Koh Phangan whole coastline is mostly made of beaches. Long streches of beaches can be found as well as small secluded coves, all of white sand.

If Koh Samui mostly has very long stretches of white sand beaches, like in Chaweng or Lamai, Koh Phangan, on the contrary, has numerous small beaches and coves (over twenty...), and that gives actually more options to the beach lovers.
Any of Phangan beaches is different from another and has its own cachet. Most of the travellers like to spend a few time on a beach and then change for another, to taste their distinctive charms.

We've often heard that Koh Phangan beaches were some of the most beautiful of Thailand, and we don't even doubt you'll share this opinion, after your visit. Nice beaches, amazing beaches, stunning beaches ? you name them !

Haad Rin, located in the South West of the island, this is Koh Phangan’s most famous beach thanks to the Full Moon Party. In fact there're two beaches in Haad Rin, one on either side of the coastline.
On the West coast, Haad Rin Noi beneficiates from one of the most enchanting sunset views, long stretches of white sand with the odd mangrove here and there on the coastline. When the tide is in, there isn’t much of a beach left, and at low tide season (April to September) swimming on the side of the reef is not always possible. Moreover, with the proximity of Haad Rin Pier, the water there isn’t always so clean.
On the East coast, Had Rin Nok is one of the most beautiful and idyllic beaches on Koh Phangan. It stretches over one kilometre and was one of the first spots on the island to be visited by travellers in the early 80's. The Full Moon Party takes place there so there’re many nightclubs, restaurants and bungalows to welcome you. Whatever the tide, it's always a good place to go for a swim and during the day the beach is crammed with sun-worshippers. At night the place transforms into a busy spot with people eating, drinking and dancing on the beach.

Haad Leela aka Haad Sarikantang, is located on the Western tip of the peninsula, just after Haad Rin Nai. It’s a long white sand beach with mangrove trees dotted along the coastline. This spot hosts some old and some new resorts settled back in the palms. Its secluded location enables you to get away from crowded Haad Rin, whilst only about 15 minutes walk from the town centre. The beach is rocky and the coral reef that stretches along the Southern coast starts here. In low tide season, swimming is not possible as the sea can get very rough when the winds start blowing.

Ban Tai is about half way through the stretch of white sandy beaches that runs from Ban Kai all the way to Thong Sala. There are some spectacular sunset views to be caught. Originally, Ban Tai is a fisherman’s village, so it's easy to rent a boat there to go fishing or for a trip around the island. Past the coral reef can be a good place to snorkel, but as in Ban Kai at low tidal season swimming is not possible as the water withdraws too far out.

Bang Charu is the last beach of the unbroken stretch between Ban Kai and Thong Sala. Its proximity to the town and its open sandy beach has made it a rather popular destination. It is a peaceful beach with sunset views over Koh Samui. It's also a good place for snorkelling if you go past the coral reef. But as in Ban Tai and Ban Kai, at low tidal season, swimming is not possible.

Nai wok Bay and Plaay Laem Bay are two long beaches North of Thong Sala at the bottom of the East coast. There are many resorts settled there and swimming is possible almost all year round. There are also several bars settled on the hill that give nightlife a chance.
Kayaks and Catamarans are also available for rent to discover the coasts of Koh Phangan from a different angle.

Woktum Bay is between Nai Wok and Hin Kong and only hosts a few bungalows as it is only possible to swim there in some places at high tide season (September to April). However, when the waters do rise swimming does become possible. Anyway it's a very quiet place and quite a nice rocky beach...

Hin Kong is a 2 kilometres long undeveloped beach, with only a few bungalows renting mostly to long term travellers and heaps of houses for rent. The beach is not so nice for swimming but it is definitely a great place to catch an impressive sunset on your own. If you look for a remote and peaceful area to spend some time you will enjoy renting a house or a bungalow on this bay.

Going Northwards on the coast, Sri Thanu is located just after Ban Hin Kong, upnorth. The Beach is very nice and popular as you can swim there all year round. There are many bungalows to choose from and in this fisherman’s village you’ll find internet facilities, snooker halls, cheap restaurants with satellite TV, Thai noodle stalls, Thai karaoke bars and some fruits and vegetable market stalls.

