Koh Phangan is a small island in Thailand. In Russia, you can hardly find a travel agency that sells vouchers to this remote place. Since the island is located very close to the popular Koh Samui, it is easy to get to it. Tourists usually drop in here for a day or a couple of days, making a “sally” on an excursion. However, this resort has its own “chips” that make you come back here again and again. Koh Phangan attracts guests with amazing beach holidays. Here 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 sprawling coconut palm. 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 accommodation and views. Below is a list of the best beaches in Koh Phangan.

Ao Tong Nai Pan Noi

A small paradise for introverts and lovers of tranquility stretches for 600 m in the northeast of the island. The intimacy of the situation is provided by impenetrable rocks and piles of boulders, so you won't be able to get here from neighboring beaches. Tong Nai Pan Noi offers relaxation in the classical sense. A wide spit with perfectly clean white sand, a flat bottom without holes and sharp stones, optimal depth even at low tide. To use a sunbed, it is enough to be a guest of one of the hotels on the beach or simply order a cocktail in a cafe.

The infrastructure is presented in a simplified form, but it is quite enough for a hassle-free stay during the holidays. Most services, including ATMs and currency exchangers, can be found in the hotel lobby. There are no chain supermarkets here. But a few small local thai shops sell everything you need. Despite the presence of entertainment facilities, parties are not represented. But bright emotions will be given by a delicious dinner, a walk at sunset and a fire show, which can be seen at the Panviman resort.

Ao Tong Nai Pan Yai

Less populated and larger than its counterpart, this piece of land is not without its charm. Like Noah, it is surrounded by sheer cliffs that close 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, waist-deep depth 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 loungers are provided by the hotel administration. True, not being their guest, the traveler will not be able to get a deck chair. However, dense vegetation saves from the sun. After lunch, the shadow from the crown of trees reaches the water, which is especially important on vacation with children. Despite its small size, Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai has several shops, including a 7-Eleven convenience store, a rental center, cafes, fruit stands and massage parlors. Nai Pan Yai will give comfort and serenity. But still, its inaccessibility suggests a long-term stay, and not an arrival for a couple of hours.

Chaloklam

Lost in the green mountains, Chaloklam Bay offers magnificent views and secluded relaxation. The 2.5 km long sandy strip is dotted with fine white sand, like in Malibu. Despite the abundance of stones, it will not be difficult to find clean areas with sufficient depth. In the center is the 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 seafood caught here.

For a comfortable stay, you will have to take care of an umbrella and a sunbed on your own. Of the main entertainment, diving, snorkeling, traveling around the bay and hiking in the mountains to explore the surroundings are worth mentioning. There are no problems with finding housing. A few meters from the water there is a bungalow complex with minimal amenities, a little further away – a hotel with better conditions. Nearby vacationers will find supermarkets, souvenir shops and several fruit stands.

Mae Haad

It is very convenient to watch the sunset from it. There are many modern hotels. It is located near Chaloklam Bay (only 3 km). It is divided into two parts: western and eastern. On the east it is shallow and dirty, and on the west it is moderately deep and beautiful. Therefore, it is in this direction that you can meet many vacationers. The best time to visit Haad Mae is from December to March. At this time, the optimum water level is established here, while swimming becomes very difficult due to low tides in the off-season. Organized rental of kayaks and equipment for snorkelling. There are many Russian holidaymakers with children on Haad Mae Haad.

Kings Rin

You can love him immediately or hate him once and for all. Why such a contradiction? For the seekers of “Thailand” this is clearly not the place. This is a beach that enjoys special attention of young people. This is the most party place, a real paradise for lovers of nightlife. The average age of vacationers on Haad Rin is 20-30 years. There are many tourists from Europe here. This place does not leave the festive atmosphere for a minute. Rough fun here starts early in the morning and lasts all night. In this seething wild life, the film “The Beach” was filmed, where the main role was played by Leonardo DiCaprio.

Kings Yao

A kilometer-long sandy strip lies in the northeast. Thanks to the flat bottom and spacious accommodation, this place is suitable for vacationers of all ages. Especially young families with children will especially like it here. In the first half of the day, the natural shadow reaches the edge of the surf. So the little ones can frolic without the danger of overheating or getting sunstroke.

