where is the best area to stay in koh phangan?

Where is the best area to stay in Koh Phangan?

By Monica Gray. January 18, 2024

If you’re looking to escape to beach paradise, look no further than Koh Phangan. This is an island in the south of Thailand known for its waterfalls, pristine beaches, lush jungle, and parties. It’s an island with a bed of rose quartz underneath its surface, which is a stone known for self-love.

With so many parts of the island to choose from, it might feel difficult to pick just one area. The good news is that each part of the island offers something different, so depending on where you stay, you’ll have a different experience in each area. For all-night parties, water sports, and beach bars, the best places to stay are Baan Tai, Haad Rin, and Thong Sala.

The coral reefs on the northwest of the island in Sri Thanu, Haad Salad, and Haad Yao provide incredible pristine beaches and beachside restaurants. The long stretches of white sand beach in the north in Chaluklum provide local restaurants and opportunities for hiking. The seclusion of Thong Nai Pan Noi makes it a perfect place to stay for those who want more seclusion and nature.If you are interested in where to stay in Koh Phangan, you may also be interested in where to stay in Koh Samui, where to stay in Koh Tao and where to stay in Koh Phi Phi.

Best places to stay in Koh Phangan

Haad Rin

Backpackers / Nightlife

For the best parties and nightlife on the island, stay in Haad Rin. If you’re a backpacker looking for an affordable place to stay on the island near all the parties, then Haad Rin is the best area. The beach is lined with bars blasting music until the early hours of the morning. Because of the proximity to the ocean, you can spend your day swimming in the cerulean blue water, and your night dancing to house music, hip hop, R&B, or trance at one of the many beach bars.

For an all-night party that lasts past sunrise, you can take a small boat leaving from Haad Rin and head to the east side of the island to a bar called Eden and Why Nam. These are secluded beach clubs full of backpackers, techno music, and the chance to watch the sunrise without having to leave the club.

Accommodation in Haad Rin

Baan Tai

Beaches / Water Activities / Restaurants

For the biggest selection of the best restaurants and water activities on the island, stay in Baan Tai. Whether you’re a backpacker or a more luxurious traveler, Baan Tai is the best place to stay on Koh Phangan because of its abundance of restaurants. You’ll get fancy French and Italian restaurants, in addition to more local and affordable restaurants serving delicious Thai food. It’s easy to get to Haad Rin from Baan Thai, making it an attractive choice for those who want to be near the party but don’t want to be right in the middle of the action.

If you’re looking to kite surf, many kite surfing schools operate from Baan Tai. There are numerous beach bars lining the entire southern coast of Koh Phangan, in addition to hair salons, tattoo shops, and hospitals, so you’ll have an eclectic mix of leisurely beach stays and parties.

Accommodation in Baan Tai

Thong Sala

Restaurants / Shops / Budget Travelers

For a bustling food market and an affordable location for travelers on a budget, stay in Thong Sala. This is where you’ll find the Thong Sala Market, which has an array of different restaurants and shops to choose from. There’s also the weekly street market and some of the cheapest, most delicious local food. The guesthouses in Thong Sala are cheap and affordable, making it a great starting point for exploring the rest of the island on a budget.

Thong Sala is also where the pier is located, which means you have easy access to the island’s ferry without having to worry about grabbing a taxi to get to your accommodation. You’ll be spoiled with food choices in Thong Sala, and while it doesn’t necessarily have beach access like some of the other spots on the island, it has plenty of food options which is great if you’re a foodie.

Accommodation in Thong Sala

Haad Yao

Beaches / Coral Reefs

For a more relaxed vacation with some of the most beautiful beaches and coral reefs on the island, stay in Haad Yao. This is where you’ll find plenty of beach bars nestled into the jungle, cheap coconuts, and delicious drinks. If you’re looking for a relaxed party vibe, this is a great beach to boogie on during sunset, as some of the bars pump chill house music. There’s an eclectic mix of resorts and bungalows in Haad Yao, making it ideal for both luxury and budget travelers.

There’s something for everyone. Several cafes are near Haad Yao, serving delicious coffee with gorgeous views of the ocean. Whether you want Western food or local Thai food, this beach has it all, and it’s all within proximity of your accommodation. Haad Yao also offers great access to Wangsai Waterfall and many of the beaches in the area, including Secret Beach and Zen Beach, though it’s quite a far drive from Haad Rin.

