Koh Phangan is one of the most popular islands in South Thailand, along with Phuket, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui. The island is not only known for its Full Moon Party, but also famous for its beaches, waterfalls, jungle trekking, temples, and yoga retreats.
If you are a party animal and want to experience one of the most legendary nightlife spots in Thailand, you’ve definitely got to visit Koh Phangan. If you’re not into partying, like me, don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do on the island.
The island has a backpacker town where you can stay right in the heart of the action, quiet beaches for relaxing and unwinding, and remote spots if you want to completely get away from it all.
When I visited Koh Phangan, I rented a scooter and explored both the popular spots and some hidden corners of the island. I like beaches and jungles, so I do lots of jungle hiking, beach hopping, and visiting major waterfalls.
See more:
- 30 Things to Do in Koh Phangan
- My 3-5 Days In Koh Phangan Itinerary
- How to get to Koh Phangan & Get Around
In this ultimate guide of Where to Stay in Koh Phangan, I will show you the best places to stay on the island. These include the 10 best areas and beaches to stay, along with some recommended hotels in each one. In each section, I’ll explain who each area is best suited for.
Now, let’s dive into my list!
Best Areas to Stay in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is the 5th largest island in Thailand. The island covers an area of about 125 km², measuring roughly 12 km in length and 11 km in width. If you’re not renting a scooter, it’s best to stay in the area you like the most so you can easily walk around and enjoy your time there.
In my opinion, there are 5 main areas to stay in Koh Phangan. These include Thong Sala, Haad Rin, Baan Tai, the beaches on the northwest, the beaches on the north, and the beaches on the northeast.
Thong Sala, located in the middle of the west coast of Koh Phangan, is a good place for those who want to stay close to the pier, and enjoy the local atmosphere, shopping, and dining.
Haad Rin, located at the southern tip of the island, is the best place to go for a party and enjoy the backpacker vibe. Baan Tai, located between Thong Sala and Haad Rin, is a good place with budget-friendly hotels and close proximity to both the main town and the heart of the party scene.
If you want a quieter atmosphere, you can stay somewhere either in the north west, north, and northeast coast. The farther you get from the island’s main pier (Thong Sala), the more isolated and peaceful the area becomes.
The beaches on the northwest coast are places for relaxing holiday with a more laid-back atmosphere, yoga center, and healthy lifestyle. These beaches in this area include Srithanu/ Zen Beach, Haad Yao, Haad Salad, and Mae Haad Beach.
The North coast offers a quieter atmosphere compared to other parts of the island. You can consider staying in either Chaloklum Beach or Bottle Beach. If you’re looking for a truly remote and secluded location, Bottle Beach is the place for you to stay.
To the north east coast, you will find a couple of beautiful beaches with a relaxing atmosphere like Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai. There are beachfront resorts and various tourist amenities located in the village just behind the beach.
I traveled to Koh Phangan as a female solo traveler on a budget. I also planned to rent a scooter, so you can stay anywhere on the island as long as I find something within my budget range.
I booked accommodation spontaneously and wasn’t aware that I was traveling in the peak season. It was late December, during the famous year-end party season. Prices skyrocketed, and only a handful of accommodations were available.
I was lucky to be able to book my stay at Phatra Hostel in Thong Sala. It was a very convenient location for the pier. I will share the details of my stay at Phatra and my story of finding a place to stay on the island in the new year’s eve at the end of this article.
My top hotel picks in Koh Phangan:
- Luxury: Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort(Thong Nai Pan Noi- away from party)
- Mid-range: Amaya Boutique Resort (Srithanu/Zen Beach- quiet area, wellness reatreats and healthy eateries)
- Mid-range: Phangan Bayshore Resort (Haad Rin Beach – for party)
Best Places to Stay in Koh Phangan
1. Thong Sala
Thong Sala is the main town of Koh Phangan and is a convenient location if you want to stay close to the island’s main pier. You can save money on transportation between the pier and your hotel when arriving at and departing from the island.
The town is located between the vibrant beaches in Haad Rin and the quiet beaches on the north west coast. This makes it a great base to explore both north and south regions of Phangan.
As an administrative town of Koh Phangan, Thong Sala is a great place for shopping and eating authentic local food. The town is packed with tourist amenities.
When you first arrive at Thong Sala Pier, you will see a range of motorbike rentals, tour agencies, cafes, 7-Elevens, restaurants, and boat services. Lomprayah Ticket Office is located in Thong Sala, which is convenient for booking the ticket at the last minute as well as changing the ticket.
