Mae Haad Pier is the only ferry terminal in Koh Tao, as well as the main port on the island. Only serving as a pier, there are no facilities provided here other than the wooden walkway itself.
Even though the pier primarily caters to the ferries and speed boats that connect Koh Tao to the nearby islands Koh Phangan & Koh Samui and the mainland Mae Haad Pier also hosts a large number of fishing boats and long-tail boats.
Mae Haad Pier, Ferry Schedule, Times & Speedboat Ticket Prices, Koh Tao
As you travel to Koh Tao, you will inevitably pass through the Mae Haad Pier. Aside from being the main port town, Mae Haad has many charms of its own. Check out the Mae Haad Bay, which stretches from the north to the south of the coast and is framed by massive boulders on the beach. There is also a large turtle statue on the beach itself – worthy of a visit and a few photos.
Stopping by Mae Haad will give you a glimpse into local Thai life; the village is alive with activity. The streets are lined with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to food. If you need access to shops, clinics, a bank, or other tourist amenities, you’ll also find it here.
Several accommodation choices are available in town, near the pier, and by the beach as well. This is also a great place to book your ferry transfers and boat tours for exploring Koh Tao or getting back to the other islands, or even the mainland.
Many tourists stop by Mae Haad because it’s known for some excellent shopping. Handmade jewellery, arts and crafts, clothing, swimwear, and unique souvenirs can be purchased at great prices. It also has dive equipment shops where you can purchase the gear needed for exploring the world-class marine life that this area is known for. Stalls and local markets offer a wide range of fresh produce and juicy Thai fruits at really low prices.
It is also home to a shipwreck, found in the bay’s south end, that houses a small museum. Getting around by foot is easy, and you can also book transfers to the more popular areas such as Sairee Beach, Sai Nuan Beach, Chalok Bay, and Jansom Bay.
Michael created and runs the Koh Samui Travel Hub website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.
With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having visited Koh Samui many times), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.
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