Koh Phangan beaches guide
Koh Phangan features some of the finest beaches in the Asian region and offers something that will cater to most visitors’ requirements. The selection includes beaches dedicated to those who want to party until dawn, ones where nature fans can explore offshore reefs and coastal hiking trails, and isolated coves for tourists seeking solitude.
Haad Rin Beach is at the southeastern tip of Koh Phangan and is famed for its legendary monthly Full Moon parties. This beach is actually two stretches of sands, which are known as Sunrise and Sunset. The former is the hub for all the action, although during daylight hours it is a chill out location with countless bars, restaurants and shops, and all year swimming.
 | Haad RinKoh Phangan's most famous beach is the site of the monthly Full Moon Parties and a hedonistic haven for ravers looking to let their dreadlocks down and party until they drop...more |  | Thong Nai PanThe twin bays of Thong Nai Pan offer pearl white sand and high-end hotels with a range of delicious restaurants, diving operators and bungalows for backpackers on a tight budget...more |
 | Baan TaiThe eight kilometres of beach that makes up Baan Tai is just around a headland from the party-central bay of Haad Rin and so a great choice for active people wanting to be near the action...more |  | Chaloklum BayChaloklum Bay is home to a large fishing village and maintains a traditional Thai atmosphere whilst large swaths of the island has given over to the pressures of tourism...more |
 | Haad SaladThis 'pirate bay' is so named as buccaneers would once shelter here after raiding nearby ports but now the cove is a tranquil and relaxing place to relax with good snorkelling ...more |  | Haad YaoThis 'long beach' is ideally located near the main port of Thong Sala and boasts a range of accommodation choices down its one kilometre of white sand, bars and restaurants...more |
 | Bottle BeachNamed after the string of plastic bottles which mark the rocky access path through the steep jungle, Bottle Beach is a backpacker favourite where visitors can escape from all worldly cares...more |  | Haad SadetSituated on the fringes of the Than Sadet river and waterfall-boasting national park, Haad Sadet is a tranquil spot to relax with the call of nature all around and a few quiet cafe-bars...more |
 | Thian & Yuan beachesSituated just a short stroll from one another, Haad Thian and Haad Yuan are picturesque spots off the beaten track with decent swimming and some offshore coral reefs for exploring...more |  | Koh Samui beachesJust a short hop over from Koh Phangan is the boutique island of Samui, with Chaweng offering bars and restaurants, picturesque Mae Nam to the north and a host of others...more |
Koh Phangan beaches guide
Not so long ago the bay at Haad Rin Nok was a peaceful place with calm waves, gleaming phytoplankton and soft sands. Unchecked development has left the resort with excellent infrastructure and nightlife, yet destroyed the pastoral atmosphere for which it was once famous.
On the east coast of Koh Phangan, Thong Nai Pan Yai and Thong Nai Pan Noi are picturesque sunrise bays separated by a headland. They epitomise paradise and boast white sands with an amazing backdrop of rich tropical jungle and soaring mountains.
The bays are sheltered enough yet have sufficient depth, even at low tide, to swim in all year. Waves are fine for body surfing. Thong Nai Pan Yai translates as Big and as is befitting for its name it has longer sands and a larger selection of accommodation. Hiking trails meander through rainforest at the back of the resorts and limestone karsts draw rock climbers.
Ao Baan Tai is a beach on the southwest coast of the island midway between Haad Rin and Thongsala. It is not a great swimming location as it is shallow and rocky. Those wishing to swim here will find the period between November and March is best. A charming village here is the embarkation point for long-tail boat trips.
Ao Baan Khai is an eight-kilometre long expanse of deserted sands stretching up to Thongsala lined with verdant hills and palm trees. Shallow turquoise seas are better for wading than swimming. There are quite a few budget accommodation options here.
Haad Rin boasts two sweeping bays
Haad Yao, or Long Bay in English, is rated as one of Koh Phangan’s finest beaches. Pearl-white sands stretch nearly a kilometre and are flanked at either end by rocky outcrops. The beach here faces out to the Gulf of Thailand from the island’s northwest coast and offers the most spectacular sunsets. Accommodation here ranges from basic backpacker bungalows to luxury resorts.
Haad Salad is slightly farther round the coast from Haad Yao and is a laid-back location a far cry from the party atmosphere that pervades Haad Rin. Salad is actually pirate in English and is an indication of the beach’s heritage, but does not reflect its contemporary image as there are now quite a number of swish hotels.
November to April is perfect for swimming at Haad Salad, but at other times the tides do not come in far enough. A reef just 150m offshore is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. Diverse fish species and coral can be viewed here.
Koh Ma is a part of the Angthong Marine National Park island archipelago and is a miniature islet linked to Haad Mae Had via a small sandbar. This is another popular dive and snorkelling spot where coral hosts shoals of tropical fish, turtles and small sharks. There are bungalow resorts on the island, but the main beach has a better choice of accommodation and tourism infrastructure.
Koh Phangan’s largest fishing village of Chaloklum is at the centre of a sheltered bay where beaches stretch out on both sides of it. The beach is suitable for swimming from December through to March, although not too close to the fishing boats. The vessels adorned with gaily coloured luck charms and streamers make an arresting sight.
