Planning a trip to Koh Phangan and wondering which beaches to check out? You’re in the right place. My family and I have lived on this beautiful island on and off for 6 years—and trust me, I know every single beach, in every season.
Quick tip before we dive in: “Haad” means “beach” in Thai—so whenever you see names like Haad Yuan or Haad Yao, just know we’re talking about a beach.
In this guide, I’ll show you the most beautiful Koh Phangan beaches, which ones to skip, and share some hidden gems only locals know about. Ready to discover paradise? Let’s dive in!
Famous Koh Phangan Beaches That Live Up to the Hype
Some beaches are Instagram-famous for good reason. Don’t skip them just because they’re popular. They’re actually that amazing!
Haad Yao – Postcard Perfect
This beach seriously looks like it jumped out of a postcard. The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, and there’s always enough space to throw down your towel. You’ll find cafés, massage spots, and smoothie stands without feeling too touristy.
Every Wednesday, there’s a fun beach party at Seaboard Bungalows. My family loves having dinner on the beach at Coco Loccos (try the pizza!), then walking over the sand to the party called Bizarre Bazaar. It’s got a chill vibe with good music and friendly people.
Oh! And there’s a beach pig (yes, a pig!) living at Sandy Bay Resort. Her name is Coffee (or “Ga-Fae” in Thai), and if you’re gentle, you can give her a scratch. She’s kind of a local celebrity here!
Haad Salad – Quiet Beauty
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s no salad here (unless you want some)! Just a beautiful, quiet beach that never feels too crowded. It’s an ideal spot for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for peace.
We love eating Thai food at Salad Hut, a beachfront restaurant run by the sweetest Thai family. Amazing food, amazing views, super relaxed vibes.
The only downside? There’s a peninsula that blocks most sunsets during the year. Still gorgeous though! If you’re chasing sunsets, head to Haad Yao in the evening instead.
Mae Haad Beach & Koh Ma
This place is special. There’s a sand bar that connects Mae Haad beach to a tiny island called Koh Ma. It’s super Instagram-worthy and one of the best spots to go snorkeling. Just check the tides—sometimes the sand bar disappears underwater!
The beach itself is popular and a bit more commercial than others on the island. You can rent an umbrella and chairs for 250 THB (around $7 USD / €6.50 EUR). That’s not common on Koh Phangan, but trust me, it’s worth visiting—especially if you love swimming and watching underwater life in the coral reef (more on that later when we talk about snorkeling spots).
Haad Rin – Full Moon Beach
Yep, it’s party central during Full Moon Parties. But other times? It’s actually stunning! Long stretches of fine white sand, crystal clear waters, and hardly any people. Perfect for morning swims or beach walks.
My tip? Avoid Haad Rin about four days before and after the monthly full moon parties. It gets super crowded with party people, and sadly, it gets dirty too. Not the vibe I’m looking for.
Come any other time and you’ll find a peaceful beach that feels totally different. It’s like two beaches in one!
Best Koh Phangan Beaches for Families or a Relaxed Vibe
Traveling with little ones? Or just want some peace and quiet without sacrificing coconut shakes? These beaches are my go-to spots when I want calm water, chilled vibes, and space for the kids to play.
Srithanu Beach – Happy Beach
Shallow waters, soft sand, and lots of families around. It’s popular with worldschoolers and yogis (turns out they mix well!). The southern part is actually called “Happy Beach”—and the name fits perfectly. No fancy cafés, just simple Thai beach restaurants right on the sand. Super laid-back, super lovely.
But lately it’s been packed. During high season, it gets really busy. My advice? Come early morning and skip sunset if you don’t like crowds.
Hin Kong – Sunset Paradise
This is more of a bay than a beach—but wow, the sunsets! During low tide, a huge sandbank appears and you can walk way out into the sea—barefoot with your camera in hand. It’s my favorite sunset spot and gives me the best photos on the whole island.
It’s not great for swimming (especially at low tide), but it’s dreamy for walking, finding shells, and watching long-tail boats float by. Bring a sarong, grab a smoothie, and just chill out.
Hungry? My favorite restaurants here are Romanzo Tropicale and Alcove. Alcove has one of the best sunset views on the island—but heads up: the music is loud. Don’t expect deep conversations here. It’s more of a “sip your cocktail and watch the sky change colors” kind of place.
Chaloklum Beach – Fishing Village Charm
This quiet fishing village has a super long beach with soft, fine sand and calm waters—usually perfect for swimming. Some days the waves get a bit rough, so keep an eye out if you’re with little ones.
My girls love playing here in the mornings, and it never feels crowded. You can grab fresh fruit or lunch from small local places just steps from the sea.
Check out Foods & Roots for amazing upscale vegan food (even non-vegans will love it). Or grab coffee and the best carrot cake on the island at Kaif—you’ll thank me later!
