Koh Phangan has a wonderful choice of beaches to explore, whether you are looking for a fun party atmosphere, relaxing vibe or family friendly swimming, it’s all here. Read our run down to help you decide where to go.
Beach Day © daverugby83
Ao Nai Wok
- Ao Nai Wok is a small, quiet and largely undiscovered beach on Koh Phangan’s west coast. As one of the island’s quieter beaches, Ao Nai Wok has a variety of rustic bungalows and a luxury villa resort that’s recently been developed.
- The beach itself is one of the shallowest on Koh Phangan, with water that barely get deeper as you walk further out. Although it’s definitely not the best beach on Koh Phangan for swimming, Ao Nai Wok has a peaceful atmosphere free of mass tourism that makes it a nice place to stay.
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Baan Tai Beach
- Baan Tai Beach is one of Koh Phangan’s best known beaches. Located on the far south of the island, Baan Tai stretches from Thong Sala — Koh Phangan’s main ‘city’ centre — down to the smaller south coast beach of Baan Khai closer to Haad Rin.
- One of the biggest advantages of Baan Tai is that it blends the party atmosphere of Haad Rin with the more chilled out, peaceful vibe of the rest of Koh Phangan. If you’d like to be close to the action but still have a calm, peaceful beach in front of you, it’s a great choice.
Baan Khai Beach
- Baan Khai is a long, sandy beach on Koh Phangan’s southern coast. The beach overlooks Koh Samui and has a chilled out feeling that makes it a great place to spend the day. Baan Khai is a short drive (or a medium length walk) from the island’s party hotspot in Haad Rin.
- Like most of the beaches on Koh Phangan’s southern coast, Baan Khai has a coral reef shortly off the sand that makes it less than ideal for swimming than nearby Haad Rin. However, it’s one of the best places on Koh Samui to relax, enjoy a good book and work on your suntan.
Haad Rin
- Koh Phangan’s most famous (or perhaps infamous) beach, Haad Rin is actually two separate beaches separated by a small peninsula. Haad Rin Nai, located on the southern coast of the island, is the longer and quieter of the two, with calm water, white sand and a variety of beach bars, bungalow resorts and restaurants.
- Haad Rin Nok, which is located on the eastern coast of Koh Phangan about 10 minutes’ walk from its counterpart, is the island’s party beach, with a great selection of bars. Haad Rin Nok is the site of Koh Phangan’s famous Full Moon Party, which is held on the beach every month.
Haad Yuan
- Located a short longtail boat ride north of Haad Rin Nok, Haad Yuan is a chilled out beach that’s popular as a day trip destination. A peaceful atmosphere and occasional beach parties make it a fun, quiet alternative to the crowded Haad Rin to the south.
- Like other beaches on Koh Phangan’s eastern coast, Haad Yuan has deep water and is great for swimming. Accommodation on the beach is limited to an upmarket resort and a selection of simple beachside bungalows.
Thong Nai Pan
- Thong Nai Pan is a stretch of two beaches in the northeast of Koh Phangan. Thong Nai Pan Yai, the larger of the two beaches, has a range of mid-range resorts and bungalows, some of the best water on the island for swimming and a calm, chilled out atmosphere.
- Thong Nai Pan Noi, which is located to the north and slightly smaller, is a 10 to 10 minute walk from its bigger brother. Home to several of Koh Phangan’s most upmarket resorts, Thong Nai Pan Noi has a great variety of bars and restaurants, as well as one of the island’s best beaches.
Haad Yao
- Located just south of Haad Salad on Koh Phangan’s west coast, Haad Yao is a long white sand beach with a variety of restaurants, bars and resorts. Haad Yao offers a great mix of convenient tourist facilities and natural beauty, with less development than Haad Rin.
- Haad Yao itself is a long, sandy beach with a coral reef located a short distance into the water, making it less than ideal for swimming at low tide. When the tide’s in, the reef is a popular spot for snorkellers.
Haad Khuad (Bottle Beach)
- Haad Khuad, known to most visitors to Koh Phangan as “Bottle Beachâ€, is an isolated and quiet beach on the island’s northern coast. The beach, which is accessible by longtail boat or along a tiring hiking trail, is one of Koh Phangan’s most beautiful and relaxing locations.
- With a calm atmosphere, beautiful white sand and clear water that’s ideal for snorkelling, Haad Khuad is one of Koh Phangan’s most stunning beaches. Accommodation is limited to a select few small resorts aimed at travellers looking to escape the crowds of the rest of the island.
Haad Son
- Haad Son is a small beach with just one resort on Koh Phangan’s west coast. The beach is one of the least developed on the island and offers an incredible amount of natural beauty for guests at the exclusive Haad Son Resort.
Haad Salad
- Haad Salad is a small, charming beach on Koh Phangan’s western coast. With a coral reef just over 100 metres off the shore, beautiful white sand and just a small selection of resorts, it’s one of the most naturally beautiful of Koh Phangan’s well known beaches.
- Unlike the beaches on Koh Phangan’s southern coast, Haad Salad’s coral reef and clear water make it a good place to snorkel. Beachside bars and restaurants also make it a relaxing place to spend the evening, with a beautiful view of the sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.
Mae Haad
- Mae Haad is a stunning white sand beach in the far northwest of Koh Phangan. Famous for the tidal sandbar connecting it to nearby Koh Ma, Mae Haad is one of the best beaches on Phangan for snorkelling, with good visibility and coral visible right off the beach.
- Chilled out and unruined by mass development, Mae Haad has a laid back feel and a selection of small resorts and hotels. If you’d like to escape the party side of Koh Phangan, Mae Haad is arguably the best beach on the island to visit.
Haad Chao Phao
- One of several chilled out and naturally beautiful beaches on the west coast of Koh Phangan, Haad Chao Phao offers plenty of white sand, clear but shallow water and a great selection of backpacker and mid-range resorts.
- With its laid back feeling and good selection of activities (visitors can snorkel on the coral reef just off the beach or rent kayaks to explore), Haad Chao Phao is one of the better beaches on the western coast of Koh Phangan for day trips and relaxation.
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
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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
