Koh Phangan has some of the best beaches in Thailand. We spent more than 2 weeks exploring this gem and were amazed by its beauty.
After reading our beach guide, I hope you add Koh Phangan to your Thailand itinerary. We have also included it on our list of the best places in Thailand for first-timers.
From the famous Full Moon parties on Haad Rin Beach to the chilled, laid-back hippie vibes on Zen Beach, every type of traveler will find what they are looking for—even families with kids.
What we liked the most was that all these beaches were not crowded and we enjoyed sunbathing, snorkeling and relaxing almost all alone! At some beaches, completely alone.
One of the best parts is that you can explore all the best Koh Phangan Beaches in a few days since the island isn’t huge. All you need is a good mood, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear to make your tropical holiday unforgettable.
Our guide shares our honest review and all the essential tips to make your planning a piece of cake.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Best months to visit: Dry season: December – August
⭐️ Best beaches for snorkeling: Mae Haad Beach, Salad Beach
⭐️ Best beach for parties: Haad Rin
⭐️ Best beach for chill vibes: Zen Beach
⭐️ Getting around: scooter (cheap and convenient), songthaew taxis (more expensive)
⭐️Interesting activities: Day tour to Ang Thong, ATV Jungle experience, Koh Tao and Nang Yuan boat tour
Quick Overview
When planning a trip to Koh Phangan, remember that there are two different tide seasons, which can influence your beach time.
During the Low Tide Season (April – October), the sea level is lower, and some beaches may have shallow waters or exposed sandbars.
On the other hand, the High Tide Season brings higher water levels, but some beaches may be flooded entirely; therefore, sunbathing won’t be enjoyable.
All the beaches on our list have no entrance or parking fees.
Our favorite snorkeling beaches were Mae Haad Beach and Salad Beach. We recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear, as you can’t rent it at every beach.
If you’re looking for laid-back hippie vibes, explore all the north beaches, especially Zen Beach.
If you want to experience one of the biggest beach parties in Thailand, head to Haad Rin Beach. The legendary Full Moon party is happening on the night of the full moon.
Map of the best beaches in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is a small tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is located between the famous islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
How to get to Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan can be reached by boat or ferry from Sura Thani, Koh Samui, or Koh Tao. You can’t fly there since Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport.
Book a ferry ticket using 12go.asia. It’s reliable, safe and convenient. We always used 12goasia for booking any kind of transportation in Asia.
1. Mae Haad Beach
Mae Haad Beach was one of our favorites. It was the first time we enjoyed snorkeling because water boats with marine life. Corals and fish are only a couple of ten meters from the shore.
Tall palm trees and a handful of resorts create a picturesque setting around the beach. Mae Haad Beach boasts a stunning stretch of soft white sand extending over a kilometer along the coastline, offering plenty of space to relax and unwind.
Here are all your hotel options in Mae Haad Beach.
Our trip was during a low tide season; therefore, it was difficult to swim around corals closer to the shore. The farther we went, the deeper the water became and the more comfortable it was to swim.
A sand bank connects the beach to Koh Ma Island. From a bird’s perspective, the sand bank looks impressive and is ideal for a drone shot.
We walked to Koh Ma Island and checked out the small beach. The island is hard to explore because it is surrounded by rocks and steep hills covered by jungle.
Beach facilities
Mae Haad Beach has everything you need for a perfect beach day.
There are a few beachfront restaurants and bars where you can grab a tasty meal or a refreshing drink with a view. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.
Here are all your hotel options in Mae Haad Beach.
2. Salad Beach
Palm trees, hotels, and restaurants surround Salad Beach. We came in the morning, and there was no one there —just us on the beach and in the water. Hopefully, you will have the same or a similar experience.
Salad Beach is second in snorkeling after Mae Haad Beach. We spent a couple of hours in the water, watching hundreds of colorful fish and corals.
Marine life is around 100 meters from the shore and easily accessible even during a low tide. As you can see in the photo above, a turquoise channel will take you to the right spot where most fishes and corals are.
Here are all your hotel options in Salad Beach.
The trees offer enough shade for escaping the sun. The water has a gentle, gradual entry, making it easy to wade in. If you want to enjoy swimming during low tide, you should go beyond the reef, where the water is deeper.
You can rent your snorkeling gear from the beach stalls if you don’t have your snorkeling gear.
Since the beach faces west, it’s ideal for watching the sunset.
Beach facilities
Numerous beachfront resorts, bungalows, and guesthouses offer accommodations directly on the beach.
Restaurants and bars serving both Thai and international cuisine for affordable prices. Don’t miss the opportunity to eat with the sea view!
There aren’t any public showers and toilets. If you’re not a customer at one of the restaurants, ask politely, and they will let you use the bathroom.
