Top 12 Amazing Beaches in Koh Phangan
The beaches in Koh Phangan are a real highlight and absolutely unique in Thailand! Fine white sand, turquoise blue sea colors, huge coconut trees, spectacular stone formations and hidden bays make this island a true paradise for sun-seeking beach holidaymakers. Hardly anywhere else you will find a larger selection of dream bays! One beach is more beautiful and idyllic than the other, so you are spoiled for choice on the dream island of Koh Phangan. Whether a party beach, such as the famous Haad Rin Beach where the Full Moon parties take place, or quiet and secluded bays, here everyone will find his perfect place under the Thai sun! But what are the absolutely most beautiful beaches on Koh Phangan, what are the insider tips and which coastal sections are particularly suitable for a beach vacation?
In this guide, you will find the 12 ultimate best beaches of Koh Phangan. We also show stunning pictures, and give you useful tips and information that will definitely help you plan your trip.
Leela Beach
The Leela Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach on the southern tip of the islands, just about a 10-minute walk from the popular village of Haad Rin. The snow-white sandy beach lined with palm trees is certainly one of the absolutely most beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan. Here comes to real vacation feeling because velvet-soft, fine white sand, tall palm trees, turquoise blue sea colors and spectacular sunsets conjure up a dream beach in a class of its own. Wonderfully pretty and a small highlight are also the swings that hang between the magnificent palm trees and give this bay that certain something. In addition, you can find really good accommodations at Leela Beach, which are perfect for a beach vacation.
Tip: A true vacation dream for couples is the Cabin Beach Resort, a wonderful beach hotel in a prime location and with a stunning pool.
Haad Rin Beach
The Haad Rin Beach is probably the most famous beach on Koh Phangan because the legendary Full Moon Party takes place here every month. However, few people know that outside this massive event, this dream beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing. After the party nights, it gets really quiet and cozy on this stretch of coast, and the long paradisiacal sandy beach shows itself from its most beautiful side. Far away from the hustle and bustle, you can enjoy a wonderful bathing bay, where white sand with the turquoise sea and the imposing rocks conjure up a picture-perfect backdrop. In addition, you have the opportunity to discover other beautiful beaches and bays in the vicinity by taxi boat.
Tip: At the southern beach section of Haad Rin is the charming Palita Lodge, which enchants with a beautiful pool and perfect location directly on the dream beach.
Haad Salad Beach
Haad Salad Beach, or also known as the Pirate Beach, is a fantastic beach for a vacation on Koh Phangan. You will find this snow-white dream beach on the west coast of the vacation island. Here it is not quite as lonely, but still also not crowded, and visitors enjoy a good tourist offer. The sea is extremely clear and invites you to swim and snorkel. Especially beautiful is the northern section of the beach, where mighty palm trees provide dreamlike photo motifs. Cozy beach bars, restaurants, and hotels directly on the beach create a real vacation feeling.
Tip: Highly recommended are the beautiful bungalows of Cookies Salad Resort in a wonderful location and with a fantastic view over the bay.
Thong Nai Pan Yai & Pan Noi Beach
The two bays of Thong Nai Pan are absolutely gorgeous and a real visitor magnet of the best beaches on Koh Phangan. On a visit, you can expect a wonderfully beautiful, tropical coastline, and moreover, there is a fabulous tourist offer. There are good restaurants, beachfront resorts, and a few bars where you can sip your evening cocktails. Thong Nai Pan Yai is a little bit bigger than Thong Nai Pan Noi beach, but both beaches are not far from each other and actually create one big double bay together. Beautiful and an insider tip is the Thong Nai Pan Yai Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view.
Tip: The Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort and Spa is a beautiful 5-star hotel in a prime location. Perfect for a very special beach vacation on Koh Phangan.
Haad Yuan Beach
The Haad Yuan Beach is for many travelers the most beautiful beach of Koh Phangan. Here you will find the absolutely perfect dream beach, which normally can only be seen in one of those high glossy travel magazines. Especially impressive are the mighty round stone formations, which conjure up a breathtaking backdrop with the velvety soft light sand and the incredibly beautiful sea colors. If you love peace and quiet and want to experience a relaxing stay on Koh Phangan, you should definitely spend a few days on this dream beach. But also a trip there is possible because taxi boats for the journey are offered from Haad Rin!
Tip: Directly on the beach are a few very simple accommodations, such as the inexpensive bungalows Bambu Huts or the Pariya Resort & Villas.
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Bottle Beach is located in the north of the island and is a true dream beach on Koh Phangan. The ultimate tropical paradise awaits you here, as beautiful and unique as from a picture book! Fine white sand, turquoise blue sea, countless huge palm trees and the seclusion make the beach unique on Koh Phangan. However, this paradise beach can only be reached by taxi boat from Chaloklum, or a strenuous hike. Perhaps that is why this beach has remained so quiet and idyllic. Many come by way of an excursion, but a vacation at Bottle Beach is also worthwhile. Especially, tourists looking for relaxation and tranquility will find their personal paradise here.