But the ebb and flow of the tides leave their mark on the characteristics of Haad Yao. As in other resorts, the water can go several tens of meters, making it difficult to swim. At the same time, the rising sea absorbs the coastal zone so strongly that it reaches the tables of nearby cafes. Representatives of Yao took care of a comfortable stay for visitors. Anyone can check into a bungalow or a hotel, visit coastal restaurants, learn diving and practice yoga. Shops and ATMs stretch along the territory. But for a variety of services, it is better to look into Thong Sala.

The dimensions are impressive. Vacationers here can soak up the sun or play volleyball or frisbee. Only four hundred meters separate Haad Yao from the most beautiful coral reef. You can even get scuba diving training beforehand.

Had Chao Pao

Seclusion is the only reason why there are so few people here. 100 m of clean, white sand are surrounded by picturesque boulders and lush vegetation. The absence of intrusive sellers and restless tourists allows you to enjoy peace and tranquility. Thanks to the flat bottom, shallow water and weak waves, Haad Chao Pao is a haven 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.

Rest here mainly guests of local resorts. For residents of hotels, everything necessary for a comfortable and long stay is provided. 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 Had Chao Pao, you can head to the neighboring beaches – Sitana and Ao Niad. There you can find everything from cafes to motorcycle rentals. The coast itself can offer only a supermarket located across the road.

Kings Salad

Compared to any other Phangan beach, this one is calmer and quieter. A small U-shaped space is surrounded by a pile of rocks and is hidden from the eyes of travelers by the road passing by. Has a changeable character. In the low tide season, it is necessary to make a path of 10-20 steps towards the horizon to the water level up to the neck. At the same time, in the high season, the sea confidently advances on the coastal territory, leaving only a couple of meters for vacationers to stay.

Due to the accumulation of hotels, cafes and shops, the left side is of great interest to travelers. To relax on a sun lounger, it is enough to become a guest of any restaurant on the shore. The right half is suitable for everyone who is looking for peaceful solitude. Due to its low popularity, it cannot boast of attractions and a variety of entertainment. But if you wish, it will not be difficult to go kayaking or scuba diving. In the high season, divers have the opportunity to admire the coral reef.

Thong 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 become suitable for recreation recently. Now there are bars and bungalows that are found everywhere. The main visitors are young people and the public, thirsty for entertainment. In the morning you can go jogging on Thong Sala, in the afternoon you can just walk on foot. It has its own unique charm, which is inherent in Koh Phangan only to him.

King Rin Nok

Known outside of Thailand thanks to the Full Moon Party – the Asian equivalent of Ibiza. This popularity has endowed a piece of paradise on the south coast with all sorts of amenities, from bars to travel agencies. There is also a medical center. Fans of noisy and cheerful party places will definitely like it here. The coast is 600 m long. Despite the rocky landscapes around the edges, getting here is not difficult. There is a smooth road nearby. And some come here by water from the surrounding area and even neighboring islands.

The seabed, although not abounding in water, is devoid of unpleasant surprises. Thanks to the eastern location, the shade from the trees comes here already at noon, giving the kids the opportunity to enjoy themselves 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 the status and prevailing stereotypes, Haad Rin Nok is kept in perfect cleanliness. Even after the New Moon party, locals return the resort to a presentable appearance in a few hours.

Had Rin Nai

Lies in the middle of the rocks. The stone ridge divides it in half, providing tourists with many secluded places. The sand is coarse, yellowish in color, 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 a traditional getaway.

However, many choose the place as a haven for their vacation. The secluded space, whose name translates as “sunset beach”, pleases the eye with magnificent views, especially in the evening, and a good overview of Koh Samui. And the location next to the New Moon discos center has a positive effect on the infrastructure. Numerous hotels and bungalows offer rooms much cheaper than those in the party place itself. Therefore, at the moments of parties, enterprising vacationers like to stop here so much.

You can visit restaurants of Thai, Japanese and European cuisine. Stock up on food offers a string of shops, including the popular Seven-Eleven. And the pier located in the village with moored longtails and boats invites you to take a short sea trip around Koh Phangan.

Tan Sadet

The 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 attraction. This part of the coast compares favorably with any other place due to its bathability. A couple of meters from the surf line, the bottom rapidly goes down and makes the sea full of water even in the low season. Sometimes there are high waves, but in general they do not cause inconvenience.

