Every traveller who visits Koh Tao will pass through Mae Haad Pier. It’s the main entry and exit point on the island and a hub of activity with boats leaving approximately 17 times a day to places such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and the Thai Mainland.
Located in the Mae Haad area, this bustling pier is surrounded by rows of shops, cafes, restaurants and businesses all wanting to entice passing tourists.
The pier itself is basic, when you arrive hoards of taxi drivers will be looking for your business, make sure you agree on a price first before setting off!
Whether you’re arriving for a diving adventure or a beach escape, Mae Haad Pier is where your Koh Tao journey begins.
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Where Is Koh Tao Mae Haad Pier?
Koh Tao’s Mae Haad Pier is on the west coast of the island and serves as the main ferry terminal. Situated in the Mae Haad area, the pier is within walking distances from lots of amenities.
How To Get To Koh Tao Mae Haad Pier?
If you’re already on Koh Tao and want to visit the Mae Haad Area the easiest way around the island is via scooter. You can hire a scooter for 200-300 THB a day. If you’re coming to the pier to depart on a ferry, a shared taxi is the cheapest option, or most resorts offer a free pier shuttle service from Sairee Beach the drive is 10-minutes.
If you’re looking to visit Koh Tao, ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Chumphon and Surat Thani. The most popular ferry operators include Lomprayah, Seatran, and Songserm and we recommend booking on 12Go.
What To Expect When Arriving At Mae Haad Pier
As the main entry point, Koh Tao Mae Haad Pier is always busy. Once you step off the ferry onto the wooden pier you’ll shepherd along to the taxi drivers, tour operators and locals waiting to greet passengers.
Before you can exit the pier you need to pay the mandatory 20 THB Koh Tao Environmental Tax. This fee is collected at a table near the pier, and payment is cash only. When we arrived it seemed hectic and unorganised but we managed to pay our fee and find our taxi.
If you have booked a hotel in advance, some resorts offer a free pier shuttle service or there are plenty of taxis waiting if you need to arrange your own journey.
Tip: Prices can be higher at the pier than in other parts of the island, make sure you agree on a price before getting into a taxi.
What To Expect When Departing From Mae Haad Pier
When departing from Koh Tao Mae Haad Pier, it is best to arrive 60-minutes before your ferry departs. This time will allow you to check in, get your tickets and board the boat.
Ferry companies like Lomprayah, Seatran, and Songserm have ticket offices near the pier where you can confirm your booking. We always recommend booking in advance with 12Go as the routes off Koh Tao are extremely popular.
There are a few small souvenir shops and cafés near the pier where you can grab a quick snack or drink before your journey, the crossing is known for being rough so we also recommend taking sea sickness tablets.
We took the ferry from Koh Tao to Chumphon on our journey to Bangkok, for us the water was calm and the journey smooth. We arrived at the pier early and checked in at the booth before waiting for our boat to arrive. The process was smooth but be sure to leave enough time as the pier is always busy.
Mae Haad Beach Koh Tao
Located just a short walk from the pier is Mae Haad Beach Koh Tao, not to be confused with the Mae Haad Beach On Koh Phangan. Although this beach isn’t the best for swimming or snorkelling, check out Sairee beach or Tanote Bay, it is a nice place to watch the local long tail boats go in and out plus it offers a peaceful place to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.
Where to Stay Near Mae Haad Pier
We recommend most travellers make the journey to Sairee Beach for their time on the island, however if you’re looking for a place to stay near Mae Haad Pier below we share our pick of hotels and hostels.
WaterMellow Hostel
If you’re looking for a cheap, budget-friendly stay for one night before or after your ferry, WaterMellow Hostel offers dorm style beds close to Mae Haad Pier.
Sensi Paradise Beach Resort
If you’re looking to stay in Mae Haad for longer, Sensi Paradise Beach Resort overlooks Mae Haad Beach and offers wooden style bungalows, an outdoor pool and on-site restaurant that serves a mix of Thai and International Cuisine.
Staying At Sairee Beach?
If you’re staying in Sairee Beach we stayed at Sairee Cottage Diving and loved it! We only had a fan room but there were two large swimming pools, direct access to the beach plus an onsite beachfront restaurant. This is our number one choice of Sairee Beach hotels.
