5 Must-Visit Koh Phangan Beaches
Introduction
Welcome to Koh Phangan! As a traveler seeking the best beaches on this island, you're in for a treat as we uncover the treasures of this tropical paradise. While Koh Phangan boasts a plethora of beaches, each with its unique charm, I've curated a list of five must-visit destinations that will undoubtedly leave you spellbound.
From the tranquil shores of Mae Haad Beach to the hidden oasis of Haad Son Beach, this list is chock full of the best beaches of Koh Phangan, each more enchanting than the last. Whether you're a snorkeling enthusiast, a beachcomber in search of solitude, or simply looking to bask in the natural beauty of Thailand's coastline, there's something for everyone on this island.
So, grab your beach towel as we explore the wonders of Koh Phangan's most captivating beaches. Let's dive in and discover why these pristine shores deserve a place on every beach lover's bucket list.
Mae Haad Beach
Mae Haad Beach, located on Koh Phangan’s northwestern coast, is renowned for its unique sandbar that connects the main island with a small islet called Koh Ma. Mae Haad Beach is postcard-worthy above water and is known for great snorkeling, too! Make sure to time your visit to Mae Haad Beach with low tide to experience the beauty of the exposed sandbar and be able to walk across to Koh Ma.
The part of the beach off the tiny islet is home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life and is best for snorkeling. The most beautiful stretch of beach for wading and relaxing is on the main island across from Koh Ma Beach Resort because the bottom is sandy, and the water clarity is excellent.
After a day of snorkeling and swimming at this stunning beach, unwind with a fresh coconut and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Phangan.
Thong Nai Pan Noi
Thong Nai Pan Noi is a picturesque bay located on the northeastern coast of Koh Phangan. It is lined with gorgeous hillside villas and azure waters. This beach is in a remote part of Koh Phangan and feels wild and untouched despite being lined with several exclusive hotels and restaurants.
The beach is distinct from most other beaches on Koh Phangan as it often has waves to play and boogie board in. In contrast, the other beaches on this list are more lagoon-like and waveless.
Thong Nai Pan Noi is a perfect beach to stroll along in the afternoon, as it has a long, wonderfully shady shoreline. Follow the small trail at the far northern end of the beach near the Santhiya Resort to discover some fantastic views from above. Grab a drink at the spectacular Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas and soak in the gorgeous views in style.
I was fortunate to stay five nights at the beautiful Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, so this beach was my home base. Every time I stepped outside, I had to pinch myself!
Thong Nai Pan Yai
Located about a 7-minute drive (or a hilly 30-minute walk) from Thong Nai Pan Noi, Thong Nai Pan Yai offers distinctive views from its neighbor. With panoramic views of the bay, you’ll quickly see why Thong Nai Pan Yai is one of the best beaches Koh Phangan has to offer.
Thong Nai Pan Yai is the larger of the two neighboring beaches, at over half a mile long. Owing to its size, it feels the least crowded of the beaches on this list. Because it is positioned behind the mountains on the eastern side, it is much more sheltered from the waves, offering a more lagoon-like experience compared with Thong Nai Pan Noi.
The water here is teal to emerald in color and is lined with compact white sand. There are several local hotels and restaurants along Thong Nai Pan Yai beach, but no big resorts. This is an ideal beach to visit in the morning and grab an authentic Thai lunch. My husband and I enjoyed a great (and inexpensive) beachfront meal and fresh coconuts at the Havana Beach Resort.
Malibu Beach
Nestled on the far west end of Chaloklum Beach, Malibu Beach is a slice of heaven with gorgeous turquoise and emerald waters and panoramic mountain views.
This beach is named after the Malibu Beach Bungalows, which are adjacent. Malibu Beach features a large spit of soft sand that drops off very gradually into the bay. The water in this section of the beach is light turquoise, and you can walk over a hundred feet out, but you still find the water hardly up to your knees. The water at Malibu Beach is the most vibrant color of all of the Koh Phangan beaches featured on this list.
Though many people set up near the shallow part of the beach (which is near the entrance), there are several hundred yards of beach to the east, ensuring plenty of space to spread out. As you walk down the beach, swaying palms line the shoreline, and the water becomes a stunning emerald color. Malibu Beach is a beach on Koh Phangan that is so beautiful that it will be hard to leave at the end of the day!
Haad Son Beach
Haad Son Beach, also known as Secret Beach, is a beautiful beach on Koh Phangan’s southwestern tip. Accessible only by a paved cliffside path near the Koh Raham hotel, this relatively secluded stretch of white sand offers unparalleled serenity and clear turquoise water.
Though Haad Son was far from empty when I visited, the beach still felt low-key and peaceful. A beachfront restaurant on this beach serves drinks and lunch, which offers the opportunity to stay at Secret Beach all day long. Many consider Haad Son to be one of the best beaches on Koh Phangan, and I can’t fault their opinion!
Ample shade is available in the morning, making Haad Son a wonderful place to lounge. Parking is quite limited for vehicles and relatively sparse for motorbikes, so I recommend visiting early in the day to ensure your spot.
Bon Voyage…
As you embark on your beach-hopping adventure on Koh Phangan, it will become clear that these shores are in a league of their own! Whether you choose snorkeling off Mae Haad Beach or chilling out at Thong Nai Pan Noi, each beach has its own beautiful vibe. Together, they make Koh Phangan a top pick for beach buffs worldwide. Koh Phangan's best beaches are awaiting your visit!
