Among the satellite islands of Phuket, I would say that "Koh Mai Thon" is one of the most well-rounded islands. It boasts beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters rivaling those of Similan, resident pods of dolphins that frequently greet visitors, and shallow-water coral reefs visible right off the coast. Moreover, reaching Koh Mai Thon is incredibly convenient, taking only 20-30 minutes by boat. Numerous tour operators offer trips to the island. Today, however, we will embark on an in-depth exploration of "Koh Mai Thon", traveling with "Mai Thon Resort", the true local experts. :)

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The day trip program to Koh Mai Thon by Mai Thon Resort offers two main options: traveling by speedboat, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the island, with various activities such as snorkeling, visiting a viewpoint with panoramic views of 3 provinces, and enjoying a BBQ buffet lunch on the island. Alternatively, you can travel by Catamaran, which will stop for snorkeling in the shallow waters behind the island, where you might be lucky enough to encounter a pod of dolphins. The boat will then anchor for some fun fishing before heading to the island for lunch and swimming on the beach. For the Catamaran trip, there are two time slots to choose from: morning departure with a late afternoon return, or afternoon departure with an evening return, each offering a different atmosphere. This review will showcase both options, with a morning departure and an evening return. The details of the packages will be provided at the end of the review.

Alright, enough chit-chat, let's get going! Hehe... For those staying at the hotel, the program will begin with picking you up from your accommodation and meeting at the Dolphin Pier, located at the deep-sea port of Phuket.

This morning, I traveled by Catamaran. The advantages of this mode of transportation are numerous. Firstly, the Catamaran offers a smoother ride compared to speed boats. Additionally, the spacious deck eliminates the need to sit close to other passengers. Passengers have the option to relax in the shade indoors, enjoy the view from the upper deck, or strike a pose for a photo at the bow of the vessel.

After about half an hour, the boat arrived at Koh Mai Thon... The first program of the day was snorkeling at the shallow coral reefs behind the island, which is a sheltered area during the tourist season. If you're lucky, you might even see a pod of dolphins in this area. But unfortunately, the dolphins were not working today, probably because it was their day off. Hehe... The boat was floating in the middle of the clear water, and I couldn't resist taking a dip to see the coral reefs.

The coral coverage is decent, but not spectacular. It's similar to what you might find on other islands around Phuket. If you're looking for a more impressive coral experience, you can head to the front of the island for another dive.

Following the diving activity, the boat sailed to a spot further offshore and anchored. Fishing rods were distributed to the tourists, who eagerly tried their luck at catching fish. The atmosphere was filled with cheers and laughter as successful anglers proudly displayed their catches. A few lucky individuals even managed to reel in some prized grouper, their faces beaming with satisfaction. After capturing the moment with photographs, the friendly crew members gently released the fish back into the sea.

After the fishing activity, it was time for lunch (for boats departing in the morning). The boat slowly brought us to the pier and allowed us free time. Those who wanted to eat immediately could do so, or those who wanted to walk around and take pictures first were also welcome, as the food was buffet-style and available until around 1:30 PM.

I took some photos first. Today's weather is great, the sky is beautiful, the sea is clear, and the clouds are scattered in a way that is perfect for photography. I don't need to describe how beautiful it is, just look at the pictures. I have to admit that Mai Khao Beach is still as beautiful as ever, especially the color of the water at the pier. It's a perfect ten.

After taking photos for a while, it was time for my lunch. For those who are traveling with Mai Khon Resort, lunch will be served at the resort's central building. The buffet offers standard tour menu items such as fried rice, fried chicken, clear soup, spaghetti, and fresh fruit. Additionally, there is an all-you-can-eat seafood BBQ.

After recharging, I have a program to explore various points of interest on the island. Currently, anyone who wants to visit certain points can contact the resort, as the program only includes going up to the viewpoint of the Buddha statue. However, as I mentioned, today is a VIP trip with a local guide, so we will see everything. The first stop is Ao Reua Taek (Shipwreck Bay). The name comes from a tourist boat that encountered a monsoon and sank, washing ashore on this beach. Due to the extensive damage, the German owner left it as a memorial on Ko Mai Thon. Visitors to this location have a great photo prop.


A short drive from here will take you to the Khao Chong Lom viewpoint, a personal favorite of mine. From this vantage point, you can admire the stunning turquoise waters of the eastern side of Ko Mai Thon on one side, while the other side offers breathtaking views of the rocky cliffs and crystal-clear coves of the island's western coast. During the monsoon season, the winds at this spot can be particularly strong, hence the name "Khao Chong Lom," which translates to "Windy Pass."