To the town center, you will see Koh Phangan Foot Court and Pantip Night Market. These are great places to enjoy all kinds of food, from local to international cuisine, as well as meat and vegan dishes.
For more reasonably priced food, you can check out the Saturday Walking Street Market near the pier if you are in the town on Saturday. The market has a wide range of food and souvenirs.
There are also many local family-run restaurants in Thong Sala. It is a good place and cheap to eat authentic local Thai food. I love having my meals at Chicken Rice Shop and Jah Pong’s Duck Rice.
Thong Sala is a good place to go for clothing shopping. The town has a wide range of independent stores that sell colorful and fashionable clothes, bags, t-shirts, and accessories.
Most importantly Thong Sala has a wide range of budget-friendly backpacker hotels and guest houses. The prices here are usually cheaper than the accommodations along popular beach towns. It is best to rent a scooter to explore the island when staying in Koh Phangan.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Thong Sala:
Lime N Soda Beachfront Resort
Lime N Soda is a good 3-star hotel, located just a 10 minutes walk from Thong sala Pier and close to the local beach. It has a well-mainted ground, and a small outdoor swimming pool.
The staff at the hotel can help arrange boat tickets, tours, and transport to the Full Moon Party. You can choose bungalows with garden views or beach views.
The Nidhra Boutique Resort
The Nidhra is an amazing 3-star hotel located in Thong Sala, close to the island’s main pier, the local beach, and a range of tourist amenities. You can easily walk to 7-eleven, laundry shops, and night markets.
They can help with motorbike rental, taxi, and ferry bookings. The hotel has a nice outdoor pool area and modern rooms with comfortable beds.
Phangan Hometown Resort
Hometown Resort is a family-run hotel and adult only hotel in Thong Sala. It is a good base for couples and solo travelers who want a clean and quiet place to stay. The hotel has a nice pool and it is also close to Thong Sala Beach. Big C Market is just a few minutes walk from the hotel.
2. Haad Rin Beach
Haad Rin, located at the southernmost part of the island, has two main beaches including Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) and Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach). When talking about Haad Rin, people often refer to it as Haad Rin Nok, located on the southeastern coast of Phangan.
Haad Rin Beach is the best place to stay in Koh Phangan for Full Moon Party and nightlife. If you are a party goer or backpacker, Haad Rin is an excellent base.
Phangan is home to all kinds of parties, including The Full Moon Party, Half Moon Party, Black Moon Party, or Waterfall Party. The Full Moon Party is the island’s most famous event, held every month during the full moon on Rin Nok Beach.
Haad Rin Nok Beach is an around 1km long beach with white sandy and crystal clear water. The beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, chilling, watching the sunrise, and enjoying the parties. The beachfront is lined with resorts, restaurants, and bars.
From the beach, you can easily walk to the village where you can see a wider range of shops, restaurants, cafes, 7-Eleven, tour agencies, and motorbike rental. The main village is a network of small one-way alleys that is packed with tourist amenities.
From Haad Rin Nok, you can easily take the long tail boat ride to the nearby isolated Haad Yuan Beach. This beach is a great place to chill with just a few resorts on the beachfront. Popular bars like Guy’s Bar and Eden Garden are located in Haad Yuan.
If you like hiking, you can reach Haad Yuan Beach from the hiking trail near Haad Rin Nok. The trail to Haad Yuan Viewpoint and the beach is challenging, with a steep incline and rugged terrain. It will take around 2 hours to hike one way, and on the way back, you can take a long tail boat.
Haad Rin Nok area offers a wide range of hotels for budget travelers including backpacker hostels, bungalows, and guest houses.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Haad Rin Nok:
House of Sanskara
This is a good value for money hotel located on the northern end of Haad Rin Beach. It is located on the quieter side of the beach but still offers an easy walk to the Full Moon party, nightlife, and many bars and restaurants.
The hotel has simple rooms with basic amenities but clean and comfortable. You can choose beachfront bungalows that have a private balcony and stunning sunset views.
Palita Lodge
Palita Lodge is a reasonably priced 3-star beachfront hotel located right on Haad Rin Beach. It has a nice outdoor swimming pool overlooking the beach and has a section for kids.
I recommend this hotel for couples, families, solo travelers, and a group of friends. It is in the quiet end of Haad Rin, and is a 5 minute walk from the party area, bars, fire shows, and restaurants.
