Koh Phangan is the famous full-moon party island, but it’s so much more than that. This is a big island with a lot to offer, and we are going to show you all of the best beaches in Koh Phangan.
So, whether you’re after a quiet and relaxing time or want to go wild at the island’s Full Moon Parties – there’s something for everyone on Koh Phangan. We spent one week in Koh Phangan. We rented a car so that we could visit as many beaches as possible and all the fun things to do in Koh Phangan.
Deciding which Koh Phangan beaches to visit or where to stay can be difficult. To help you, here is our list of the 15 best beaches in Koh Phangan. Check them out, and don’t forget to put on some sunscreen!
Koh Phangan Beach Map
We put together a map of Koh Phangan’s best beaches here. This way, you can look at the entire island and see where each beach is located and possibly do some beach hopping. Rent a car or motorbike to explore all the best beaches Koh Phangan has to offer, or hire a private guide & drive for the day here.
Best Beaches Koh Phangan
1. Thong Nai Pan Noi
The best beach in Koh Phangan is Thong Nai Pan Noi, this is where we stayed at the Santhiya Resort. Located at the northeastern tip of the island, Thong Nai Pan Noi is the smaller of two neighboring beach resorts.
More peaceful and relaxed than some of the other beaches on the island, Thong Nai Pan Noi has a laid-back vibe. Accommodation in Thong Nai Pan Noi varies; you can either stay in a luxurious villa with a private pool or in a more traditional bungalow.
2. Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach
Only a 15-minute walk from neighboring Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, Thong Nai Pan Yai’s beautiful beach is about double the size. If you are a morning person, this is the best beach in Koh Phangan for sunrise.
The Panviman Resort is located up above Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach and is a great place to stay in Koh Phangan. There are also a few bars and restaurants tucked away beneath the palm trees on the beach and several more restaurants just off the beach.
3. Koh Ma Beach
The tiny island of Koh Ma is connected to Koh Phangan by a small sand bar that is surrounded on both sides by water. This is the most unique beach in Koh Phangan
Koh Ma Beach is home to the only Marine Park in Koh Phangan, bordered by a colorful coral reef it is a great spot for snorkeling or scuba diving.
Covered in lush rainforest, Koh Ma really is an island paradise. Staying at the Koh Ma Beach Resort in a beach bungalow. There is something special heading the sound of waves lapping at the shore right outside your room.
4. Leela Beach
Despite its proximity to the party beach of Haad Rin, Leela Beach couldn’t be more different. Its secluded and scenic location on a peninsula that juts out to the south of the island makes it one of the best beaches in Koh Phangan.
You can only enter the beach through a resort. Therefore, Leela Beach never gets very crowded. We suggest staying at this Resort, The Cabin Beach Resort. You have everything you need just a few minutes’ walk away, with bars and restaurants lining the beach.
5. Bottle Beach
One of the hardest beaches to get to is Bottle Beach. Named after the bottles that mark the route to the beach, it takes around three hours to hike to its glorious white sands. Many people prefer to take a long-tail boat from Chaloklam Bay instead.
Because it is so secluded, Bottle Beach is very quiet and laid back. While accommodation in Bottle Beach is very affordable, meals are a bit more expensive than in other locations, as there aren’t many options available.
6. Haad Salad
If peace and quiet are what you’re after on a beach vacation, then look no further than Haad Salad! This hidden gem has yet to be discovered by many tourists to Koh Phangan, and you can still find affordable beachfront hotels like this. However, this is quickly changing as word spreads about the stunning scenery.
Arriving for the first time at Haad Salad, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into paradise. Its gleaming white sands stand out delightfully against the green palm trees and sparkling blue waters. There are tons of hotels and restaurants in Haad Salad. It would be a great place to base yourself on the island.
7. Malibu Beach Koh Phangan
While Malibu Beach is undeniably one of the best beaches in Koh Phangan due to its incredible scenery, what makes it unique is the fact that the village of Chaloklum Bay is located right next to it.
