Phangan is a small island in Thailand. In Russia, you can hardly find a travel agency that sells tickets to this remote place. Since the island is located very close to the popular Koh Samui, it is not difficult to get to it. Tourists usually drop in here for a day or a couple of days, making a "sortie" on excursions. Nevertheless, this resort has its own "chips" that make you come back here again and again. Koh Phangan attracts guests with a stunning beach holiday. It is easy to find a secluded exotic corner where you can safely walk along the beach on the sand barefoot or dream under the shade of a spreading coconut tree. You can plan your vacation both in winter and in summer. Despite the small size of the island, there are enough beaches on it. They are scattered in different places, differ in terms of placement and types. Below is a list of the best beaches in Koh Phangan.
Ao Tong Nai Pan Noi
A small paradise for introverts and connoisseurs of tranquility stretches 600 m in the north-east of the island. The intimate atmosphere is provided by impassable rocks and heaps of boulders, so you won't be able to get here from neighboring beaches. Tong Nai Pan Noi offers relaxation in a classic sense. Wide spit with perfectly clean white sand, flat bottom without holes and sharp stones, optimal depth even at low tide. To use the sun lounger, it is enough to be a guest of one of the hotels on the beach or just order a cocktail in a cafe.
The infrastructure is presented in a simplified form, but it is enough for a hassle-free stay during the vacation. Most of the services, including ATMs and currency exchangers, can be found in hotel lobbies. There are no chain supermarkets here. But a few small local tai-shops sell everything you need. Despite the presence of entertainment facilities, parties are not represented. But a delicious dinner, a walk at sunset and a fire show, which can be seen at the Panviman resort, will give vivid emotions.
Ao Tong Nai Pan Yai
Less inhabited and larger than its sibling, this piece of sushi is not without appeal. Like Noah, he is surrounded by sheer cliffs that block the place from prying eyes. A small audience is represented mainly by residents of nearby hotels. Deep Water is not to be found here. At low tide, the depth to the waist will be found only 100 m from the coast. A similar situation is observed in the high season. Nevertheless, the bottom is clean, without corals, cobblestones and other troubles.
Sun beds are provided by the hotel administration. True, a traveler will not be able to get a sun lounger if he is not their guest. However, dense vegetation saves from the sun. After lunch, the shadow from the crown of the trees reaches the water, which is especially important on vacation with children. Despite its small size, Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai has several stores, including a 7-Eleven minimarket, a rental center, cafes, fruit shops and massage parlors. Nai Pan Yai will give you comfort and serenity. But still, its inaccessibility suggests a long-term stay, and not a visit for a couple of hours.
Chaloklam
Lost in the green mountains, Chaloklum Bay offers great views and secluded relaxation. The sandy strip is 2.5 km long, dotted with fine white sand, like in Malibu. Despite the abundance of stones, it is not difficult to find clean areas with sufficient depth. In the center there is a fishing village of the same name with boats moored to the shore. Contrary to stereotypes, it is clean and there is no characteristic smell. In addition, the proximity to the fishing village allows you to taste dishes from the seafood caught here.
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For a comfortable stay, you will have to take care of the umbrella and sunbed yourself. The main entertainment is diving, snorkeling, traveling along the bay and hiking up the mountains to explore the surroundings. There are no problems finding accommodation. A few meters from the water there is a bungalow complex with minimal amenities, a little further away - a hotel with better conditions. Vacationers will find supermarkets, souvenir shops and several fruit stands nearby.
Mae Haad
It is very convenient to watch the sunset from it. There are many modern hotels. Located near Chaloklum Bay (only 3 km). It is divided into two parts: western and eastern. In the east it is shallow and muddy, and in the west it is moderately deep and beautiful. Therefore, it is in this direction that you can meet many vacationers. It is better to have a rest on Haad May from December to March. At this time, the optimal water level is established here, while out of season it becomes very difficult to swim due to the low tide. The rental of kayaks and snorkelling equipment is organized. There are many Russian vacationers with children on Haad Mae Haad.