Phangan Bayshore Resort Koh Phangan
This is a 4-star mid-range resort on Haad Rin Nok Beach, just 5 minutes walk away to get to the party area, 7-Eleven, and selection of massage parlors and tourist shops. It is a good quiet place on Haad Rin Nok while being close to Half Moon and Full Moon Party.
The resort has an onsite restaurant, gym, outdoor swimming pool, tour desk, and massage services. The rooms are well equipped with a comfortable bed, a private bathroom, and a mini bar.
3. Haad Rin Nai Beach
Haad Rin Nai is one of the two main beaches of Haad Rin Village, along with Haad Rin Nok. Haad Rin Nai is located on the south western coast of Phangan, while Haad Rin Nok is on the south eastern coast.
Haad Rin Nai is located just a 5-minute drive from Haad Rin Nok, accessible via narrow village streets with some hilly sections. It is not the location of the Full Moon Party, so it is quieter than the main beach in the area.
The beach has white sand crystal clear calm water with palm trees, restaurants, bars, resorts on the shore. I accessed the beach through Cocohut Beach Resort. It is a good place for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.
Haad Rin Nai is within a short distance to the center of the village for all other amenities like restaurants, bars, shops, and convenient stores.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Haad Rin Nai:
Cocohut Beach Resort
This is a popular 4-star beachfront resort in Haad Rin Nai, featuring spacious rooms, outdoor swimming pool, and a lovely beach bar/ restaurant.
The Cabin Beach Resort
This is a 4-star resort located on the secluded LeeLa/ CoCo Beach. The hotel offers complimentary pickup from Haad Rin Pier and shuttle service to the main street. It is also a short drive from Haad Rin Beach where the Full Moon Party takes place.
If you drive, renting a motorbike is a great way to get around and enjoy more flexibility. This is a great base for those who want a quiet stay but still very close to the heart of the nightlife.
Sarikantang Resort & Spa
This 3-star resort is located in a quiet area, away from the hustle and bustle of the main town, but still easy to reach within a short drive. It has multiple pools, massage services, and a private beach area.
Just a note that the area’s mostly on a hill, which gives it a nice vibe, but it can be a bit tough if you have mobility issues.
4. Baan Tai & Baan Khai Beach
Baan Tai and Baan Khai are two neighboring beaches located on the southwest coast of Koh Pha Ngan, facing Koh Samui. It is conveniently set between the island’s main towns – Thong Sala and Haad Rin.
Baan Tai is closer to Thong Sala and is more popular. This is a good base to stay close to both the pier and the party in Haad Rin. Baan Tai offers a good selection of great value for money hotels. It also has a quieter atmosphere than in Haad Rin.
There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, motorbike rentals, shops and convenience stores on the main road, running parallel to Baan Tai Beach. There are also many tourist amenities in the main village which is around the Baan Tai Pier.
The Night Market, Cafe ‘Vintage is worth checking out. You can find bars and restaurants serving both Thai and international dishes here.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Baan Tai & Baan Khai:
Phangan Beach Resort
This 3-star resort is located on the white sandy and well maintained Baan Tai Beach. It is a popular hotel for couples and solo travelers. You’ll be within walking distance of the main road, with a mini mart and lots of restaurants. It has a lovely onsite bar with hammocks, and a pool table.
Tiki Beach Koh Phangan
This 3-star budget-friendly seafront hotel is located right on Baan Tai Beach. It has bungalows with balconies and views of the sea. The hotel can help to arrange a taxi to the Full Moon party at a reasonable price. It has a nice pool and beach area with a beach bar and sunbeds for its guests.
Samutra Residences
Samutra is a nice property located just a few steps from Baan Tai Beach. It has a lovely outdoor swimming pool, and a private beach area with lots of sunbeds to use. The hotel doesn’t have an onsite bar and restaurant but you can find restaurants and 7-eleven nearby.
5. Hin Kong Beach
Hin Kong Beach is a quiet beach area located just north of Thong Sala Pier. It is a good area for beaches and for being close to the island’s main pier. You won’t have to travel far to get to and from the pier, and you’ll still be close to plenty of beaches.
Hin Kong Road runs right alongside the beach, just a few steps away from the sand. The road and the beach shore are lined with several resorts, hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.
The beach is a great place to watch the sunset, and swimmable at high tide. At low tide, you can walk along the large sand bank and have good views of Koh Phangan coastline.
