In this post, I will help you to find Where to stay in Koh Phangan (for Full Moon Party, for couples, families, backpackers). I’ll also provide a list of best areas to stay in Koh Phangan (with a video and a map) and the best hotels for all budgets (including the hotel where I stayed).
Thailand has become synonymous with idyllic white sandy beaches, scrumptious cuisine, and endless adventures. Here tourists can experience 5-star luxury hotels and resorts at a fraction of the price. Ko Phangan offers a massive range of accommodation options to suit each budget.
Located between Koh Samui and Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan lures tens of thousands of tourists every month that attend the parties on the island.
Koh Phangan is extremely safe. As a tourist, you already walk around with a target on your back and you need to always be vigilant. Petty crimes are an inevitable reality when backpacking or traveling to party destinations.Â
🎬 You can watch this very short video (1 minute) about the best areas in Koh Phangan, and continue reading:
Where To Stay In Koh Phangan For Full Moon Party?
Haad Rin is the best area to stay in Koh Phangan, especially for Full Moon Party as it is the epicenter of the Full Moon Party. Staying in Haad Rin puts you right in the heart of the action. However, keep in mind that the area can be loud and crowded during the party period.
Additionally, if you’re planning to attend the Full Moon Party, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance, as places tend to fill up quickly during this peak period.
Where did I stay in Koh Phangan?
When I first visited Koh Phangan, I stayed for 3 nights at the Sarikantang Resort & Spa. It was a great hotel, situated on Seekantang Beach, within walking distance from several delicious restaurants. My room was spacious and clean with decent air-conditioning.
| đź’– Best Area for First Timers: | Haad Rin |
| đź’Ž Best mid-range hotel: | Skymoon Resort |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Vannee Golden Sands Beachfront Resort |
| đź’° Best budget hotel: | Sarikantang Resort And Spa |
Overviews of best areas in Koh Phangan for tourists
Here is an overview of recommended areas in Koh Phangan for first-time visitors:
| Best areas in Koh Phangan for tourists | Why should you stay in this area? |
|---|---|
| Haad Rin | Known for its vibrant nightlife and the famous Full Moon Party, Haad Rin is ideal for party-goers and those looking for a lively atmosphere. It has a range of accommodation options and beautiful beaches. |
| Baan Tai/Baan Kai | located between Haad Rin and Thong Sala, making it convenient for accessing both. It offers a mix of party vibes and tranquility, making it suitable for travelers seeking a balance between nightlife and relaxation. |
| Thong Sala | The main town and transportation hub of Koh Phangan, perfect for those who prefer a central location with easy access to amenities, markets, and ferry services. It’s a great base for exploring the island. |
| Srithanu | Located on the northwest coast, Srithanu is known for its yoga and wellness scene. It attracts visitors looking for a laid-back atmosphere, with yoga retreats, vegetarian restaurants, and beautiful beaches. |
| Haad Yao | features a long sandy beach and a relaxed ambiance. Haad Yao is suitable for families, couples, and those seeking a quiet and picturesque beach setting with a range of accommodation options. |
| Haad Salad | beautiful beach on the northwest coast, Haad Salad offers crystal-clear waters and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s a great choice for families, honeymooners, and those who prefer a peaceful beach getaway. |
| Mae Haad | Located on the northwest tip of Koh Phangan, Mae Haad is famous for its stunning sandbar connecting to the nearby island of Koh Ma. It’s an excellent choice for snorkeling enthusiasts and nature lovers. |
| Chaloklum | Situated in the northern part of the island, Chaloklum is a fishing village with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat, authentic local experiences, and excellent seafood. |
| Bottle Beach | Accessible only by boat or a challenging jungle trek, Bottle Beach is a secluded paradise with pristine waters and white sand. It’s perfect for adventurers, nature lovers, and those who want to escape the crowds. |
| Thong Nai Pan | Divided into Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai, these neighboring bays offer stunning beaches surrounded by lush jungle. Thong Nai Pan is suitable for travelers seeking a relaxed and upscale beach experience. |
Map of areas to stay in Koh Phangan:
Best Areas to Stay Koh Phangan for tourists:
1. Haad Rin
Haad Rin is the most well-known section of the island, playing host to the aforementioned full moon parties. Located on the southern tip of the island, it is the party capital of the island.
