Welcome to Mao Bay Beach, a peaceful haven hidden away on the beautiful coast of Thailand. With its soft white sands, clear blue waters, and lush green surroundings, Mao Bay Beach offers a peaceful getaway from the busy pace of daily life. Whether you’re looking to unwind under the shade of palm trees, try exciting water activities, or simply enjoy some quiet time by the sea, Mao Bay Beach has it all. Explore the natural beauty and relaxed environment of this hidden paradise along Thailand’s breathtaking coastline.
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Quick Facts: Mao Bay Beach
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- Location: East Coast of Koh Tao, approximately halfway along the coastline.
- Length: 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: There are no restaurants at Mao Bay Beach due to its remote location.
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What To Expect Mao Bay Beach
Here’s what you can expect at Mao Bay Beach, Koh Tao:
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- Remote beach with pristine beauty: Mao Bay is one of the most remote beaches on Koh Tao. This means it’s not very crowded and offers a serene atmosphere. The beach itself is a small cove lined with granite rocks and clear turquoise water.
- Great for hiking and diving: The only way to access Mao Bay is by boat or on foot through the jungle. A hiking trail leads to the beach, which is a great way to see the island’s interior. The underwater world at Mao Bay is also relatively untouched, making it a great spot for diving and snorkeling. There’s an artificial reef that’s teeming with marine life.
- Limited amenities: Since it’s so remote, there are no amenities available at Mao Bay Beach. Unfortunately, you won’t find any restaurants, shops, or places to stay here. It’s best to bring your food and drinks if you plan on spending a day there.
- Can be polluted: Due to the lack of visitors, Mao Bay can be quite polluted. However, some local businesses and residents regularly clean the beach.
Overall, Mao Bay Beach is a great option for travelers who are looking for a secluded and beautiful beach. Just be sure to come prepared, as there are no amenities available.
Where To Stay In Mao Bay Beach
There’s no accommodation available directly at Mao Bay Beach due to its remoteness. However, depending on your needs, there are some great options nearby:
1. Chalok Baan Kao Bay: This is the closest beach, with a good selection of resorts and bungalows. It offers a good mix of relaxation and activity, with a laid-back vibe and some restaurants and bars.
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- Family-friendly option: Tanote Bay Resort offers a beautiful beachfront location, comfortable rooms, and a pool, making it a great choice for families.
2. Sairee Beach: If you’re looking for more action and nightlife, Sairee Beach is the place to be. It’s the most popular beach on Koh Tao, with a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops.
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- MaeMid-range option: Simple Life Resort offers a good balance of value and amenities, with an outdoor pool, dive center, and free breakfast.
3. Mae Haad: This is the main arrival point for ferries on Koh Tao. It has a quieter vibe than Sairee Beach, but there are still plenty of restaurants and shops to choose from.
4. Luxury option: The Plantation Koh Tao is a luxurious resort located on a private beachfront. It boasts breathtaking views, comfortable private villas with pools, and all the amenities you could ever want.
No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of Mao Bay Beach with a short boat trip or hike.
Best Time To Visit Mao Bay Beach
Choosing the best time to visit Mao Bay Beach really depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. Here’s a breakdown of the factors to consider:
Weather:
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- Dry season (February to April): This is generally considered the best time to visit Koh Tao, with sunny skies and calm seas. This makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving around Mao Bay Beach.
- Shoulder seasons (May, June, September, and October): You can expect some occasional rain showers during these months, but they usually don’t last long and the humidity is lower than the peak season.
- Wet season (July and August): This is the wettest time of year on Koh Tao, with frequent rain showers and higher humidity. However, the island is still beautiful and the crowds are smaller. Visibility underwater can be better during this time due to less plankton.
Activities:
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- Hiking: If you plan on hiking to Mao Bay Beach, cooler weather during the dry season might be more enjoyable.
- Snorkeling and diving: The underwater world is always a sight to see, but visibility can be slightly better during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, and October) due to fewer plankton in the water.
Mao Bay Beach 2-Day Itinerary
Here’s a suggested itinerary for a fun-filled 2-day trip to Maho Bay Beach:
Day – 1
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- Morning: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at one of Maho Bay’s many restaurants, like Maho Crossroads or Sunset Beach Bar and Grill.
- Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch and head to the beach for a relaxing morning of swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. Maho Bay has a great little reef teeming with colorful fish, perfect for exploring.
- Afternoon: In the afternoon, take a short walk to Trunk Bay, a world-famous beach known for its pristine white sand and calm waters. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the nearby Maho Bay mangroves.
- Dinner: Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of Cruz Bay’s many restaurants, like The Longboard or Morgan’s Mango.
- Where to Break: Relax at your Maho Bay accommodation or grab a drink at one of the many beach bars.
- Where to Sleep: Maho Bay has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from beachfront resorts to comfortable villas. Some popular options include Maho Bay Camps, Seagrape Cottages, and The Gallows Point Resort.
Day – 2
Virgin Islands National Park
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- Morning: Fuel up for a day of adventure with a delicious breakfast at one of Maho Bay’s restaurants.
- Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch and head to Virgin Islands National Park for a day of hiking. There are many great trails to choose from, such as the Reef Bay Trail or the Leinster Bay Trail. Both offer stunning views of the island and surrounding islands.
- Afternoon: After your hike, take a refreshing dip in one of the many beautiful beaches located within the park, such as Hawksnest Bay or Salomon Beach.
- Dinner: Enjoy a casual dinner at one of Cruz Bay’s many restaurants or grab some snacks and drinks at one of the many beach bars.
- Where to Break: Relax at your Maho Bay accommodation or take a stroll along the beach and watch the sunset.
- Where to Sleep: Spend your second night at your Maho Bay accommodation.
How to Reach Mao Bay Beach
Mao Bay Beach is one of Koh Tao’s most remote beaches, so getting there is a bit of an adventure. There are two ways to get there: by boat or by foot.
By Boat
This is the easiest way to reach Mao Bay Beach. You can charter a private longtail boat from Sairee Beach or Mae Haad Pier. Expect a friendly 30-minute journey!
By Foot
This is a more challenging option but a great way to see the island’s interior. The hike to Mao Bay Beach is about 2 kilometers long and takes around 1 hour to complete. The trail begins at Sairee Beach and leads you through the jungle. The path can be a bit steep and slippery in some places, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
Here’s a more detailed guide on how to reach Mao Bay Beach by foot
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- Set off from Sairee Beach and take the Hin Wong Bay road out of the village.
- Take a right at Tarna Align Resort. This is the same path you’d take to get to Laem Thien Bay.
- Towards the end of the track, take a small exit on the left that snakes down the steep hillside onto the beach at Mao Bay Beach. This path can be a bit tricky to spot, so after you pass the markers for Secret Steps and Tanote Peak, make sure to stay alert and keep your eyes peeled!
Know Before You Go Mao Bay Beach
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- Weather Check: Mao Bay Beach experiences a tropical climate, so it’s wise to check the weather forecast before planning your trip. Avoid monsoon seasons or severe weather conditions for a safer and more pleasant visit.
- Pack Essentials: Remember to pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light clothing to shield yourself from the sun’s rays. Additionally, bring along insect repellent to ward off any pesky bugs.
- Stay Hydrated: The tropical heat can be intense, so it’s crucial to stay hydrated throughout your visit. Carry an adequate supply of water and hydrating beverages to avoid dehydration.
- Footwear: While the sandy shores of Mao Bay Beach are perfect for barefoot strolls, consider bringing water shoes if you plan to explore rocky areas or coral reefs. They’ll protect your feet and provide a better grip on slippery surfaces.
- Respect Nature: Mao Bay Beach is renowned for its pristine environment and diverse marine life. Help preserve this natural treasure by refraining from littering, touching, or damaging coral reefs, and respecting wildlife from a safe distance.
- Snorkeling Gear: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the underwater wonders of Mao Bay Beach. Bring your snorkeling gear or rent it from nearby vendors to see the vibrant marine ecosystem that thrives beneath the crystal-clear waters.
- Local Regulations: Be aware of any local regulations or guidelines that may be in effect at Mao Bay Beach. This includes designated swimming areas, prohibited activities, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting the marine environment.
- Transportation: Plan your transportation to Mao Bay Beach in advance. Whether you are driving, taking a taxi, or using public transportation, make sure you have a safe way to get to and from the beach.
- Leave No Trace: As you bid farewell to Mao Bay Beach, remember to leave no trace of your presence. Dispose of trash responsibly and leave the beach as pristine as you found it, ensuring future generations can enjoy its beauty.
FAQs Of Mao Bay Beach
Where is Mao Bay Beach located?
Mao Bay Beach is situated on the eastern coast of the island of Maotou in the Pacific Ocean.
What are the operating hours of Mao Bay Beach?
Mao Bay Beach is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, there is no entrance fee to access Mao Bay Beach.
Are there facilities available at the beach?
Yes, Mao Bay Beach offers basic facilities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
Is swimming allowed at Mao Bay Beach?
Yes, swimming is allowed, but visitors are advised to be cautious and aware of the ocean currents.
Are there lifeguards on duty?
Mao Bay Beach does not have lifeguards on duty, so visitors are responsible for their safety while swimming.
Can we bring food and drinks to the beach?
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their food and drinks to enjoy at the picnic areas.
Is camping allowed at Mao Bay Beach?
No, camping is not permitted at Mao Bay Beach.
Are there any water sports activities available?
Mao Bay Beach offers snorkeling and kayaking opportunities, but visitors must bring their equipment.
Is the beach wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Mao Bay Beach has wheelchair-accessible pathways leading to certain areas of the beach.
Are there any nearby attractions to visit?
Yes, visitors can explore other beaches, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints on the island of Maotou.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is parking available near Mao Bay Beach, though it can fill up quickly during peak times.
Are pets allowed on the beach?
Yes, pets are allowed at Mao Bay Beach, but owners are responsible for cleaning up after them and ensuring they behave appropriately.
Is there a designated area for bonfires?
No, bonfires are not allowed at Mao Bay Beach to preserve the natural environment and prevent fire hazards.
Is the beach wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Mao Bay Beach has wheelchair-accessible pathways leading to certain areas of the beach.