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With an overwhelming number of beaches to choose from on Koh Phangan, this article is all about the ones we think are actually worth visiting! We’ve also included those that are best for swimming, families, and Instagram, as well as the one we wouldn’t go back to!
From the very first day that we got off the ferry and set foot on Koh Phangan for the first time, we knew we’d be back.
And while there were a few reasons for this, the main one was that we fell in love with the beaches, which are consistent with the tropical island dream I’ve always had!
You know, the kind backed by coconut palm trees with water that’s too inviting to resist, and where the modern world feels like a million miles away?
Ok, modern developments and resorts have definitely found their way to the beaches of Koh Phangan, but we still believe the island is a tropical paradise with better beaches than those on neighbouring Koh Samui and Koh Tao!
And after visiting more beaches than we can count across our week and month-long stays on the island, this is our ultimate list of beaches we recommend you check out and one to skip!
Our Quick Picks
Our top three unmissable beaches that you can’t leave Koh Phangan without visiting are Chaloklum Beach, Haad Rin, and Bottle Beach!
But below are our top picks based on the type of experience.
- Best For Swimming: Chaloklum Beach
- Best Sunset Spot: Haad Yao
- Liveliest Vibe: Haad Rin
- Peaceful Vibe: Salad Beach
- Best For Families: Thong Nai Pan Noi
- Most underrated: Haad Sadet
Where To Find Koh Phangan’s Top Beaches + How To Get to Them
Most of our favourite beaches are on the western half of the island, split between the north, south, and western coastlines, but there are also a couple over on the eastern side too.
And you can see them all pinned on the map below.
However, unlike when we were able to walk between all the beaches on Koh Lipe, we needed transport to all the beaches on the much bigger Koh Phangan.
Only Haad Rin and Leela Beach in the south and Chaloklum and Malibu Beaches in the north are realistically walkable between each other.
But our plan was always to hire a scooter to get around the island anyway, and on both of our visits, we were able to rent a decent 125CC from Pukki Bikes. This made our beach-hopping adventures easy and we managed to drive to every beach apart from Bottle Beach.
However, you can also use the songthaews (shared pickup truck taxis) that operate along the main roads connecting the likes of Haad Rin, Thong Sala, Chaloklum, and the northwest or arrange private taxis through your accommodation.
Our Favourite Beaches On Koh Phangan
1. Chaloklum Beach
If we could only choose one, this is our overall favourite.
Location: North coast
Soon after arriving in the tranquil fishing village of Chaloklum, fresh from our palm tree-lined scooter ride from Thong Sala, we knew we’d found our absolute favourite beach on Koh Phangan!
Split by a jetty, we parked up behind the beach on the eastern half (the more beautiful side), and were welcomed by a long, dreamy stretch of powdery white sand, and the most inviting, calm, and turquoise water we found on the whole island!
Just wow!
We ended up returning here several times during both of our trips to Koh Phangan, often via Chaloklum’s 7/11 for an iced latte and a cheese toastie, with our beach towels, books, and frisbee.
We actually thought the lack of facilities on the beach was one of its greatest appeals, along with the fact that it was nearly always sheltered and calm. Combined with the soft sand shoreline that gradually deepens, it became a spot that we loved dipping in and out of the water to swim!
Oh, and don’t miss getting a photo of the overhanging palm tree, a short walk along the beach!
Recommended Stay:
It doesn’t get better in Chaloklum than Silan Residence’s bungalows!
2. Haad Rin
The place to be for a lively beach holiday atmosphere.
Location: Southern peninsula
We got Haad Rin completely wrong…
As the location of the famous Koh Phangan Full Moon Party, we’d quickly written it off as we assumed it would be dirty, noisy, and hungover from parties past.
But one afternoon we decided to check it out anyway while we were on the island’s southern peninsula. And after walking down a little side street and out onto the sandy bay, we realised how wrong we were!