Thai massage directly on the beach? No problem!
Here are all your hotel options in Salad Beach.
3. Bottle Beach
Bottle Beach is a small, hidden oasis far from cities. It’s not easily accessible by scooter, and we highly recommend hiking there. The road is not paved, and you might get hurt while driving.
Even though I consider myself an experienced driver, I left my scooter in a parking lot and decided to walk down.
But before going to the beach, we highly recommend hiking to Bottle Beach Viewpoint, which is right above the beach. It’s by far the best viewpoint on the island, and you certainly can’t miss it.
Here are all your hotel options in Bottle Beach.
The beach is surrounded by swaying palm trees and has soft and clean white sand. It looks like it was cut out of the postcard and has tropical paradise vibes.
The best part? We were almost entirely alone!
Unfortunately, it’s unsuitable for snorkeling because there are no corals or fish. The access to the water is gradual and pleasant. However, Bottle Beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Sunbeds can be rented at one of the beach bars.
Beach facilities
Bottle Beach is quite remote, so facilities are limited compared to more developed beaches on Koh Phangan. However, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing stay.
A few beachfront bungalows and resorts, such as Bottle Beach 1 Resort and Haad Khuat Resort, offer simple rooms and huts.
Here are all your hotel options in Bottle Beach.
There are only a few restaurant options. Small, family-run restaurants serve simple Thai food. Prices are slightly higher due to the remote location, but it’s worth it—look at the view!
4. Zen Beach
Zen Beach is entirely different from any other beach on the island. I am talking specifically about the vibes. We were almost all alone at any other beach, but this beach was full of people, especially in the evening.
At first, you should be aware that half of Zen Beach is a nudist beach. There is no fence; therefore, don’t be surprised when you see naked people.
We felt amazing every time we came here. It has incredible laid-back hippie vibes, and you can meet many like-minded people.
Here are all your hotel options near Zen Beach.
People from around the island gather here to watch sunset, play on music instruments, dance together or perform fire shows.
Parking is for free and it takes around 3 to 5 minutes to get there. You can’t park directly on the beach because it’s forbiden.
Zen Beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. We searched for corals and fish, but marine life was not abundant.
Beach facilities
Grasshopper Beach Bar offers cold drinks, shots, coconuts, and smoothies. You can’t get a meal here, so bring something with you. The nearest 7-Eleven is on the main street. You can always walk there and grab some snacks.
Usually, there’s a live DJ at the bar playing some great music.
There aren’t any public showers, and toilets are only in the bar. You can enjoy a Thai massage directly on the beach for around 400 THB.
Here are all your hotel options near Zen Beach.
Our THAILAND locations in your Google Maps
Includes 167 pins on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, & Koh Tao:
🐠 Best beaches and snorkeling spots
👀 Viewpoints, Sunset Points
☕️Cafes & restaurants
🍹Bars, nightlife
🏨 Recommended Hotels
⛴️ Important transport points
⭐️ Lifelong updates
See more5. Haad Rin
Haad Rin is one of the most famous beaches on Koh Phangan, all thanks to legendary Full Moon parties!
Every backpacker and traveler in Thailand has probably heard about the parties that occur once a month on the day of a full moon. During the days around the party, the beach is full of young people, and the beach has a lively vibe.
The beach transforms into an open-air club filled with fire dancers, music, and endless dancing. Multiple bars along the shore play different music genres, from EDM and techno to reggae and hip-hop, so there’s something for everyone.
If you plan to go, booking accommodation in advance is best, as places fill up quickly.
Here are all your hotel options in Haad Rin.
Unfortunately, we contracted dengue fever two days before the party so that we couldn’t enjoy it. However, one day, we will come back to experience the rave.
The soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and lively atmosphere make it a must-see spot on the island.
During the day, it’s a beautiful place to relax, swim, or soak up the sun. The beach is long and spacious, with plenty of bars and restaurants along the shore, where we grabbed snacks and cold drinks.
If you’re up for some adventure, there are places to rent kayaks or even try jet skiing.
Beach facilities
The beach is dotted with restaurants, bars, and cafés, offering everything from local Thai dishes to international favorites.
Many places have beachfront seating to enjoy your meal with an ocean view. Convenience stores, ATMs, and pharmacies are all within walking distance.
Here are all your hotel options in Haad Rin.
6. Haad Yao
We stayed at Haad Yao Beach for a few days; its location is perfect! The beach has a calm atmosphere, is long, ideal for morning or sunset runs, and has everything you need.
Just keep in mind that it might be flooded entirely during a high tide season. If you want to sunbathe on the sand, come during the low tide season or between the high and low tide seasons.
Here are all your hotel options in Haad Yao.
