Haad Yao (also known as ‘Long Beach’) is a beautiful white sand beach in the northwest of Koh Phangan. One of the island’s most visually stunning large beaches, Haad Yao offers a great mix of quiet, peaceful surroundings and a good selection of hotels, restaurants and bars.
Haad Yao, Koh Phangan, Thailand © dms_303
Note that there is an extremely isolated beach on the eastern coast of Koh Phangan that’s also called Haad Yao. This guide refers to the larger, more popular beach on the island’s west coast.
More developed than quiet Haad Salad to the north, Haad Yao remains one of Phangan’s best beaches for chilling out and enjoying the warm, sunny weather. The beach is over one kilometre long and very wide, giving visitors plenty of space for running, football and other activities.
The water at Haad Yao is clear and calm, with a coral reef located just off the beach that’s great for snorkelling. Haad Yao occasionally gets traffic from long tail boats, especially during the high season, which can be a temporary annoyance for swimmers and sunbathers.
Haad Yao has a fair amount of development, with a selection of mid range and budget hotels for visitors to choose from. Staying on Haad Yao gives you direct access to one of Koh Phangan’s best beaches without being too far away from the island’s top attractions.
Dining options on Haad Yao range from Thai and Western food in the resorts, often at inflated prices, to a few cheap Thai restaurants. There are several bars right on the beach, as well as a good selection of places to drink on the hill leading to nearby Haad Salad.
Naturally beautiful, extremely relaxing and developed within reason, Haad Yao is one of Koh Phangan’s best beaches, offering a great mix between untouched beauty and the access and convenience of a major beach resort.
Best Hotels on Haad Yao
- See Through Boutique Resort
See Through Boutique Resort is a modern three star resort located close to the centre of Haad Yao. With a large lap pool and a beachside bar and restaurant, it’s a good base for enjoying the beach and exploring the island. - Sun Moon Star Resort Koh Phangan
Sun Moon Star Resort is a small three star bungalow resort located at the northern end of Haad Yao. Rooms are simple but are kept very clean and have comfortable beds, making this a great choice for budget travellers that want to be near the beach.
One of the biggest advantages of Sun Moon Star Resort is that it’s a short walk away from Haad Salad — a smaller, quieter beach to the north of Haad Yao. - Haad Yao Villa
Haad Yao Villa is a three star resort with 16 private rooms and bungalows on Haad Yao. The resort is located right beside many of Haad Yao’s best restaurants and bars, as well as just a few steps from the beach, making it a comfortable and convenience accommodation option.
Things To Do On Koh Phangan
From hiking to snorkelling, there’s lots to do on Koh Phangan. Learn about the best things to do on the island, whether you’re searching for thrill seeking experiences or a relaxing way to spend the day.
Buy Tickets To Koh Phangan
You can buy bus and ferry tickets to Koh Phangan online. Use the search box below to find out departure times, prices and to book online. Enter a different starting point if you’re not coming from Bangkok
Koh Phangan Travel Guide:
- Koh Phangan – A Very Quick Travel Guide
- How To Get To Koh Phangan
- Full Moon Party Koh Phangan
- Drugs on Koh Phangan
- Full Moon Party Accommodation on Koh Phangan
- Things To Do On Koh Phangan
- Places To Eat On Koh Phangan
- Koh Phangan Villas For Rent
- Where To Stay On Koh Phangan
- Koh Phangan Day Trips
- Koh Phangan Weather
- Koh Phangan Airport
- Koh Phangan Beaches
