Ma Doo Bua Cafe
Phuket's iconic cafe featuring a breathtaking lily pad pond and unique drone photography for unforgettable memories.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Ma Doo Bua Cafe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Phuket's iconic cafe featuring a breathtaking lily pad pond and unique drone photography for unforgettable memories.
"A picturesque paradise for photos, but be ready for the wait and the price!"
🎯 Book Drone Photos Early
Drone photography slots fill up fast! Book in advance or arrive very early.
⏰ Be Prepared to Wait
Popularity means long waits, especially for photos. Bring patience or a good book!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lily Pad Pond
Main attraction area
Iconic serene pond filled with vibrant water lilies, perfect for breathtaking photos.
Drone Photography
Designated photo zones
Capture unique aerial perspectives with professional drone photography services.
Themed Selfie Zones
Various spots around the cafe
Creative and picturesque spots designed for memorable selfies and social media content.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Photos
Drone Photography Packages
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Drone Photos Early
Drone photography slots fill up fast! Book in advance or arrive very early.
⏰ Be Prepared to Wait
Popularity means long waits, especially for photos. Bring patience or a good book!
🌧️ Avoid Rainy Days
Drone photography is weather-dependent. Check the forecast before you go.
💰 Consider Packages
Packages can offer good value for photos and food, but check prices.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Drone Photos Early
Drone photography slots fill up fast! Book in advance or arrive very early.
⏰ Be Prepared to Wait
Popularity means long waits, especially for photos. Bring patience or a good book!
🌧️ Avoid Rainy Days
Drone photography is weather-dependent. Check the forecast before you go.
💰 Consider Packages
Packages can offer good value for photos and food, but check prices.
👍 Respect the Rules
Be mindful of staff and other visitors; respect their space and rules.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ma Doo Bua Cafe is celebrated for its incredibly picturesque lily pad pond and unique drone photography opportunities, making it a highly sought-after spot for stunning photos. While the visual appeal is undeniable, visitors should be prepared for potentially long waits and higher prices for food and services. Some guests have also noted that the experience can be impacted by crowd management and the behavior of other visitors.
"The Cafe is picturesque - and has many amazing selfie zones. We took the package of getting our pictures clicked from their Drone and the result was amazing. Though we had to wait for 3-4 hours, but the food was good - though a bit pricey. We were lucky that our slot was moved ahead and our waiting time got reduced. Overall, full worth the price paid."
Vinay Agrawal
"I have to give Ma Doo Bua Cafe a huge shout-out! I was a little worried when I first saw the bad reviews.
But the reality was completely different!
They were incredibly attentive, making sure I got the photos I wanted. And the staff at the front desk kept complimenting me ❤️
The reason for the poor service? It all depends on your own behavior!
I encountered so many rude tourists here 🙄 I know we all come here to take photos.
But please watch your behavior! Respect their rules; this is their space, not yours!
Personally, as an Asian, I encountered a very rude Western woman who sat on my bag while I was in the restroom! I was furious!
If you don't receive the treatment you deserve in a cafe, I can only say: you deserve it. 😮💨
(I didn't get paid to write this review!)
Love you all, Ma Doo Bua Cafe! I'll be back to enjoy your service and beautiful lily pad 😚"
SIEW
"There is only one “kind of” nice thing in this place and it’s the lily pad pond. It’s nowhere near comparable to the other beautiful things on this island so that already makes this stop completely useless. So then does it have any other redeeming qualities?
The food? No. The flavor is mediocre and the prices are not competitive.
The view? No. When you sit down and want to look out and enjoy the view you can’t see anything because there’s a massive line in front of the dock at the lily pond.
The atmosphere? No. The line moves so incredibly slowly because each person wants to take 50 pictures. Everyone is annoyed and frustrated.
The photo opportunities? No. There’s only one good place to take a photo. When you’re sitting on the nets, you can get a little bit of the Lily pads in the background but it doesn’t give you any sense of the ambience. If you take any wider of an angle, you just end up with other people at the end of the dock in your photos.
The service? No. the staff never comes over to you unless you call them first. They are too busy corralling the Instagram crowd and making sure that no one gets in and takes a photo without paying first.
The food? No. It takes a long time to come out and the quality is mediocre and overpriced.
This place is purely for people who walked others to think they are having great experiences, not people who want to actually have great experiences. It is an Instagram trap in its purest form. Go literally anywhere else and you will have a better time and more substance."
William Armand
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ma Doo Bua Cafe is located at 310 51 M.1 Baandon-Cherngtalay Rd, Thalang District, Phuket. You can reach it by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or by renting a scooter. It's about a 30-40 minute drive from Patong Beach.