Haad Rin Beach is divided into two areas by a rocky headland: the quieter Sunset Beach (Haad Rin Nai) and the lively Sunrise Beach (Haad Rin Nok), more popular section and home to the Thailand’s world famous monthly Full Moon Party.
Here you can have your pick of bars and restaurants and enjoy an array of water sports and activities during the day such as sunbathing, sailing, diving, and beach volleyball. At night, the area at the beachfront lights up with bars, pubs, clubs, and music.
Haad Rin is also a great place to do your shopping. You can easily find boutique shops that running from the town all the way to the pier. There are a wide range of crafts, jewellery, clothes, and traditional Thai items with affortable prices.
People that prefer to stay in Haad Rin are normally backpackers eagerly sipping on their buckets of Red Bull Syrup. There are plenty more upscale options available here. If action is what you are after, the action is what you will get in Haad Rin.
Haad Rin is generally safe, but be cautious about leaving drinks unattended at parties, the theft on the beach and the guesthouses. Practice common sense and take care of your valuables.
You should stay in Haad Rin if You are looking for nightlife to PARTY; You want non-stop activities from dusk till dawn and beyond; A hostel environment is what you are looking for.
Best places to stay in Koh Phangan in Haad Rin:
- mid-range ($$): Skymoon Resort, great 4-star good value for money hotel located in Haad Rin, short walk from Haad Rin Nok Beach and Leela Beach, offering a free private parking, a 24-hour front desk, and indoor pool and free shuttle service.
- mid-range ($$): Vannee Golden Sands Beachfront Resort, 4-star beachfront hotel with a private beach, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, currency exchange, and free shuttle service. Easy access to Haad Rin Nai, Haad Rin Nok and Leela Beach.
- budget ($): Sarikantang Resort & Spa, Koh Phangan, popular 3-star accommodation located on Seekantang Beach. It has a private beachfront, spa and outdoor swimming pool.
See Also: Where to Stay in Bangkok for First Time Travelers
2. Baan Tai & Baan Kai
Baan Tai and Baan Kai are popular areas located in the southwest of Koh Phangan, between Haad Rin and Thongsala. Baan Tai has a long white sand beach and a small charming village that is packed with restaurants, bars, ATMs, supermarkets. It also offers stunning views over Koh Samui.
Haad Rin tends to become overwhelming at times and staying in Baan Tai or Baan Kai gives you just enough breathing room. it’s a short drive by Songthaew (a shared taxi) to Haad Rin.
Here you can leisurely enjoy soft sandy beaches during the day and take advantage of a multitude of water sport activities such as fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
At night, the sleepy town comes alive with an abundance of beach bars such as Ku Club, Loi Lay Floating Bar, providing live music and entertainment. Both areas offer incredibly competitive pricing options and easy access back to the heart of the party.
The area around Baan Tai and Baan Kai is home to several well-organized parties like Half Moon Party, Jungle Experience, Black Moon Culture, and Shiva Moon Family.
You can find all kinds of options like hotels, hostels, and homestays.
Stay in Baan Tai and Baan Kai if you have come to the party but you still want to escape the chaos, you are looking for more affordable options.
Best places to stay in Koh Phangan in Baan Tai/Baan Kai:
- mid-range ($$): Chantaramas Resort, 4-star eco-friendly hotel located in Moo 4 Baan Tai, short distance from Haad Rin pier, Thongsala pier, the full moon party, halfmoon party, jungle party, cult/oxa party. It has free parking, 2 pools, and Good Breakfast.
- mid-range ($$): Summer Luxury Beach Resort & Spa, great 4-star beachfront accommodation, located within an easy walking distance from Thongsala Walking Street and the main pier. It has a tour desk, luggage storage and laundry services.
- budget ($): Sand Terrace Beach Bungalows, great 3-star good value for money beach hotel located few steps of Baan Tai Beach and Baan Kai Beach. It has free parking for those who drive. You can choose to stay in a the bungalow closest to the waterfront.
3. Thong Sala
Located on the South West of the island, Thong Sala is home to the main port on Koh Phangan. It is the first stop of many travelers at the port of Thong Sala, along with Had Rin from Koh Samui. This is the point of arrival for guests to the island and also where you will depart from.
On an island like Ko Pha Nang, it can’t be all party all the time. The island needs permanent residents to keep the wheels turning. Nearly 12,000 of those residents live in the central town of Thong Sala. Here you can find essential services like the hospital and banks.