Accommodation in Haad Yao

Hin Kong

Restaurants /  Budget Travelers

For one of the quieter areas and best views of sunset of Koh Phangan, stay in Hin Kong. This part of the island is a long stretch of white sand beach, away from the hustle and bustle of Haad Rin and Baan Tai, and the traffic that oftentimes comes with Sri Thanu and Haad Yao. But this area of Koh Phangan is very special, as it’s home to some of the best sunset views of the island.

The only downside of Hin Kong is that the beaches aren’t the best for swimming, as it’s very shallow for a long time before it starts getting deeper. It’s a good place for a shallow dip, and if you’re not one to swim often, then this might be the area for you. Several popular restaurants line the beach of Hin Kong, so staying here will give you easy access to restaurants like Indigo, Romanzo Tropical, and Alcove.

Accommodation in Hin Kong

Sri Thanu

Beaches / Yoga / Cafes

For the best cafes, yoga studios, and saunas on the island, stay in Sri Thanu. Even though this part of the island can get busy with traffic, it’s an ideal location for restaurants and cafes serving vegan dishes, coffee, and fresh local food. If you’re a digital nomad, then Sri Thanu might be the best choice since the cafes have incredible, fast Wi-Fi and delicious iced coffee to sip on during the hottest times of the day.

Happy Beach is a great place to wind down and go for a swim, and staying in Sri Thanu grants easy access to that beach, in addition to Zen Beach. In a way, Sri Thanu is the hub of the northern part of the island, and you can easily access many parts of the island from Sri Thanu. You’ll also find an abundance of yoga classes, saunas, paddle boarding, and kayaking departing from the beaches of Sri Thanu.

Accommodation in Sri Thanu

Haad Salad Beach

Beaches / Budget Accommodation for Backpackers

For a more relaxed, local experience, stay in Haad Salad. Compared to many other parts of Koh Phangan, Haad Salad is one of the more relaxed beaches in the north. If you’re a backpacker looking for a more secluded, relaxed place to stay on Koh Phangan, then Haad Salad is a great choice. There’s luxury accommodation that’s affordable and offers incredible views of Haad Salad Beach.

There are quite a few local restaurants and resorts on this beach, making this area a tiny haven that’s away from the hustle and bustle of Sri Thanu and Haad Yao, but close enough that driving there doesn’t feel very long. If you’re looking to party, this is not the best area to stay in. But what it lacks in parties it makes up for in views and swimming opportunities. Sipping a cocktail on the beach is a great alternative, anyway.

Accommodation in Haad Salad Beach

Chaloklum

Beaches / Nature / Restaurants

To stay in a local fishing village and be near waterfalls and hiking trails, stay in Chaloklum. To get the true local experience of Koh Phangan, the north part of the island, Chaloklum is the best place. This is where you’ll have long stretches of white sand beaches, open-air restaurants and bars facing the sea, and access to hiking trails. It’s also in proximity to the east part of the island, and an easy drive on the main road will take you east.

You’ll have access to Bottle Beach hiking trails or boats that depart to Bottle Beach, a secluded beach on the northern tip of Koh Phangan. This is where the jungle meets the sea, and staying here offers a unique opportunity to stay in a part of the island many travelers miss out on. Many bungalows are perfect for backpackers on a budget, located right next to the beach. You’ll also be in proximity to the Buddhist Temple and Paradise Waterfall.

Accommodation in Chaloklum

Thong Nai Pan Noi

Beaches / Budget Backpacker Accommodation / Luxury Hotels

For the most secluded part of Koh Phangan, head to the east part, called Thong Nai Pan Noi. Staying on the very east part of the island will make you feel like you’re on a completely different island. This is where you’ll find some of the most secluded jungle treks and parts of the island, not many people visit. You’ll have high-end resorts mixed with local restaurants, fresh seafood, and the chance to swim in the open ocean as opposed to a sea with a coral reef break.

These beaches have some of the best wave breaks on the island, and it is a much quieter area than any other place on Koh Phangan. Its seclusion makes it harder to visit many of the popular beaches and bars on the island, but the experience of being off the beaten path is worth it.

Accommodation in Thong Nai Pan Noi