We found out that during the day, Haad Rin is one of the most picturesque white sand bays on the island. Especially the northern end, which is backed by jungle greenery, towering palm trees, and a scenic headland.
This turned out to be our favourite sunbathing beach on Koh Phangan!
Even though it was also the liveliest beach we experienced, with beachfront resorts, bars, volleyball nets, and a ‘Koh Phangan’ sign in the water, the upbeat and feel-good vibe was a nice change from the quieter beaches we’d been to in the north.
So we picked out a spot for our beach towels and spent a few hours reading in the sun, swimming in the sea, and watching a few volleyball matches.
Recommended Stay:
Indulge in luxury on the shores of Haad Rin at Phangan Bayshore Resort
3. Bottle Beach
Remote, secluded, and worth the effort.
Location: North coast
Compared to Koh Phangan’s other beaches, Bottle Beach stands out for being one of the most remote on the island and the effort it takes to actually get there!
There are a couple of options, but I’d recommend following in our footsteps and taking the easy way of a taxi boat from nearby Chaloklum Beach, which costs 600 THB per person.
Otherwise, it’s a 45-minute walk (or 100 THB per person 4WD taxi) down the track close to the Bottle Beach Scooter Parking.
Or, if you’re really up for a hike, you can follow the full 1.5+ hour trail (2.5km) from the trailhead close to Haad Khom.
Now, you might be considering skipping Bottle Beach when there are so many other beaches with easier access, but trust me, it’s worth it!
The slice of secluded, tropical paradise was literally the real-life example of the image I had in my head of a tropical Thai beach before we came to Thailand for the first time!
The powdery white sand, the picture-perfect palm trees, the jungle backdrop, the boulder-fringed headland, and the beachfront bungalows, Bottle Beach has it all!
The only negative of our experience was the shore dump waves that kept us out of the water, but we just lay on the beach tucking into our 7-11 picnic instead! Or there are a couple of restaurants attached to the bungalow resorts serving lunch dishes if you prefer.
Recommended Stay:
Wake up on the beach at Bottle Beach 2 Bungalows
Don’t Miss A Trip To Koh Nang Yuan!
Join this tour from Koh Phangan to visit one of the most scenic islands and iconic viewpoints in Thailand – it’s one of our favourites!
4. Malibu Beach
A small slice of a pristine white sand paradise.
Location: North coast
We actually missed Malibu Beach on our first trip to Koh Phangan, as we were obsessed with the neighbouring Chaloklum Beach, but we were so glad that we made it here on our second trip!
The little spit of powdery white sand features a beach volleyball court sitting amongst the cluster of palm trees as well as an epic view of Koh Phangan’s mountains directly in front!
But what really appealed to us was the atmosphere of the small beach which made it feel like an intimate paradise, something that was difficult to come by on an island dominated by large bays!
So, as we took our first steps on the sand, which literally felt like flour, we only had one question:
Why on earth had we not visited sooner?
But we didn’t dwell on that and instead picked out a nice little spot for our beach towels and had a brilliant afternoon sunbathing, swimming, and playing frisbee on the shoreline.
Just bliss!
Travel tip: We found scooter parking behind the nearby 7-11 and were able to access through the Malibu Resort.
Recommended Stay:
Step out of your room and into the turquoise water at Malibu Beach Bungalows
5. Leela Beach / Rin Nai Beach
A laid-back alternative to Haad Rin.
Location: Southern peninsula
From our research before coming, Leela Beach (also known as Rin Nai Beach) was one that excited us.
And it didn’t disappoint!
Not only did we find a swing made for an Instagram post and Koh Phangan’s most impressive granite boulders framing the northern corner, but the lengthy bay really stood out to us as having the whitest sand!
The beach definitely wasn’t as crowded as its upbeat neighbour Haad Rin, and our impression as we wandered along the shore was that Leela Beach one of the best beaches for couples looking for a low-key yet classy beach day.
So that’s exactly what we did!
