11 Beaches you should visit on Koh Phangan
Welcome to Koh Phangan, a beautiful Thai island known for its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. In this post, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the best beaches on the island, along with some helpful tips on how to get there, what to do, and where to stay. From secluded coves and peaceful bays to bustling party spots and family-friendly beaches, Koh Phangan has something for everyone. So, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a fun-filled vacation with the kids, or a wild party weekend, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best beaches on Koh Phangan.
- Haad Yuan: Haad Yuan is a paradise beach located on the east coast of the island of Koh Phangan. It is known for its stunning rock formations, lush palm trees, and beautiful turquoise blue waters, and is widely considered to be the most beautiful beach on the island. Despite its beauty, Haad Yuan is one of the quietest beaches on Koh Phangan, thanks in part to its somewhat remote location. To get to Haad Yuan, you can take a taxi boat from the nearby beach of Haad Rin, walk from Haad Rin through the jungle (a 2.5-hour hike), or travel by 4×4 jeep. Upon arriving at Haad Yuan, you’ll be struck by the beauty of the beach. The white sand, rock formations, and turquoise waters create a stunning backdrop that feels like it’s out of a travel magazine. The beach itself is not crowded, and there are a few beach resorts and bamboo huts that provide beach chairs and umbrellas for their guests. There are also several beach bars along the bay that serve delicious food and offer breathtaking views of the beach. If you’re looking for seclusion and relaxation, Haad Yuan is an excellent choice. It is a unique and peaceful place where you’ll feel like you’re stranded in paradise.
- Haad Son (Secret beach): Haad Son, also known as Secret Beach, is a beautiful and popular beach located on the west coast of the island of Koh Phangan. The area is generally quiet and peaceful, making it a great destination for families and couples seeking a relaxed atmosphere. The beach itself is a stunning stretch of coast, with white sand, turquoise sea, and a tropical landscape that looks like it’s straight out of a picture book. It is well-suited as a starting point for exploring the island and other nearby beaches, and there are only a few bungalows located here, so it is an ideal spot for quiet seekers and individualists. The Secret Beach on Koh Phangan is a small bay about 200 meters long, located on the western side of the coast. It is known for its beautiful and unique beach scenery, with tropical trees, tall palm trees, and fine warm sand that provide a perfect ambiance for a relaxing vacation. The sea is usually very calm, making it great for swimming and snorkeling, and the coral reef just a short swim from the shore is home to a wide variety of colorful fish. Despite its name, the Secret Beach is no longer a secret, but it remains one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches on the island. It is an excellent choice for those who prefer a relaxing vacation without parties.
- Mae Haad: A wide, sandy beach located on the island of Koh Phangan. It is connected to the Koh Ma National Nature Preserve and Marine Park, which can be accessed on foot. The beach offers a range of activities for kids and adults, including opportunities to visit a local village, go snorkeling, and explore the nature preserve. Mae Haad Beach is known for its excellent snorkeling and rich marine life, including coral reefs, turtles, and small reef sharks. It is one of the best areas in Koh Phangan for snorkeling and diving, thanks to its unspoiled waters and abundant sea life. In recent years, the road conditions to Mae Haad Beach have improved, making it easier to access. Although there are a few resorts located near the beach, it is quite spacious and never feels crowded, stretching over 800 meters. At low tide, there is a sandbank beach that connects Mae Haad Beach to the small island of Koh Ma, which is home to the National Marine Park. Mae Haad Beach is a true slice of paradise and is a strong contender for the title of the best beach in Koh Phangan. It is a great spot for watching the sunset and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
- Haad Yao: Haad Yao is a stunning white sand beach located on the northwest coast of Koh Phangan, a Thai island known for its pristine nature and beautiful beaches. With its gentle slope, warm clear water, and tall palm trees, Haad Yao is often called the perfect beach on Koh Phangan. To reach Haad Yao, you can take a boat from the nearby Laem Nokrong headland, or you can walk eight kilometers from Had Rin along a mountain path. Haad Yao is a great place to swim, with no coral reef and a decent drop-off, so you can enjoy the water all year round. However, be aware that the weather on the east coast can be rough at times, so be prepared in case boats are unable to run. In addition to its natural beauty, Haad Yao is also known for its excellent snorkeling and diving. There is a coral reef about 400 meters off the coast that is home to a variety of marine life, and there are several dive schools in the area that offer a range of scuba diving courses. Other nearby snorkeling and diving spots include Haad Salad and Koh Ma.
- Malibu Beach: Also known as Chalok Lam Beach, is a popular spot located in the village of Chalok Lam. It features white sand, and blue water, with traditional village buildings and bright green, round trees growing right in the sand. The beach is packed with boats of all sizes, making it a popular place to begin and end snorkeling, diving, or sightseeing trips. Chalok Lam Beach is easy to access and stretches over 2.5 kilometers, making it a spacious and uncrowded destination. The village of Chalok Lam is located in the center of the beach, while the middle of the beach is mainly used as a fishing area. Here, you can find colorful longtail boats floating in the beautiful blue waters. The beach is suitable for swimming and relaxation during the period from December to March. During other times of the year, you may need to plan your swim around the daily high tide. However, the beach is not the best spot for snorkeling due to the presence of fishermen, who have damaged the nearby coral reefs.
