Koh Ma
A tiny jungle-covered islet off Mae Haad ringed by the island's healthiest coral - Koh Phangan's top snorkelling spot.
- Category
- Islands
- Entrance fee
- Free (kayak rental from Mae Haad ~200 THB/hr if the tide is high, as of 2026 - confirm locally)
- Hours
- Daylight hours
- Best time
- Low tide for the walk-over; dry season roughly Feb-Sept for the clearest water and best snorkelling
- Time needed
- 2-4 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy (short scramble to the small viewpoint on top; wear shoes for the rocks)
About Koh Ma
Koh Ma is a tiny jungle-covered islet just off Mae Haad, and it's the snorkelling headliner of Koh Phangan. The coral ringing it is the healthiest on the island, the fish are plentiful, and because it's a protected reef the underwater life actually holds up.
Getting there is half the fun. At low tide you simply walk the sandbar across; when the tide's up you kayak or swim. Once you're on it, there's a short scramble to a small viewpoint on top if you want the vantage point too.
Genuinely worth it for anyone who snorkels. Bring your own mask and go early, before the day-trip boats show up and thin out the calm.
Highlights
- The island's healthiest coral and top snorkelling
- Walk over on the sandbar at low tide
- Protected reef with plenty of fish
- Short scramble to a small summit viewpoint
Tips
- Go early to beat the day-trip boats
- Bring your own mask; don't count on rentals
- Time the walk-over for low tide, or kayak when the tide is high
- Wear shoes for the rocks on the short climb up
How to get there
Reached from Mae Haad Beach (~13 km NW of Thong Sala): walk the sandbar at low tide, or kayak/swim across when the tide is up