Koh Phangan Beaches

The most famous beach on Koh Phangan is Haad Rin, renowned for its wild Full Moon parties as well as its beautiful stretch of white sand and turquoise water. However, there is so much more to this little island than just Haad Rin. Even if you are staying on Haad Rin, we suggest hiring a moped for a day and exploring the island so you can discover even more stunning beaches and coves.

Haad Rin

Haad Rin is a popular beach backed by a plethora of hotels and resorts. This is the place to come to buy your obligatory Full Moon vest, glow paint and stock up on food ready for your big night of partying.

During the day you can relax on the pure white sands, head to one of the local pool parties or enjoy banana boat rides in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. There are plenty of food outlets including restaurants and street food vendors so you can dine on a range of western and Thai cuisine. By night, work your way along the beachfront bars to find your perfect spot, then kick back and enjoy the crazy Haad Rin atmosphere.

Baan Tai

Fairly similar to Haad Rin, Baan Tai is a hotspot for travellers*. Hotels and beach huts wind their way along the coast with restaurants, bars, shops and parties never far away.

During the low tidal season (May to October) the sea water levels are very low, so the beach isn’t the best for swimming. You can paddle in the shallow waters but be aware of the power of the sun as you bathe in this water as you can easily get burnt while the water laps over your skin!

If you walk much further out (around 200-300 metres) you will come to the coral reef which is great for snorkelling. Many of the hotels in this area also offer scuba diving and kite boarding, so this is a great option for those looking for a bit of adventure.

Thong Nai Pan Yai

Located on the northeastern coast of Koh Phangan, Thong Nai Pan Yai (sister beach to Thong Nai Pan Noi) is a secluded beach backed by palms with views of the lush rainforest mountains.

As this beach is on the east of the island it is great for watching the sunrise over the horizon. Unlike its sister beach, Thong Nai Pan Yai does not have resorts and hotels which makes it a much quieter beach destination.

Although the sea on this side of the island is not home to any coral reefs, the sea is much deeper which means it is perfect for swimming and cooling off from the heat of the shore. Thong Nai Pan Yai is a wonderful spot for a day trip, but due to the lack of infrastructure you are best staying elsewhere on the island.

Haad Thong Reng

For a completely secluded beach spot, head to Haad Thong Reng on the northeastern side of the island, just south of Thong Nai Pan. Close to Haad Thaan Sadet, you do have to do some ‘off-roading’ to get to this little beach. Cross the bridge at the end of Haad Thaan Sadet and work your way down past some old bungalows to the rocky cove. When you arrive it will be well worth it as there are unlikely to be many (if any other travellers). Remember to bring drinks and snacks with you though as there are no facilities at this beach.

There are thought to be over 30 separate beaches around Koh Phangan so if you just keep exploring you are bound to find the perfect beach spot for you!