Haad Rin
You can love him immediately or hate him once and for all. Where does this contradiction come from? This is clearly not the place for Thailand seekers. This is a beach that enjoys the special attention of young people. This is the most party place, a real paradise for nightlife lovers. The average age of holidaymakers on Haad Rin is 20-30 years. There are many tourists from Europe here. The festive atmosphere never leaves this place. The great fun here begins in the early morning and continues throughout the night. In this bustling place with wild life, the film "The Beach" was filmed, where the main role was played by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Haad Yao
A kilometer long sandy strip runs to the northeast. The flat bottom and the spaciousness of the accommodation make this place suitable for holidaymakers of all ages. Especially young families with children will especially like it here. In the first half of the day, the natural shade reaches the edge of the surf. So the little one can frolic without the danger of overheating or getting sunstroke.
But the ebb and flow of the tide leaves its mark on the characterization of Haad Yao. As in other resorts, the water can go up to several tens of meters, making bathing difficult. At the same time, the incoming sea absorbs the coastal zone so strongly that it reaches the tables of nearby cafes. Yao's representatives took care of a comfortable stay for the visitors. Anyone can check into a bungalow or hotel, visit seaside restaurants, learn to dive and practice yoga. Shops and ATMs stretch along the territory. But for a variety of services, it is better to look in Tong Sala.
The dimensions are impressive. Vacationers here can bask in the sun or play volleyball or frisbee. Only four hundred meters separate Haad Yao from the most beautiful coral reef. You can even get training in scuba diving beforehand.
Had Chao Pao
Seclusion is the only reason why there are so few people here. 100 m of clean, white sand is surrounded by picturesque boulders and lush vegetation. The absence of obsessive sellers and restless tourists allows you to enjoy peace and quiet. With its flat bottom, shallow water and gentle waves, Haad Chao Pao is a playground for little ones. But older visitors will have to walk a few meters towards the horizon to find a deep section. This is perhaps the only negative of this place.
Mainly guests of local resorts rest here. Hotel residents have everything they need for a comfortable and long stay. And those who look "at the light" will have to take care of the amenities themselves. You can hide under the shade of palm trees. But in the afternoon, you can't do without a full-fledged umbrella. After enjoying Haad Chao Pao, you can head to the neighboring beaches - Sitana and Ao Niad. You can find everything there - from cafes to motorcycle rentals. The coast itself can only offer a supermarket located across the road.
Haad Salad
Compared to any other Pangan beach, this one is calmer and quieter.A small U-shaped space is surrounded by a heap of rocks and is hidden from the eyes of travelers by a road passing by. Has a changeable character. In the low tide season, up to the water level up to the neck, it is necessary to make a path of 10 - 20 steps towards the horizon. At the same time, during the high season, the sea confidently advances on the coastal territory, leaving only a couple of meters for holidaymakers for location.
Due to the accumulation of hotels, cafes and shops, the left side is of great interest among travelers. To soak up the sun lounger, it is enough to become a guest of any restaurant on the shore. The right half is suitable for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat. Due to its low popularity, it cannot boast of sights and a variety of entertainment. But if you wish, it will not be difficult to ride a kayak or go scuba diving. In high season, divers have the opportunity to admire the coral reef.
Tong Sala
In summer, you can walk to the reef from this gently sloping beach. Evening is the perfect time to enjoy the Thai sunset. The best time to visit Thong Sala is from December to April. The infrastructure here has recently become suitable for recreation. Now there are bars and bungalows, which are found everywhere. The main visitors are young people and an entertainment-hungry public. In the morning on Thong Sala, you can go jogging, in the afternoon just walk on foot. Has its own unique charm, which is inherent in Phangan only to him.
Haad Rin Nok
Known outside of Thailand for the Full Moon Party, the Asian counterpart of Ibiza. This popularity has endowed a slice of paradise on the southern coast with all kinds of amenities, from bars to travel agencies. There is also a medical center. Lovers of noisy and fun places will surely like it here. The coast is 600 m long. Despite the rocky landscapes around the edges, it is not difficult to get here. There is a flat road nearby. And some arrive here by water from the surroundings and even the neighboring islands.
The seabed, although not full of water, is devoid of unpleasant surprises. Due to the eastern location, the shade from the trees comes here already at noon, giving the little ones the opportunity to have fun in the paddling pool. Moreover, the local cafes provide children with toys and balls. Light powdery sand with a rare admixture of shells gives pleasure from walking and dancing under the moon. Contrary to status and prevailing stereotypes, Haad Rin Nok is kept in perfect cleanliness. Even after the New Moon party, the locals return the resort to its presentable appearance in a few hours.