- Haad Rin is the most well-known beach on the island of Koh Phangan, thanks to its monthly Full Moon Party. Located on the south side of the island, Haad Rin is a long, sandy shore with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. It is the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and partying the night away. Haad Rin is a popular destination for travelers visiting Koh Phangan during the busy full moon time of the month. It is known for its vibrant party atmosphere and is the place to be if you want to drink on the sand, hit up nearby bars and clubs, or watch a fire spinning display. The beach area of Haad Rin is divided into two sections: Haad Rin Nok and Haad Rin Nai. Haad Rin Nok is the party section, while Haad Rin Nai has a more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. Haad Rin is one of the biggest and most crowded beaches on the island, and it is also where you will find most of the full moon party hostels. Overall, Haad Rin is not the quietest or most beautiful beach on Koh Phangan, but it is a popular destination for backpackers looking to chill out with a beer, people watch, and make new friends. If you’re looking for a slice of paradise and some quiet time, however, Haad Rin might not be the best choice.
- Thong Nai Pan Noi: A serene and secluded beach located on the north side of Koh Phangan. With its crystal clear waters and white sandy shore, this beach is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. The stunning views of the surrounding mountains only add to its charm. Thong Nai Pan is made up of two different beaches, each with its own small village. Thong Nai Pan Noi is known for its luxury resorts and holiday atmosphere, while Thong Nai Pan Yai is less developed and has a more laid-back vibe. Both beaches offer beautiful, white sands and stunning views of the open sea. There are several small resorts and restaurants to choose from at Thong Nai Pan Yai, some located right on the beach and others in the quaint village on the road. This part of the island is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of other popular destinations on Koh Phangan, like Thong Sala, Haad Rin, and Sri Thanu. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.
- Haad Salad is a secluded and peaceful beach located on the west side of the island of Koh Phangan. Its crystal clear waters and soft sandy shores make it a perfect spot for relaxation and water activities, such as snorkeling and diving. The beach is known for its diverse coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a top destination for exploring the underwater world. Haad Salad is a personal favorite for many visitors due to its peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere, which is a refreshing change from the more party-centric Haad Rin. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vacation experience during your visit to Koh Phangan, Haad Salad could be the perfect place for you. To reach Haad Salad, you may need to park in one of the nearby resorts and follow the signs for paying guests down to the beach. There is a pay-for-parking sign at a nearby restaurant, but it may be possible to park for free if the restaurant is empty. Once you arrive at the beach, you’ll be greeted by crystal white sand and cliffs covered in palm trees. The snorkeling here is some of the best on the island, with colorful small fish and great visibility. To reach the coral reefs, you’ll need to swim about 80 meters from the beach. Alternatively, you can wait for low tide and walk out to the reefs. There are several resorts and restaurants near the beach where you can stop for a bite to eat or relax after a day of exploring the water.
- Haad Chao Phao is a beautiful and serene beach located on the west side of the island of Koh Phangan. Its crystal clear waters and soft sandy shores make it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation under the shade of palm trees. Despite being off the main road and somewhat hidden, Haad Chao Phao is a hidden gem that is worth seeking out. The beach has a slightly rocky shoreline, but there is still plenty of clean white sand to enjoy. It is safe to swim at Haad Chao Phao during both low and high tide, and the rocks provide a great place for snorkeling. If you are a confident swimmer, you can also paddle out about 100 meters from the beach to reach a reef teeming with colorful corals and diverse marine life. This makes Haad Chao Phao one of the best spots for snorkeling on the island.
In the vicinity of the beach, you can find several resorts and restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat. - Haad Khom: A serene and peaceful beach located on the west side of the island of Koh Phangan. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft sandy shores, which make it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in the shade of palm trees. In addition, Haad Khom is also a great location for snorkeling, with its coral reef providing a rich underwater environment to explore. Located just a short walk or bike ride from the nearest settlement of Chaloklam, Haad Khom is an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet and intimate beach experience. It is particularly popular with couples, newlyweds, and those who appreciate the privacy and seclusion that this beach offers. Despite its quiet nature, Haad Khom is equipped with a few affordable restaurants and comfortable bungalows, providing everything you need for a relaxing beach holiday.
- Leela Beach is a popular destination on the island of Koh Phangan, known for its beautiful white sand, calm blue waters, and iconic coconut tree swing. It’s a popular spot for taking Instagram-worthy photos, and many visitors come specifically to visit this beach. To access Leela Beach, you’ll need to walk through a nearby resort. The beach is not as crowded as some of the other popular spots on the island, like Haad Rin, making it a great place to relax and unwind. It is mainly visited by resort-goers, so it tends to be a bit more peaceful. In addition to the famous coconut tree swing, you’ll also find a jetty on the water that you can walk out on. It’s a great spot for enjoying the beautiful views and taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the beach.