If you’re around on Sunday evening, don’t miss the local night market starting around 4 pm. Grab a snack, find a spot on the beach, and enjoy dinner with a sea view.
Thong Nai Pan Noi – Worth the Drive
This beach is harder to reach, but worth every bump in the road! It’s about a 40-minute ride from the west coast since there’s no direct road through the national park (which actually keeps it nice and quiet).
You’ll find soft sand, calm sea, and a more “boutique” vibe. What I love most about Thong Nai Pan Noi is the atmosphere. The tourists here are generally more relaxed—more families and couples, less party crowd.
You’ll find amazing beach restaurants (we love Sand in my Shoes, right on the beach) and some luxury resorts like Anantara if you’re feeling fancy.
There’s also Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach right next door. I personally prefer Noi, but you should try both and decide for yourself!
Haad Khom – Kid Paradise
Tucked away in the north, this quiet beach is super chill. The water is usually calm with lots of shade, and it never feels crowded. It’s perfect for kids of all ages—my girls love it here! There are tons of coral pieces along the beach, perfect for decorating sandcastles or collecting treasures.
Great for older kids who want to splash around—or for parents who want to read a book in peace.
Getting there is easy: just park your scooter on the road and take the stairs down to the beach. It’s a little hidden, but that’s part of what makes it special.
Malibu Beach – White Sand Wonder
Yes, it’s really called Malibu Beach—and it’s gorgeous! Think bright white sand, two beach volleyball courts, palm trees, and even some pine trees that look like they wandered in from another country. There’s a restaurant right on the beach and plenty of space for kids to run wild.
The downside? It’s become a bit of a party spot lately for a certain group of people. Because of that, the beach now closes to everyone after 7pm. If you want to enjoy it, come early and soak up the calm daytime vibes.
Best Koh Phangan Beaches for Snorkeling
No boat tour needed. These beaches are perfect if you want to grab a mask, wade into the water, and see some fish without going far.
Mae Haad Beach & Koh Ma
This is hands down the ultimate snorkel spot on Koh Phangan. Walk across the sand bar to Koh Ma (the tiny island), and just offshore—boom! Coral reefs, colorful fish, and sometimes even cute baby sharks. Go early before tour groups arrive by boat.
The coral reef here is still in good shape, making it an ideal spot to see underwater life. Even beginners can enjoy snorkeling here since the waters are usually calm in this beautiful bay.
Haad Yuan & Haad Thian East
These beaches have crystal clear waters and coral patches close to shore. You might need to swim out a bit, but the underwater life is worth it. These beaches feel wild and untouched, and the snorkeling matches that natural vibe perfectly.
Haad Khom
This beach makes two of my lists because it’s that good! Calm, clear water and easy snorkeling right from the shore. Just watch out for sea urchins near the rocks. My tip? Water shoes = happy feet!
Best Koh Phangan Sunset Beaches
If you’re like me and get weirdly excited about a good sunset, Koh Phangan will spoil you. Some beaches light up with colors that don’t even look real. Bring a coconut, your camera, or just watch your sandy kids play—and enjoy the show.
Hin Kong – Golden Hour Heaven
The whole bay turns gold at sunset. As mentioned earlier, during low tide, a huge sandbank appears and you can walk far out into the sea. It’s my favorite sunset walk and photo spot on the entire island. The shallow water creates dreamy reflections that look magical in photos.
Secret Beach (Haad Son) – Not So Secret
This small, pretty beach feels kind of magical. There’s a view from the cliffside bar that makes you feel like you’re in a movie. The restaurant Lost ‘n Found serves lovely Thai and Western food—perfect for sunset drinks or a lazy lunch.
Just north of the beach, on a rocky peninsula, there’s a magical place called Koh Raham. It’s a resort and restaurant with incredible views of the sea and Secret Beach. I love their matcha and éclairs (though their Thai food isn’t my favorite). You can even snorkel straight from the restaurant deck, and staff feeds the fish—expect an underwater show while you swim!
But here’s the thing: it’s not really a secret anymore. During high season, it gets way too crowded. It’s a small beach, and when 200 people show up with towels and floaties, it feels like a sardine can.
My Tip: If the parking lot up top is full, don’t bother walking down. It won’t be the quiet escape you’re hoping for. Just head to the next beach instead. Haad Yao, for example, is only two scooter minutes away.
Zen Beach – Sunset Circus
Ever wanted to watch the sunset while someone plays handpan drums and dances with a hula hoop? This is your spot! It’s like a sunset circus. So many free spirits, tourists, and sunset chasers all in one place.
There’s usually a DJ playing at Grasshopper Bar, and the whole scene turns into a proper sunset spectacle. Super chill crowd, barefoot kids, and beach yoga people doing headstands in the background. They even have a drum circle every Friday evening. Definitely a vibe!
