The 9 Best Beaches In Koh Phangan, Thailand 2025
Welcome to Thailand!
Koh Phangan is by far one of the best islands in Thailand, with epic viewpoints, laid-back vibes, and beautiful beaches to discover. With beaches scattered along the entire coastline, deciding which ones to visit can feel a bit overwhelming. To make your planning easier, I have compiled the ultimate list of the 9 best beaches in Koh Phangan. Plus, I have included a few bonus runner-up beaches for good measure. Whether you are looking to chill out by the beach and bask in the sun or hop in the ocean for an adventure, this list will guide you to the beaches best suited for you.
Please note that this list is in no particular order and that I have indeed spent time at every beach on the island so that you do not have to!
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :) Be sure to take any trash, plastic, etc. with you when you leave.
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9 best beaches in Koh Phangan
A photo of Lonely Beach, one of my favorite beaches in Koh Phangan.
Beach Tips:
Jellyfish are present around the island, so read up on what to do and how to stay safe. There is a great and helpful article for reference, here.
There are many beautiful butterflies around some of the beaches, so keep an eye out for them!
Bring a swimsuit and towel for swimming and drying off.
Wear sunscreen. Some beaches have shaded areas, but some others are exposed to the sun.
Bring mosquito repellant—some of the beaches do have mosquitos flying around.
Pack lots of water to stay hydrated. Reusable water bottles are best to help lower the amount of plastic on the island.
Mistakes can happen, especially with the potential jellyfish in the water, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Buy an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way to the beaches. I always use Airalo for my eSim.
Most beaches have a small parking area nearby or parking at a resort, so you do not have to worry about looking for somewhere to leave your motorbike or car.
#1: Haad Yao Beach
A photo of Haad Yao on a cloudy day.
The view from What's Cup over Haad Yao.
Haad Yao Beach, translating to “Long Beach,” is a picturesque long stretch of soft white sand with crystal clear ocean water. A resort occupies one side of the cove, while the island extends out on the other, creating a spacious and sheltered beach within the cove. Palm trees and other lush greens surround the beach and line the sloping hills surrounding it. It is a great spot to watch the sunset over the open ocean.
This beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and even snorkeling, as I noticed a few people exploring the underwater world here. It is also popular with runners, who can often be seen jogging along the shoreline. The beach is surrounded by restaurants and beautiful villas, offering food, beverages, and access to restrooms.
This beach makes you feel like you are on a secluded tropical island but still has the amenities needed to spend the day. To access this beach you can either park along the main road and walk to it, or like me, head down one of the accommodation roads and park there. I am not sure this is advised, but I did not seem to have any issues.
If you are looking for a breakfast with epic views over this beach, you can head up to What’s Cup for a smoothie bowl and coffee. This cafe has incredible views over Haad Yao Beach and its surroundings—an absolute must-do while you are visiting.
#2: Haad BaAn Tai
Haad Baan Tai Beach in Koh Phangan during the rainy season.
My bestfriend and I SUP on Haad Ban Tai right before a storm in Koh Phangan.
Haad Baan Tai Beach is a beautiful small stretch of pristine golden sand on Koh Phangan’s southwest coast. The water here is flat, calm, and shallow, perfect for relaxing and swimming. This is one of the best areas for standup paddle boarding or just laying out to sunbathe. It is also an epic sunset spot, watching it over the neighboring island of Koh Samui.
Some resorts and restaurants are along the water offering food, beverages, toilets, etc. I did not see any lounge chairs available for rental but I could have just missed them. I accessed this beach via the Tiki Beach Resort, which did not seem to be an issue. I think because you have to wander through a resort to access the beach, it does not get as crowded. I saw only 5 people while I was relaxing there.
Being located more south on the island, near the backpacker area, I would assume this beach might be more crowded closer to the Full Moon Festival when more travelers are passing through the island.
#3 Lonely Beach
One of my favorite and most beautiful beaches in Koh Phangan.
This is one of my favorite beaches and one of the most beautiful places in Koh Phangan.
Lonely Beach makes you feel like you are on your own secluded island in paradise, surrounded by tall palm trees, smooth rocks, soft white and yellow sand filled with tiny sea shells, and crystal clear ombre blue waters. It is truly serene and peaceful here and perfect for swimming and sunbathing in peace.
There are fewer people around and no amenities are available on this beach. Whenever I come here, I never see more than 5 people at one time. Be sure to pack your own towel, sunscreen, water, and snacks! There are plenty of shady palm trees around to lay out under if you are hoping to get out of the sun for a bit.
