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If you want to see an amazing sunset, go here. Are you looking for a relaxed, free, spiritual, and peaceful beach vibe? Go to Mao Bay Beach in Thailand! You will find all the information you need in the travel guide. Why is it so late? There is a sense of peace at Mao Bay because of the soft white sand. Natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere can be found along Thailand’s breathtaking coastline. You’ll see clear blue waters, lush green surroundings, and a relaxed atmosphere here. Whether you’re looking for some quiet time by the sea, exciting water activities, or relaxation under palm trees, Mao Bay Beach has it all. Take in Thailand’s breathtaking coastline and its natural beauty.
Overview Of Mao Bay Beach
| Location | 3VR2+XC7, Tambon Ko Tao, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani, Thailand |
| Size | Small bay |
| Sand | White sand |
| Water | Clear, calm water |
| Activities | Hiking, Scuba Diving (healthy coral reefs with little dive traffic), Snorkelling (great for spotting marine life) |
| Restaurants | No (due to remote location) |
Mao Bay Beach: Interesting Facts You Need To Know
Mao Bay Beach, also known as Mao Bay, is a secluded beach on the east coast of Koh Tao, Thailand. Here are some interesting facts you need to know about this hidden gem:
- Remote and tranquil: Mao Bay is one of Koh Tao’s most remote beaches. Tourists rarely visit this place, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking peace and quiet. The lack of crowds also means the beach can be quite serene, with calming lapping waves and lush greenery surrounding the bay.
- Possible Haunting: There’s a local legend surrounding the bay’s name, “Mao,” which translates to “drunk” in Thai. The story goes that a fisherman who was inebriated fell overboard and drowned here, and the bay has been believed to be haunted ever since.
- Great for Hiking and Diving: While swimming might be limited due to the rocky shores, Mao Bay is a popular destination for hikers and scuba divers. Hikers can enjoy a challenging trek through the jungle to reach the bay, while divers can explore the healthy coral reefs with minimal tourist divers around.
- Cleaning Initiatives: Due to its remote location, Mao Bay has suffered from pollution in the past. However, local businesses and residents have undertaken beach-cleaning initiatives to keep the bay pristine.
- Limited Accessibility: There are no roads leading directly to Mao Bay. The only way to access the beach is by chartering a water taxi or hiking through the jungle. The hike is considered moderately difficult, so it’s best for those in good physical condition.
The Best Places To Stay In Mao Bay Beach
There are no accommodations available directly at Mao Bay due to its remote location. There are, however, some great options nearby, depending on your needs:
Simple Life Resort is a relaxed beachfront property on Sairee Beach, Koh Tao. It features simple bungalows, a restaurant with a beachfront terrace, and a dive centre. This resort offers a laid-back atmosphere and stunning beachfront views, with rooms.
Sensi Paradise Beach Resort is a beachfront resort located on Jansom Bay/Sai Nuan Beach. It features an outdoor pool, a spa, a restaurant with beautiful sea views, and a variety of room options, including bungalows and suites. This resort offers a luxurious and relaxing experience, with rooms.
Ban’s Diving Resort is a relaxed, family-run resort on Sairee Beach. It features bungalows and rooms with balconies, a restaurant with pool views, and a dive centre. This resort is a great option for families and divers.
The Sairee Cottage Resort is a relaxing beachfront resort. It features bungalows and rooms with balconies, a restaurant with a poolside terrace, and a dive centre. This resort is a great option for families and budget-minded travellers.
The Tarna Align Resort is a beachfront resort on Sairee Beach with stunning Sairee Cottage Resort is located on Sairee Beach and offers a relaxed beachfront setting. sea views. It features an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness centre, and a variety of room options, including deluxe rooms and pool villas. This resort offers a luxurious and relaxing experience.
Family Tanote Bay Resort: Family Tanote Bay Resort is budget-friendly. The resort features a restaurant serving delicious meals, a diving centre for those who want to explore the underwater world, and free parking for guests with vehicles. They also offer luggage storage and designated smoking areas for guests who smoke. The rooms at Family Tanote Bay Resort come with either a fan or air conditioning, perfect for adjusting to your comfort level. Some rooms also feature stunning sea views.