Hin Kong might not have the best beaches on the island, but if you are looking for a quiet beach area close to Koh Phangan’s main pier, Hin Kong is a good choice.
Additionally, it is just a short drive from the more beautiful Srithanu Beach and Zen Beach on the north of Hin Kong. Local attractions nearby include Wat Phu Khao Noi and Amstardam Bar.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Hinkong Beach:
Castaway Beach Bungalows
Castaway is a beachfront resort located on the tranquil Hinkong Beach. The hotel has a beautiful bungalow on the beach and is surrounded by palm trees. It is a good place to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and sunset views.
Alcove Bungalow
This is a beautiful accommodation located just across the road from Hinkong Bay. It offers a quiet stay within just a 10 minutes drive from the island’s main pier and main town. The hotel has a kayak to rent as well as a tour desk where you can book transport and tour with them.
The bungalow has a large phe porch which has chairs, hammock, and benches where you can chill. It is close to everything like 7 Eleven, bars, restaurants, scooter rental,and money exchange.
Nitchanan Villa
This is a good accommodation near Hin Kong Bay. The hotel has scooter rental services, laundry services, a nice pool, and well maintained ground. The room is clean and is well equipped with a kitchen, and a fridge. Several restaurants, cafés, and shops are within walking distance from the hotel.
6. Srithanu & Zen Beach
Srithanu and Zen Beach are two gorgeous beaches located right next to each other. It is on the northwest coast of Phangan, north of Hin Kong Beach and is around 15 minutes drive from Thong Sala Pier.
Srithanu and Zen Beach are popular areas for long‑stay travelers deeply tied to the spiritual ethos of Phangan. You can find many yoga studios, vegetarian cafés, wellness retreats, on the main road and the areas surrounding the beach.
Orion Healing Centre is a renowned wellness retreat located in Srithanu Bay. It is a great place for retreat with yoga, Reiki, Thai massages, meditation, and healthy plant-based food.
These beaches are known for its soft sand, calm waters, and wellness‑oriented vibe. They are quiet during the day but become livelier in the late afternoon, when people gather to watch the sunset. This time is a popular time for meditation, drum circles, fire performances, ambient music, and sunset yoga.
The far north stretch of Zen beach is informally called the nude beach. If you wander around, don’t be surprised if you see some nudity.
If you are looking for somewhere quiet, away from the noisy party scene of Haad Rin, but close to the main pier and a range of tourist amenities, Srithanu & Zen Beach are excellent choices.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Srithanu & Zen Beach:
Amaya Boutique Resort
This 4-star hotel is a wonderful little place to stay in Srithanu. It has beautiful rooms with either garden views or the pool views. The pool is nice with lots of sunbeds.
The location is also excellent within walking distance to the beach and a range of restaurants, bars, yoga and massage places. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the tropical surroundings, this beautiful boutique hotel is a good choice.
Bamboo Bay Eco Resort
Bamboo Bay is a beautiful beachfront resort with a jungle-like atmosphere. It is located in SriThanu on the West Coast of Koh Phangan. Ideal for couples, solo travelers, and natural lovers. There are many restaurants, supermarkets, and yoga studios nearby. Orion yoga healing center is right next to the hotel.
Seetanu Bungalows
Seetanu is located right on the beach of Haad Chao Phao Beach. It is close to Zen Beach, as well as a range of cafes, shops, restaurants, and yoga places. Ideal for both families, couples, and solo travelers who want a peaceful getaway.
7. Haad Yao Beach
Haad Yao is a quiet beach area located on the northwest coast of Koh Phangan, north of Zen Beach and south of Haad Salad Beach. It is 25 minutes drive from the island’s main pier, Thong Sala.
It is a 900m long beach with white sand, clean water, and palm trees. The beach is lined with resorts, restaurants, and bars. It is a good beach for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the peaceful sunset.
There are tables, chairs, bean bags, and umbrellas set up on the sand around sunset time. Lots of people gather on the beach watching the sun go down but it is still quieter than in Zen and Srithanu Beach.
The road behind the beach is lined with tourist amenities such as restaurants, beach accessories, souvenir shops, convenient stores, ATMs, and massage shops.
If you are looking for somewhere quiet with a small town atmosphere, and enough tourist amenities, Haad Yao Beach is a good choice.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Haad Yao Beach:
TropiCoco Beach Resort Koh Phangan
This 3-star resort is located in the middle section of Haad Yao Beach. It is within easy walking distance to a range of tourist amenities like restaurants and a 7/11.