💡 My tip: Come early if you want a parking spot. It fills up fast.
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches
If you’re up for a little adventure, these beaches will reward you big time. Think jungle trails, boat rides, and beaches with barely anyone around. No beach bars blasting music. Just nature, waves, and maybe a friendly dog or two.
Haad Yuan & Haad Thian East – Boat Access Only
You can’t just drive here—you need to take a water taxi or hike through the jungle. The easiest way? Head to Haad Rin Beach, where you’ll usually spot a little sun umbrella with Thai guys selling boat tickets.
You can book a private taxi boat and make arrangements directly with the captain. We usually say, “Please pick us up at 4,” and it’s done—no stress, no waiting around. Often, it’s cheaper than one-way tickets too.
The beaches themselves are stunning. Haad Yuan has a few bungalows and relaxed beach bars. Haad Thian is even more peaceful with a yoga-vibe restaurant called “The Sanctuary”. Both beaches still feel quiet, raw, and a little wild. They’re connected by a short 10-minute walk over the hill.
💡 Important to know: Haad Yuan is also home to two famous party spots—Eden Garden (every Saturday from 10 pm until Sunday noon) and Bambu Huts (every Sunday from noon till late).
During those party hours, it’s also possible to get there by shared truck from 7-Eleven in Ban Tai. It’s an adventurous ride through the jungle that takes around 30 minutes—and honestly, I don’t really recommend it unless you’re up for a bumpy, slightly nerve-wracking experience.
So if you’re looking for a quiet beach escape, it’s best to avoid weekends. During the week though, Haad Yuan is one of the most peaceful places you can find on the island.
Why Nam
Same deal—boat from Haad Rin, walk from Haad Thian or hike from Haad Rin if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s tiny, peaceful, and completely tucked away. There’s not much here, and that’s the magic of it.
There’s a cute little restaurant, a yoga shala, and a few bungalows you can rent if you want to stay overnight and really disconnect. No shops, no 7-Eleven—just you, the sea, and the jungle.
💡Just so you know: DJs and small parties still happen here about once a week (except during rainy season). These used to be public and kind of legendary, but they got way too crowded. Now the organizers stopped promoting them, so they’ve gone back to being low-key—mostly for the people living in the bays.
Honestly, it’s a good example of how overtourism is changing Koh Phangan’s special places. What used to be community vibes is now harder to protect.
Haad Yao East – Jungle Beach with a Party Past
This isn’t the Haad Yao on the west coast—it’s the smaller, wilder Haad Yao East on the island’s southeastern side. You can’t drive here. Just like Haad Yuan or Why Nam, you either hike in or take a longtail boat from Haad Rin.
Once famous for the Lost Paradise parties, this beach had its wild chapter. Those full moon after-parties were loved by some and loathed by others. But they’re gone now. The music stopped in 2023, and since then, Haad Yao East has started to breathe again.
Now what’s left is a calm, tucked-away bay. A few faded bungalows, and loads of space to do nothing. No shops, no crowds, no plans. It still has that raw, off-grid feel. If you’re craving jungle vibes and a digital detox, this might be your place.
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuad) – Worth the Journey
Getting here takes effort, but it’s so worth it. You can hike or boat in—but once you arrive? White sand, clear water, and palm trees swaying like they’re saying “good job, you made it!”
My favorite way to get there is hiking from Chaloklum (here’s the starting point). Choose between a 1-hour or 2-hour trail through the jungle. It’s sweaty but rewarding. At the end, you step out onto this gorgeous beach.
Chill under coconut trees, sip from a fresh coconut, eat fried rice at the beach restaurant, and when you’re ready, take a boat back to Haad Khom. The ride usually costs 150–200 THB per person (about $4–6 / €3.50–5.50). From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk up to the parking lot where you left your scooter or car. Easy!
💡 Heads up: big changes are coming. Someone recently leased all three Haad Khuad resorts for 30 years and plans to turn Bottle Beach into a party spot. Another sad example of how overtourism and outside investment are changing Koh Phangan—fast.
If you’ve dreamed of visiting a quiet tropical paradise, go soon. This hidden gem might not stay the same for long.
Wait… Are There Nude Beaches in Koh Phangan?
Nudity is technically not allowed in Thailand and goes against local laws and customs. That being said, there are a few spots on Koh Phangan where people openly sunbathe nude.
These aren’t officially designated nude beaches (Thailand doesn’t have any), but nudity is quietly tolerated in certain places.
The most known ones are the Nude Beach at the southern end of Mae Haad, Bovy Beach near Zen Beach, Pirate Beach, and a small section of Leela Beach in Haad Rin.
If you go, be respectful—discretion is still important, especially when Thais approach.
Insider Tips for Beach-Hopping
Planning to explore more than just the beach in front of your bungalow? Good! Here are a few tips that’ll make your beach days smoother—and a lot more fun.