There’s also a wooden walkway to a small lighthouse around the southern corner that you shouldn’t miss. Taking less than 10 minutes, it was the perfect little adventure for my itchy feet while Lucy lazed on the sand, engrossed in her book.
The only thing we didn’t like was the beach access, which is only possible by walking through a resort. It’s perfectly fine, but we still felt a little awkward as we parked up and hurried through Sarikantang resort.
Recommended Stay:
Sip cocktails and watch the sunset from your bungalow at Cocohut Beach Resort
6. Salad Beach
Top choice for a chilled vibe.
Location: Northwest coast
Of all the laid-back bays we explored in the northwest, the large white-sand crescent of Haad Salad was our favourite!
With massage parlours, beach bars, and palm trees overlooking the beach, it’s a lovely spot to unwind.
It wasn’t as pristine as other beaches, and it’s one of the worst for swimming due to the seabed being a bit rockier and how shallow it is even at high tide, but we really vibed with the laid-back couples-holiday atmosphere.
Especially in the late afternoon when the light softened, the water calmed, and golden hour approached. This time and place also seemed to be a hit for paddle boarders as on a couple of occasions watched paddlers glide across the bay during our sunset strolls.
Travel tip: There’s no main car park at Salad Beach but we managed to park our scooter next to Thanompol Haad Salad Villas.
Recommended Stay:
Soak up the tropical island views from Cookies Salad Resort
7. Thong Nai Pan Noi
Families and luxurious beach stays.
Location: Northeast coast
Thong Nai Pan Noi is a perfect escape from the bustle of the more developed west coast, while still having plenty of restaurants, cafes, and most importantly, 7-11s, nearby in the village of Thong Nai Pan.
Even though we were staying in Thong Sala over on the opposite coast, we were intrigued about this side of the island and set off on our scooter for a day trip.
Coming into the Thong Nai Pan area, which is split by a headland, we headed straight to Thong Nai Pan Nai, which ended up our favourite of Thong Nai Pan’s two beaches (the other is Thong Nai Pan Yai).
Surrounded by Koh Phangan’s towering mountains and some of the fanciest resorts and bungalows we saw on the island, we paddled along the shore, taking in the scenery of the east coast.
And honestly, we thought Thong Nai Pan Noi was just stunning and definitely see why it made Travel and Leisure’s list of best beaches in Thailand!
Recommended Stay:
Enjoy crystal clear water and world-class service at Santhiya Resort & Spa
8. Zen Beach
The sunset spot.
Location: Northwest coast
Even though drumming circles, live music, cacao ceremonies, and acro yoga aren’t the typical features we look for in a beach, we had to include Zen Beach as the energy during sunset is unlike anywhere else on the island!
However, don’t expect it to be a hidden gem.
From the crowds on our visit, we had the impression that everyone who visits the island knows that Zen Beach is the best place for sunset
So thank goodness we arrived early to get a good spot!
Oh and if you’re on a scooter, make sure to remember exactly which one is yours so you don’t lose it in the sea of scooters in the car park (located here)!
I have to say though, that despite the crowd, we did actually really enjoy our time on Zen Beach. It’s all about the vibe rather than the actual beach and we kicked back with a beer and embraced the fun and buzzing yet laid-back atmosphere.
Although as we took a wander north, we found out that there is actually a nudist section here, something that we hadn’t been expecting!
Recommended Stay:
Enjoy serenity steps away from the drum circles at Zen Beach Lake Villa
9. Haad Yao
The most developed of the northwest bays.
Location: Northwest coast
Of all the beaches in the northwest of Koh Phangan, Haad Yao is the largest and most developed.
It still has the family-friendly atmosphere (and extremely low tides) that the northwest is known for and it never feels busy due to it being so long, but it’s also the northwest beach with the most going on.
There are more beach bars, restaurants, and resorts here compared to the likes of nearby Haad Salad, Mae Haad, and Secret Beach.