The beach has clean and soft white sand. Swimming during a low tide is more challenging as the water is too shallow, and there are many rocks and corals. You must go beyond the corals, where the water is deeper for a swim.
There is a channel on the right side of the beach while facing the sea. Use it to access the deeper parts of the sea. Once there, you can also enjoy snorkeling. Marine life is truly abundant and you can see plenty of colorful fish.
The beach faces west, making it an ideal sunset spot. Bring snacks, drinks, and a camera to capture nature’s performance.
Beach facilities
Haad Yao is dotted with beachfront resorts, bungalows, and restaurants offering a mix of Thai and international cuisine.
Convenience store 7-Eleven is on the main street, just a short walk from the beach.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any public showers or toilets, but you can use the bathroom at one of the beach bars or restaurants.
Here are all your hotel options in Haad Yao.
7. Haad Khom
Haad Khom is a small, secluded paradise away from main tourist spots. It is surrounded by lush jungle and rocky headlands and offers a secluded atmosphere perfect for a relaxing day without crowds.
It’s located on the northern coast of Koh Phangan, just a short drive from Chaloklum. We parked our scooter near the main road and walked down about 200 meters.
Here are all your hotel options in Chaloklum.
We were greeted by an empty beach and small waves crashing on the shore when we arrived. During a low tide season, the water level is too shallow for a swim, and it’s also hard to enjoy snorkeling. It’s better to come during mid or high tide.
We read that Haad Khom is great for snorkeling, but the shallow water at low tide made it challenging.
The trees offer a slight shade, just enough to escape the sun.
Beach facilities
Haad Khom Beach offers basic but sufficient facilities for a relaxing visit. A few beachfront bungalows and guesthouses provide accommodation, often with a laid-back feel.
Small restaurants and beach bars serve Thai and international dishes, and dining with an ocean view is spectacular.
Would you like a massage? You don’t need to go anywhere—you can get one directly on the beach for an affordable price!
Here are all your hotel options in Chaloklum.
8. Chaloklum Beach
Chaloklum Beach, located on the northern coast of Koh Phangan, is a charming beach known for its laid-back atmosphere and scenic beauty.
Unlike the more developed beaches on the island, Chaloklum keeps its authentic local feel. Traditional fishing boats line the shore, and fishermen bring in their daily catch.
As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by a long stretch of soft white sand and calm, turquoise waters—ideal for a relaxing swim.
Here are all your hotel options in Chaloklum.
While the beach isn’t the best for snorkeling, we found better underwater adventures in nearby Mae Haad Beach.
Unfortunately, palm trees don’t provide shade, so if you want to hide from the sun, visit one of the beach restaurants.
Beach facilities
There are plenty of beachfront restaurants and cafés, where we enjoyed fresh seafood and delicious Thai food with a sea view. Small shops and the convenience store 7-Eleven are also nearby, making it easy to grab any essentials.
As on other beaches in Koh Phangan, there aren’t any public showers or toilets.
Here are all your hotel options in Chaloklum.
9. Haad Son (Secret Beach)
Haad Son, also known as Secret Beach, is just around the corner of Haad Yao. It’s funny that almost every island in Thailand has at least one secret beach, even though none of them is truly hidden.
To get there, you’ll need to park at the top of the hill near the resort entrance and take a short, easy walk down, which is absolutely worth it.
Once you arrive, you’ll find a beachfront bar, delicious food, and several spots offering Thai massages. The water is just the right depth for a swim, and if you’re looking for something deeper, you can go a bit farther.
Here are all your hotel options in Haad Son.
There are enough trees to create a shade you can chill under. Secret Beach is relatively short, but that’s fine since it is not getting crowded.
If you go beyond the boulders on the left side of the beach, you will find another small piece of sand hidden between the rocks.
Secret Beach is a perfect spot for sunset, so bring your favorite snacks or take something from the restaurant and enjoy a spectacular evening.
Beach facilities
There’s a beachfront bar and restaurant where you can grab food and drinks while enjoying the view. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, making it easy to chill comfortably.
Here are all your hotel options in Haad Son.
Best time to visit Koh Phangan
Dry season: December – August
Rainy season: September – November
I highly recommend planning your trip during the dry season, which starts in December and ends in August.
The peak season generally has excellent weather. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and want to save money, the shoulder season (June to November) might be a better option.
Keep in mind that this period coincides with the monsoon season. Therefore, you may experience occasional rain showers mostly in the afternoon.
Koh Phangan tides
Not many people realize this, but Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao do not have typical 4 tides per day. There are only 2. Between December and March is a high tide season. This means high tide is stronger and water is deeper than in the other seasons.
During summer, it’s low tide season, and water is too shallow on some beaches. In some months, you only get low tide during daylight. Then, it’s essential to choose the right beach to actually enjoy swimming.
