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Best Beaches in Koh Phangan

Haad Chao Phao is one of the most peaceful beaches in Koh Phangan. Located between the village of Srithanu and the popular Secret Beach, Haad Chao Phao attracts a lot of yoga enthusiasts and backpackers. There is a yoga school right at the beach that holds several yoga sessions in a day.

This Beach is also known as the spiritual center of the island. The peaceful atmosphere attracts a lot of families as well as the beach is not frequented by party lovers. However, twice a month the moonset party takes place here attracting a lot of the party crowd to this otherwise quiet beach. 

Location:  Srithanu Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani 84280.

Activities: Snorkelling, Yoga, Kayaking, Paddling, Surfing, Windsurfing.

Snow white sand, swaying palm trees and crystal blue water makes Leela Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Koh Phangan. The peaceful and calm atmosphere here makes this beach a perfect place to relax, sunbathe and just while the day away.

The beach provides ample opportunities for perfect insta-worthy pictures. The entrance to this Beach is through any of the many resorts located in this area. The northern entrance has the popular large swing tied between two coconut trees and looking out into the sea. A local hotel here rents equipment for canoeing. 

Location: Koh Phangan Suratthani - Ko Phangan, Tambon Ban Tai, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280.

Activities: Canoeing, Jet skiing during high tide, Kayaking, Sun bathing, Ride the Giant Swing, Snorkelling.

If you are on the lookout for one of those quiet and beautiful beaches in Koh Phangan then Haad Salad is your best bet. This Beach is beautiful, calm and very peaceful with super fine white sand and clear blue and green water. The surrounding palm trees makes for a perfect shade on very sunny days.

There are a few restaurants along the beach if you want to grab a bite as you sit back and relax in this wonderful beach. The coral reefs just a few meters off the coast makes for  perfect snorkelling and diving opportunities. 

Location: Salad Beach, Koh Phangan, Suratthani, 84280 Salad Beach.

Activities: Snorkelling, Diving, Sunbathe, Yoga, Scuba Diving.

Chaloklum Beach is located on the northwest coast of Koh Phangan and is attached to a quaint fishing village of Chalok Lum. The pier in the middle is one of the favourite fishing spots for locals as well as the visitors. The Beach with its clear water is one of the best Koh Phangan beaches for swimming and diving.

There are quite a few Thai restaurants and bars along the beach if you want to rest for a while or grab a bite. The eastern side of the beach has many guest houses and resorts with direct access to the beach. 

Location: Chaloklum Beach, Koh Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani 84280.

Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Diving, Visit Koh Ma National Marine Park, Swim with turtles, Jet Skiing, Windsurfing, Wave Boarding.

Haad Rin is one of the biggest beaches in Koh Phangan and home to the exciting Full Moon Party each month. The party continues till the wee hours of the morning and you can enjoy a beachside fire spinning show while you sip on your beer. There are several bars and clubs nearby that are part of this celebration.

The beach itself is divided into two sections Haad Rin Nok and Haad Rin Nai. Haad Rin Nok is the main party area while Haad Rin Nai has more of a relaxed and bohemian vibe.

Location: Mu 4 Tambon Ban Tai, Ko Pha Ngan.

Activities: Swimming, Long Tail Boat Rides, Watch the Fireshow, Full Moon Beach Party, Beach Volleyball, Football, Snorkelling, Diving.

Baan Tai Beach is located between the main city of Thong Sala and Haad Rin offering the best sunset views in the island. The Beach is perfect for long walks along the sand bars and you can also enjoy snorkelling behind the reefs. There is also a small harbour here that have fishing boats and you can enjoy a boat ride in any of these when they head out to sea for fishing.

The area around the beach have great resorts with beach access as well as swimming pools. There is also a main street that has many restaurants, bars, shops and budget accommodations. 

Location: Southwest shoreline, Koh Phangan.

Activities: Kitesurfing, Snorkelling, Kayaking, Beach Massage, Herbal Sauna, Yoga, Sunset Parties, Gorge on Thai Seafood.

Mae Haad Beach is one of the best beaches in Koh Phangan for snorkeling. The area is rich in marine life and the National Marine Park is also located here. The crystal waters here are perfect to view sea turtles, small reef sharks, and colorful coral reefs.

The Beach itself is an unspoiled stretch of white sand with a few massage booths, beach swings, hammocks, small eateries, and bars. One of the major attractions of this beach is the island of Koh Ma which is connected to Mae Haad Beach by a thin strip of sand which is visible during low tide.

Location: Ko Pha-ngan Sub-district, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280.

Activities: Swimming, Snorkelling, Massages, Visit Koh Ma Island, Scuba Diving.

Haad Yao is a spectacular white sandy beach flanked on one side by crystal blue waters and towering palm trees on the other. The water on this beach is ideal for swimming and other beach activities and games. About 400 meters off the coast lies the best coral reefs in the Koh Phangan shoreline providing great opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.