To access this beach you follow Google Maps to its location, park at the top of the hill where you will see other bikes, and walk down the path to the beach. Watch for snakes, I did see a couple on my way down.
It is worth noting that this beach is informally considered a “nude” beach, even though designating a nude beach is illegal in Thailand. I prefer to keep my bathing suit on in public, and if you feel the same, you can absolutely do so as well or embrace the freedom this beach offers.
#4 Secret Beach
A glimpse of Secret Beach in Koh Phangan.
Koh Raham, the best place to stop in for food after visiting Secret Beach.
Secret Beach, located on the northwestern side of Koh Phangan, is a beautiful small beach with crystal clear waters and soft sand. I saw a little more marine life here than on the other beaches nearby, including some sergeant majors and baby pipefish. You can rent a chair, and enjoy some food or a beverage at the beach bar on site, Secret Beach: Lost 'N Found Beach Bar.
This beach can get crowded, as it is no longer much of a “secret.” When I went in the morning it was much less crowded than later in the day. It is located next to the popular Koh Raham, another unique spot well worth the visit. Koh Raham features a creatively decorated restaurant adorned with old fishing lines, ropes, buoys, hammocks, and more. The food is delicious, and the restaurant offers a private swimming area on its right side, perfect for lounging in a hammock over the water or snorkeling. Snorkeling gear and kayaks are also available for rent. This area is great for families looking for somewhere to spend the day.
To access the beach you can either drive down a steep, paved hill and park at the bottom for free or park at Koh Raham Resto (mentioned above) and enter from there. From Koh Raham, you can rent kayaks, snorkel equipment, and more!
#5 Salad Beach
Salad Beach on a cloudy day in Koh Phangan.
Salad Beach is yet another strip of sand located on the northwestern coast of Koh Phangan. It is quieter than its neighboring beaches and has clear waters and soft sand. Its landscape is beautiful, sitting in a small cove with palm trees lining the hills around you. The cove protects this beach from wind and waves, making it much calmer for swimming, floating, kayaking, and more. It is great for snorkeling with a coral reef near the shore. Here you can find small fish and sea cucumbers waiting to be explored.
A few restaurants are near the beach, offering food and beverages, as well as some massage stalls which seem to be the popular amenity on the Koh Phangan beaches.
Pro Tip: There are some MASSIVE puddles along the dirt road to this beach during the rainy season—so big your motorbike will sink!
#6 Mae Haad Beach
The walkway from Mae Haad to Koh Ma that can be seen during the right tide.
The view from Koh Ma Viewpoint.
Mae Haad Beach, located on the northwestern tip of Koh Phangan, is one of the island's must-visit spots. Its long stretch of soft sand and clear waters offers ample space for beachgoers to relax without feeling overcrowded. To the left of the beach, two palm-covered hills create a picturesque scene, while the island of Koh Ma sits across on the right side of the cove. The beach has lots of amenities, including restaurants offering food and beverages, massages, beach chair rentals, and even a volleyball net. Shaded seating areas under nearby palm trees and restaurants provide the perfect escape from the sun. While I have not snorkeled here personally, I saw many people exploring the underwater world.
During low tide, visitors can walk across the famous sandbar connecting Mae Haad Beach to Koh Ma. Unfortunately, some trash washes up along the sand bar and on Koh Ma itself, which can take away from the experience.
For a stunning bird’s-eye view of the island and sandbar, head to the Three Sixty Bar, where a fresh coconut or juice (100 baht) pairs perfectly with the breathtaking scenery.
#7 Haad Khom Beach
Had Khom Beach, another one of my favorites in Koh Phangan.
Haad Khom Viewpoint, a quick and easy hike near the beach!
Haad Khom Beach is another secluded and peaceful beach located in a cove on the northwestern side of Koh Phangan, with powder-soft white sands and fewer people around. There is plenty of shade from the surrounding palm trees, but beware of the mosquitoes that hide among them—repellent is a must. This is one of the few beaches I found with minimal trash lying around. There are very few facilities on this beach including one restaurant and a few bungalow accommodations. The water is breathtakingly blue, with flourishing palm trees all around, making it feel truly remote.
On top of being one of the best lesser-known beaches in Koh Phangan, there is a nearby viewpoint, that can easily be accessed through a quick 15-minute hike. You will be rewarded with a beautiful view over the beach and island.
