The coastlines found on Koh Phangan are an absolute delight and truly unique within Thailand. With its soft, pristine white sands, the enchanting hues of the turquoise sea, towering coconut palms, mesmerizing rock formations, and hidden tranquil coves, this island is a genuine haven for beach enthusiasts in search of the sun.

Few other places offer such a wide array of idyllic bays to choose from. Koh Phangan’s beaches are so diverse, each one more alluring than the last, leaving visitors spoiled for choice on this dreamy island. 

No matter your preferences, whether you desire a lively party beach akin to the internationally renowned Haad Rin Beach, famous for its Full Moon parties, or seek a tranquil and secluded bay, you’ll find the perfect spot under the inviting Thai sun, catering to every type of traveler’s dream. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover the 9 ultimate best beaches that Koh Phangan has to offer.

1. Haad Seekantang

Leela Beach, also known as Haad Seekantang, is situated in the southeastern part of Koh Phangan, precisely in the village of Haad Rin, where the famous Full Moon Party takes place monthly. 

Unlike other beaches, Leela Beach is usually not crowded, with only a few guests from the nearby resorts, and it offers a splendid view of Koh Samui. The sand here is fine, some parts even boasting a brilliant white color, and the water is clear and suitable for swimming, except during low tide.

If you walk towards the eastern end of the beach, you’ll find a wooden bridge that leads to the small lighthouse of Koh Phangan, where occasional Lighthouse Parties are held. Additionally, from the nearby jetty, you can enjoy a picturesque view of Leela Beach and Koh Samui.

To reach Leela Beach, simply follow the main road into Haad Rin until you reach the second 7-Eleven convenience store. Take a right turn and then another right past the police station. Follow the road left, passing the Drop In Resort, and take another left turn. Continue until you reach the next intersection. 

On the right, you’ll find Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) and the Haad Rin pier. Instead, turn left into Haad Rin, make the first right turn, and follow the road with a left curve up the hill. Afterward, you’ll go downhill and make another right turn. 

Follow this road to its end, and you’ll arrive at the beautiful Leela Beach, conveniently close to the Cocohut Beach Resort & Spa and the Sarikantang Resort And Spa. Both resorts offer free parking for visitors.

2. Malibu Beach

Malibu Beach is situated within the Malibu Beach Resort, located up north in the charming village of Chaloklum on Koh Phangan. This beach has been gaining popularity, yet during the off-season, it remains secluded and tranquil. 

The powdery white sand, abundant palm trees, and a small bar that often plays reggae music create a delightful atmosphere, complemented by the crystal-clear turquoise waters. Moreover, visitors can relish in the breathtaking view of Koh Phangan’s majestic mountains. 

Despite the increasing number of tourists, Malibu Beach remains one of the island’s standout coastal gems. However, it’s important to note that during low tide, swimming at Malibu Beach can be a bit challenging due to the shallow waters.

Nevertheless, the beach offers an unforgettable experience and is definitely worth a visit for anyone seeking a wonderful time on Koh Phangan.

3. Haad Rin Nok

Haad Rin Nok Beach, also referred to as Full Moon Beach or Haad Rin Beach, is renowned for hosting the vibrant monthly Full Moon Parties. This stunning beach is situated on the east coast of Koh Phangan, within the town of Haad Rin, and boasts incredibly white and fine sand, making it one of the most beautiful on the island.

The inviting azure waters are perfect for swimming, except for the right side of the beach, which is occupied by longtail boats. However, from this area, you can easily arrange tours to explore the surrounding beaches on the east coast, such as Haad Yuan.

Contrary to some beliefs, Haad Rin Beach is kept exceptionally clean, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and enjoyable swimming. In the evening, visitors can savor a delectable meal at one of the beachfront restaurants while being mesmerized by captivating fire shows.

For those who prefer, the beach bars like Cactus Bar and Drop In Bar are popular spots to unwind and enjoy a drink or two.

4. Haad Khom

Haad Khom is situated in the northern part of Koh Phangan, in close proximity to the village of Chaloklum. To reach this beach, take a small road to the right, just before the 7-Eleven (when coming from Thong Sala).

Follow the road along the coastline until it nearly ends, and you’ll notice a sign indicating Coral Bay Bungalows. Turn into this area, where you can easily park your scooter. Haad Khom is often pleasantly uncrowded and boasts stunning beauty. With its soft sand, clear waters, and limited number of visitors, it offers an ideal environment for relaxation, swimming, and even snorkeling, particularly a bit further from the shore. 