It has a small swimming pool with a nice deck, and direct access to the beach with lots of umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach for their guests. The hotel has snorkeling rental and bike rental services.
Euphoria Bungalow
This is a beautiful 2 star family-run beachfront accommodation on Haad Yao. It is set in a quiet area of the beach, offering clean and spacious bungalows.
You can easily walk to many restaurants, cafes, laundry shops, bike rentals, convenience stores, dive shops. You can walk for 15 minutes to reach Secret beach/
High Life Bungalow
This is a Balinese and Thai-style place to stay in Haad Yao, located in the middle of the jungle, near the Haad Yao and Secret Beach. It has a tranquil atmosphere.
The resort has an outdoor swimming pool with views over the white sandy beach. The downside of this hotel is that it has lots of steps, so you need a good level of fitness and it is not suitable for those with mobility problems.
8. Haad Salad Beach
Haad Salad is sister beach of Haad Yao, located on the north of Haad Yao and south of Mae Haad Beach. This beach is smaller and has a quieter atmosphere than Haad Yao Beach.
There are several resorts on the beachfront and inside the village. You can find usual tourist amenities on the main road running through the village such as restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs, and a dive shop.
This is a good base to explore the northern beaches and attractions of Pha Ngan. You can easily reach Mae Haad Beach, Koh Ma island, Wang Sai, Chaloklum village, and Chinese Temple.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Haad Salad Beach:
Cookies Salad Resort
This is a popular 3-star resort located on Salad Beach, which is one of the best beaches on the island. It is located on the hillside overlooking the beach.
This is an ideal base for families and couples who want a peaceful holiday with direct access to the beach. You can find a few restaurants and bars nearby as well as a small convenience store on the beach. Nothing much in the area, so ideal for just chill at the hotel or renting a scooter to explore the island.
Green Papaya Beach Resort
Green Papaya is a 3-star resort located on Haad Salad Beach of Koh Phangan. It has a beautiful pool and beach area lined with shade trees. There are many restaurants nearby. I think this resort is ideal for families and couples who want a quiet stay.
9. Mae Haad Beach
Mae Haad Beach is a quiet and beautiful beach area located on the northwest coast of the island. It is around 25 minutes drive from Thong Sala Pier. If you are looking for a peaceful holiday away from the nightlife, Mae Haad is a good choice.
The beach has white sand, calm clean water and is a great place for swimming, sunbathing and watching the sun go down. The highlight of the beach is the long sand bank that connects it to the nearby Koh Ma island.
There are beach bars, massage parlors, resorts, umbrellas and beach chairs on the beach. You can also find a range of tourist amenities inside the village behind the beach.
There are some nice clubs on the high hill overlooking the beach, like 420 Club Phangan. This club is a very popular place at sunset. If you want a good spot, you should come early or reserve it in advance.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Mae Haad Beach:
Maehaad Bay Resort
This is a popular 4-star resort located on the white sandy Mae Haad Beach. They have two big pools with nice garden surroundings. There is also an onsite restaurant, and comfortable guest rooms. Koh Ma is only a 5 minute walk away and is great for snorkeling.
Wang Sai Resort
This is a good 3-star beachfront resort located in Mae Haad Beach close to Wangsai Water Fall. The beach has a nice outdoor pool area with sun loungers and bed chairs. You can easily walk to the beach. You can choose a room with ocean views and a balcony with table and chairs where you can chill.
Koh Ma Beach Resort
This is a great 3-star beachfront resort on Mae Haad Beach. It is a family-friendly accommodation with comfortable and big beds. Like many other resorts in this area, this resort has an onsite bar/ restaurants, outdoor pool, and garden.
10. Thong Nai Pan Noi
Thong Nai Pan Noi is 700m long beach on the north east coast of Koh Phangan, north of Thong Nai Pan Yai. It is a 30 minutes drive from Thong Sala Pier and around 40 minutes ride to the Full Moon Party.
The beach has a quiet and remote atmosphere. It is lined with several high-end resorts. There are beach bars/ restaurants on the beach with tables and chairs on the sand.
The village located behind Thong Nai Pan Noi is also packed with amenities such as restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, travel agencies, massage shops, a 7-11 store, and ATMs.
Thong Nai Pan Noi is a convenient location to explore Bottle beach Viewpoint, Bottle Beach, and the waterfalls at the Namtok Than Sadet National Park.