Oh and it’s right next to Bubba’s Roastery, one of our favourite cafes on Koh Phangan which we definitely recommend if you’re heading to Haad Yao!
During our month-long second trip to Koh Phangan, Haad Yao became one of our favourite sunset spots, and we often made the 25-minute scooter ride from Thong Sala just in time for golden hour!
It’s much quieter than Zen Beach, and it became our place to unwind and enjoy our new frisbee hobby while the sun dropped below the sea in the distance.
Recommended Stay:
Unwind on the idyllic shores of Amara Beach Resort
Related Post: The Ultimate Guide To The Chinese Temple On Koh Phangan
10. Mae Haad / Koh Ma Beach
Worth visiting for the unique sandbar connecting to Koh Ma.
Location: Northwest coast
Stepping out from under the palm trees onto Mae Haad, a gleaming white strip at the northern point of the beach caught my eye.
And this was the Maad Haad sandbar that connects Koh Phangan with the tiny neighbouring island of Koh Ma.
It might not have been as iconic as the one we saw from the Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint (one of Koh Tao’s best viewpoints), but it was still pretty epic and by itself is a reason to make the journey to Mae Haad!
It’s not just for admiring though, we of course had to cross it too!
And thankfully, we’d accidentally timed it perfectly as just a few hours later, the water was lipping up and over the sandbar as it gradually disappeared. So make sure you time your visit with low tide!
However, apart from the sandbar, I can’t say we were completely blown away by Mae Haad.
Compared to other beaches, the water was murkier and the sand was coarser with small shells and stones mixed in. It just wasn’t as nice as the soft, fine sand we’d enjoyed at the likes of Haad Rin.
Having said that though, we’d definitely have sat in at the Wang Sai Beach Bar for a drink if we’d had a bit more time!
Recommended Stay:
Treat yourself to an elegant seaside getaway at Mae Haad Bay Resort
11. Haad Sadet
A wild and rustic escape from the developed western side.
Location: East coast
Located within Than Sadet National Park, on the eastern coastline of Koh Phangan, is a beach that we hadn’t heard much about.
We actually came across Haad Sadet while scouring Google Maps and were curious to see what this area on the lesser-developed side of the island was like.
So, we headed off across the island on our scooter, entered the national park (which costs 100 THB), and followed the road all the way to the beach.
And what we found was a rustic bay with coarse sand and a wild air to it that was only added to by the blustering wind that was battering the coast! This was sending rough waves into shore and blowing our hair in all directions!
Similarly to when we arrived at Bottle Beach, we felt like we’d found a hidden and remote part of the island, far away from the parties and bustle of the west coast!
But even the national park hasn’t completely escaped development as we saw a couple of beach bars and resorts amongst the palm trees and headland!
Recommended Stay:
Stay where the jungle meets the sea at Mai Pen Rai Bungalows
12. Haad Khom
Great for finding a spot in the shade.
Location: North coast
As we were beach hopping around Koh Phangan, discovering paradise bays one after another, we noticed that shade was quite hard to come by.
But one that had plenty of it most of the day was Haad Khom, as it sits on the north coast.
It wasn’t as pretty as the likes of Haad Rin, Malibu, and Leela beaches, but we liked its raw and rustic vibe. This was similar to Haad Sadet, with just a couple of beach bars and resorts blended into the surrounding nature.
To get here, we simply followed the coastal road east from Chaloklum, towards the trailhead for the Bottle Beach hike, and parked up at the Coral Bay Bungalow resort. From here, there was a trail down to the beach, past the beach’s single beach bar (Coral Bar) overlooking the beach at the eastern corner.
You could easily check it out along with Malibu Beach and Chaloklum Beach on the same day.
Recommended Stay:
Discover a paradise hideaway at Coconut Beach Bungalows
13. Hin Kong Beach
Another epic sandbar and our favourite beachfront dining.
Location: West coast
As a bang average beach and one of the ugliest we found on the island, Hin Kong Beach scrapes a place at the bottom of our list for a couple of specific reasons.
