Mango Bay is one of the most remote beaches on Koh Tao, tucked away on the far northern coast and untouched by the crowds of Sairee.
It’s known for being one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, with crystal-clear waters and healthy corals and marine life. You can reach Mango Bay by longtail boat, snorkeling tour, or, if you’re up for an adventure, ride a motorbike or hike your way there.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to get to Mango Bay, what to expect when you arrive, and share some of my favorite snorkeling spots in the area.
Mango Bay Overview
Mango Bay, or Aow Muang, is a large, protected bay on the northern tip of Koh Tao, with some of the clearest, turquoise waters you’ll find on the island.
Its small white beach and coral reefs on either side make it a top snorkeling spot. Getting here can be a real adventure if you ride a motorbike, as the road is steep and rough—best for experienced riders. If that’s not your thing, you can hop on the daily snorkeling tour that also stop at Mango Bay and nearby Lighthouse Bay and Koh Nang Yuan.
- Location: Northernmost bay on Koh Tao.
- Access: Via motorbike or hike, turning off the Sairee to Hin Wong Bay road toward Mango Bay. Or boat from Sairee.
- Best for: Snorkeling, clear water, and quiet vibes.
- Snorkeling: Coral reefs on both sides of the bay, best spots are on the east side of the bay (details below).
- Entrance fee: 100THB per person payable to Mango Bay Resort
- Facilities: Small resort cafe with food, drinks, and toilet facilities
How to Get to Mango Bay
If you’re confident on a motorbike, I’d recommend riding to Mango Bay—it’s a bit of an adventure, but worth it. Keep in mind, though, that the road is one of the steepest on Koh Tao, with several unsealed and bumpy sections, so only attempt it if you’re comfortable on a scooter.
Start by taking the main road out of Sairee (the same road as 995 Duck) toward Hin Wong Bay.
After a few steep turns, when you reach the top of the hill, look for a turnoff to the left with signs pointing to Jim’s Bar, Grape Viewpoint, and Summit View. This is the road to Mango Bay. If you’re not feeling confident on the bike, you can leave it at the turnoff and hike the rest of the way.
The road starts off bumpy but soon transitions into a newly laid concrete path. It’s narrow and steep, so take it slow.
Eventually, you’ll come to a small bar called "Tar Bar," where you can grab snacks or gasoline if needed. At this point, the road splits—take the right fork to continue toward Mango Bay.
The left fork leads to Grape Viewpoint and other amazing Koh Tao viewpoints like Summit View. If you have time, you can even hike an awesome loop to Top Point or Grandfather Rock Lagoon from here for stunning views of Koh Nang Yuan.
However, to reach Mango Bay, stick to the right. The road now descends steeply as it winds down the mountain. Ignore the right-hand turn for the Lighthouse Bay hike and keep going until you arrive at Mango Bay Resort, where the road ends.
Here, you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee before walking down to the beach (about 300 meters).
Once you’re on the beach, you’re free to relax, explore, and snorkel in one of Koh Tao’s most beautiful and secluded spots.
Best Snorkeling Spots at Mango Bay
There are two main snorkeling areas at Mango Bay. The most popular and "safe" spot is on the east side of the bay, where a roped-off section runs a few hundred meters along the boulders on the coast. While Mango Bay is secluded, most of the island’s snorkeling boat trips stop here, so it can get a bit busy at times.
The east side offers huge rock formations with fun swim-throughs, and the depth drops off quickly to about 20 meters, making it great for freediving. You’ll find healthy patches of coral and plenty of marine life.
While I haven’t personally spotted one, I’ve heard of blacktip reef sharks hanging around the boulders, and it’s common to see turtles in this area as well.
On the west side of the bay, the area is less protected by ropes, but I’ve snorkeled around the coast here and found some incredible rock formations, coral reefs, and schools of fish.
Tip: I recommend snorkeling in the 5-10 meter depth range at Mango Bay. This is where the corals are healthiest and there’s the most marine life. The shallow areas near the beach don’t have much coral, so swim out along the rocky coast for the best experience.
Marine Life You Can Spot Snorkeling at Mango Bay
- Parrotfish: Brightly colored fish that often graze on coral, easy to spot along the coast.
- Bannerfish: Black and white striped with long fins, often found in small schools near coral formations.
- Angelfish: Large and graceful, usually seen gliding around the reefs.
- Wrasses: Small, colorful fish darting in and out of coral crevices.
- Groupers: Often lurking near rock formations, these large, slow-moving fish are common in the deeper areas.
- Butterflyfish: Bright yellow and black fish that travel in pairs, feeding on coral.
- Turtles: Commonly spotted around the deeper parts of the bay.
- Staghorn Coral: Branching corals that provide a habitat for many smaller fish species.
- Brain Coral: Rounded coral formations that resemble a brain, often found in deeper waters.
Can You Stay at Mango Bay?
Yes, you can stay at Mango Bay Boutique Resort, an oceanfront escape tucked away on the northern coast of Koh Tao. It’s one of the most isolated places to stay on the island, making it perfect if you’re after a holiday where you’re truly away from it all in paradise.
Hotel Features: The resort offers comfortable, air-conditioned rooms with sea views, perfect for soaking in the beauty of the bay. You’ll have direct access to the clear, emerald waters for kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling. There’s also a sundeck and an on-site restaurant to complete the experience.
Personally, I love to explore when I travel, so I’d recommend staying somewhere a bit more central on Koh Tao to give you easy access to the whole island. But, if you’re after a stay where all you want to do is swim, snorkel, kayak, and relax, Mango Bay is widely considered one of the most beautiful spots on Koh Tao for just that.
