The Best Beaches in Koh Phangan, Thailand (I Visited Them All!)
I’ve been to Koh Phangan twice.. and I’m not gonna lie, the first time I HATED it!
I went for the full moon party (you’ve got to do it once I guess..) but It just wasn’t my scene. I couldn’t waaait to be on the next boat out of there!
But I recently revised the island and spent 2 weeks proving my previous impression completely WRONG.
Beyond the parties lies an island filled with beautiful and diverse beaches, hiking, waterfalls, and AMAZING food. There’s a bit of everything for everyone. And during my 2 weeks I (of course) had to visit all of the island’s beaches.
Table of Contents
TDLR; The Best Beach In Koh Panhgan
TLDR; There are 8 main beaches on the island but there’s only 1 that’s actually a good beach (sorry!), Thong Nai Pan on the island’s north-east coast.
Its the only beach with generous soft sand and a decent drop-off into the water so you don’t spend 3 years wading over coral and cutting your feet (like me). It’s a swimmer’s beach! But its also spacious and uncrowded, even though there are resorts all along the bay. There’s also great dining in the area (Krua Thai was my pick [google maps]), and the best massage we had at Sandee Massage [google maps].
If it’s within your budget, look to stay at the incredible Anantara Rasananda Resort – Its stunning!!
| Beach Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Thong Nai Pan – Best All Round [jump to review] | Great for swimming and relaxing. This is one of the more secluded sides of the island with only 1 way in and out so you’ll find more tranquility here. |
| Haad Khom – Best For Sunsets [jump to review] | My second favourite beach! This tiny bay is so |
| Bottle Beach – Great for an Adventure [jump to review] | If you’ve got a day to kill, this beach you’ll need to either hike (~1.5hrs) or long tail boat too. Its the most isolated beach on the island! |
| Salad Beach [jump to review] | Worth a visit. Chill beach near all the action on the west coast of Koh Phangan |
| Secret Beach [jump to review] | I recommend an afternoon at the beach and a sunset drink at the jungle bar Koh Raham |
| Haad Yuan [jump to review] | A secluded beach that’s home to the famous Eden Garden bar and nightclub. |
| Chaloklum Beach [jump to review] | A quiet fishing village with great restaurants and excellent diving. |
| Malibu Beach [jump to review] | Right next to Chaloklum, but swap the pier and gravel beach for nice white sand and nice resorts |
| Haad Yao [jump to review] | Average beach but close to good food, shopping, and the best cafe’s on the island. Go here for a coffee! |
| Haad Rin [jump to review] | I’m not a fan of Haad Rin personally, but head down one evening for a overpriced bucket and watch the fire shows that are on every night. |
How to Get Around Koh Phangan
Getting around the island is fairly easy. You can rent a scooter, take taxis, or catch longtail boats between beaches. I found renting a scooter the most convenient and affordable way to explore (and rented one for the entire duration of my stay), but if you’re not comfortable riding, taxis are readily available as well as taxi boats (longtails) from many beaches
I recommend Budget Two scooter hire (by the pier) where you can get a 125cc Honda Click for around $5 a day.
Now you’ve got your ride sorted 😉, here are the best beaches worth visiting.
The 8 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan, and why you should visit them.
I’ve put these in MY order of preference.
Feel free to disagree (and let me know how wrong I am in the comments below!)..
I’ve also put together this custom google map with pins at each location. You can download these spots
1. Thong Nai Pan Noi
Thong Nai Pan Noi offers a more upscale beach experience, blending natural beauty with luxury. The beach is located in the northeast of the island and has soft sand and clear water. It’s quieter and more relaxed than Haad Rin, and the surrounding resorts offer top-tier amenities. If you’re making a day visit and traveling on a budget, the local food stands offer affordable meals.
Its the only beach with generous soft sand and a decent drop-off into the water so you don’t spend 3 years wading over coral and cutting your feet (like me).