If you want a tranquil beach location away from popular beaches on the west, and easy distance to a range of amenities, Thong Nai Pan Noi is a good base on Phangan.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach:
Buri Rasa Village Phangan
This is one of the best places to stay in Thong Nai Pan Noi of Koh Phangan. It is a 4-star hotel located in the central area of the beautiful beach. The hotel has an outdoor pool and direct access to the beach with sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach. There are also free kayak and SUP boards for guests to use.
The hotel has a good onsite restaurant, but you can also easily walk to a range of cheaper restaurants in main street in the village.
Panviman Resort
This is a 5-star beautiful resort for families and couples/ honeymooners. It is located on the southern end of Thong Nai Pan Noi Bay and is surrounded by nature. It has a large infinity swimming pool overlooking the ocean. The onsite beach bar and restaurant are also lovely.
It is set on a hillside, so you’ll have stunning views of the sea. There is a golf cart shuttle service to get around the resort. They also have scheduled shuttle service to go to the pier 3 times a day.
Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort and Spa
Santhiya is a 5-star beachfront resort in Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach. It is surrounded by the jungle and within walking distance to the beach. Their facilities are excellent with an infinity pool, an onsite restaurant and bar. Santhiya is in an isolated location and is a good place to chill.
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
Anantara is a stunning luxury 5-star resort located on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach. They have well-mainted common area and a beautiful private beach. It is a good place to stay in the secluded beach location for relax and unwind.
See more: Stay in Thong Nai Pan Noi or Yai?
11. Thong Nai Pan Yai
Thong Nai Pan Yai is the bigger sister of Thong Nai Pan Noi. It is located on the north east coast of Koh Phangan, south of Thong Nai Pan Noi and is around 30 minutes drive from the island’s main pier.
Thong Nai Pan Yai is a 1km long beach with white sand and clean water. The beach is lined with several beachfront resorts. These resorts have beautiful onsite beach bars/ restaurants and massage parlors on the beach.
There are also a range of tourist amenities like restaurants, minimarts, scooter rentals, and a 7-Eleven inside the village behind Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach. This area has fewer facilities than its little sister, Thong Nai Pan Noi.
Like Thong Nai Pan Noi, Thong Nai Pan Yai is a good location to explore the north coast like Bottle beach and explore beautiful waterfalls at the Namtok Than Sadet National Park.
If you want a remote and secluded beach atmosphere and don’t mind being further away from the Full Moon party, Thong Nai Pan Yai is an excellent base. It is even quieter than its sister, Thong Nai Pan Noi.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach:
PingChan Koh Phangan Beachfront Resort
This is a beautiful 3-star beachfront hotel in the middle of Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach, the quiet corner of Phangan. It has spacious villas with outdoor swimming pools with lots of sunbeds for the guests.
They have an onsite restaurant where you can walk to several restaurants on the beach and on the main road inside the village for the meal.
The Great Escape Chalets
This is a 3-star hotel located literally right on the beach. It is a good place to stay for a peaceful holiday to relax, and unwind. You can walk to several beachfront restaurants and tourist amenities on the main road.
You can choose to stay in a bungalow with a private swimming pool. Rooms are spacious and clean with a bathroom, a fridge, a minibar, and mosquito repellent.
Thong Nai Pan Beach Residence
This 3-star resort is located right on the quiet Thong Nai Pan Yai beach and is just a few minutes walking to the central area of the village for restaurants and 7-11. It is a good mid-range option for a quiet beach vacation. The downside is that you need to rent a scooter, or pay a fair amount of taxi to get to Haad Rin for the Full Moon party.
12. Chaloklum Beach
Chaloklum Beach is a long and quiet beach on the northern coast of Phangan. It is a 20 minute drive from the island’s main pier, Thong Sala Pier.
Like many other beaches on the north west and north east of the island, this is one of the best places to stay in Koh Phangan for a quiet beach holiday.
The Beach has a tranquil atmosphere with a km long stretch of fine sand, clean water, and lots of shade from the shore. There are beach resorts, bars and restaurants along the beach.
You will find a range of restaurants, shops, 7-11, and lotus convenient stores on the main road and the road running parallel with the beach.
There is a local temple inside the village called Chaloklum Temple. You can have a look while in town. The nearby Kuan Yin Temple (Chinese Temple) is also worth visiting, located just 5 minutes drive from Chaloklum.