When’s The Best Time to Visit Mao Bay Beach?
The best time to visit the beach depends on what you’re looking for in your beach experience.
- For the best weather: Generally, the dry seasons are considered the best time to visit Koh Tao, which is between January and April. The weather is typically sunny with little rain, and the water is calm and clear. This is also the busiest and most expensive time of year.
- For solitude: If you’re looking for a secluded beach experience, Mao Bay is a great option any time of year. However, it’s especially quiet during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, and October) and the rainy season (July and August). Just be aware that the weather can be less predictable during these times, with occasional rain showers and rougher seas.
- For sunrise: Mao Bay faces east, making it a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise. The early morning light paints the sky with vibrant colours, and the view is even more spectacular from the Secret Steps, a rocky outcrop located north of the bay.
Mao Bay Beach: How to Get There
Reaching the beach is an adventure in itself! Due to its remote location on the east coast of Koh Tao, there are only two ways to get there: by boat or on foot.
By boat: Chartering a water taxi is the most convenient option. You can negotiate the fare with a local boat operator at any of the piers on Koh Tao.
By foot: This is a more challenging option but also more rewarding. The hike to Mao Bay takes you through the jungle and offers stunning views of the island. Here’s how to get there:
- Start from Sairee Beach and take the Hin Wong Bay road out of the village.
- Turn right at Tarna Align Resort. This is the same path you’d take to get to Laem Thien Bay, but towards the end of the track, take a small exit on the left that snakes down the steep hillside onto the beach. This path is easy to miss, so keep a keen eye out once you pass the turning points for Secret Steps and Tanote Peak.
The hike is a few kilometres long and can be quite challenging, especially in the hot weather. Wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water.
Mao Bay Beach: What You Need to Know
- Plan your visit during the dry season . The weather is sunny and dry during this time, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.
- Be aware of the tides. The beach can get quite narrow at high tide, so it’s best to visit during low tide when there’s more sand to spread out on.
- Bring your own beach essentials. There are no shops or restaurants on the beach, so be sure to pack your own sunscreen, towels, snacks, and drinks.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard. This is a great way to explore the coastline and get some exercise.
- Go for a snorkelling or scuba diving trip. The waters around Mao Bay are teeming with marine life, making it a great spot for snorkelling and diving.
- Hike to the viewpoint. There’s a short hike that leads to a viewpoint with stunning panoramic views of the beach and surrounding islands.
- Relax and enjoy the scenery. The beach is a beautiful place to simply relax and soak up the sun.
- Be respectful of the environment. Please pack out all your trash and avoid littering on the beach.
- Be aware of currents. The currents can be strong at times, so it’s important to swim in designated areas only.
- Enjoy the peace and quiet. Mao Bay is a relatively secluded beach, so it’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.
FAQs About Mao Bay Beach
What is Mao Bay Beach like?
Mao Bay is a secluded paradise on the coast of Thailand. It’s known for its soft white sand, clear blue waters, and lush surroundings. It’s a great place to relax and escape the crowds.
Is Mao Bay Beach crowded?
No, Mao Bay is one of the least crowded beaches on Koh Tao. This is due to its remote location and lack of amenities.
Are there any restrictions on what I can bring to Mao Bay Beach?
As with most Thai beaches, there are restrictions on bringing glass bottles. Be sure to pack everything out and dispose of trash properly to help keep the beach clean.
What kind of marine life can I see while snorkelling at Mao Bay?
The coral reefs near Mao Bay are home to a variety of colourful fish, including clownfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. You might also spot octopus, eels, and sea turtles.
What’s the best way to capture photos of Mao Bay Beach?
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting for capturing the beauty of Mao Bay Beach. If you want to take photos while swimming or snorkelling, bring a waterproof camera or phone case.
How much does it cost to visit Mao Bay Beach?
There’s no entrance fee to visit Mao Bay Beach itself. However, you’ll need to factor in transportation costs (boat rental, taxi rental, motorbike rental) and any expenses for food or drinks you bring.