Had Rin Nai
Lies in the middle of the rocks. A stone ridge divides it in half, providing tourists with many secluded spots. The sand is large, yellowish, with fragments of shells and sharp stones. The gentle entry into the water explains the calm temperament of the sea, which does not gain great depth even at high tide. Combined with the narrowness of the coastline, Rin Nai cannot offer traditional relaxation.
Nevertheless, many choose the place as a haven for their vacation. The secluded space, whose name translates as "sunset beach", delights the eye with magnificent views, especially in the evening, and a good view of Koh Samui. And the location near the center of the New Luna discos has a positive effect on the infrastructure. Numerous hotels and bungalows offer rooms much cheaper than those in the most popular place. Therefore, at the moments of parties, enterprising vacationers love to stop here.
You can visit restaurants of Thai, Japanese and European cuisine. A string of shops, including the popular Seven-Eleven, are offering to stock up on food. And the pier located in the village with moored longtails and boats invites you to make a short sea voyage around Phangan.
Tan Sadet
A picturesque semicircular beach is located near the National Park of the same name with a small waterfall and a mountain river, which are a local landmark. This part of the coast compares favorably with any other place due to its bathing ability. A couple of meters from the surf line, the bottom rapidly goes down and makes the sea abundant even in low season. High waves are sometimes observed, but in general they are not inconvenient.
The coast is framed on both sides by boulders. There are especially many of them on the right, and the central section is filled with moored boats. Therefore, for a calm swim, it is better to stop on the left. By the way, there is a river that cools the sea waters. What could be better on a hot day? The infrastructure is represented by several bungalows, resorts and cafes of different price ranges. By the way, the veranda of one of the restaurants offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. You can get there if you follow the signs "Observation Deck".
Haad Kuat
is located in the very north and is considered the best Pangan beach. For its greenish sea water and its shape resembling the neck of a bottle, it is alternatively called Bottle beach. Lost among the steep cliffs, it offers a relaxing holiday away from civilization. Light and soft sand is found not only on the coast, but also in the sea. Due to the steep descent, you can fully swim here just a couple of steps towards the horizon. Waves are not common, they do not cause much concern.
Despite the wildness of the place, the small number of the resting population, in some areas there is equipment for recreation. To use it, you need to contact the reception of any resort. But if you wish, you can stay in the shade of any palm tree, since there are a lot of them here. A cafe, bar, tourist centers, currency exchange are also provided by hotels, of which there are many. But there are no shops and attractions nearby. For shopping and a fun nightlife, you will have to go to the neighboring resort, located 8 km away along a dirt road.
Haad Tong Reng
Also received the name "Desert Gold Coast", and it fully justifies the conditions that exist here. Even local Thais hardly ever look into this often empty lagoon. But there is no better place for connoisseurs of loneliness. The lagoon is surrounded by a coral reef, and the underwater world is extraordinarily beautiful. Through the mask, both the reef itself and everything that surrounds it is perfectly visible. The perfect place for a romantic getaway. No one here will dare to destroy the created idyll. In general, Haad Tong Reng is ready to give lovers unforgettable days and nights.
Leela
The 500 m long photogenic corner adjoins the famous Haad Rin Nok. Sheer cliffs on the sides create an intimate atmosphere with southern serenity and a leisurely pace of life. This part of the bay has little water all year round. The surface is strewn with light sand mixed with pebbles and shells. Natural shade can be found under the trees. True, at high tide the sea comes close to them, making it difficult to sunbathe. The situation is rescued by hammocks, hung on the palms of the bungalow.
Infrastructure is traditionally represented by hotels located on the territory. There are sun loungers and umbrellas, a volleyball court, several cafes and restaurants. By the way, many of them are located on a hill, offering beautiful views of Koh Samui. For hip seekers, Leela beach has huts of various sizes and levels of amenities. There are no shops nearby. And the party establishment - Lighthouse bar is located far from the residential area of the beach. Attractions are represented by several viewing platforms and a Buddhist-Indian temple, lost in the thick of tropical greenery. It is also worth taking a walk along the popular wooden road overhanging the sea's edge.