Thong Sala is where you find the only two Thai Boxing stadiums on the island. There are two markets, the morning and evening market with fresh seafood, meat, fruit, and vegetable.
The town also features some beaches but they cannot compare to the idyllic locations in other parts of the island. The bustling Thong Sala Night Market offers an array of local delicacies and Thai specialties on the cheap. Thong Sala has a wide range of restaurants, serving up both traditional Thai food and internationl cusines such as Isaan, Italian and English.
You can find a hotel and several guesthouses in Thong Sala, most of them are located on the main street.
Stay in Thong Sala if you are looking for a more local experience, you want to be close to main amenities like a hospital and port.
Best places to stay in Koh Phangan in Thong Sala:
- budget ($): Lime N Soda Beachfront Resort, 3-star beachfront hotel, located a 5 mins walk to Thongsala Pier. It has a swimming pool, free parking, and a convenience store.
- budget ($): Buakao Inn, lovely guesthouse located just a few minutes’ walk from popular Thongsala Pier and Night Market.
- budget ($): Prachan Hostel, great backpacker hostel, in Thong Sala, 5 mins walk from Thong Sala Beach and 17-minute walk from Nai Wok Beach.
4. Srithanu
The further you move away from the southern party beaches, the more family-friendly the island becomes. Located on the North West coastline of Koh Phangan, Srithanu is an ideal place for travelers seeking peace and quiet, exquisite sunsets, and lazy days in the shade of a palm tree.
This area is a well-known spiritual retreat destination in Thailand. Weary travelers gather here to detox and rejuvenate their spirits. Orion Healing and Agama Yoga are worth checking!
The Srithanu area comprises a long coastline of Srithanu beach, a peninsula Laem Srithanu, and a quaint village Baan Srithanu. it also has a fishing port, a Wat Srithanu temple, and Laemson Lake.
There are still plenty of activities happening at night but they are on the somewhat calmer side. There is also a wealth of vegan eateries in this part of the island. Here you can expect to stay in comfortable cottages and private bungalows rather than upscale hotels.
stay Srithanu if you are looking for the best area to stay in Koh Phangan for families, you love yoga, you are a vegan.
Best places to stay in Koh Phangan in Srithanu:
- Luxury ($$$): Bliss Villas, 5-star beachfront accommodation, short drive from Thong Sala Pier, and easy walk to Srithanu area. You can find numerous restaurants nearby where you can sample local and fresh seafood dishes.
- mid-range ($$): Amaya Boutique Resort, 4-star hotel close to Hin Kong Beach, Srithanu Beach and Chao Phao Beach.
- budget ($): Shanti Boutique Hotel, great 3-star hotel located in the quieter part of Koh Phangan but easy access to nearby beaches, shops and restaurants.
5. Haad Yao
If there exists something like a perfect pristine beach, this is probably it. Located on the northwest of Koh Phangan, Haad Yao, also known as Long Beach, is the place that dreams are made of. These soft white sand, crystal-clear waters are home to a vibrant coral reef that is easily accessible for snorkeling.
Haad Yao is located to the north of the island and is about a 25-minute drive from Haad Rin. There is a wide variety of restaurant options and accommodation to suit every budget. Prices start as low as $15 for beachfront bungalows and go all the way to the opposite side of the scale for some of the luxury resorts around $100 per night.
Stay in Haad Yao if you are not too bothered to attend the nighttime activities in the South, you want to spend your days lazing on the beach.
Best places to stay in Koh Phangan in Haad Yao:
- mid-range ($$): Sunset Hill Boutique Resort Koh Phangan
- budget ($): Shiralea Backpackers Resort
- budget ($): Baan Kiao
6. Haad Salad
Unspoiled nature awaits those who travel to this lesser-known part of the island. Here the landforms a cove that feels secluded and private. Avid divers and snorkelers head to this secretive location in the north of the island for a welcome break from all the action in the south.
It is a tiny village that offers only the essentials, but what more do you need when you are on an island paradise?
There is not much to do or see in terms of island life but many enjoy recuperating on these picture-perfect shores after the Full Moon Party.
This bohemian beach village used to attract backpackers who stayed for longer periods but as the times have changed they now also offer a select few mid-range and luxury stay options.
