink or put your plates away, as the house staff will take care of all of this for you. You are free to enjoy your meal with family and friends without worrying about cooking or cleaning up.

Each evening, the staff will clean up after dinner and then leave for the night.

We felt that this was the perfect setup. We had all the service we needed during the times we needed it and then total privacy as the evening came to a close.

What To Do When You’re Not Living It Up In The Villa

You’ll have to do some thorough convincing to get yourself to want to leave the villa, but there are incredible things in the Mexican Caribbean that are definitely worth checking out.

One of the best things to do if you are staying in a villa in Playa del Carmen or close by is to see one of the wonders of the Yucatan – cenotes! Tankah Park is nearby, and this is also a great way to split off from the group for some alone time.

We were lucky enough to have Euridice Hernandez as our personal guide through the jungle. She made us feel right at home as we ziplined through the jungle and snorkeled and kayaked through cenotes.

@traveloffpath The cenotes at Tankah Park are dreamy ???? The perfect day trip during a Maya Luxe vacation ???? . #mayaluxe #travel #traveloffpath #fyp #foryoupage #traveler #mexico???????? #mexico #rivieramaya #vacation #cenote #cenotes ♬ sonido original – Travel Off Path

You can book the tour as a couple and spend the day enjoying the jungle and the beauty of the cenotes closed off from the rest of the world, or you can come with a larger group if you want to have fun with family or friends.

Since sargassum season came a bit early this year, cenotes were the perfect way to play in the water for the day without dealing with the seaweed.

If you choose a villa near Playa del Carmen, a visit to town is definitely worth it, and only a 5-minute walk.

Spend a bit of time shopping before watching the performances around the Portal Maya statue. There are vendors all over the place if you want to pick up a few souvenirs.

There are plenty of restaurants as well, but trust us, you’ll want to head back to the Villa for Chef Olan’s fantastic cooking.

The Verdict

Maya Luxe is on to something truly special, and their vacation rentals are in a class all their own.

We will be looking for every excuse we can find to visit again, because we felt right at home the second we walked in.

Everything from their incredible properties to their highly professional experience coordinators screams luxury, and it’s certainly something we could get used to.

Everything from planning your vacation to enjoying it is completely taken care of, and all you’re left with is the time and energy to enjoy it.

Although we were only there a short time, it’s a place that felt like home, and we certainly plan on returning.

_{**Travel Off Path was a guest of Maya Luxe, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**}

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March 17, 2023
Famous Maya Beach Closed In Thailand: 5 Beautiful Destinations Travelers Can Visit Instead

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Thailand’s Maya Bay – made famous thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s Hollywood smash The Beach – is closed at present to allow ecosystems at the scenic cove a chance to recover. The bay had only just reopened this year after more than three years of being closed to the public following significant degradation to the local environment, with fierce debate currently brewing between local groups about whether or not the closure of one of the country’s leading tourism attractions should be made permanent or seasonal.

However, regardless of whether the bay is set to reopen or close for good, there’s no reason for travelers to fear as Thailand has plenty more beautiful beaches, cozy coves and idyllic islands to enjoy. Here’s a look at five of the most beautiful alternatives to Maya Bay, and why travelers looking to visit the Land of Smiles over the next few months should add them to their travel itineraries as soon as possible.

Railay

For travelers looking for an alternative to Maya Bay, where better arguably the country’s most beautiful beach located in the same province? Situated in coastal Krabi between the main town and Ao Nang, Railay is a remarkable peninsula surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs that provide some of the world’s best rock climbing routes. Home to four distinct beaches, along with a network of caves, tiny islands within swimming distance and mangroves that are rich in biodiversity, Railay provides stunning island views that are best enjoyed from its soft beaches, temperate seas or under the shadow of its looming karsts. Less developed than Koh Phi Phi but with a healthy supply of cafes and eateries, Railay is the perfect place to spend a day or two, and is easily accessible from Ao Nang via a 10-minute longtail boat ride.

Ko Similan

Also located on the country’s Andaman coast, Ko Similan – better known as the Similan Islands – are a Mecca for diving enthusiasts, but there’s more than just life beneath the waves to enjoy. Reachable via a boat journey from Phang Nga’s resort town of Khao Lak, the Similan Islands are everything a tropical island paradise should be. The water is remarkably clear, the sand is soft and powdery whilst a wide array of wildlife can be observed – from stunning monitor lizards on the islands themselves to manta rays, sharks and sea turtles around them. Whilst diving will give travelers the full Similan Island experience, most tours also provide snorkeling equipment, which provides a window into the underwater world that helped put this destination on the map.

James Bond Island

Maya Bay isn’t the only destination in Thailand to have welcomed Hollywood to its shores. Khao Phing Kan served as a villain’s hideout in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, and has been referred to as James Bond Island by travelers ever since. Also located in Phang-Nga province in the country’s south, the island is instantly recognizable due to its singular limestone column erupting from the sea in a perpendicular fashion and gorgeous, isolated beaches and islands nearby. The location is mostly underdeveloped, with the entire province of Phang-Nga providing much more local vibes than its tourism-heavy neighbors Phuket and Krabi, providing an authentic slice of life in rural Thailand. Tour tickets to the island often also include a trip to Koh Panyi, a well-known fishing village on stilts famed for its floating soccer pitch.

Freedom Beach

Phuket is full of beaches, but few share the quiet, effortlessly beautiful qualities that bring travelers to Maya Bay in their droves. Freedom Beach, however, is one of the few exceptions. Despite being geographically close to the rowdy beaches of Patong, Freedom Beach couldn’t be more different. Accessible courtesy of a longtail boat or a perilous descent down a treacherous dirt track, Freedom Beach boasts powdery, white sand, turquoise seas and an abundance of coves, bays and inlets to explore nearby. Tropical coconut trees and palms provide shade and a typical beach atmosphere, and the night-time delights, restaurants and sights of Patong are just around the corner once you’ve had enough of this paradise.