Rent a Scooter
If you’re comfortable on two wheels, renting a scooter is the best way to explore the island. You’ll reach remote beaches, hidden cafés, and avoid waiting for expensive taxis.
Just take it slow—some roads are steep, sandy, or full of holes. If you’re traveling with kids and aren’t an experienced rider, rent a car instead. Trust me, the extra safety, especially during crazy high season, is totally worth it. I had a car for the whole of the last rainy and high season.
Sunrise or Sunset? Pick Your Side
East coast = sunrise. West coast = sunset.
If you’re staying in Thong Nai Pan or Haad Yuan, get up early and watch the sun rise from the sea. On the west coast, places like Hin Kong and Zen Beach have amazing sunset shows every evening. Both are magical—it just depends when you’re awake!
Tides Change Everything
Some beaches look like paradise at high tide and like a rocky desert at low tide. Spots like Hin Kong get super shallow during low tide—great for walks and finding shells, but not good for swimming.
Check tide charts online before planning your beach day. Or just go with the flow and enjoy whatever view you get.
Boat Taxis or Hiking?
Some beaches—like Haad Yuan, Haad Thian, Why Nam, and Bottle Beach—are only reachable by boat or jungle hike.
Boat taxis (usually longtail boats) leave from Haad Rin and Chaloklum. Look for small umbrellas with locals selling tickets.
Hiking is sweaty but beautiful and rewarding—just don’t try it with toddlers or flip-flops! Choose your adventure based on your mood, the weather, and how many snacks you packed.
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan for Easy Beach Access
If you want variety, stay somewhere central like Srithanu, Haad Yao, Hin Kong, Thongsala or Chaloklum. You’ll be within 5–20 minutes of most Koh Phangan beaches, and won’t spend your whole day driving around.
Haad Yuan, Why Nam, Thong Nai Pan, and Bottle Beach are beautiful, but if you stay there, you’re kind of stuck there. Great for relaxing, not great if you like options.
Check out the best Koh Phangan Hotels here or use the map below.
Here are my personal favorite hotel options close to Koh Phangan beaches:
Salad Hut (Haad Salad)
A family-run beachfront gem with cozy bungalows and a fantastic Thai restaurant. Perfect for families or couples looking for peace, ocean views, and easy beach access.
Zama Resort (Haad Chao Phao / Secret Beach area)
Close to Secret Beach and Koh Raham, this place offers stylish rooms with sea views, and dreamy sunset dinners right by the water.
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas (Thong Nai Pan Noi)
This luxury beachfront resort blends Thai elegance with barefoot island vibes. Private plunge pools, lush gardens, and a calm bay make it ideal for families and couples looking to relax in style.
The Sanctuary Thailand (Haad Thian East)
A peaceful escape accessible only by boat or jungle hike. Known for yoga, wellness retreats, and its remote, barefoot luxury feel.
Pariya Resort (Haad Yuan)
Nestled right on the soft sand of Haad Yuan, this resort gives off “castaway chic” vibes with beachfront villas, plus easy access to Eden and Bambu parties (or peace and quiet during the week).
Mae Haad Bay Resort (Mae Haad Beach)
Located just steps from the famous sandbar and top snorkeling spot at Koh Ma. Great for families or couples who want comfort and underwater adventures.
Bottle Beach 1 Resort (Haad Khuad)
One of the few places to stay at this remote gem. Simple beach bungalows, postcard views, and total off-grid peace—worth the journey!
Malibu Beach Bungalows (Malibu Beach / Chaloklum)
White sand, volleyball courts, and tropical trees—Malibu Beach Bungalows have a fun, family-friendly vibe in one of the north’s prettiest corners.
Green Papaya Beach Resort (Haad Salad)
A stylish beachfront resort with a stunning infinity pool and direct access to one of the island’s most beautiful swimming beaches. Great for couples and families who want comfort with a view.
👉 You might also like:
– The Best Koh Phangan Luxury Hotels
– Thailand: Best 7-Day Koh Phangan Family Itinerary
– Watching a Muay Thai Fight in Koh Phangan
– 31 Best Things to Do in Koh Phangan
– Navana Water Healing Center Koh Phangan
– Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary – Is it Worth it?
Final Thoughts on the Best Koh Phangan Beaches
Koh Phangan isn’t just one beach—it’s a whole collection of moods. You’ve got wild ones, calm ones, ones with jungle hikes and sandbars, sunsets and snacks, snorkels and swing sets.
My personal favorites? In high season, I love Haad Khom and Haad Salad—they’re quieter and still feel peaceful, even when the island is full. In low season, I go for Malibu and Haad Yao. These two can get a bit crazy in peak months, but during the quieter times (or early in the morning), they’re absolutely stunning.
Which one is your favorite Koh Phangan beach? Do you have any questions? Please let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day. Yours, Lulu
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