Yes, it's a well-known spot, especially on social media. Using GPS on your phone or ride-sharing apps will guide you directly there.
Many visitors opt for Grab or a private taxi for convenience. Renting a scooter is also an option if you're comfortable navigating Phuket's roads.
The cafe is approximately a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport (HKT), depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors arriving by car or scooter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always mandatory for general entry, booking is highly recommended, especially for drone photography packages or if you want to secure a specific time slot. Some reviews suggest arriving very early to get a number for the day.
The cafe generally opens in the morning and closes in the evening. It's best to check their official social media or website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary.
There isn't a direct entrance fee for the cafe itself, but access to specific photo zones, especially for drone photography, may require purchasing a package or a ticket for the day.
Prices for drone photography packages can vary. It's advisable to check their current offerings directly at the cafe or on their official channels for the most accurate pricing.
Yes, you can take photos in designated areas without a specific package, but access to prime spots like the lily pad pond for professional shots might be restricted or require a fee.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The main draw is the stunning lily pad pond, offering beautiful reflections and vibrant colors. There are also various themed selfie zones and the option for professional drone photography.
Many visitors find the drone photography packages to be worth the price for unique, high-quality aerial shots of the lily pads and the surrounding scenery.
Light, flowy clothing in bright colors often looks great against the green lily pads and natural backdrop. Consider what will complement the serene environment.
If you're focused on getting photos, especially with drone packages, plan for several hours. Some visitors spend most of the day due to waiting times.
Drone photography is not possible in the rain. While you can still take photos in other areas, the overall experience might be affected.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ma Doo Bua Cafe offers a variety of dishes, including pizzas, burgers, and seafood platters. They also have a selection of drinks. Some reviews mention that the food is halal-certified.
Reviews suggest that the food can be a bit pricey, with some items like seafood platters costing over 1000 baht. However, some find the drinks to be good value.
Yes, many visitors praise the drinks, finding them tasty and refreshing, making them a highlight of the cafe experience.
While opinions vary, some reviewers enjoyed the sea bass, robeye, pizza, and burgers. The drinks are consistently mentioned as a positive aspect.
Some reviews indicate that food can take a while to come out, especially during busy periods. However, restaurant staff are noted as being efficient.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you plan to utilize the drone photography, ensure your children are comfortable with the process and understand the need for stillness during the shots. Alternatively, exploring the various selfie zones can be a fun activity for the whole family. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays to minimize crowds and make the experience more manageable.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To maximize your photographic potential, aim for early morning visits to capture the best light and avoid the harshest midday sun. Be prepared for crowds, as this is a popular spot. Patience is key, as you may need to wait for prime spots to clear. Consider bringing a variety of lenses if you're using a DSLR, from wide-angle for landscapes to telephoto for capturing details of the lilies. Remember to check the weather forecast, as rain will halt drone operations.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting just for a drink or a light snack to keep costs down. The drinks are generally well-regarded and more affordable than full meals. Prioritize your spending based on what's most important to you – if it's the unique photos, allocate your budget there. Otherwise, enjoy the visual feast without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ma Doo Bua Experience: More Than Just a Cafe
Beyond the visual appeal, the cafe also serves a range of food and drinks. While some reviews mention the food being a bit pricey, others find the quality acceptable, with specific dishes like seafood platters, sea bass, and robeye receiving positive mentions. The drinks are consistently praised for their taste and refreshment. It's also worth noting that the cafe aims to cater to a diverse clientele, with some food options being halal-certified. The overall atmosphere is designed to be picturesque, making it a popular spot for those looking to enhance their social media presence with unique travel content.
It's important to manage expectations when visiting Ma Doo Bua. While the aesthetic is undeniable, some visitors have pointed out that the experience can feel like an 'Instagram trap' if not approached with the right mindset. Respecting the rules and staff is crucial, as some reviews highlight instances of rude behavior from tourists impacting the overall vibe.
Navigating the Photo Ops: Tips for the Best Shots
Beyond the drone, there are numerous selfie zones scattered throughout the cafe, each designed with a specific aesthetic in mind. Visitors are encouraged to explore and find spots that resonate with their personal style. When planning your photo session, consider wearing light, flowy clothing that complements the natural greens and vibrant colors of the lilies.
Some visitors have noted that the prime photo spots can become congested, with people taking extended periods to get their shots. Being mindful of others and taking turns is part of the community etiquette. If you're not opting for the drone package, you can still get lovely photos from the walkways around the pond. The key is to be creative and patient, and you'll likely come away with some stunning images that showcase the unique beauty of Ma Doo Bua Cafe.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit