Mae Haad Bay | Koh Phangan

Mae Haad Bay – The Heart of Koh Tao

Mae Haad Bay is the main port and transportation hub of Koh Tao, located on the west coast of the island. It serves as the entry point for visitors arriving by ferry and is home to a mix of shops, restaurants, dive centers, and accommodations. While not as famous for swimming as other beaches on Koh Tao, Mae Haad Bay offers great snorkeling, easy access to other parts of the island, and a convenient location.

Location and Overview

• Where: West coast of Koh Tao, just south of Sairee Beach.
• Access: Walking, motorbike, or longtail boat.
• Best Time to Visit: Morning to early afternoon for snorkeling and boat trips.
• Entrance Fee: Free.

Why Visit Mae Haad Bay?

• Island’s main transport hub – The ferries from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and the mainland arrive here.
• Good snorkeling – The waters around Mae Haad feature coral reefs, marine life, and even underwater wrecks.
• Variety of shops and restaurants – Easy access to convenience stores, dive shops, and local markets.
• Close to many attractions – A short distance from Sairee Beach, Jansom Bay, and Shark Bay.

Things to Do at Mae Haad Bay

1. Snorkeling

• Surprisingly, Mae Haad Bay offers some good snorkeling spots despite being a busy area.
• Best snorkeling locations:
  • Near the wreck of the HTMS Sattakut, a sunken WWII navy ship.
  • Around the reefs south of the bay, where you can see parrotfish, butterflyfish, and even small reef sharks.
• Tip: Swim further from the ferry piers for cleaner water and better visibility.

2. Explore the Sunken Wrecks

• HTMS Sattakut – A WWII Thai Navy ship that was sunk as an artificial reef for divers.
• Mae Haad Pier Wreck – A smaller, more accessible wreck closer to shore.

3. Walking Street and Local Shops

• Mae Haad has a variety of souvenir shops, tattoo parlors, and convenience stores.
• You can buy snorkeling gear, beachwear, and local handmade crafts.
• 7-Eleven and Family Mart are easily available for essentials.

4. Visit Nearby Beaches

• Jansom Bay (10-minute walk) – A private beach with crystal-clear water and soft sand.
• Sai Nuan Beach (15-minute walk) – A secluded beach with great snorkeling and fewer crowds.
• Sairee Beach (10-minute walk north) – The most famous beach on Koh Tao, known for nightlife and water activities.

5. Eat at Local Restaurants

Mae Haad has a mix of local Thai eateries, seafood restaurants, and international cuisine.

• Pranee’s Kitchen – Popular for authentic Thai food and fresh seafood.
• Coconut Monkey – A great spot for healthy smoothies, sandwiches, and vegetarian options.
• Whitening Restaurant – Ideal for a romantic beachfront dinner with seafood specialties.

6. Sunset Views and Beach Walks

• Mae Haad Bay faces west, making it a great place to watch the sunset.
• The beach isn’t the best for sunbathing, but it’s good for walking along the shore in the evening.

Best Time to Visit

• Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) – Best for snorkeling before boat traffic increases.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) – Ideal for exploring shops and nearby beaches.
• Evening (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) – Great for dining, sunsets, and night markets.

How to Get to Mae Haad Bay

• By Ferry – All ferries from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and the mainland arrive at Mae Haad Pier.
• By Walking – Easily reachable from Sairee Beach and Jansom Bay.
• By Motorbike – Rental shops are available if you want to explore further.
• By Taxi or Longtail Boat – Available for trips to other beaches.

Where to Stay at Mae Haad Bay

Mae Haad Bay offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to beachfront resorts.

Luxury and Mid-Range Resorts

• Blue Diamond Resort – Located on the beach with bungalows and a swimming pool.
• Sensi Paradise Beach Resort – A romantic, tropical-style resort with private villas.

Budget Stays and Hostels

• Koh Tao Central Hostel – A popular backpacker spot close to the pier.
• The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel – A highly-rated social hostel with modern amenities.

Nearby Attractions

• Sairee Beach – The biggest beach on Koh Tao, great for nightlife and activities.
• Hin Wong Bay – An amazing snorkeling and diving spot on the east coast.
• Shark Bay – Known for blacktip reef sharks and excellent snorkeling.

Final Thoughts

Mae Haad Bay is the gateway to Koh Tao, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, dive centers, and boat trips. While it may not be the best swimming beach, it has great snorkeling, sunken wrecks, and a lively atmosphere. Whether you’re arriving, departing, or staying for a few nights, Mae Haad Bay is a convenient and central location to experience the best of Koh Tao.