Haad Chao Phao next to the Laem Son Lake, is considered to be one of the best snorkelling places in Koh Phangan and one can swim there all year round. The white sand, the beautiful deep blue sea, the overwhelming sunset views and the softly curved bay make this place seem like paradise on earth. And the Yoga schools also, felt this special energy as most of them have their center around here. And for the nightlife, the Pirate Bar will be pleased to entertain you, they also organize parties from time to time around the full moon.

Haad Yao (West) and Haad Salad are two bays offering accommodation for every budget. In the past two years, brand new “Samui-style” resorts have mushroomed all over this part of the coast, with swimming pools, air-con and 3 star facilities... These beaches count many restaurants and bars and even a disco and Haad Salad is where the Reggae Bar from Mr Lek is located, good tunes, nice vibes and good view ! Both places are very busy during the high season. Located just under Koh Ma, it is also considered to be one of the best places on Koh Phangan for snorkelling and there’s no water shortage for those after a good swim.

Haad Mae Had is a beautiful and secluded beach opposite Koh Ma, a tiny island that you can reach on foot at low tide by the stretch of sand that links it to Koh Phangan. At high tide season, there’s always plenty of water to swim in and the place is well-known among you diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. A very quiet and pleasant place with many bungalows to choose from.

Chaloklum is still to this day a fishing village and the fishing trade dominates the central part of the beach. One can admire the beautifully colourful boats and observe the fishermen whilst sipping a fresh beer. The beach stretches over 2.5 km and the sea is perfect for swimming or for body surfing when the tide is high. All types of accommodation and restaurants can be sampled here.

Haad Khuad aka Bottle Beach, can only be accessed by taxi boat from Chaloklum and used to be one of the most famous spots in Koh Phangan, due to its isolated location and its heavenly beach. However, if the weather gets rough, you may get stuck for a few days whilst waiting for the sun to come back... This beach is said to be one of the most beautiful on the island due to its wide golden stretch of sand, its lush natural cove and the high mountains that surround it (despite the new buildings that makes it look like a "tourist complex" more than the ideal of a secluded beach it used to be years ago). On this site, one may encounter one week holiday makers as well as long term travellers who stay anything up to several months.

Thong Nai Pan is divided in two coves that form a scenic double bay. These are the most popular beaches on the East coast. Take care if you want to go there by car or motorbike as the road is difficult and can be dangerous if you are not a very good driver.
Thong Nai Pan Noi is considered the best of the two, as the water is deeper there than anywhere else on the island. Swimming, snorkelling and even body surfing is possible all year round. Many bungalows have been built these last years, providing a wide range of accommodation to choose from, but definetly changing the face of the beach... For your shopping and leisure, there's a small village with some friendly bars and restaurants to hang around in the evening.
Thong Nai Pan Yai is bigger and therefore looks much less busy than its sister, even though there are many bungalows and restaurants implanted there and even some of the most expensive of Koh Phangan. There's no village but the jungle is close by, which makes an excellent trip to go and discover the wild side of Koh Phangan.

Than Sadet owes its reputation to King Churalongkorn, the Great Rama V, who came here many times to bathe in the pool at the base of the waterfalls. King Prajadhipok, the Great Rama VII, and the current King Bumipol Aduldej, the Great Rama IX, have also come to visit the place. Than Sadet has recently been declared a National Park due to its great historical importance and abundant wildlife. Than Sadet has a small white sandy beach where one can swim all year round.

Haad Yao (East) is tucked behind the rocky headland that is Laem Nokrong. It forms a beautiful white sandy cove and hosts only a couple of small and friendly resorts.
Two kilometres South of Haad Yao (East) and five kilometres North of Haad Rin, Haad Thian is one of four small white sandy beaches that follow each other on this stretch of coast. The other three, Haad Wai Nam, Haad Yuan and Haad Nam Tok, lie about half a kilometre apart from each other. Swimming is possible all year round.
For many a year, long term travellers have been coming here to settle for a few weeks or more.
Even though you can reach the place from Haad Rin via the mountainous path, it is much faster and easier to take a taxi boat. Otherwise, the path is about eight kilometres long and you'll have to be a good trekker as it is pretty arduous. Plan your return carefully if you have a plane to catch because the taxi boats may not be able to take you back if the weather gets too rough. The same goes for returns from Haad Khuad.