#8 Zen Beach
Zen Beach is a popular expat destination near Srithanu, known for its soft white sands, turquoise waters perfect for cooling off, and welcoming atmosphere. Musicians, free spirits, and yoga enthusiasts gather here, creating a vibrant and inclusive community. It is an ideal spot to meet new people, especially for solo travelers.
The sunset at Zen Beach is among the best on the island, with the sky’s colors reflecting beautifully on the sparkling ocean. However, it is a favorite time for many, so the beach can get crowded as the day ends.
There are three restaurants nearby offering food and beverages. I recommend avoiding the first one, as it keeps monkeys in cages.
Overall, this is one of the best beaches to spend the day, from morning to sunset, enjoying the warm waters and the company of friendly locals and travelers.
Pro Tip: The road to Zen Beach is unpaved and can be a bit bumpy, so drive cautiously.
#9 Pirate Beach
Pirate Beach.
A beautiful bent palm tree on Pirate Beach.
Pirate Beach is a much smaller beach located just north of Zen Beach. However, unlike its neighbor, this beach has almost no amenities and far fewer visitors, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a secluded and quiet escape from the crowds. It embodies the "island vibes" with its’ crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, soft white sand, and tall palm trees lining the shore. Pirate Beach is also renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, making it an excellent spot for those who want to enjoy a peaceful experience.
Runner-Up Beaches:
A beautiful and secluded beach located on the eastern side of Koh Phangan, Thong Nai Pan has soft sand and a laid-back vibe, making it a great spot to relax and decompress.
However, it did not make the main list due to some trash washing up on the shore and its distance from the island's central areas. That said, if you are staying on the east side, Thong Nai Pan is worth a visit. The area is surrounded by resorts and restaurants, making it a peaceful escape while still being in a convenient location with amenities nearby
Honestly, the only reason I am placing this beach in the runner-up section is because of the epic viewpoint located above it. You can hike up a quick, but daunting 10-15 minutes atop silver rocks overlooking panoramic views of Bottle Beach and the surroundings of Koh Phangnan. Photos do not even do this incredible viewpoint justice.
The beach itself was extremely underwhelming and not worth the 30-minute hike down from the viewpoint. From there, you either hike back up the same way or take a 30-minute walk up steep, sandy slopes—both exhausting.
Taxis are available from the viewpoint parking for 150 baht each way, but I honestly do not think the beach is worth it. Far more beautiful beaches are nearby. If you go, pack plenty of water for the hike. Two restaurants on the beach sell food and drinks, and toilets are available.
This was another underwhelming beach for me in terms of laying out during the day and swimming. It reminded me more of a lake.
However, it is an amazing spot for golden hour and sunset, where you can see the sky reflect off the clear waters here. There is also a sandbank that takes you out far into the sea waters making you feel like you are standing in the middle of the ocean, which is a very unique experience, especially during sunset. You will see many people walking their dogs on the sandbank and heading out there later in the day. There are also loads of good restaurants around for enjoying a drink or dinner. This beach is ideal for spending the sunset and evening rather than enjoying it during the day.
Pro Tip: Watch for jellys! There are often some washed along the sandbank.
This beach fell short of my expectations as well, feeling extremely crowded and quite literally trashed along the left side of it. You can escape the trash and explore the beauty of it along the right side, still enjoying a beautiful day at the beach.
The beach itself feels very jungly, with a river leading you up to it, and many palm trees with swings hanging from them around. There is plenty of shade to escape the heat of the sun and one restaurant on the beach itself, alongside another that you will enter through to get to the beach. There is a volleyball net on the beach as well.
This beach is ideal for those looking to socialize and enjoy beach games like volleyball, bat-and-ball, and more. It features a beautiful backdrop and stunning blue waters. That said, I would personally choose Zen Beach over this one if I were to visit again.
Windsurfing lessons are also popular here, with many people gathering on the left-hand side of the beach to take part.
Pro Tip: Jellys frequent here so just be careful!
General Information: Koh Phangan
How Many Days Do I Need in Koh Phangan?
I suggest spending at least 5 days in Koh Phangan if not more. The island is quite big and has many viewpoints, waterfalls, beaches, etc. to discover. Even after spending over 1 month here, I felt there were still things I had not seen. If you have the time, I think 7-10 days is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of it all.
best time to visit:
Monsoon Season: September - November | High Season: December - April
The best time to visit Koh Phangan is outside of the monsoon season. Accomodation prices will be higher from December to April during the high season and the island much busier with frequent visitors for the famous Full Moon parties. However, if you want cheaper prices on the island, or want to explore the waterfalls, the monsoon season is better for visiting. Waterfalls will dry up without rainfall. I was in Koh Phangan during November, and it was not as bad as I had envisioned. We had a couple of weeks of pure rainfall, but there were always breaks in the rain for exploring and a few days with sunshine. It is important to note, that the weather will be cooler during this time and the roads can flood with large puddles.