Haad Salad is well connected with the rest of the island. It is a convenient base to explore Laem Som Lake, Wangsai Waterfall, Chaloklum village, and the Chinese Temple.
Stay in Haad Salad if you don’t mind spending your days between the beach and your hotel, you are trying to escape the hectic atmosphere of Haab Rin.
Best places to stay in Koh Phangan in Haad Salad:
- luxury ($$$): Bay Villas Koh Phangan
- budget ($): Haad Salad Villa
- budget ($): Haad Salad Resort
7. Mae Haad
Yet another of the postcard beaches on Ko Pa Ngan is Mae Haad. How is it possible that one place has so many beautiful attributes?
Mae Haad is well known for its otherworldly sunsets that can be enjoyed from many of the hotel and bungalow options available. This beach also features a walkable sandbank that is exposed during low tide and connects the beach with the forest-covered landmass, Koh Ma Island.
Transport to and from this area mostly needs to be arranged through your place of stay and this can be a drawback. But if you are looking for a resort getaway this part of the island will fill that need splendidly.
Stay in Mar Haad if you plan to spend your days next to your hotel pool, you don’t mind spending a little more on luxury.
Best places to stay in Koh Phangan in Mae Haad:
- budget ($): Maehaad Garden Inn
- budget ($): Phangan Utopia Resort
- budget ($): Wang Sai Resort
8. Chaloklum
Chaloklum used to be a quiet fishing village but has been transformed to accommodate tourism activities. It is nestled at the foot of the mountains on the northern tip of the island and is easily accessible by motorbike or taxi.
Many tourists that stay for a longer time choose to spend their days on these tree-lined beaches. The beach is an impressive 2.5 km long which leaves a lot of room for activities!
Inland from here, there is also an elephant sanctuary, and those who prefer the ocean can do a PADI certification. Here you can find longer-term rentals in houses and private bungalows at very affordable rates.
You should stay in Chaloklum if you want to experience more of the local culture, you want to enjoy more of nature, over and above the marine life.
Best places to stay in koh Phangan in Chaloklum:
9. Bottle Beach
Bottle Beach is undoubtedly the most remote part of the island. You can only choose from 4 accommodation options which are reached by a long-tail boat. There is also the option of hiking to this remote location. A very rough road has most recently been created but we suggest you stick to an authentic long-tail boat experience.
The exclusivity and remoteness also means sea life is unspoiled. Life is abundant on the nearby reef so tourists spend their days in and out of the water, exploring the reef and sunbathing on the white sand beaches.
Stay in Bottle beach if You want to experience ultimate privacy and seclusion; You are adventurous and want to try the island’s toughest hike.
10. Thong Nai Pan
This is another of the family-friendly area on the island. Located on the eastern side, many tourists often overlook this area. The waters in Thong Nai Pan are calm and safe and families can enjoy a multitude of activities like mini-golf, exploring the nearby waterfall, and relaxing by the pool at any of the beachside bungalows in the area.
It is a hefty 45-minute drive and some of the roads are unpaved, but you are rewarded by an unspoiled and relaxing utopia. You will find the biggest collection of luxury resorts and hotels here. This attracts a noticeably different crown from the southern beaches of Haad Rin.
Thong Nai Pan ecompasses two villages: Thong Nai Pan Yai and Thong Nai Pan Noi. They both have their own beach, hotels, and several restaurants. Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach is the larger one with the long stretches of white sand beach while Thong Nai Pan Noi has more exclusive 4-star resorts.
Stay in Thong Nai Pan if You want to spend quality time with your travel companions; You want to stay in one spot for the duration of your stay.
Best places to stay in Thong Nai Pan in Koh Phanngan:
🎬 You can watch the full video about the best places in Koh Phangan in my youtube channel.
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In conclusion, Haad Rin, Baan Tai, Thong Sala, Srithanu, Haad Yao, Haad Salad, Mae Haad, and Thong Nai Pan are some of the best places to stay in Koh Phangan for tourists and first-timers. Haad Rin is the best area for Full Moon Party.
Koh Phangan is a popular island in Thailand known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and monthly Full Moon Party. When deciding where to stay on the island, it depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your visit.
From the lively atmosphere of Haad Rin to the tranquil surroundings of Bottle Beach and Thong Nai Pan, there is something for everyone. Whether you seek parties, relaxation, or nature, these areas provide unforgettable experiences for all travelers.