Sight guide · Koh Phangan · Thailand
Visiting Koh Ma and Mae Haad
At low tide, a sandbar links the beach at Mae Haad on the north-west coast to the small island of Koh Ma.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Koh Ma and Mae Haad is an island in Chaloklum, Koh Phangan. Allow half a day; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Island
- Area
- Chaloklum
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, nature, kids and photo spot
- Best months
- January–March
About Koh Ma and Mae Haad
At low tide, a sandbar links the beach at Mae Haad on the north-west coast to the small island of Koh Ma. The reef around it is one of the island's best snorkelling spots, with corals and reef fish close to shore.
Tip: Check the tides and walk across the sandbar at low water; bring your own snorkel and fins, and wear reef shoes on the coral sand.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Chaloklum, a working fishing village on a wide northern bay.
Best time to visit Koh Ma and Mae Haad
Koh Ma and Mae Haad is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- March: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, busy crowds.
- January: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Koh Phangan has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Koh Phangan itinerary visits Koh Ma and Mae Haad on day 2, together with Phaeng Waterfall and Domsila viewpoint, Khao Ra hike and Thong Sala Walking Street.
- No. 7 of the 16 sights in our Koh Phangan things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Koh Phangan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Koh Phangan.
- A family favourite in Koh Phangan with kids.
Near Koh Ma and Mae Haad
Also in Chaloklum, so you can walk between them:
- Chaloklum fishing village — 1–2 hours, free
If you like Koh Ma and Mae Haad
- Thong Nai Pan Noi and Yai — Thong Nai Pan, Half a day to a full day
- Than Sadet waterfall and beach — East coast, 2–3 hours
- Haad Yao — Haad Yao and Haad Salad, Half a day
- Haad Salad — Haad Yao and Haad Salad, Half a day
Staying near Koh Ma and Mae Haad
Stay in Chaloklum ($$) to walk here: a working fishing village on a wide northern bay. All areas to stay in Koh Phangan.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Koh Ma and Mae Haad?
Plan half a day. With Chaloklum fishing village nearby, it fits a half-day in Chaloklum.
+Is Koh Ma and Mae Haad free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Koh Ma and Mae Haad?
January–March for the most comfortable weather. Check the tides and walk across the sandbar at low water; bring your own snorkel and fins, and wear reef shoes on the coral sand.
+Do I need to book Koh Ma and Mae Haad in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Koh Ma and Mae Haad good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Koh Phangan. Koh Phangan can be a peaceful family destination if you avoid Haad Rin around the full moon.