Ko Phangan is the island of the Full Moon Party and beautiful white sand beaches, located just 30 minutes by boat from Ko Samui.
An island that offers a bit of everything, evening entertainment, heavenly beaches and lots of nature. The problem is that you will not find all of this in one area and according to your preferences you will have to choose the right place to stay in Ko Phangan.
In this guide we see all the options Koh Phangan offers and how to choose the perfect base for your stay.
Where to Stay in Ko Phangan
Choosing the best area to stay in Ko Phangan may seem complicated, it depends on your preferences and needs, but there are also other factors that can influence your choice, one of them being the phenomenon of the tides.
The tides change according to the season and vary every year. From April to November the island suffers mostly from low tide, while from December to March there is the high tide season.
Usually the western part, in particular from the south up to Haad Yao, is more subject to low tide also due to the shallow seabed, so during our summer it will not always be possible to swim.
Especially in the morning the low tide phenomenon is greater. So if you choose this area for your stay and are looking for a more suitable sea you will have to move east. On the contrary, if you prefer shallow waters, the west coast is the one for you.
The east side, on the other hand, is not subject to low tide, but the area is very isolated and in some cases it can only be reached by sea and therefore more suitable for a relaxing holiday, away from everything.
For snorkelers, however, the best part of the island is the north west, among the most beautiful points is Hat Mae Haad, a beautiful beach with an islet in front of it connected to the mainland by a long strip of sand. Haad Salad and Haad Ya are also good for snorkeling, although tides are always to be considered.
For those looking for a bit of evening life and entertainment, the south is the choice right, especially during the Full Moon Party.
In the evening you will already be in the middle of the party and you will not have to move with the scooter at night, not too easy and quite dangerous. During the day you can go around the island and see the most beautiful beaches, also because in the south they are not among the best.
If, on the other hand, you are not interested in evening entertainmentOn the contrary, you want to stay away from the chaos and prefer a quiet area, forget the south and move to the north or to the east coast.
But let's see in detail some of the best places to stay in Ko Panghan.
Haad Rin
Haad Rin is the best choice for those who prefer a fairly lively area in the evening, with several restaurants, shops and massage centers.
In particular, I recommend Haad Rin for those who want to experience the festive atmosphere of the Full Moon Party, it is here that what is considered one of the most famous parties in the world takes place.
Haad Rin offers accommodation of any standard, from beach resorts to budget backpacker guest houses.
Haad Rin beach is not bad, it is clean and with white sand and a good swimming sea. In the morning it is quiet and not crowded at all, in the evening it is completely transformed and filled with people.
The advice is to enjoy the evenings in Haad Rin and the day exploring the island and its wonderful beaches.
If you plan to stay in Phangan during the full moon party, I remind you that many properties require a stay of at least 3 days.
Bottle Beach
Bottle Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phangan, perfect for a vacation of only sea, sun and relaxation. The beach, however, is quite isolated and you can move practically only by taxi boat.
So if you want to relax and don't mind being isolated, Bottle Beach is the place for you, but if you prefer to get around the island, I would look for something else. At most you could do 2 days here and the rest in a better area for travel.
There are few resorts on Bottle Beach and the choice of restaurants is also limited. However, the area is not subject to low tide.
Haad Salad
Along with Bottle Beach, Salad Beach is among the most beautiful beaches on the island, with white sand, transparent water and a coral reef, ideal for snorkelers.
Haad Salad is located in an excellent position, the area is not as isolated as Bottle Beach, there are a few bars, restaurants and a few shops, the atmosphere is still very relaxing and you are far from the chaos of Haad Rin.
Haad Salad suffers a little from low tide especially in the morning but less than other beaches on the south west coast.
If you are looking for a quiet place to relax, but at the same time want to get around the island, Haad Salad is for you.
Thong Nai Pan Noi / Thong Nai Pan Yai
If you are not interested in nightlife, but settle for a few restaurants on the beach, in the east there are Thong Nai Pan Noi e Yai, located in a somewhat isolated position and a little far from the port, but in a corner of paradise.
The beaches here are little affected by the low tide, even if the seabed is less beautiful than the northwest coast, where there is a coral reef and you can snorkel.
Thong Nai Pan Yai it has more reasonably priced resorts and a greater choice of beach bars while Thong Nai Pan Noi has more expensive and luxury resorts. However, both villages can be reached with a walk of about 20 minutes.
Both areas are perfect for a few days of pure relaxation directly on a splendid beach, where you can breathe an atmosphere of true peace, the ideal place to regenerate.
Tips, practical information, itineraries, ideas and maps to organize a trip to Thailand
Don't leave without Lonely Planet!