Firstly, the beach is home to Koh Phangan’s other famous sandbar, which appears in the shape of a ’T’ or ‘whale’s tail’ at low tide.
And walking out on this strip of sand when the tide was out was one of the best things we did on Koh Phangan, so we’d recommend joining the crowd heading out for a unique view of the island!
The second reason we’ve included Hin Kong is that it was our favourite place to have dinner right on the beachfront, specifically at Mama Kop restaurant.
We went back to Mama Kop again and again, as not only do they serve hearty Thai dishes at great prices, but we loved eating at their tables out on the beach. Their basil pork was my favourite!
But apart from that, we had no love for Hin Kong Beach at all. So, make sure to visit at low tide and walk out on the sand bar, followed by dinner at Mama Kop, but head elsewhere for sunbathing and swimming!
Recommended Stay:
Enjoy breathtaking oceanfront views at Castaway Beach Bungalows
The One We Would Skip (Secret Beach)
We had really high hopes for Secret Beach, but ultimately, it was the only beach on Koh Phangan that left us feeling disappointed.
We knew it wouldn’t still be a secret, of course, but we’d heard it was yet another Instagram-worthy tropical beauty, except with a much smaller and more intimate atmosphere.
And this sounded right up our street!
However, after making our way down from the car park and walking out onto the beach, we didn’t experience any of the wow factor that had us raving about the other beaches I’ve mentioned.
I mean, it wasn’t a horrendous beach, and people were enjoying themselves while sunbathing and swimming, but honestly, it was just a bit, meh.
The sand wasn’t as pristine, the water wasn’t as inviting, the backdrop and surroundings weren’t as palm tree and boulder-laden as elsewhere, and there just wasn’t anything special.
And to top it all off, the small beach was packed!
We did try and give it a chance, but after a couple of hours on our beach towels, we packed up and decided that we shouldn’t be settling for average on Koh Phangan!
So, don’t make our mistake and head to Malibu Beach for an intimate vibe instead!
The Best Beaches For Swimming (+ The Worst)
The main problem we faced when we wanted to swim from the beach on Koh Phangan is that many beaches become incredibly shallow at low tide, especially on the northwest coast, where the tide goes out really far!
Walking out hundreds of metres to still only be knee high in water is far from ideal when you want to swim and cool off!
But there were a couple of beaches where we really enjoyed a dip in the sea.
The first is Chaloklum Beach, which quickly became our top choice for swimming. Not only was the seabed soft, sandy, and comfortable to walk out on, but the water was also almost always calm whenever we visited, with gentle lapping waves.
Both Lucy and I agree that the water is literally to die for!
Haad Rin, at the opposite end of the island, had similar characteristics, and you can also count on the water being deep enough in the sheltered bay.
For us, it struck the perfect balance between being deep enough to swim but shallow enough to still touch the sandy bed! And we spent a blissful couple of hours here, soaking up the sunshine and dipping in and out of the water to cool off.
Travel tip: While swimming at Haad Rin in September, we found out the hard way that there is a jellyfish season from May to October. We only experienced tiny stings that we hardly noticed, but deadly box jellyfish can be found here, so when the netted zones designated for swimming are in place, make sure to only swim there.
The beaches where we didn’t have much luck with swimming were:
- Bottle Beach: Incredibly scenic, but we didn’t enjoy swimming at all as the sea is surprisingly much rougher and more powerful than just along the coast in Chaloklum.
- Haad Salad: We found the seabed a bit rockier in places here compared to other beaches and the tide goes out ridiculously far.
Beaches We Recommend For Families
For young families looking to enjoy fun beach days on easily accessible, safe shores with food options nearby, all while avoiding the party scene, there are a couple of beaches we’d recommend for you.
Our top choice is Thong Nai Pan Noi.
This is not just because we saw lots of families and inflatables in the water, but because it’s a world away from the buzzing likes of Haad Rin on the other side of the island.
