Koh Ma

Koh Ma is a small islet off Mae Haad beach on the northwest corner of Koh Phangan, linked to the main island by a natural sandbar. It’s the island’s best-known snorkelling spot: the reef around it is a protected zone where fishing is banned, so there’s noticeably more coral and fish than anywhere else on Koh Phangan. Entry is free — you walk out along the sandbar at low tide, and snorkel over the reef at high tide.

Snorkelling and the sandbar

The draw here is how easy the snorkelling is. Coral begins only about 30 metres from the beach, in shallow, sheltered water, so you don’t need a boat or a tour — just fins and a mask, rentable at Mae Haad. The sandbar itself is part of the appeal: at low tide it emerges as a strip of sand you can stroll across to the islet, calm water on both sides. Time it right and you get both — a walk out on the bar and a swim over the reef.

Insider Tip: Go at high tide for snorkelling and mid-morning for light and calm — but check the tide chart first. At dead low tide there’s not enough water over the coral to snorkel comfortably, and you risk scraping the reef (and yourself).

Getting there

Koh Ma sits off Mae Haad in the northwest, about 14 km (25 minutes) from Thong Sala, easiest reached on the road via Chaloklum. Come by scooter or taxi and walk down to Mae Haad beach; the islet and sandbar are right there. There are a few restaurants and gear-rental spots at Mae Haad.

Watch out: It’s a protected reef — don’t stand on or touch the coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen. At low tide the shallow water heats up and the coral sits close to the surface, so tread carefully.

The remote sands of Bottle Beach are along the same north coast if you’re exploring this end of the island.

Koh Ma is off Mae Haad, Koh Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280. View on Google Maps.