The coast is framed on both sides by boulders. There are especially many of them on the right, and the central section is lined with moored boats. Therefore, for calm swimming, 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, from 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 Phangan beach. For the greenish sea water and the shape resembling the neck of a bottle, it has an alternative name Bottle beach. Lost among sheer cliffs, it gives 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 many of them here. Cafes, bars, 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 along a dirt road.

Kings Tong Reng

It also received the name “Golden Deserted Coast”, and it fully justifies the conditions that exist here. Even local Thais hardly look into this often empty lagoon. But for connoisseurs of loneliness there is no better place. 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 are perfectly visible. An ideal place for a romantic getaway. Here no one dares to destroy the created idyll. In general, Haad Tong Reng is ready to give lovers unforgettable days and nights.

Lilac

A photogenic corner 500 meters long is adjacent to the famous Had Rin Nok. Sheer cliffs on the sides create a chamber 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 saved by hammocks hung on palm trees near the bungalow.

The 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 those looking for a “hip” holiday, Leela beach has huts of different sizes and amenities. There are no shops nearby. A party place – 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. You should also definitely take a walk along the popular wooden road hanging over the sea edge.

Ban Tai

This coastline with 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 Thong Sala and the wild place of Ban Kai. A two-kilometer space with a very narrow contour of the surf and an extremely shallow bottom could scare off visitors, but enterprising Thais have figured out how to make the holiday unusual. At high tide, sun loungers and umbrellas belonging to local bars are installed directly into the water, which is so pleasing to hunters before 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 you to hide from the sun, but only until noon. Infrastructure is developed only in the metropolitan area. Here you can find not only chain supermarkets and famous hotels, but also a hospital and its own stadium. The opposite Bantai side is a standard tourist village.

The main advantages of Ao Ban Thai are low housing prices and convenient location. From here you can go on a motorcycle to anywhere in Koh Phangan and profitably stay in a room or bungalow during the Full Moon Party.

Ban Kai

Belongs to a village with the same name. It is separated from Ban Tai only by a small river and has similar characteristics, which is why many guidebooks do not stand out as an independent resort unit. The narrow coast is covered with coarse but clean brownish sand. The flat bottom without boulders has invariably shallow depth. In the low season, knee-deep water will be present 200 m from the shore. Another picture is presented on the left outskirts, sprinkled with stones and having unpredictable underwater cliffs.

There are no problems with renting housing here thanks to a variety of bungalows and hotels located directly on the surf line. Several stores supply temporary and permanent residents with everything necessary for a comfortable life. No one will go hungry either. In the village there are establishments with different types of dishes – from traditional Thai food to pizza and fresh pastries.

Ao Nai Wok

Location just five minutes from the pier and Thong Sala and picturesque sunsets are the main advantages of the beach, compensating for its unsuitability for swimming. Shallow water does not disappear even at high tides, which, however, will please the kids and their parents. The narrow coastline is from 2 to 5 meters, sometimes completely disappearing during the high season. But guests of hotels and huts have the benefits of provided beach equipment and swimming pools on site.

The main occupation is leisurely walks and contemplation of the local beauties. If you wish, you can rent a kayak, and especially the brave ones can dive with a mask. There is a coral reef 200 meters from the shore on the left side of the resort. Photography lovers will certainly like it here. The “chip” of the place is an island in the middle of the water. You can walk to this shoal and take many interesting shots, especially in the evening.

Proximity to the capital implies walking distance to the benefits of civilization. Financial institutions, popular supermarkets, restaurants, tourist centers – all of them are located either next to Nai Wok, or a stone's throw from it.

Ao Play Lam

“Cosy, beautiful, empty” – this is how you can designate the environment that a tourist will meet on this coast. Due to its location next to the road leading from Thong Sala to Ao Hing Kong, the beach goes unnoticed by most vacationers. 1.2 km of fine sandy coastline surrounded by lush vegetation on one side and calm seas on the other. It is noticeably flooded during the tidal period and 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 sandy spit you can fully swim and go snorkeling. The coral reef deserves a visit. Almost all coastal space is occupied by hotels and bungalows, interspersed with wastelands 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 bar “Amsterdam“. From its veranda – an observation deck offers a bewitching view of the islands of the Ang Thong National Park, immersed in the rays of the setting sun.