Bang Tai
This coastline, with its photogenic surroundings, is suitable for those who love peaceful relaxation a stone's throw from civilization.Geographically, it is adjacent to the administrative center of Tong Sala and the wild town of Ban Kai. A two-kilometer space with a very narrow surf contour and an extremely shallow bottom could scare off visitors, but enterprising Thais have figured out how to make the rest unusual. At high tide, chaise lounges and umbrellas belonging to local bars are installed directly into the water, which pleases hunters for photo shoots and those who want to sunbathe without leaving the sea.
The coastal zone is strewn with coarse yellow-brown sand mixed with shells and natural debris. Abundant greenery allows shelter from the sun, but only until noon. The infrastructure is developed only in the metropolitan area. Here you can find not only chain supermarkets and famous hotels, but also a hospital and your own stadium. The opposite Bantai side is a standard tourist village.
The main advantages of Ao Ban Thai are low housing prices and a convenient location. From here you can go on a motorcycle to anywhere in Phangan and it is profitable to settle in a room or bungalow during the Full Moon Party.
Bang Kai
Belongs to the village of the same name. It is separated from Ban Tai only by a small river and has similar characteristics, which is why it does not stand out as an independent resort unit in many guidebooks. The narrow coastline is covered with coarse but clean brownish sand. The shallow bottom without boulders is invariably shallow. In low season, the knee-deep water level will be presented 200 m from the shore. Another picture is presented on the left edge, strewn with stones and having unpredictable underwater cliffs.
There are no problems with renting accommodation here, thanks to a variety of bungalows and hotels located directly at the surf line. Several shops supply temporary and permanent residents with everything they need for a comfortable life. No one will be left hungry either. There are establishments in the village with different types of food - from traditional Thai food to pizza and fresh baked goods.
Ao Nai Wok
The location just five minutes from the pier and Thong Sala and the spectacular sunsets are the main advantages of the beach, making up for its inadequacy for swimming. Shallow water does not disappear even during high tides, which, however, will delight kids and their parents. The narrow coastline is 2 to 5 meters long, sometimes disappearing completely in high season. But guests of hotels and huts have advantages in the form of the provided beach equipment and pools on site.
The main activity is leisurely walks and contemplation of the local beauties. If you wish, you can rent a kayak, and especially for the brave dive with a mask. There is a coral reef 200 m from the coast on the left side of the resort. Lovers of photography will surely like it here. The "feature" of the place is an island in the middle of the water. You can walk to this shallow and make many interesting shots, especially in the evening.
Proximity to the capital implies walking distance to the benefits of civilization. Financial organizations, popular supermarkets, restaurants, travel centers - all of them are located either next to Nai Vok, or a stone's throw from it.
Ao Plai Lam
"Cozy, beautiful, empty" - this is how you can designate the atmosphere that a tourist will meet on this coast. Due to its location close to the road leading from Thong Sala to Ao Hing Kong, the beach goes unnoticed by most vacationers. The 1.2 km of fine sandy coastline is surrounded by lush vegetation on one side and calm sea on the other. It is noticeably flooded during the tidal period and is sometimes completely absorbed by the advancing waves. Due to the shallow bottom, it is useless to look for depth near the coast.
Only 200, or even 400 meters from the sand spit, you can fully swim and snorkel. The coral reef is noteworthy. Almost all of the coastal space is occupied by hotels and bungalows, interspersed with vacant lots and construction sites. There are almost no shops in the vicinity, and basic services can be obtained directly at the place of stay. The only attraction is the Amsterdam bar. From its veranda - an observation deck, a mesmerizing view of the islands of Ang Thong National Park, immersed in the rays of the setting sun, opens.
Ao Hin Kong
Located in the west of the island, it can be called technical rather than tourist. Fishermen like to stop here on boats, and the ongoing construction leaves an imprint on the number of tourists. Entry into the water is so shallow that it does not allow hoping for a meter depth closer than a kilometer from the coast. The narrowness of the sandy space makes it impossible to sit on a sun lounger. And in the high season in the bay, the seaside disappears from sight up to the mangroves.
The local infrastructure consists of gas stations, laundries, bars and massage rooms. More comfortable conditions can be found on the outskirts leading to Ao Hin Kong. In these parts you can find chain supermarkets, coastal cafes and accommodation for all tastes.
Wai nam
A miniature bay in the southeast of the island is reliably hidden from prying eyes by a green hill and rocks on the sides. You can only get here by rented boat, as the land road is difficult to pass. The place will appeal to those who are willing to sacrifice typical beach facilities for incredible scenery and good bathing. Coarse sand, mixed with shells and small pebbles, lines not only the coast, but also the seabed. Due to its heaviness, it quickly settles, making it possible to enjoy the transparent water.