How To Get There:
The closest airports to the island of Koh Phangan are Surat Thani (URT) and Koh Samui (USM). Both of which are international airports. From either airport, you will have to take a ferry to the island. From Surat Thani, the ferry is around 2-3 hours, and from Koh Samui, the ferry is around 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Head here for a complete guide on how to get to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui and Surat Thani!
If you are coming from Koh Tao, head here for a ferry guide to Koh Phangan.
the best area to stay:
As mentioned, the island is quite big, so choosing where to stay on it, is essential. I reccomend staying on the west side of the island between Mae Haad to Haad Ban Tai to be within the best proximity of the top restaurants, beaches, waterfalls, gyms, etc. The southern portion of the west coast, near Thong Sala and Haad Ban Tai, is known as the backpacker section of the island, whereas Mae Haad and Srithanu are more of an expat, laid-back area. I prefer to stay between Srithanu and Thong Sala. I spent a few weeks at My Home Resort and one week at The Zohan Resort, both of which I really enjoyed. They have kitchens in the rooms.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Puk’s Palace (Dorm, I stayed here my first time in KP and loved that it was right on the beach)
Best Low-Budget: Colorful Hut or The Nidhra Boutique Resort
Best Mid-Budget: Angkana Bungalows (Adults Only) or Zama Resort Koh Phangan
Best High-End Budget: Nibbana Bungalows or Buri Rasa Village Phangan
Best Luxury Budget: Zee Luxury Boutique Hotel or Somewhere Only We Know Resort
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links!
How Do I travel around the island?
I will always believe the best way to travel around the island is by motorbike. HOWEVER, I suggest asking a local or friend for a lesson before hopping in the driver’s seat and making sure you are a confident driver. Accidents happen all of the time because of new drivers, speeding, and lack of attention while driving. Always be on alert, especially around the Full Moon party time to avoid drivers under the influence, and always wear a helmet— it will save your life.
If you are 2 to 1 bike, I would reccomend getting a higher-powered bike rather than a Scoopy. There are some larger hills along Koh Phangan that you may struggle to get up. My boyfriend and I (around 275 pounds together), did struggle slightly up some of the hills for reference.
The motorbike should be around 180 baht per day for longer-term rental outside of the high season. During the high season, motorbikes can start at 200-250 baht per day depending on the bike type. Long-term rentals will give better discounts. I like to rent my motorbike from Pajampo. You will have to leave 3,000 baht plus your passport as a deposit.
You can, of course, opt for renting a car and can find the best options on the island here. I do not reccomend this because it is more expensive and enclosed so you will see less of your surroundings while you ride through the island. If you do rent a car, be sure to watch for street dogs while driving— you could save their life.
Do you have gluten-free or vegan restaurant recommendations?
Of course, here are a few:
Phangan Food Court (The cheapest option)
Night Market, Cafe Vintage (A cuter version of the above & slightly more expensive)
What’s Cup (For epic views)
Ahaara Veda Indian Restaurant (Indian cuisine)
Kia Ora (Although very expensive)
Seeds and Smiles Bakery (Gluten-free bread, pizza crust, & more!)
Sunbowl Cafe & Matcha Bar (The best smoothie bowls)
Friendship Concept - Meatless Grill (For when you are craving a burger, gluten-free bun available)
Terra Market (For snacks, superfoods, and cooking essentials)
Licks (Icecream)
Is it safe?
I have always felt safe in Koh Phangan, but I do not drink or consume any substances. I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There has been a recent uptick in cases of Dengue on the island.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear helmets, which could save your life.
Watch for street dogs while driving!
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 191 | Fire: 199 | Ambulance: 1669
Does Koh Phangan have good beaches?
Yes, I actually prefer Koh Phangan’s beaches over its neighboring islands.
Is Koh Samui or Koh Phangan better?
I prefer Koh Phangan because it feels less crowded, more laid-back, and more authentic than Koh Samui. Koh Samui, on the other hand, is like the Cancun of Mexico—people go there for all-inclusive vacations and a more commercialized experience.
