If you’re on the hunt for the best beaches in Koh Phangan, then look no further. We’ve put together a guide to our 6 best spots on the island!
1. Bottle Beach
Out of all the Koh Phangan Beaches, Bottle Beach is probably the hardest to get to.
However, it is so worth the tricky journey because it truly is a slice of paradise that not all tourists are going to bother with. Making it the perfect destination for a peaceful and chilled beach day.
The powdery white sand and huge boulders that section off the beach definitely make Bottle Beach feel like a secluded little haven.
In addition, the turquoise blue waters at Bottle Beach are great for swimming and snorkelling, if you do fancy getting active.
Bottle Beach was definitely one of the best beaches on Koh Phangan for us.
2. Haad Rin Beach
Haad Rin Beach is where it’s happening on the island.
With chilled beach vibes throughout the day, lively fire shows at night outside the beachfront bars, this is one of the most visited Koh Phangan beaches on the whole island.
Haad Rin Beach in the day time is one of the most stunning Koh Phangan beaches too. Considering this is the spot where all the parties happen, we didn’t expect it to be so beautiful.
There are restaurants and shops located in the town of Haad Rin, just few minutes walk away, if you do need anything whilst you’re at the beach.
You definitely won’t run out of the things to do in the tourist hub of Haad Rin.
3. Leela Beach
Leela Beach is one of the Koh Phangan beaches that we didn’t really expect to love so much.
The ocean was super calm and the soft stretch of sand only had the residents from the beach resorts using it.
It has the perfect atmosphere for those who want to just chill and sunbathe on the beach all day, with maybe the odd dip in the crystal clear water.
Like a lot of the best beaches on Koh Phangan, you have to enter through a resort. We chose to enter at the northern end of Leela Beach through Cocohut Resort because this is the end where the famous swing is.
Also, at this end of the Beach, there is a walk-way that goes out into the bluest parts of the ocean. It’s perfect for those tropical holiday shots.
4. Chaloklum Beach
Chaloklum Beach, situated right on the northern tip of the island, was one of the largest Koh Phangan beaches we visited.
We were greeted by a huge stretch of pristine white sand stretching along a bay which was surprisingly quiet.
Directly behind the beach are plenty of pop-up cafes available for lunch making it easy to spend the whole day relaxing here.
You’ll also see plenty of taxi boats hovering in the ocean waiting to deliver people to and from Bottle Beach.
Chaloklum Beach is definitely up there for us as one of the best beaches on Koh Phangan. With an easy drive through the centre of the island, there’s no excuse not to visit!
5. Haad Salad Beach
Haad Salad Beach is a stunning coastal strip of pure white sand fringed by lush green palm trees.
The ocean is crystal blue and even at peak times it’s not too busy. Moreover, just 150 metres out from the beach is a beautiful coral reef full of colourful tropical fish.
There were quite a lot of families enjoying the beach when we visited. This makes sense when there are resorts backing straight onto the sand and it’s such a child friendly area.
Also, if you’re looking to take some romantic or fun shots, Haad Salad Beach Koh Phangan has its very own oddly shaped palm tree as well as some cool beach swings.
6. Haad Mae Haad & Koh Ma
One of the main attractions and reason many tourists visit Haad Mae Haad Beach, is the ability to walk over to Koh Ma Island at low tide.
We headed down at around midday and the golden trail lead all the way up to the huge green island.
Koh Ma has become a symbolic photo spot on Koh Phangan. It’s a place that’s used on many postcards and tourist adverts around the country.
Surrounded by reefs, Koh Ma is a well known spot for snorkelling. Also, rumour has it you can trek to the peak of the island for a killer viewpoint!
If you fancy some snorkelling at Koh Ma From Koh Samui: Full-Day Koh Phangan Tour includes this in its itinerary, along with some other great attractions.
Haad Mae Haad & Koh Ma is up there as another one of the best beaches on Koh Phangan.
Where To Stay In Koh Phangan
Luxury
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
Located along beautiful Tong Nai Pan Noi Beach, Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas offers spacious villas and suites with free WiFi, private pool and terrace.
It also features a fitness room. With a modern Thai design villas and suites feel very traditional.
Situated in a garden setting, rooms comes with a 32-inch LCD TV with Apple TV, home entertainment system and iPod docking station.
Mid-Budget
Le Divine Comedie Beach Resort
Le Divine Comedie Beach Resort features a unique and stylish design with a private terrace.
This beachfront property boasts an outdoor infinity pool and on-site parking facilities. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
Le Divine Comedie Beach Resort is located 5 miles away from Haad Rin.
Each room has its own character. The rooms include air conditioning, a minibar and a safety deposit box. All en suite bathrooms come with free toiletries and shower facilities.
Budget
Situated in Thongsala, within 900 yards of Thongsala Pier and 650 yards of Thongsala Walking Street, OASIS hostel offers free WiFi.
All rooms feature a kitchen and a shared bathroom. Thong Sala is a 7-minute walk from the property.
All units at the hostel come with a seating area. Guest rooms will provide guests with a microwave.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the property.
For more places to stay in Koh Phangan, you can click here for the latest on Booking.com.