Ao Muong Resort

Ao Muong Resort is a tranquil retreat set along a scenic cliffside overlooking Mango Bay. This is one of two hotels in the area and the only property set along Mango Bay itself, which is one of the island’s most remote and picturesque beaches. The intimate white sandy bay is framed by large granite boulders and has turquoise waters with excellent snorkeling and diving. Although the dramatic jungle and beachfront setting is exceptional, guests considering a stay here should be aware that it is fairly basic and rugged. The steep cliffside property involves strenuous climbing between rooms and facilities, limited daytime electricity, and plenty of bugs. Another downside is that the beach and restaurant get quite overrun with divers and day trippers, which definitely detract from the hotel's serene ambience.

The hotel is located in the northern most tip of Koh Tao, along Mango Bay, a remote and picturesque white-sand beach only accessible by boat or off-road vehicle. A free daily return boat transfer service to and from Mae Haad Pier operates twice daily. Transfers take around 30 minutes one way and pass along Koh Tao’s dramatic granite coastlines and the idyllic Nang Yuan Island. Guests should note that the hotel's office and meeting point for boat transfers is located across from the Lomprayah ticket counter in downtown Mae Haad. The hotel is completely isolated and there are no shops in the area, so stocking up in Mae Haad for snacks and other necessities is recommended. Koh Tao’s main downtown areas of Mae Haad Pier and Sairee Beach both offer plenty of shops, restaurants, and local bars, though Sairee is a better bet for nightlife.

Ao Muong Resort features a range of standalone wooden bungalows and streamlined suites dotted along the hotel's jungle cliffside and beachfront areas. The rustic bungalow dwellings have whitewashed wood-clad interiors, hardwood floors, large windows, and large balcony chill spaces overlooking the scenic views. Rooms are outfitted with wooden platform beds and mattresses (on the firmer side), TV tables, and clothes hanging racks, though there's no shelving. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, empty mini-fridges, and kettles (most rooms). Bathrooms are a bit basic and cramped but clean and have hot water showers. During our tour of the hotel, we noticed that the rooms showed minor wear and tear. 

Ao Muong is a small remote hotel with direct beach access, sprawling tropical grounds, and a simple restaurant, but little else. The bay is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and there are plenty of lounge chairs laid out. Also, kayaks are available to use, but guests should bring their own snorkeling gear. The restaurant has spectacular views of the bay and serves Thai favorites plus some rudimentary Western meals, though the food is underwhelming. Breakfast is included in room rates and is served a la carte. Wi-Fi is free but unreliable, available only for limited hours during the evening when the generator is operating. Guests planning to dive Mango Bay should note that the hotel doesn’t have a dive center, so bookings will have to be made independently through outside operators.