Mao Bay Beach
A secluded bay on Koh Tao offering calm waters and a peaceful escape from the island's busier beaches.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Koh Samui's beaches are roughest October–December, and Hua Hin's wettest months are September and October. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Stay within reach of Mao Bay Beach
SponsoredSearch Koh Tao hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near Mao Bay BeachOpens Booking.com with your dates
Best rated within a 10-minute walk
Details
Full opening hours
Tours that include Mao Bay Beach
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Mao Bay Beach.
Why go, and how to do it well
Mao Bay Beach is a quiet, tucked-away cove on the northeastern side of Koh Tao, drawing visitors who prefer a more relaxed and less crowded alternative to the island's more popular shores. Its sheltered position makes the water generally calm, and the surrounding scenery retains a natural, unhurried character that appeals to those looking to slow down and enjoy the coast without the bustle of beach bars and tour groups.
The bay is well suited for swimming and snorkeling, and the relatively undeveloped surroundings give it a raw, natural feel. Visitors can expect a stripped-back experience — shade may be limited and facilities are minimal, so it rewards those who come prepared. The atmosphere is best described as peaceful and scenic, making it a good choice for travelers who value tranquility over convenience.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
Tours that include Mao Bay Beach
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Mao Bay Beach.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Mao Bay Beach, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Mao Bay Beach, round out your day in Koh Tao with contrasting stops nearby.
3VR2+XC7, Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore beaches nearby
All within 2.6 km of Mao Bay Beach.
Ao Laem Thian
Tanote Bay
Ao Hin Wong
Sairee Beach
Tips for Visiting Beaches
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. A sunrise walk is the best hour of the day on the sand, and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Mao Bay Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mao Bay Beach worth visiting?
Mao Bay Beach holds a 4.4★ rating from 60 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Koh Tao.
What are the opening hours of Mao Bay Beach?
Mao Bay Beach is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Mao Bay Beach?
The best months to visit Koh Tao are March – September (calmest water, best visibility), with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & July – August — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: November (monsoon swell peaks).
Where is Mao Bay Beach located?
Mao Bay Beach is at 3VR2+XC7, Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani, Thailand, in Koh Tao. Getting around Koh Tao: Walking around Sairee and Mae Haad; Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day; some concrete roads are extremely steep).
Also popular in Koh Tao
Blue Shark Brunch, Koh Tao
Nitro Dive Center - Koh Tao
Nang Yuan Island
Maya Beach Club Koh Tao
Similar Beaches across Thailand
Zen Beach
Bo Phut Beach
Nang Thong Beach
