Mae Hat or "Mae Haad" was the only real town on Ko Tao. It was on the western side of the island, so the winds of August blew right towards its anchorage. There were crowds of moored boats in shallow water with considerable coral. Although the town was small, its shops stocked a good supply of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as cheeses, frozen meats, and other staples. Large ferries came here regularly from the mainland as well as from Ko Samui.