Already at the coast, the sea is rapidly gaining depth, which is very useful for fans of vertical swimming, as well as divers and snorkellers. For comfortable sunbathing, you will have to bring all the accessories with you. But the lush crowns of trees create good shade, starting from lunchtime. The infrastructure consists of one bar and a chain of bungalows. For groceries, sightseeing and entertainment travel far. But this is the main charm of this place.
Ao Hin Ngam
It attracts more for exploring the local landscape than for recreation. The entire area is strewn with stones of various sizes and shapes. The same picture is expected when entering the water, but it is aggravated by slippery algae growing on boulders. The bottom leaves from under your feet quickly enough, so it's still interesting to swim and even snorkel here.
Due to the specific characteristics, there are no equipment, bars, shops or guest houses. Visitors prefer to slowly contemplate the local landscapes, sitting in a gazebo located above the beach. A solid concrete staircase leads to the coast itself. Those who like the atypical beauty of Ao Hin Ngam can spend the night here thanks to the Baan Moonsiri Resort.
Haad Son
A few years ago, this small place on the west coast was called Secret Beach by many. But today, in the high season, vacationers from all over the island come here, densely populating 100 m of the bay. Powdery sand without impurities is pleasant for walking and sitting on your own sun lounger, because you won't be able to rent a local one on Secret Beach. The abundance of greenery protects sunbathers' heads from sunstroke until 3 pm.
Only the center and the left side are suitable for bathing. There are no rocks and shallow waters here. And the encountered ground boulders make it possible to isolate from others. The bottom leaves from under the feet already 3 - 4 m from the surf line. If you wish, you can go snorkeling - the only entertainment in the area. The Ko Raham bar with an authentic entourage and a kind of springboard acts as an attraction. Several hotels with different levels of service are located nearby. For the rest of the benefits of civilization, you need to drive more than a kilometer.
Haad khom
In the north, there is a favorite haven for connoisseurs of silence and free space.A concrete road that runs along the west turns into a dirt road on the outskirts of the beach, which frightens off some tourists. But being close to Chaloklam solves the problem by implying boat travel. The shallow water, the wide shore and the shade that does not stop throughout the day have earned the approval of parents with young children.
The snorkeling here promises beautiful underwater views thanks to the stretching coral reef. And the territory itself is strewn with fine sand, where you can sit even without a sunbed. Of the manifestations of tourism, only the bungalows and the observation deck at the Ocean View Beach Resort can be named. The rest of the amenities are offered by the Chaloclum, which is within easy reach.
Haad Tian
250 m of textured and wide coastline lies between Wai Nam and Klong capes. Despite the inaccessibility (you can comfortably arrive here only by sea transport), it is not offended by the attention of holiday-makers. Wild appearance, not knowing the influence of annoying sellers and shops with trinkets, pleases the eye and gives a break from the noise of the resort. The central part is occupied by sea taxis, and the left one is strewn with sharp stones. Therefore, for a full-fledged bathing, it is worth keeping to the right half with coarse sand with impurities. Deep water can be found 15 m offshore.
Sun loungers, drinks and other tourist pleasures are offered by The Sanctuary Thailand - the backbone of the local infrastructure. In addition to classic services, this complex includes a yoga center and SPA. Attractions are limited to the iconic Guys bar, rock garden and Klong observation deck.
Haad Yuan
The bay, lost between two rocks, gives introverts 300 m of relaxation in picturesque surroundings. Small, pleasant to the touch sand covers the beach 20 - 40 m wide. True, the river brings a fly in the ointment, which significantly erodes the surface during the rainy season. Entry into the water is smooth, without any unpleasant surprises. Beyond the depth, you will have to walk up to 70 m. Therefore, tourists are more lazy to prefer photo shoots and sunbathing to swimming. After the zenith, the coastal vegetation forms long shadows throughout the territory, which makes the rest comfortable and cozy.
A few cafes and hotels offer amenities and basic services. Young people are attracted here by day trips to the night out at the Eden Bar. But in general, the inaccessibility of the place and its attractive appearance imply a long-term stay. If necessary, a taxi boat will take travelers to any neighboring settlement.