But even though it’s on the less developed side of Koh Phangan, there’s a variety of food options along the main road to the beach through the village.
From local Thai dishes to burgers, pizza, salads, ice cream, and crepes, you can find them all within walking distance from the beach!
Oh, and of course there’s a trusty 7-11 in town too!
However, if you’re not staying near Thong Nai Pan and you’d rather stick to the west coast than trapse all the way across the island just for a beach day, then I’d recommend the bays in the northwest. We thought the relaxed atmosphere at Haad Salad was perfect for families and couples alike, but as I mentioned, the swimming was better at the nearby Haad Yao.
There are wonderful resorts surrounding both beaches but Haad Yao has better food and drink options within walking distance, including Bubba’s Roastery, Pura Vida, and What’s Cup for speciality coffee lovers!
Most Instagrammable Beaches
On the right day, almost all of the beaches on Koh Phangan paint a wonderfully tropical scene that would make all your family and friends back home jealous!
But there are a couple of spots that really steal the Instagram show.
The best one is easily the leaning palm tree at the eastern end of Chaloklum Beach, as you can’t beat a good palm tree, white sand, and turquoise water combination!
Lucy captured a couple of great photos of me walking under the trunk, but of course I had to have a go at climbing it too!
Then, when it came to Lucy’s turn for a perfect Instagram shot, where better than on a swing roped between two majestic palm trees?
And this is exactly what we found on Leela Beach, complete with shallow turquoise water that drops off to a darker blue for a beautiful backdrop!
Bonus: If you have a drone, then you can get an epic shot of the Hin Kong sand bar from above. I’ve seen a few photos on Instagram and man I wish we’d had our drone on this trip!
Which Beach Would We Stay On?
If we return to Koh Phangan again in the future, which I’m almost certain we will, we hope to up our backpacker budget, which kept us in Thong Sala last time, and instead indulge in a dreamy beachfront stay!
But choosing the right beach to stay on can make a big difference as the vibe, nearby amenities, accessibility, and nightlife all change depending on where you are.
Our number one choice would be, you guessed it, Chaloklum Beach.
With the perfect blend of seaside village atmosphere and comfortable stays, combined with nearby restaurants and a main road connecting it to the rest of the island, why would we not stay directly on our favourite beach?
And we’d love to stay in one of Silan Residence’s bungalows, which are just steps from this glorious beach!
Thong Nai Pan Noi, Haad Salad, and Haad Yao are also other beaches we’d consider for a similar laid-back atmosphere.
However, for those looking for a more lively vibe and nightlife close to the beach, then there is no better option than Haad Rin.
With plenty of hostels and bars in the area, it remains buzzing even when it’s not full moon!
And the beachfront stays here don’t come much better than Phangan Bayshore Resort with modern rooms and a stunning pool overlooking the sandy beach!
To Finish
Whether you’re looking for quiet beaches to soak up the slow pace of island life or an upbeat holiday atmosphere, there’s no shortage of choices on Koh Phangan!
If you have the time, I’d recommend exploring a variety as we did, but if not, then don’t miss our top picks!
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Hello
When were you in koh panghan? We are going in July, August. Can you say anything about the low tide?
Hi Tina,
We visited twice (October and February time) and while the tide didn’t change much at some beaches like Chaloklum and Bottle Beach, it did at others such as Haad Yao which got very shallow and the water went out much further.
Hope that helps and enjoy your trip!
Sam
Hi, did you find it easier to take taxis around the island or did you hire a car/bike? Thanks
Hi Lee,
We hired a scooter from Pukki’s Motorbike Rental and found this to be the most convenient way to get around as most of the roads are decent. You could take private or shared taxis but this will likely end up costing more and just be more hassle. So if you have a license and are confident in riding a scooter I’d recommend this option. Also, we liked Pukki’s Rental as the bikes were great and they accept cash as a deposit rather than passport!
Enjoy your trip!
Sam