It’s a swimmer’s beach! But its also spacious and uncrowded, even though there are resorts all along the bay.
There’s also great dining in the area (Krua Thai was my pick [google maps]), and the best massage we had at Sandee Massage [google maps].
If it’s within your budget, look to stay at the incredible Anantara Rasananda Resort
Key Info
2. Haad Khom
Haad Khom is the real secret beach in Koh Phangan in my option. Its a short drive east from Chaloklum beach, maybe 5 minutes?
Once you get there, there’s no signs or even an obvious place to park. But you’ll probably find a couple of scooters up on the road where the pavement is a little wider.
Head down through one of the bush tracks, or the gravel driveways to the resorts..
This a great romantic sunset spot.
Key Info
3. Bottle Beach
Bottle Beach is one of those hidden gems that takes a bit of effort to reach. You can either hike through the jungle (which is an adventure in itself) or take a long-tail boat from Chaloklum. When you arrive, you’re greeted with a quiet, peaceful beach that feels like a private oasis. The water is clear and calm and the views are nothing short of stunning.
There are only a few beach bungalows and a couple of small restaurants, so the beach is a far cry from its commercialized peers. Bottle Beach is the perfect spot for a day trip, but if you want complete seclusion, consider staying overnight in one of the few bungalows.
The food on the other hand is expensive and average at best. The have you trapped and they know it! We ate at both the resurants and would not recommend either.
Maybe grab some 7elven sushi before heading out?
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4. Salad Beach (Haad Salaad)
5. Secret Beach (Haad Son)
Secret Beach, is anything but secret!
But hey, don’t let the truth ruin a good name!
The beach has just enough space for a few groups to relax, but it retains a quiet, intimate vibe. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for a quick swim, and you can grab a drink at the nearby bar.
This is more of a day trip destination, but if you want to catch the sunset, it’s definitely worth spending the late afternoon here.
Key Info
6. Haad Yuan
Haad Yuan offers the best of both worlds: peace and quiet with easy access to the livelier parts of the island. It’s just a short boat ride away from Haad Rin, but the atmosphere is completely different.
nb: this beach is only accessible by boat. Longtails are cheap during the day, but get a lot more expensive at night – so plan your day accordingly.
Haad Yuan is all about relaxation, with its clear waters, soft sand, and surrounding hills that create a sense of seclusion. You can spend the day lounging or enjoying a meal at one of the simple beachside restaurants.
Tip: Check out the iconic Eden Garden beach club. Perched on the rocks facing the sunrise, its the perfect spot to party all night.
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7. Chaloklum Beach
If you’re looking to experience the more traditional side of Koh Phangan, Chaloklum Beach in the north is a great option. The beach is located in a small fishing village, giving you a glimpse of local life. The beach itself is long, with shallow waters perfect for swimming or wading.
One of the highlights here is the fresh seafood—local fishermen bring in their catch daily, and the beachfront restaurants serve it up fresh.
Hungry? Two of my best meals were at Grandma’s (try the pepper chicken) and
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8. Malibu Beach
Malibu Beach, located near Chaloklum, is another lesser-known spot that’s worth a visit if you’re looking for calm waters and a relaxed vibe. The beach is small, but the setting is picturesque, with soft sand and shallow waters. It’s also a great spot for families with kids, thanks to its gentle shoreline.
There aren’t many amenities, but that just adds to the sense of tranquility. If you’re looking for a hidden gem that’s not too far from civilization, Malibu Beach is a great choice.
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9. Haad Yao
This long, sandy beach on the west coast is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, with enough restaurants and bars to keep you entertained without feeling overcrowded.
You can relax on the beach all day, grab a bite to eat at a beachfront restaurant, and then enjoy a laid-back evening at one of the beach bars. I’d recommend staying here for a few days to enjoy its laid-back vibe and take advantage of its convenient location for exploring the west coast of the island.