Koh Hong

Another glorious location in Krabi Province, Koh Hong is arguably the most aesthetically-similar destination to Maya Bay in the country. Like Maya Bay, Koh Hong features beaches surrounded by sheer cliffs, with views out into the Andaman Sea. However, Koh Hong has hidden delights that many travelers claim exceed even those of The Beach. The island is home to a secluded lagoon, surrounded by cliffs in a way that gives it it’s name – hong means “room” in Thai, and rooms don’t come much better than this, where the water turns from emerald to turquoise as it shimmers in the sun. Whether kayaking in the lagoon, snorkeling off the beach or taking in the entire island from its elevated viewpoint, Koh Hong is one of the most beautiful islands in the country and is easily accessible by boat from various points on Krabi’s mainland.

Controversy is never far from Maya Bay, as Thailand’s court yesterday ordered 20th Century Fox to pay for damages incurred during filming The Beach. Whilst it might be scheduled to reopen at the end of the month, closure once more could be just around the corner – particularly if local environment groups get their way – but these destinations should provide travelers with more than enough memories to make up for missing it.

Read More:

Thailand To Offer Longer Visa On Arrival To Attract More Travelers

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Thailand To Start Treating Covid Like The Flu From October

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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September 15, 2022
New Maya Train Will Make Cancun More Popular Than Ever
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Last Updated 13 hours ago

Cancun has consistently broken tourism records nearly every month this year, and the trend isn’t slowing. However, an ambitious project is underway that will take tourism in the area to heights never before seen, The Maya Train. A sprawling 1500 km (≈932 mi) long railway will connect Cancun to the entire Yucatán Peninsula, allowing travelers access to over 190 tourist attractions and a total of 5 Mexican states. There will be 18 stops along the route, and the train will travel at a top speed of 160 km/h (≈100 mph).

What It Means For Cancun & Travelers

Although Cancun needs no help bringing in more tourists, The Maya Train will undoubtedly ramp up tourism in the area. With a direct connection to the train right from Cancun International Airport, travel to other areas will be easier and faster than it’s ever been. For instance, the first three stops out of the Cancun airport station will be Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Incidentally, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are two more areas that have been breaking records. The new Maya Train will offer travelers an easier and faster way to reach these highly sought areas. As a result, Cancun International Airport should expect even more record-breaking in its future. Currently, it takes 1.5 hours to drive 118 km (≈73 mi) from Cancun Airport to Tulum. The Maya Train will connect Cancun to Tulum with a 110 km rail section with two stops in between.

Image Courtesy Of: Google Maps

Speed and Comfort

With a top speed of 160 km/hr and an assumption of 5 minutes at each of the two stops in between, travelers will still reach Tulum in under an hour. More specifically, it would take about 51 minutes. Aside from the significant time savings, the journey itself will be much more comfortable. The Maya Train will feature large comfortable seats, train cars that offer dining experiences, and even cabins with a place to lie down for those taking the train long distances.

Image Courtesy Of: Alstrom Maya Train Project

For Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, The Maya Train means they can each expect their visitor counts to grow exponentially. Easier access to these already-popular areas will make them more enticing to travelers looking to experience something new in the region. The adventurous traveler could plan an entire trip around the 18 stops along the route and utilize the cabins with resting areas for long-distance legs.

Image Courtesy Of: Alstrom Maya Train Project

When Can Travelers Expect To Ride The Maya Train?

Due to environmental concerns over section 5 of the railroad track, which connects Cancun with Tulum, the project was temporarily halted. However, work on the section has started again, and tourists can expect to be able to ride The Maya Train by the end of 2023.

What’s Along The Route?

There will be many opportunities for tourists to explore more of the peninsula. Indeed, there will be access to nearly 200 tourist attractions along the route. Access to 5 Mexican states in the area will also make it easier for locals to connect with bigger cities. The 18 stops planned for The Maya Train are below, with four stops of particular interest to tourists bolded.
1. Palenque, Chiapas
2. Boca del Cerro, Tabasco
3. El Triunfo, Tabasco
4. Escárcega, Campeche
5. Xpujil, Campeche
6. San Francisco de Campeche, Campeche
7. Merida Aeropuerto, Yucatan
8. Izamal, Yucatan
9. Chichen Itza, Yucatan
10. Valladolid, Yucatan
11. Nuevo Xcan, Quintana Roo
12. Cancun Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo
13. Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo
14. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
15. Tulum Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo
16. Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo 
17. Bacalar, Quintana Roo
18. Chetumal Aeropuerto, Quintana Roo 
Planned Maya Train Route

Travelers will have easy access to various activities and attractions along the route. Historical sites will now be a quick train ride away rather than a lengthy taxi ride. Travelers will be able to explore more independently with ease rather than feeling the need to book a guided tour. Some of the sites that will become more accessible along the route include:
- Mayan Ruins in the National Park of Palenque
- Mayan sites of Izamal
- The Chichén Itzá Ruins (TikTok Below)
- Puerto Morelos Reef National Park
- The Xibalba Cenote
@drewhacks i love that dog at the end 🇲🇽 welcome to Chichén Itzá! #mexico #travel #drewhacks ♬ original sound – DrewHacks

The Bottom Line

The Maya Train is a massive project that will benefit tourists and locals throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. Areas already majorly popular such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, will all see increased visitor counts due to how accessible the train will make these locations to all travelers. The train will open up the region to a whole new kind of traveler who may have passed on the area before its introduction. It will also give the travelers who come back every year a brand new way to see more of this beautiful slice of the world.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

↓ Join the community ↓

The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A’s happening daily!

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 13, 2022