Tip: Recommended for a stay is the really quaint and cozy Haad Khuad Resort in a prime location directly on the dream beach Haad Khuat.
Than Sadet Beach
Than Sadet Beach is an absolute picture book beach and an insider tip for all those who want to spend the night on the idyllic east side. Lined with countless palm trees and deep jungle, it is considered by many visitors to be one of the most beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan and on top it is an absolute insider tip among connoisseurs. If you love nature, this is the right place for you! Unique is also the tranquility that surrounds this bay and the relaxed flair that makes Than Sadet a real dream beach. Directly on the beach, there are a few simple beach huts and bungalows, which are perfect for a quiet time out.
Not far away is the Sadet waterfall, which is also an absolute highlight of the island. If you are looking for a tropical paradise, Sadet Beach is the right place for you!
Tip: Really brilliant are the Mai Pen Rai Bungalows. Guests love the spectacular location, fabulous restaurant and views of the beach.
Secret Beach (Haad Son)
The Secret Beach is a quaint beach on the west coast of the resort island. While no longer a secret, you still shouldn’t miss this stunning beach on Koh Phangan. The atmosphere is really cozy and it can be held here already a few days. The small bay, about 200 meters long, is truly paradisiacal, and tall palm trees and the fine light sand create a tropical ambience. Families with small children will also enjoy this very gently sloping beach.
Really unique there is also the Koh Raham Restaurant on a peninsula next to the Haad Son Resort, where numerous swings, hammocks, and colorful lights in the trees conjure up a true fairytale atmosphere.
Mae Beach Haad & Koh Ma Island
The Mae Haad Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Koh Phangan. A real special feature is especially the offshore island Koh Ma, which gives the dream beach a spectacular panorama. Amazing is a visit at low tide, when you can walk from Mae Haad Beach over to Koh Ma Island. Also, if you like snorkeling, this part of the coast is just right because underwater there are numerous fish to discover. Moreover, the atmosphere is great, there is always something going on and yet, you can find a quiet spot if preferred. Another highlights are the fantastic restaurants on the beach, which serve delicious food and good cocktails.
Tip: At Haad Mae Beach you will find a great selection of accommodations. Really fabulous is the Maehaad Bay Resort with gorgeous pool and perfect location.
Haad Yao Beach
Haad Yao Beach is located on the northwest coast and is one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Phangan. Because of its length of 1 kilometer, this picturesque bay is also often called “Long Beach”. The beach is especially known for its extremely charming ambience, which has been preserved over the years. The sand is wonderfully fine, and the clean sea invites you to swim and snorkel. In addition, you will find several nice restaurants and quaint bars directly on Haad Yao Beach, which are just perfect to enjoy and linger. The sunsets are also spectacular and are considered the best on the islands!
Tip: The Baan Kiao is a family-run resort with a pool, just a 2-minute walk from the beach. Guests love the delicious breakfast and the price is also good!
Haad Thian Beach
The Haad Thian beach, also known as Sanctuary Beach, is a real insider’s tip, as this hidden bay has a real Robinson Cruso feeling! It is located on the east coast of Koh Phangan and the best way to reach this dream bay is by cab boat from Haad Rin. Especially quiet seekers will have their true joy with this tropical bathing bay because Haad Thian East is definitely one of the most idyllic beaches of Koh Phangan. In addition, this quiet sandy beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
There are only a few accommodations here, including the Sanctuary Resort. Haad Thian Beach is also ideal for an excursion. Taxi boats leave from Haad Rin and the trip takes only 15 minutes.
Malibu Beach
Malibu Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Koh Phangan. This very idyllic white sand beach is an absolute mecca for backpackers, long-term travelers and those seeking peace and quiet. It is located in the north of the island in the resort of Chaloklum, where you can also find great restaurants, bakeries, diving schools and cheap accommodation. The beach section is especially captivating because of its peninsula-shaped sandbank, which is adorned with many small palm trees and trees, which also provide cool shade. The water at this bay is particularly clear, turquoise blue, and the sand is bright white and fine. Malibu Beach is also a good starting point for exploring the beautiful beaches in the northwest of the island.
Tip: A really cool accommodation tip is the Baan Moonchan House, where you can rent small cottages directly in the jungle and only a few steps from the beach.
Find the best accommodation in Koh Phangan:
More about Koh Phangan:
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Koh Phangan – The Ultimate Travel Guide!
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Where to Stay in Koh Phangan: 8 Best Areas & Hotels!
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From Bangkok to Koh Phangan | Travel Guide
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The 6 Most Amazing Temples on Koh Phangan
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