There are lots of great restaurants and bars along the beachfront and in the village. This little fishing village is where you will find some of the cheapest fresh seafood in Koh Phangan. You can easily get a long tail taxi boat to Bottle Beach from here.
8. Mae Haad
Although the sand isn’t as beautiful as at other beaches in Koh Phangan, Mae Haad is worth checking out if you can. A sandbank connects one end of it to the island of Koh Ma, which is a National Marine Park in Koh Phangan.
Walk across the sandbank with water on either side of you and explore Koh Ma – this is really what makes Mae Haad a special beach to visit. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and resorts bordering the beach, and there is also some great snorkeling at the reef, just offshore. Considering staying at Maehaad Bay Resort.
9. Haad Yuan
Just a short distance away from the main party beach in Koh Phangan, Haad Yuan couldn’t be more different. This is in large part due to its remote location. Small and secluded, forest-covered hills form a beautiful backdrop to the beach itself.
To reach Haad Yuan, you either need to hike for two hours through some pretty scenery or take a boat trip – which is much more convenient if you have luggage! There is one hotel in Haad Yuan, The Hideaway Pariya Haad Yuan.
10. Haad Rin
Thailand is known around the world for its famous Full Moon Parties. The Full Moon Party takes place on the lovely beach of Haad Rin. You’ll either want to head there to party or completely avoid it.
We chose to avoid it; it was not on our list of things to do in Thailand. Depending on whether you’re up for a crazy night out or would prefer something more relaxed!
Haad Rin becomes packed when the full moon is coming up. The full moon party is crowded and goes all night into the early hours of the morning, with lots of alcohol & drugs, loud music, and people letting loose. When the parties aren’t taking place, Haad Rin completely transforms.
11. Haad Yao
Due to its expansive golden sands that stretch for over a kilometer, Haad Yao is widely considered to be one of the best beaches in Koh Phangan. Rainforest-covered hills tumble down to the beach and nestled away amid the palm trees.
More developed than many of Koh Phangan’s beaches, Haad Yao is a delightful place that is renowned for its spectacular sunsets. There are tons of restaurants, bars, and resorts. We recommend staying in Seaboard Bungalows right on the beach.
12. Ao Nai Wok
Located on a peaceful bay with a sandbar stretching in front of it, Ao Nai Wok is a palm-tree-lined beach that lies not far from one of the most developed parts of Koh Phangan. Stay at the nearby luxury 5 star resort Kupu Kupu Phangan.
The scenery is delightful, and the rocks protruding from the water make for some great photos as the sun sets behind them. There are several great little beachside bars if you want to grab a drink while watching the nightfall.
13. Koh Raham
Even more secret than Secret Beach, Koh Raham is only accessible through this restaurant and beach bar of the same name, Koh Raham Beach Club. It is tucked away from sight, surrounded by rocks and trees.
While it is quite rocky, Koh Raham more than makes up for it with its wild and untouched vibe. The beach bar and restaurant is a great place to hang out. It has a laidback vibe with gorgeous views.
14. Secret Beach
Also known as Haad Son, Secret Beach is a very picturesque place located on a small bay. Drooping palm trees and jagged rocks border it.
Founded by a resort around ten years ago, half of the beach has been developed for tourism and the other half has been left wild and free. While Secret Beach is probably not worth traversing the whole island to see, if you are in the area, it is well worth checking out and is a favorite spot with families.
15. Haad Chao Phao
Haad Chao Phao lies on the northwest coast of the island. It is one of the most laidback and peaceful beaches. The perfect place to head if you want a quiet getaway.
Its golden sands are bordered by lovely palm trees, and there are lots of bars and restaurants that serve up delicious Thai food. Watching the sunset in Koh Phangan while eating a sumptuous meal is a delightful way to end the day.
Now that we have shared with you what we think are the best Koh Phangan beaches, we’d love to hear which one you loved the most. The island has so much to offer, and we think it would be a great place to visit in Thailand with our two kids. We know we’ll be back!
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