It’s worth mentioning that longtail boats also operate from this beach, providing transportation to Bottle Beach for those interested in exploring further afield.

5. Haad Salad

Haad Salad is situated on the western coast of Koh Phangan, within the town bearing the same name. Although not particularly large, this beach remains relatively empty despite the presence of resorts. 

If you follow the coastal road, Haad Salad is the final stop before you need to take a right turn toward the center of the island. The water at Haad Salad is beautifully clear, and the sand is both fine and white, making it an inviting spot for lingering and relaxation. 

The beach also features a few restaurants right along the shoreline. Despite these amenities, the atmosphere remains serene and peaceful, offering visitors the perfect setting to fully enjoy their time. 

Just a few meters offshore, you’ll find a substantial sandbar, easily recognizable from the beach due to its bright turquoise waters, creating a truly wonderful sight.

6. Haad Thong Reng

Haad Thong Reng is nestled in a small and somewhat concealed bay, reachable by crossing the small bridge located at the southern end of Haad Than Sadet and ascending the mountain within the bungalow complex. Once you reach the other side, a path leads you down to the beach.

This beach is mostly deserted, as only a few people venture here on foot. The bungalow complex on the premises has fallen into disrepair and hasn’t been operational for quite some time, so visitors should bring their own food and drinks.

Haad Thong Reng is characterized by its stunning granite rocks, fine white sand, and crystal-clear waters. To swim, you’ll need to walk a few meters further. It’s a hidden gem and a secret tip for those exploring Koh Phangan.

To access Than Sadet Beach, a national park fee of 100 baht is required, which also covers entry to the Than Sadet waterfall.

7. Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai

Thong Nai Pan, situated in the northeastern part of Koh Phangan, boasts two beautiful beaches within its bay. To reach Thong Nai Pan, follow the well-maintained road north through the heart of the island in Baan Kai. The journey by scooter typically takes a pleasant 20-30 minutes.

On the smaller beach, Thong Nai Pan Noi, you’ll find numerous luxurious resorts, including the popular Panviman Resort, making it a lively spot with many visitors. Conversely, the larger beach, Thong Nai Pan Yai, is often more serene and less crowded due to its wider stretch. 

Although it has a few bars and restaurants, you can easily find a secluded spot to enjoy the beach in relative solitude. Both beaches feature soft and fine sands. Thong Nai Pan Noi has a slightly steeper depth, while Thong Nai Pan Yai has a shallower entry into the water, requiring you to walk a few meters to swim comfortably. 

The water is refreshing and inviting for a dip, though it might not be as crystal clear as some other beaches, mainly due to its darker seabed. Nevertheless, cleanliness is well-maintained across all the beaches in Thong Nai Pan.

8. Haad Khuat (Bottle Beach)

Bottle Beach is among the well-liked beaches on Koh Phangan. Accessible primarily by longtail boat, it poses a challenge to reach via land, leading most visitors to opt for the boat ride.

Despite its popularity, Bottle Beach manages to maintain a serene and uncrowded ambiance. The beach features fine, soft sand, and after a few initial stones near the shore, the water becomes invitingly clear and perfect for swimming. 

The seabed transitions to a smooth expanse of fine sand, creating an ideal environment for a pleasant swim, as it gradually deepens further into the water.

9. Haad Son (Secret Beach)

Located in a small bay on the island’s west coast, Haad Son, also referred to as “Secret Beach,” features a resort and a charming little restaurant that occasionally plays delightful music. This picturesque beach may be small, but its beauty is undeniable. With crystal clear waters and fine white sand, it provides an ideal setting for swimming. 

However, during low tide, swimming might require venturing a bit farther into the water. For those interested in snorkeling, there are opportunities further out or in front of the Haad Son Resort’s Koh Raham Bar.

Despite its allure, there are a couple of drawbacks to consider. Shady spots are limited, and the beach tends to be quite busy, especially during the high season. Although its name suggests secrecy, Haad Son is no longer a hidden gem and has become well-known among visitors.

When it comes to finding the perfect beach paradise, there’s no doubt that the best beach in Koh Phangan offers an unrivaled experience of natural beauty, tranquility, and pure tropical bliss.