Phuket's Secret Spot with Giant Water Lilies | Ma Doo Bua: Photoshoot Guide & Prices
📸 Discovering Phuket’s Hidden Oasis: Giant Water Lilies 🌿 | Ma Doo Bua: Photoshoots, Prices, and Our Experience
Among the many stunning locations in Phuket, Ma Doo Bua stands out as one of our most memorable finds. We stumbled upon it by pure chance while looking for a reprieve from the scorching sun, and what was meant to be a quick stop turned into a two-hour escape. This place is a true tropical sanctuary where time seems to slow down.
The main attraction at Ma Doo Bua is the massive pond filled with Victoria amazonica—giant water lilies. Their leaves can grow to over two meters in diameter, creating a surreal landscape that looks like something straight out of a movie. The pond is surrounded by wooden walkways, cozy gazebos, and a café nestled in lush greenery, making it a joy to explore even in the heat.
As we enjoyed our dessert and iced coffee, we watched professional photoshoots taking place. Models in flowing dresses posed in a small boat amidst the lilies, while photographers captured shots from both the shore and the sky with drones. It looked like a high-fashion magazine spread.
We hadn't booked a photoshoot in advance, so all the slots were already taken. However, that didn't dampen our experience at all. Even simple phone photos turned out incredibly beautiful thanks to the stunning natural backdrop and unique atmosphere.
Good to Know
You might see photos online that make it look like people are sitting directly on the giant lily pads. In reality, visitors aren't allowed to sit or stand on the leaves. Special platforms are used during professional shoots to protect the plants. Guests are welcome to admire the lilies and take photos beside them. This careful approach helps keep this amazing spot beautiful for everyone.
How to Book a Drone Photoshoot
If you're dreaming of those iconic aerial shots, here’s what you need to know:
📸 Booking — On-site only on the day of your visit. No online reservations.
💰 Cost — Photo packages start at around 500 THB. Cash only.
⏱️ Duration — The shoot lasts about 10 minutes.
⌛ Wait Time — During peak season, the wait can be 2–3 hours, but there’s a comfortable café and shaded lounge areas to relax in.
🌧️ Weather — Drone flights are cancelled in the event of rain.
Useful Information
📍 Address: 310/51 Moo 1, Baandon–Cherngtalay Road, Thalang, Phuket.
🚖 Getting There
The easiest way is via the Bolt or Grab apps. A ride from most tourist areas typically costs between 170–300 THB, depending on the distance.
If you're on a scooter, the drive takes you through picturesque villages, and there is free parking available at the café.
Best Time to Visit
For the best lighting, aim to arrive between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The light is softer, it’s less crowded, and the temperature is much more pleasant.
It gets very hot by midday, and the photo queues become significantly longer.
What to Wear
For the best photos, opt for light dresses, linen outfits, and neutral or natural tones. These colors pop beautifully against the vibrant green and water.
What to Try
While most come for the scenery, the café itself is a treat.
We especially loved:
🥥 Coconut Coffee;
🥭 Tropical Fruit Smoothies;
🥭 Mango and Strawberry Desserts.
Is It Worth the Trip?
Absolutely, if you want to:
✔ See one of Phuket’s most unique locations;
✔ Capture stunning photos even without a pro;
✔ Spend a few peaceful hours surrounded by nature;
✔ Pair your visit with a stop at a stylish café.
If you’re purely after a gourmet dining experience, keep in mind that the main draw here is the atmosphere and the views.
Our Rating
📷 Photogenicness ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌿 Atmosphere ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
☕ Drinks ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🍰 Desserts ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
💰 Value for Money ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️
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Ma Doo Bua is one of those places you’ll want to visit again. Even without the professional shoot, we left with dozens of gorgeous photos, a sense of calm, and memories of a place that far exceeded our expectations. If you’re traveling through Phuket, definitely add this to your itinerary—it’s an experience that stays with you.