Mae Haad Pier is situated conveniently in the heart of Mae Haad village on the idyllic island of Koh Tao, making it the primary hub for travelers. As the main ferry terminal, it connects Koh Tao to the nearby islands of Koh Phangan & Koh Samui and the mainland. From here, you can travel to places such as Surat Thani, Chumphon, and even Bangkok.
Read about:
Arriving at Mae Haad Pier
Facilities at Mae Haad Pier
Ferry Routes from Mae Haad Pier
Getting to Mae Haad Pier
Nearby Attractions
Arriving at Mae Haad Pier
Mae Haad village is just steps from the pier, making it convenient to walk to many nearby hotels, restaurants, and shops. For those staying further afield, several options are available:
- Hotel pickups: Most resorts offer complimentary taxi service for guests arriving by ferry. Look for your hotel’s sign or representative at the pier.
- Taxis: Numerous taxis (pickup trucks) wait at the pier to take passengers to any point on the island. Expect to pay around 300-400 baht to popular beaches. Taxis charge per person, not per ride.
- Motorbike taxi: Motorcycle taxis can take solo travelers to nearby destinations for 100-200 baht. Make sure to agree on the price beforehand.
- Longtail boats: Want to reach a remote beach only accessible by sea? Longtail boats can be chartered right from Mae Haad Pier starting from 1000 baht.
Exploring Koh Tao is also possible via rented motorbike or bicycle, which can be found at shops in Mae Haad village. Motorbikes cost 150-350 baht per day, while bicycles are great for touring the flatter southern part of the island. Always drive carefully and wear a helmet.
Facilities at Mae Haad Pier
Mae Haad Pier features a modern ferry terminal building equipped with several amenities:
- Ticket counters where you can buy ferry tickets or exchange vouchers.
- Left luggage service to store your bags safely.
- Waiting area with ample seating and fans to keep cool.
- Restrooms that are well-maintained and clean.
- Food and drink options, including a café, mini-mart, and snack vendors.
Ferry Routes from Mae Haad Pier
Mae Haad Pier provides ferry services to various islands and mainland destinations:
| Destination | Earliest Departure | Latest Departure | Duration | Price (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Samui ⛴️ | 07:00 | 17:00 | 1h 30m – 2h 30m | 550 – 800 |
| Koh Phangan 🏝️ | 07:00 | 17:00 | 50m – 1h 45m | 450 – 700 |
| Surat Thani 🌴 | 07:00 | 21:00 | 2h 30m – 8h | 890 – 1,350 |
| Bangkok 🌃 | 10:15 | 14:45 | 10h – 19h | 1,250 – 1,950 |
Ferries frequently depart Mae Haad Pier from early morning until evening, operated by Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Songserm, and more. Night boats are also available for Surat Thani. I recommend arriving well ahead of your departure time and booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid any last-minute stress.
Getting to Mae Haad Pier
Travelers can reach Mae Haad Pier via ferries from several departure points:
- From Chumphon: Take the Lomprayah High Speed Ferry (approx. 2 hours).
- From Bangkok: Book a combined bus + ferry ticket for a 10-12 hour journey. The bus will drop you at the connecting pier.
- From Surat Thani: Ferries depart from the Donsak Pier and take around 3 hours. Bus + ferry options are also available from the Surat Thani town, airport and train station.
- From Koh Samui / Koh Phangan: Numerous daily high speed ferries and catamarans link these islands to Koh Tao (1-2 hours).
Once your ferry arrives at Mae Haad Pier, you’ll be greeted by the bustling atmosphere of the island’s main transportation hub. Porters will help unload your bags, then it’s just a short walk to the village, beach, or your pre-arranged hotel transfer.
Nearby Attractions
While Mae Haad Pier serves as the transportation gateway, its home of Mae Haad village offers a glimpse into laid-back island life on Koh Tao. Be sure to check out:
- Mae Haad Beach: Stroll to the north end of the village to find this tranquil stretch of sand, perfect for swimming and sunbathing without the crowds.
- Walking Street: This narrow street comes alive every evening with vendors selling tasty street food, fresh fruit shakes, and Thai-style snacks. It’s a great spot to find an inexpensive dinner and mingle with locals.
- Koh Tao Leisure Park: Located on the outskirts of Mae Haad, this family-friendly spot offers mini-golf, a swimming pool, and an air-conditioned cafe with spectacular sea views.
- Sairee Beach: Walk 20 minutes north along the coastal road to reach the longest and most popular beach on Koh Tao. By day, enjoy the white sand and calm water; by night, check out the beachfront bars and fire dancing shows.
Of these nearby spots, snorkeling at Mae Haad Beach was my favorite. I saw colorful coral reefs and tons of tropical fish just a few meters from shore! Grabbing a fresh coconut shake on Walking Street was also a memorable treat after a long day in the sun.
In summary, Mae Haad Pier and its surrounding village serve as an efficient gateway to the idyllic island of Koh Tao. With its prime location, modern yet charming facilities, and seamless transportation connections, you’ll be able to maximize your time in this tropical paradise.
Whether you’re going for a dive adventure, hopping between Thailand’s southern islands, or just seeking some well-deserved relaxation, Mae Haad Pier will be your first and last point of contact on Koh Tao. Take a moment to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and picturesque setting. Your incredible island experience awaits just beyond the pier!
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