The next stop on our trip was Ao Nam Mao Bay, the same bay where our boat had anchored for our morning snorkeling adventure. This bay is sheltered from the wind during the tourist season, making it a popular spot for boats to drop anchor and seek refuge from the waves. It's like a safe haven for boats. The sand on this beach isn't as fine as the sand on the main beach, and it's not as visually appealing.


The final stop is another prominent viewpoint on the island called the "Phra Buddha Image Viewpoint". This is because it is the location of the island's main Buddha statue. Additionally, it is a point where you can see views of three provinces: Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi. On a clear day like today, you can even see the Phi Phi Islands clearly.


After returning from a jungle trip, the resort arranged for me to relax in a beachfront villa. These villas are located on the southern side of the island, where the resort has cordoned off the beach area to prevent tourists from entering. This makes the beach in front of the villa very private, as only those who have rented the villa for day use or booked an overnight stay can use this area.

The villa has been renovated from the original guest rooms, creating a spacious and opulent interior. However, as it was not newly built, some details are not as polished as a brand-new hotel. Nevertheless, the views and atmosphere are impeccable, deserving a perfect score. In fact, the water in this area of the sea is as beautiful as the Maldives.

Each villa is decorated in the same style but with different layouts. Some have a Jacuzzi on the balcony, some have one inside, and some have a floating pool for a romantic atmosphere. The interior decoration uses clean white tones, and the amenities in the room are no different from those in a hotel. However, the resort is not currently open as a full-service hotel. Therefore, overnight stays may lack some hotel services, such as bellboys and reception. However, there are staff on hand to ensure safety.

The day-use rate for the villa is 6,000 baht, which may seem a bit high. However, it allows you to relax in the cool air conditioning, enjoy the beautiful views, and unwind on a private beach away from the crowds. Whether it's worth it or not depends on your perspective and budget. For those who want to stay overnight, there is a package that includes three meals for 24,000 baht for two people. If you experience the peaceful atmosphere in the evening and watch the sunrise from your bed, I guarantee you won't feel that the price is too high.

Let's take a look at the atmosphere of the beach zone reserved for day use and overnight guests. You'll see how beautiful it is.

In addition to water activities on the beach, other services are available, such as Thai massage, scuba diving, and kayaking. These services can be arranged with the staff.

On the return trip, I went with the group that arrived in the afternoon. The atmosphere was beautiful in a different way. As the sun was not strong anymore, it was perfect for lying down and enjoying the cool breeze at the bow of the boat while watching the sunset behind the island of Phuket. Let me tell you, it was truly romantic.

Honeymooners seeking a special getaway should consider a tour to Koh Mai Thon. This island offers a unique Phuket experience, reminiscent of the Maldives. Below are details of the Koh Mai Thon tour package offered by Mai Thon Resort.

Speed Boat Tour for 2900 Baht

  • 8:00 AM Hotel pick-up
  • 9:00 AM Arrive at Dolphin Seaway Marina and depart for Koh Mai Thon
  • 9:30 AM Arrive at Koh Mai Thon
  • 10:00 AM Free time on the island for swimming or snorkeling
  • 12:30 PM Buffet lunch
  • 1:30 PM Hike to the viewpoint of the Buddha statue, offering panoramic views of three provinces (Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi)
  • 3:30 PM Return to the pier
  • 4:00 PM Arrive at the pier and transfer back to the hotel

Catamaran Day Trip (3,900 Baht) (Two departures: morning and afternoon)

  • 8:00 AM/12:00 PM: Hotel pick-up
  • 9:00 AM/1:00 PM: Arrive at Dolphin Seaway Marina and depart for Koh Maiton. Enjoy snorkeling, dolphin watching, and fishing.
  • 11:30 AM/3:30 PM: Arrive at Koh Maiton.
  • 12:00 PM/4:00 PM: Lunch buffet.
  • 3:00 PM/6:00 PM: Return to the pier.
  • 4:00 PM/7:00 PM: Arrive at the pier and transfer back to your hotel.

Option

  • Day use beach villa 6,000 baht
  • Thai massage 1 hour 1,000 baht
  • Scuba diving 30 minutes 3,000 baht

Guests who have booked the above packages can also contact the resort for special room rates at various hotels in Phuket. As they are partners, please inquire with the resort for more information.

For more information, please visit the resort's website at www.maitonprivateisland.com or contact them via Facebook at @maitonislandphuket.

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