Mae Haad Beach, Koh Phangan: Everything You Need To Know 2025
Mae Haad Beach is a Thai tropical paradise on the island of Koh Phangan. While exploring each corner of the island we came across this unique strip of sand, leading to an overgrown island called Ko Ma, that was just asking to be explored.
The beach itself is the epitome of a Thai Beach, soft white sand, calm turquoise waters and stunning marine life, making this a perfect place for a spot of snorkelling. When we visited during the morning, we were the only people on Mae Haad Beach meaning we could sunbathe in peace and explore to our hearts content.
Perhaps one of our favourite spots on the island, this beach is a perfect place to visit to relax, sunbathe and snorkel. Here’s everything you need to know about Mae Haad Beach in Koh Phangan.
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Where Is Mae Haad Beach Koh Phangan?
Mae Haad Beach is situated on the northwest coast of Koh Phangan, Thailand. The beach is around a 25-minute drive from Thong Sala, which is the main port and hub of the island and around 40-minutes from Haad Rin, the famous Full Moon Party beach.
How To Get To Mae Haad Beach?
As backpackers, the easiest way for us to reach Mae Haad Beach was on a scooter, if you rent a scooter it should cost around ฿200 and make sure to take a video of the bike before you set off…. just in case. Whizzing around on a scooter was one of our favourite things about visiting the Thai islands, it gives you freedom to see as much or as little of the island as you want.
If you don't want to hire a scooter you could get a private taxi, this may be a better option for families but will cost more.
The main road up the island will take you most of the way, this road is well maintained and paved. Once you reach the Mae Haad area, pass Wang Sai Waterfall and head down to the beach. We parked at Wang Sai Resort which has a large car park.
What To Expect At Mae Haad Beach
Once we’d parked the scooter we made our way onto the beach through Wang Sai Resort. We were greeted by white sand, calm waters and warming sunshine. If you ask us this is the perfect way to start the morning!
Not ones to relax, although sunbathing here would be perfect, we made our way to explore Ko Ma Island. Making your way across the picturesque sandbank to the lush, jungle island is only possible during low tide but worth the walk. The beachfront was covered in cairns, human-made piles of stones that looked like they were created by mythical sea creatures; perhaps mermaids are real?
We also recommend you take the time to snorkel here at Mae Haad beach. Close to the shore you can find tropical fish and coral reefs. The best time to snorkel is during high tide, this will reduce your impact on the coral as well as give you the best experience.
Once you’ve finished snorkelling, exploring or sunbathing, head to one of the beachfront restaurants or bars to enjoy a Pad Thai or cocktail. The beachfront bars offer hammocks, swings and beach beds if you want to take a break from the sand.
Koh Phangan Tides
The best time to visit Mae Haad Beach for snorkelling is during high tide but remember if you want to visit Ko Ma and the magical cairns, the sandbank is only visible at low tide.
Koh Phangan has two tides a day and the strength of the tide depends on the month you’re visiting. During summer it is low tide season meaning some beaches are very shallow and not the best for swimming.
To check out the Koh Phangan tide times, head here.
Mae Haad Beach Accommodation
A beachfront resort that has stunning views across the sea and offers easy access to Ko Ma. The resort offers basic bungalows for people on a budget.
Our favourite Mae Haad Beach accommodation, nestled within a tropical garden centre, these comfortable bungalows are the perfect peaceful retreat. The accommodation is a 1-minute walk away from Mae Haad Beach and 10-minutes from Wangsai Waterfall.
Located right by the sand on Mae Haad Beach, this resort provides beachfront rooms and excellent snorkelling opportunities. It also has an open-air restaurant for alfresco dining and serves both Thai and Western dishes.
What Is The Entrance Fee & Parking Fee For Mae Haad Beach
You can find free parking for scooters and there is no entrance fee to access Mae Haad Beach.
What To Do Near Mae Haad Beach
Close to the beach you can find Wang Sai Waterfall, a hidden waterfall located at the end of a jungle walk. They also have other adventurous activities such as a small zipline.
You can also find plenty of beaches nearby that you can explore, we recommend Haad Yuan and Bottle Beach.
Final Thoughts On Mae Haad Beach Koh Phangan
Mae Haad Beach Koh Phangan is the perfect hidden paradise tucked away in the north of the island. Due to its location this beautiful tropical beach is less crowded than others on Koh Phangan. Exploring Koh Ma, incredible snorkeling, and stunning scenery is only part of the allure Mae Haad Beach has to offer. You could easily spend the whole day here relaxing and soaking up the sunshine.
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