Hike to Mango View Point, Koh Tao, Thailand
The Mango view point is situated at the northern most part of Koh Tao and is on the route that connects to the remote Mango bay. The bay and the view point derive their names from the huge number of Mango trees that you just to grow here a long time back.
Mostly, people take their motorbikes to this view point, but if you feel adventurous like how I did, you should definitely do the steep hike to this stunning view point. A word of caution for those wishing to hike: do not hike in an inebriated state, carry lots of water and be in decent physical condition. This hike is a climb all the way without any flat stretches for a break.
The hike begins at Sairee village from where you turn right and start your gentle ascent. At the intersection turn left. From here the steep climb begins (on the concrete road) and towards Mango bay and Hin Wong Bay. At another intersection turn left as the right track heads to Hin Wong bay. Here the road becomes smaller and the climb gets even steeper. Once you cross Butterfly Garden Resort, you will reach a place called Jim’s bar. Turn left here and you reach Last Bar and the ticket counter for the view point. At the counter, pay 20 THB and walk on the dirt trail to the view point.
The view point is set at a cliff’s edge and hence gives you a commanding view of the entire west coast. The view includes the entire Sairee beach, Mae Haad bay and the Jansom bay. The best time to be here is either before noon or during sunset. I was here at around 3 pm and the light was pretty harsh as you face into the sun and this being a west facing view, the light is very harsh even for your sunglasses. Hence, I had to wait till sunset to see a great sunset amidst this mighty aerial view of the west coast.
The only place you can find water or something to eat is Last Bar and since the climb is really steep, you will need a lot of water. Typical time for the climb from Sairee village is 60 minutes and descent should be about 45 minutes. Take caution while climbing down. A lot of people have been known to roll down due to bad footwear.
Mostly, people take their motorbikes to this view point, but if you feel adventurous like how I did, you should definitely do the steep hike to this stunning view point. A word of caution for those wishing to hike: do not hike in an inebriated state, carry lots of water and be in decent physical condition. This hike is a climb all the way without any flat stretches for a break.
The hike begins at Sairee village from where you turn right and start your gentle ascent. At the intersection turn left. From here the steep climb begins (on the concrete road) and towards Mango bay and Hin Wong Bay. At another intersection turn left as the right track heads to Hin Wong bay. Here the road becomes smaller and the climb gets even steeper. Once you cross Butterfly Garden Resort, you will reach a place called Jim’s bar. Turn left here and you reach Last Bar and the ticket counter for the view point. At the counter, pay 20 THB and walk on the dirt trail to the view point.
The view point is set at a cliff’s edge and hence gives you a commanding view of the entire west coast. The view includes the entire Sairee beach, Mae Haad bay and the Jansom bay. The best time to be here is either before noon or during sunset. I was here at around 3 pm and the light was pretty harsh as you face into the sun and this being a west facing view, the light is very harsh even for your sunglasses. Hence, I had to wait till sunset to see a great sunset amidst this mighty aerial view of the west coast.
The only place you can find water or something to eat is Last Bar and since the climb is really steep, you will need a lot of water. Typical time for the climb from Sairee village is 60 minutes and descent should be about 45 minutes. Take caution while climbing down. A lot of people have been known to roll down due to bad footwear.