From Chaloklum, you can drive for a few minutes to get to the more remote Haad Khom Beach (good spot for snorkeling). This beach is also reachable by a short long tail boat ride from Chaloklum Beach. If you like hiking, you can walk for around 30 minutes.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan in Chaloklum Beach:
Baan Bhuwann Holiday Apartment
Baan Bhuwann is a good value for money accommodation located close to Chaloklum Bay Beach, 7-eleven, restaurants, and a diving school. Good base for couples.
Silan Residence
Silan Residence is a beautiful accommodation located just a few steps from Chaloklum Bay Beach. Ideal for families and couples who want to stay in a quiet and relaxing place. There are a couple of supermarkets, and several restaurants nearby.
13. Bottle Beach
If you want to stay in a very remote location and in the middle of nowhere, Bottle Beach is an excellent choice for you. While most beaches on Phangan have nearby villages with full amenities for tourists, Bottle Beach is home to just a couple of resorts.
You’ll need a 4-wheel drive to reach Bottle Beach, as the last 1km long road to the beach is rough. For easier access, you can take a long tail boat from nearby Haad Khom.
You can have stunning views of the beach at the Bottle Beach viewpoint. There are a couple of trails to reach the viewpoint from the beach and from the Bottle Beach Scooter Parking.
Most visitors come to the island to go for a hike to check this viewpoint as it is one of the best things to do in Phangan.
There is a beach bar/ restaurant that belongs to the resorts, Bottle Beach 2 Bungalows and Smile Bungalow Bottle Beach.
Where did I stay in Koh Phangan – My personal experience
I traveled to Koh Phang in late December, and Phatra Hostel was the only option available when I booked at the last minute. I extended a few more nights with the owners when I arrived.
However, I couldn’t book anything for December 30th. Prices skyrocketed, and there were almost no accommodations available on any online booking websites.
I reached out to a few hosts on Couchsurfing, but didn’t receive any replies. I was also keeping an eye on accommodations in Koh Samui, and when a hostel became available, I quickly booked it. I then caught the late-night ferry to Samui on New Year’s Eve.
I wasn’t interested in the party scene, so leaving the biggest party in Koh Phangan wasn’t an issue for me. Koh Samui also has a great New Year’s Eve vibe, and most importantly, I found a safe place to sleep.
So, my recommendation is to book your hotels in advance for the best deals and the widest selection. Don’t leave it to the last minute like I did, you might end up with nothing available.
Phatra Hostel
Location
The hotel is located in a good location in a quiet area in Thong Sala. It is just a 10 minute walk from Thong Sala Pier, the main pier of the island. When I arrived at the pier by speedboat from Koh Tao, I just walked to the hostel.
It is also within walking distance to many restaurants, bars, cafes, clothing shops, massage shops, and laundry shops. I can walk to the most popular points of interest in town like Koh Phangan food court, Pantip Market, Lomprayah Ticket Office, and Saturday Walking Street Market.
Amenities
They have both private rooms and shared dorm rooms. I booked at the last minute, so only the mixed dorm room was available. It was around 14 bunk beds with a couple of bathrooms and a toilet inside the room.
I forgot to take the photos of the hostel, but you can see dozens of photos from the booking site. In my dorm room, the lower bed has a thick curtain around it and the upper bed doesn’t have a curtain. The lower bed is better because it offers a little bit more privacy with a curtain.
I was on the upper bunk bed the first night, but it wasn’t comfortable because the room light shone directly on me. The next night, when people checked out, I swapped the bed myself and moved to the lower bed. The lady owner told me to do it when I checked in.
Overall, it was a good and safe place for a budget solo female traveler like me, especially since I booked at the last minute and nothing else was available. I rate the location 10/10 and the amenities of my rooms 7/10. You can consider booking their private room for a better experience.
See more:
- Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao
- Stay in Koh Tao or Koh Phangan
- Stay in Koh Samui or Koh Phangan?
- Where to Stay in Thailand
I hope you enjoy reading my guide on Where to Stay in Koh Phangan. If you want to stay in the heart of the action, you should stay in Haad Rin, which is the island’s most popular place for nightlife and full moon parties.
If you want a quiet stay away from nightlife, I recommend staying on the north part of the island. If you are into well-being, you can consider staying in the north west area as there are many yoga retreats and mediation centers in places like Srithanu & Zen Beach.
The island has something for everyone, so if you book in advance, you’re sure to find a place that suits your style.