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10. Haad Rin
Haad Rin is home to the legendary Full Moon Party. But it’s not all about the nightlife. By day, the beach is a gorgeous stretch of white sand with crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect spot for swimming, beach sports, or lounging with a cold drink from one of the many beachside bars.
The lively atmosphere continues all day, with plenty of restaurants offering Thai and international cuisine.
It can get crowded, so if you’re in the area for the party, it’s worth staying here for a few nights. Otherwise, I’d recommend a day visit to experience the buzz and then retreat to a quieter spot.
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Thailand Travel Cheatsheet
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Thailand?
100% YES! — Thailand has some of the best healthcare in Asia (and the world) but it’s not free for tourists.. well – it is and it isn’t.
The thai government has extended it’s tourist healthcare policy for ‘up to $15,000 medical cover’ for tourist accidents, up until the end of 2024. That will cover you for small dings, but won’t be enough for anything major.
If you DO get insurance, also be aware many policies won’t cover adventure activities like diving, or motorcylce riding (as it’s a high risk activity)!
(that’s right, check the t&c’s on your complimentary credit card insurance)
I highly recommend World Nomads as you can get specific add-ons for diving, or motorcyle riding (Which is one of the main reasons I went to Thailand!)
🎫 Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Probably not — 93 countries are entitled to visa exemption for the purpose of tourism for up to 60 days.
However, some other countries do need a pre-approved eVisa or a Visa on Arrival (VoA) (check here!). These start at 2,000 THB for 15 days and prices go up from there!
💉Do I need any vaccinations for Thailand?
YES! Make sure you are up-to-date with all your vaccines. Common travel vaccines include Hep A/B + Typhoid, and Diphtheria + Tetanus.
Thailand is commited to rabies eradication, though there are still a few cases each year. Generally the risk in Thailand is seen as extremely low.
As always, talk to your GP or specialised travel doctor a few weeks BEFORE you leave.
💸How do you pay for things in Thailand?
Cash is king in Thailand, but electronic payments have come a long way in the 5 years since I last visitied. You’ll want to get some folding tender out from an ATM when you land.
Generally street food stalls, mum-and-dad shops and small businesses will only take cash, whereas larger bars, resturants, hotels and resorts will be perfectly happy taking card.
I personally use a Wise debit card for all my international money needs as they only convert the funds when you make payment, plus they offer a much better spread (margin on the true exhange rate) than the banks do. They work in all the Thai ATMs I tried although the ATMs to charge a fee of 220 baht to withdraw.
🚌 What’s the public transport like in Thailand?
In short. FANTASTIC
There is a good network inter-city busses in Thailand and travel this way is very cheap and very comfortable. Domestic flight are also very affordable.
The best part about Thailand is booking agencies all work together to offer combined tickets that will get you exactly where you want to go. For example, we got a hotel transfer to the ferry terminal -> Ferry to Surat Thani -> Bus to Krabi -> Mini Van tranfer to Ao Nang all on the same booking. So easy!!
📲 How do I get internet/data/wifi in Thailand?
This one needs a whole nother article, but the short version is prepaid SIM cards are cheap and availible to tourists and locals alike (You don’t need a pricey tourst SIM!)
Don’t get tricked into getting a tourist SIM at the airport. Go to any 7-Eleven store and buy a local pre-paid SIM card which is cheaper, faster and gives you more data.
NB: Make sure to bring your passport for ID verification!
Another option is the Saily eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim.
TIP: I used to use Airalo but now find Saily a much better product – you can get 5% off with code SPECIAL5
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Thailand?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. Once you find the flight you’re looking for, I’d then suggest booking directly with the carrier (even if it costs a few $$ more than with one of the agreggators/agencies).
💧Can you drink the water in Thailand?
Safest not to — tap water in Thailand may be OK (the locals drink it) but is generally untreated and not reccommended for tourists. Purchase bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing, or get water purification tablets.
I always use these Aquatabs and also recommend a Brita Water Bottle for as some of the tab water wasn’t exactly clear either!
