Mango Bay in Koh Tao

Koh Tao is the smallest tourist holiday island in the Samui Archipelago that consists of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Ang Thong National Marine Park. It is also the least developed of the main islands in the region. During the 1980s and 1990s it was primarily considered as a place for divers. Now in the second decade of the Twenty-first Century Koh Tao has become more main stream. People are going to Koh Tao not just to learn to dive but also to experience some of the most unspoiled natural scenery in Thailand. One of the best places to experience this scenery is on the northern beach of Mango Bay.

Mango Bay is one of the most recent beaches to open for tourism in Koh Tao. It is in a very untouched area in the north of the island. The road to Mango Bay is very bumpy on the approach to the bay. The alternative is to catch a longtail boat from either Sairee Beach or Thong Tanote.

The scenery is spectacular at Mango Bay. On both sides forested mountains come down to the water’s edge. There are many huge granite boulders behind the white sand beach and to the side. The accommodation is built on these rocks and joined by picturesque wooden walkways. This creates a distinctive look to Mango Bay that is not found anywhere else on the island.

The main accommodation in Mango Bay is Ao Muong Resort and Diving. It has fan and air-con bungalows available. The restaurant for the resort is perched on a very big rock with a great view of the ocean.

The water at Mango Bay is very clear and teaming with marine life. It is an ideal spot to go snorkeling or learn to scuba dive because the bay is only 10 meters deep. There are coral reefs on both sides of the bay. It is possible to see barracuda, damselfish, several types of wrasse, titan trigger fish, sea moths and turtles.

Alternatively, it is great to soak up the sun on the beach. It is a very peaceful beach. There are no late night bars and no noise of traffic. Mango Bay is perfect for those who want to get away from it all and relax. It is undoubtedly one of the most pristine environments to take a holiday in Thailand. I recommend going now before more development moves into the area.