Mae Haad, Koh Tao
Experience the lively local culture, observe fishermen at work, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere when the ferry arrives. With budget-friendly accommodations available, this area is the perfect base for exploring the island.
Arrival on Koh Tao: What to expect at Mae Haad
Mae Haad Pier is the place where everyone arrives on Koh Tao by ferry. As a result, the area around the pier is quite lively. There are plenty of souvenir shops, travel agencies, restaurants, hotels, and bars. Additionally, there is a post office, a bank, a Big C supermarket, and a hospital. When you arrive at the pier, you will be greeted by various taxi drivers eager to take you anywhere on the island, for a fee, of course. If your hotel offers a free transfer, this is also where you will be welcomed with a name sign.
Mae Haad Beach
The beach in the immediate vicinity of Mae Haad Pier is not very inviting for swimming. There are many longtail boats in the water, and the beach is not the nicest on Koh Tao. It can also be dangerous to swim among the longtail boats because you may not always be clearly visible. If you still want to swim, try to go as far as possible towards the southern part of Mae Haad, or in the other direction towards Sairee Beach. Another beach you should definitely visit is the beautiful small bay of Jansom Bay, which is a 15-minute walk away.
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Local Life at Koh Tao’s Pier
The area around the pier of Koh Tao is a place to take a look at the life of the local Thai people on Koh Tao. You can see the residents of Koh Tao fishing and/or maintaining their longtail boats. The organized chaos that unfolds when a ferry arrives is also fun to watch. From several restaurants and bars, you have a view of the pier. There are also quite a few budget accommodations in the vicinity of the pier. Sleeping here and renting a scooter to explore the rest of the island can save you money.
Tip
Negotiate with the taxi drivers! In most cases, with a little conversation, you can almost always get 100 Baht off the original asking price.
Budget-friendly stays
In the area around the pier, hotels are often slightly cheaper than on the rest of the island. There are also more hostels in the vicinity of the pier compared to most other beaches on Koh Tao. Around the pier, there is a lot of liveliness, with cozy bars that stay open late. Near Mae Haad Pier, you can also easily book snorkeling tours at one of the many travel agencies. Staying close to the pier can also be convenient if you have an early departure or a late arrival.
Giggling Tree Resort is an affordable accommodation near the pier and a favorite among our readers.
How to get to Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao?
- By boat: All ferries to Koh Tao arrive here from the mainland or the islands of Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.
- By scooter: The roads around Mae Haad Pier are easily accessible by scooter.
- By taxi: A taxi from Mae Haad to Sairee Beach costs 100 baht per person (minimum 3 people), one way.
Getting to Koh Tao
Explore more beaches
Sairee Beach
Koh Tao, Sairee Beach
Mango Bay
Koh Tao, Mango Bay
Hin Wong Bay
Hing Wong Beach, Koh Tao
Tanote Bay
Koh Tao, Tanote Bay
Aow Leuk
Aow Leuk, Koh Tao
Shark Bay
Koh Tao, Shark Bay
Freedom Beach & Taa Toh Yai Beach
Freedom Beach & Taa Toh Yai Beach, Koh Tao
Chalok Baan Kao Bay
Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Koh Tao
Sai Nuan Beach 1 and 2
Koh Tao, Sai Nuan Beach 1&2
Jansom Bay
Jansom Bay, Koh Tao
Where to stay on Koh Tao – See our tips!
Aow Leuk
Blue Heaven Resort
Wake up to amazing sea views at Blue Heaven Resort, Koh Tao. Enjoy peaceful bungalows, friendly staff, and a free shuttle to the pier.
Koh Tao
Tao Thong Villa 1
Tao Thong Villa 1 offers sea-view rooms between Sai Nuan Beach 1 & 2. Enjoy sunsets, snorkeling, and total relaxation on Koh Tao’s tranquil coast.
Freedom Beach & Taa Toh Yai Beach
Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort
Relax at Koh Tao Relax Freedom Beach Resort, with Thai-style bungalows, modern comfort and stunning sea views on peaceful Freedom Beach, Koh Tao.
Koh Tao
Haadtien Beach Resort
Relax in luxury at Haadtien Beach Resort, featuring stylish villas, private pools, and a beachfront pool bar on beautiful Koh Tao.
Koh Tao
Beach Club by Haadtien
Wake up to stunning bay views at Beach Club by Haadtien, Koh Tao. Relax in your bungalow with balcony, loungers, and hammock.
Aow Leuk
Aow Leuk Grand Hill
Wake up to breathtaking bay views at Aow Leuk Grand Hill. Relax on your private balcony with loungers and a hammock, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Koh Tao
Mountain Reef Beach Resort
Spacious bungalows and family rooms right on Tanote Bay beach. Enjoy stunning sea views, great snorkeling, and a relaxed vibe at Mountain Reef.
Koh Tao
Lub d Koh Tao Tanote Bay
Lub d Koh Tao Tanote Bay offers spacious rooms and Thai-style bungalows near the beach, with pool, diving school, restaurant, and private balconies.
Koh Tao
Ao Muong Beach Resort
Ao Muong Beach Resort is the only hotel at Mango Bay, Koh Tao. Enjoy tranquility, sea views, and simple comfort on a secluded, peaceful beach.
Koh Tao
Mango Bay Boutique Resort
Mango Bay Boutique Resort on Koh Tao offers sea-view cottages, a platform with sunbeds, and direct access for swimming and snorkeling in stunning Mango Bay.
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