We fell in love with Mae Haad Beach during our stay on Koh Phangan. You’ll find only soft white sand, crystal clear water, and truly mesmerizing marine life there. It’s certainly an excellent spot for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of nature.
We returned multiple times because we couldn’t get enough snorkeling and sunbathing. I can honestly say that this is the best beach for snorkeling on Koh Phangan in Thailand.
The beach is also unique because it has a beautiful sandbank connecting Koh Phangan with a small island called Koh Ma.
Where is Mae Haad Beach?
The beach sits on the northwest coast of Koh Phangan. Relatively close to Thong Sala, the island’s main tourist hub. You can also save the location of Mae Haad Beach to your Google Maps app.
How to get to Mae Haad Beach
You can easily reach Mae Haad Beach on a motorbike or taxi if you’re already on Koh Phangan.
You can rent a motorbike for 200 THB per day. It allows you to easily explore not only Mae Haad Beach but the whole Koh Phangan. Another option is a taxi, which will always be more expensive and less convenient than renting a motorbike.
We parked our bike a little bit far away from the beach the first time. The second time, we checked some places and found one free parking near the beach.
TIP: Did you know that all ATMs in Thailand charge you 220TBH (6€) for withdrawal? It’s a lot, right? Keep this in mind, and rather than withdrawing little amounts too often, do it once or twice in large amounts.
Where to stay on Koh Phangan
For party lovers, the best area to stay is near Haad Rin beach. That’s where you’ll also find the famous Full Moon Party. If you’re looking for a hippie laid-back vibe or if you’re a digital nomad head to Zen Beach. Other alternatives can be found in the northern part of the island, too.
Best hotels on Koh Phangan
Check availability
About Mae Haad Beach
Entrance fee: free
Parking fee: free
Pristine white sand, crystal clear water, diverse marine life, and sandbank leading to Koh Ma Island make this beach famous. Don’t rush, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of our planet.
You should make your moments memorable and take as many pictures as possible. Remember to bring your drone here because drone shots of the sandbank are mindblowing.
You can take a walk on Koh Ma Island, but there are no roads. The island has only a single small beach and a jungle to explore.
Walking to Koh Ma Island and not getting wet is only possible during low tide when the sandbank is visible. High tide hides the sandbank underwater.
Public restrooms and showers are not available at this beach. However, some beach restaurants do provide toilets for their customers.
Grab a cold beer or refreshing drink from one of the few beach bars if you’re thirsty. Beach swings, hammocks, and all the usual paradise hangouts will make your day more special.
If you want to stay on the beach, there are several great hotels to choose from. Check the best available hotels around Mae Haad Beach.
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Includes 167 pins on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, & Koh Tao:
🐠 Best beaches and snorkeling spots
👀 Viewpoints, Sunset Points
☕️Cafes & restaurants
🍹Bars, nightlife
🏨 Recommended Hotels
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The best snorkeling on Koh Phangan
You’ll be happy to know that this beach is home to a diverse and breathtaking range of marine life. You don’t need to walk a lot because coral reefs and fish are only 30 meters from the shore.
To enjoy snorkeling to the fullest, we suggest you come during high tide. Getting to corals during a low tide through the many rocks and shallow water might be tricky.
People have created a safe passage in the middle of the beach. The passage is also visible from the shore. To find it, look for a spot on the beach where the water is crystal clear and free of rocks. Check our drone shot below, which indicates the path leading to the corals.
Travel Insurance
One of the worst things you could do is travel without insurance. We never go on a trip without travel insurance. Anything can happen during your adventures.
Our go-to company is SafetyWing. They will save you hundreds or thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.
If you purchase the insurance through our link, you still pay the same, and we will earn a small commission. This helps us run our blog. Thank you ❤️
The best time to visit Mae Haad Beach
Dry season: December – August
Rainy season: September – November
To ensure you have a fantastic experience, I highly recommend traveling during the dry season from December to August.
In general, the peak season has excellent weather, but the prices are higher during this time. During high season, the whole Island gets crowded, which could be a disadvantage for you.
However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and save some money, the shoulder season (June to November) may be a better choice.
Just keep in mind that this period coincides with the monsoon season, therefore you may experience occasional rain showers. However, your trip will still be an amazing experience.
We decided to visit Koh Phangan during shoulder season and couldn’t wish for better weather. I remember watching weather radars and all storms went around us.
Go to Mae Haad Beach during high tide for the best snorkeling experience during the day. You’ll have plenty of water for a refreshing swim without worrying about coral scrapes. Trust me, it’s the perfect time to go.
Koh Phangan tides
Not many people realize this, but Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao do not have typical 4 tides per day. There are only 2. Between December and March is a high tide season. This means high tide is stronger and water is deeper than in the other seasons.
During summer, it’s low tide season, and water is too shallow on some beaches. In some months, you only get low tide during daylight. Then, it’s essential to choose the right beach to actually enjoy swimming.
Best activities on Koh Phangan
Other beaches to visit nearby
Zen Beach
Zen Beach is a must-visit place for every traveler coming to Koh Phangan. With its hippie laid-back atmosphere it’s ideal for a full day of relaxation, swimming and sunbathing.
You can grab a beer and chill on the beach or get an amazing Thai massage at Dawan Massage. You can even listen to the sounds of crashing waves. And it would be best for you to stay for sunset, which is often one of the best on the island.
After the sun sets after horizon, people start to perform acro yoga, fire shows, dances, and they also play live music on many instruments. Don’t be shy because anyone is invited to join.
Bottle Beach
This is another hidden gem waiting for you to visit. Bottle Beach has perfect tropical vibes and is more secluded than most Koh Phangan beaches. You get few visitors during the day because it’s almost impossible to reach by basic motorbike.
You must walk to the beach or pay for an expensive Jeep taxi. But it’s worth every minute of walk. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Bottle Beach, surrounded by coconut trees and lush green jungle.
Bottle Beach is a secluded spot, so it attracts fewer visitors, which is good news for you. Therefore you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing without crowds of people.
Haad Khom Beach
Compared to Zen and Mae Haad Beach, Had Khom Beach is less crowded, making it an ideal destination for families with children seeking a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere.
Mae Haad Beach offers beach bars and restaurants where you can grab a cold beer or simple Thai food for lunch.
Snorkeling opportunities are not as great as at Mae Haad Beach. Getting to corals during low tide was difficult due to many sharp rocks.
Mae Haad Beach Koh Phangan – conclusion
In conclusion, the Mae Haad Beach Koh Phangan is perfect for those seeking tropical paradise vibes, fantastic snorkeling opportunities, and people who want to sunbathe all day and eat Thai food.
White clear sand, turquoise water, and amazing marine life will certainly amaze you, and you’ll fall in love with this place. I hope you find this guide helpful, and thank you for reading.