There are a few diving schools here too offering many diving courses. The beach is also ideal for deep-sea fishing. Haad Yao also has several restaurants, bars, and cafes along the beach and towards the main road as well. 

Location: Ban Tai Koh Phangan 84280 Surat Thani.

Activities: Sunbathing, Swimming, Diving, Snorkelling, Deep-Sea Fishing, Visit Koh Ma Marine Park.

Malibu Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Koh Phangan located in Chalok Lam Village. The Beach is lined by towering palms and lush short and green round trees that grow right on the beach. These trees are unique to this beach and provide ample shade especially on really hot days. 

The water is crystal clear and along the shore, there are many colorful fishing boats waiting to set out into the sea. The water here is great for scuba diving and if you want to learn the art then enroll yourself for a course in the many diving schools near the beach. 

Location: Tambon Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280.

Activities: Kiteboarding, Kite Surfing, Wakeboarding, Waterskiing, Scuba Diving, Boat Rides.

Set in the most spectacular natural settings, Thong Nai Pan Noi is one of the most beautiful Koh Phangan beaches. This is one of the twin coves that forms the beautiful bay on the north-east side of Koh Phangan. The beach is covered in soft white sand and lined with majestic palm trees.

The water is turquoise blue and the lack of reefs on this shore makes this a perfect beach for swimming. There are many luxury resorts and bungalows along this stretch of beach and they mainly attract honeymooners and couples. The beach exudes a cool bohemian vibe and the village has several bars and eateries to try out.

Location: Ban Tai, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani.

Activities: Swimming, Sunbathing, Jet Skiing, Diving, Village Exploring, Kiteboarding.

Thong Nai Pan Yai is the twin cove of Thong Nai Pan Noi and has the longest beach between the two. However, Thong Nai Pan Yai is quieter with fewer resorts and there is no village attached to it. The surrounding area has numerous waterfalls and many opportunities for rock climbing.

The hills around the beach are covered by lush tropical forests and it is a haven for many tropical creatures. This is more of a family beach with soft, white and clean sand spread over a wide area giving ample space for beach games, long walks and swimming. 

Location: Moo5, Ban Tai sub-district, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani.

Activities: Swimming, Beach Games, Explore Surrounding Area, Jet Skiing, Beach Massages.

The best way to reach Bottle Beach is on a boat ride. Get to Chaloklum Village and then board a taxi boat from there. Although Bottle Beach is one of the well known Koh Phangan beaches, it is relatively quiet and serene. This a picture-perfect beach with smooth soft sand and turquoise water perfect for a cool dip or swimming.

The wide beach is great for sunbathing and relaxing or for several beach games like volleyball or tossing a frisbee around. The tropical forest surrounding the beach is perfect for trekking and hiking adventures.

Location: Koh Phangan, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280.

Activities: Swimming, Paddleboarding, Lie on a Hammock, Beach Volleyball, Kayaking, Fishing Trips, Island Tours, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving.

Haan Yuan is one of the most stunning Koh Phangan beaches with perfect conditions for swimming. This beach is accessible only by boat or by walking from Haad Rin Beach. The Eden Garden Party held on Tuesdays and Saturdays is becoming one of the most famous highlights of this place.

Eden also has a wonderful bar on the beach serving chilled beers and refreshing cocktails. The entire bay is picture-perfect with crystal blue waters, fine white sand, swaying palm trees and beautiful rock formations. There are huge rocks on the northeastern side of the beach which offers a great view of the area.

Location: Koh Pha-Ngan, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani.

Activities: Swimming, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling.

Haad Son Beach is a beautiful untouched and secluded tropical paradise with white sand beaches and a palm-fringed cove. Haad Son is also known as Secret Beach, although now it is not so much of a secret anymore. The crystal clear water of this beach is perfect for splashing about and the white sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing and complete relaxation.

You can also try out several activities such as yoga, Thai boxing, massages, exploring the nearby island of Koh Tao. Within walking distance from this beach, there are hotels and resorts which have direct access to the beach. 

Location: Ko Pha-ngan Sub-district, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280.

Activities: Snorkelling, Swimming, Scuba diving, Beach Massages, Yoga, Thai Boxing, Island Hopping.

Located on the northwest side of Koh Phangan, this beach is popular for its connecting link to Koh Ma Island. The best way to reach here is to rent a scooter and reach Chaloklum Village. The Beach itself is nice, clean and quite big with many massage booths, hammocks, and beach swings.

The restaurants around serve some great seafood and chilled beers at amazingly cheap prices as compared to other beaches in this area. There are also many luxury and budget accommodation facilities surrounding the beach and most of these resorts have direct beach access.

Location: Ko Pha-ngan Sub-district, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280.

Activities: Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Island Hopping, Swimming, Paddling, Kayaking, Beach Games, Sunbathing, Beach Volleyball, Beach Yoga.