Ao Hin Kong

Located in the west of the island, it can be called technical rather than touristic. Here fishermen like to stop on boats, and the unceasing construction leaves its mark on the number of vacationers. The entry into the water is so gentle that it does not allow one to hope for a meter depth closer than a kilometer from the shore. 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 view right up to the mangroves.

The local infrastructure consists of gas stations, laundries, bars and massage parlors. More comfortable conditions can be found on the outskirts leading to Ao Hin Kong. In these parts you can find supermarket chains, coastal cafes and housing for every taste.

wai nam

A miniature bay in the southeast of the island is securely hidden from prying eyes by a green hill and rocks on the sides. It can only be reached by a rented boat, as the land road has difficult terrain. The place will appeal to those who are willing to sacrifice typical beach amenities for incredible scenery and good swimming. Coarse sand, mixed with shells and small pebbles, lines not only the coast, but also the seabed. Due to the heaviness, it quickly settles, making it possible to enjoy clear water.

Already at the coast, the sea is rapidly gaining depth, which is very useful for lovers of vertical swimming, as well as divers and snorkelers. For a comfortable sunbathing, all accessories will have to be brought with you. But the lush crowns of trees create a good shade, starting from lunch time. The infrastructure consists of one bar and a chain of bungalows. For food, sights and entertainment to get far. But this is the main charm of this place.

Ao Hin Ngam

Attracts, rather, to study the local landscape, rather than for recreation. The whole territory is strewn with stones of different sizes and shapes. The same picture awaits when entering the water, but is aggravated by slippery algae that has grown on the boulders. The bottom leaves from under the feet quickly enough, so it is interesting to swim and even snorkel here.

Due to the specific characteristics, there are no equipment, bars, shops and 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 stay overnight here thanks to the Baan Moonsiri resort.

Kings 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 sunbed, because you won’t be able to rent a local one on Secret Beach. The abundance of greenery protects the heads of sunbathers from sunstroke until 3 pm.

Only the center and the left side are suitable for swimming. There are no rocks and shallow water. And the encountered ground boulders make it possible to isolate themselves from others. The bottom leaves from under the feet already at 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 semblance of a springboard acts as an attraction. Nearby are several hotels with different levels of service. For the rest of the benefits of civilization, you need to travel more than a kilometer.

Haad Khom

In the north, there is a favorite haven for connoisseurs of silence and free space. The concrete road stretching along the west turns into dirt on the approaches to the beach, which scares away some tourists. But the proximity to Chaloklam solves the problem, implying a boat trip. Shallow water, a wide beach and a shadow that does not stop during the day have earned the approval of parents with small children.

Snorkeling here promises spectacular underwater views thanks to the sprawling coral reef. And the territory itself is strewn with fine sand, where you can sit even without a sunbed. Of the manifestations of tourism, one can name only a bungalow and an observation deck at the Ocean View Beach Resort. Other amenities are offered by Chaloclum, which is within walking distance from here.

Kings Tian

250 m of textured and wide coast lie 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 holidaymakers. The wild appearance, not knowing the influence of importunate sellers and trinket shops, pleases the eye and gives you a break from the resort noise. The central part is occupied by sea taxis, and the left is strewn with sharp stones. Therefore, for a full-fledged bathing, it is worth sticking to the right half with coarse sand with impurities. Deep water can be found 15 m from the shore.

Sun loungers, drinks and other tourist pleasures are offered by The Sanctuary Thailand hotel – the basis of the local infrastructure. In addition to classic services, this complex includes a yoga center and SPA. The list of attractions is limited to the iconic Guys bar, a rock garden and an observation deck on Klong.

Kings Yuan

The bay, lost between two rocks, gives introverts 300 m of relaxation in picturesque surroundings. Fine, pleasant to the touch sand covers the beach with a width of 20 – 40 m. True, a fly in the ointment is brought in by the river, which significantly erodes the surface during the rainy season. Entry into the water is smooth, without unpleasant surprises. Behind the depth, you will have to walk up to 70 m. Therefore, tourists prefer photo shoots and sunbathing to swimming more lazily. After the zenith, 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. The young crowd is attracted here by day trips to night parties in 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 deliver travelers to any neighboring settlement.