Also known as Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Phangan is an island in the south-western Gulf of Thailand. Mainly known for its famous Full Moon Party, which takes place every night when the moon is full, it also attracts many travelers for its long white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoon. A large part of the island has been declared a National Park, thanks to its paradisiacal landscapes. So choosing where to stay in Koh Phangan will be essential in planning your stay.
In this guide, we’ll be advising you on where to stay on Koh Pha Ngan, based on location, budget and landmarks. We’ll also tell you about the ambience of these areas in terms of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. For each area, we’ll suggest accommodation to suit different budgets.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Koh Phangan, here are some key things you need to know about the city. This’ll give you a better idea of the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Koh Phangan:
- $ This hotel ideally located in the heart of Haad Rin, offers rooms at very affordable rates,
- $$ This accommodation, in Thong Sala features rooms with sea views,
- $$$ This luxury seaside establishment, offers a wide range of services.
Map of different areas to stay in Koh Phangan
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels and flats. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Koh Phangan
Areas where to stay in Koh Phangan
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying on Koh Phangan.
Stay in haad rin: enjoy the mythical full moon party
Situated on a peninsula in the south of Koh Phangan, Haad Rin is the most famous beach, not least for its famous Full Moon Party. Afestive destination on the island, it's the liveliest area, day and night, thanks to its many bars and restaurants. It's the ideal place to stay for those who want to party and take part in one of these mythical Full Moon Parties.
In addition to its well-developed nightlife, Haad Rin is also known for its two large beaches, where swimming is very pleasant: Sunrise Beach, home to the famous Full Moon Party, and Sunset Beach, a quieter, more peaceful beach. Last but not least, it's a well-developed shopping area, so you can take advantage of its narrow streets to shop and buy souvenirs.
Thanks to its strategic location, if you choose to stay in this part of Koh Pha Ngan, you'll have easy access to all the emblematic areas. It's also possible to take boats to Koh Samui.
As far as accommodation is concerned, although there's a wide range on offer, it's worth noting that this is a very popular area. If you want to stay here, you'll need to book in advance, especially if you want to stay during the Full Moon Party.
The best places to stay in haad rin
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In the heart of Haad Rin, this accommodation offers sea-view rooms at very reasonable prices. A spa, two swimming pools, a private beachand various catering services are available. Parking and a free shuttle bus are also available. Staying here is ideal for those on a budget.
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Located on the seafront, this establishment offers comfortable rooms in a beautiful setting. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, fitness center and private beach. Many activities are available to discover the island.
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Ideally located by the sea, this accommodation offers luxury rooms with superb views. A wide range of services are available: swimming pool, spa, private beach, restaurants, bars and even equipment rental to discover Koh Pha Ngan. Free private parking and a shuttle service are also available.
Accommodation in thong sala: the administrative center of koh phangan
As the administrative center of Koh Phangan, Thong Sala is an ideal base from which to reach the island's various areas. Indeed, Thong Sala is home to the island's main port, and is also where you disembark by ferry on your way to Koh Pha Ngan. Staying here means easy access to the various tourist areas, as well as to other Thai islands if the length of your stay allows.
Although not the most popular area of Koh Pha Ngan, Thong Sala is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, thanks to the variety of activities on offer. There are several temples to visit, as well as the Phangan Royal Navy Ship, the island's only museum retracing the most important historical events of Thailand and Koh Phangan.
In this lively area, you can also enjoy traditional restaurants, shops and markets. And if you choose to stay overnight, you'll be able to enjoy the pantip food market, a night market offering Thai and Western street food. Finally, Thong Sala is home to one of the island's most beautiful beaches: Ao Nai Wok.
This part of the island is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, and offers a wide range of tourist accommodation. So, if you want to stay in this part of northern Koh Phangan, you'll find a wide range of hotels, with all types of accommodation on offer.
Good places to stay in koh phangan
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On the seafront, close to the town of Thong Sala, this accommodation offers rooms in tropical bungalows. Althoughvery inexpensive, the establishment boasts a fitness center, various catering services andfree private parking for residents. It's the perfect place to stay on a budget!
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Located in Thong Sala, just a few steps from the sea, this establishment offers comfortable rooms with sea views. A swimming pool, free private parking and a garden are available on site.
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Just a few steps from Nai Wok, this establishment offers luxury accommodation. In addition to its fitness center and restaurantservices, you can enjoy an infinity pool overlooking the sea. It's the ideal place to stay if you're on a budget!
Staying in haad yao: the perfect balance between peace and festivities
On the western side of Koh Phangan, Haad Yao is one of the longest and most beautiful beaches on the island. With its fine sand and turquoise waters, it's a calm and relaxing place to enjoy a variety of water sports. Its coral reef is only 400 metres from the coast, making it ideal for experienced divers.
Although Haad Yao is quieter than areas such as Haad Rin or Thong Sala, it remains lively after dark. In fact, with its laid-back bars and trendy restaurants, it's renowned for its nightlife tailored to younger audiences. So Haad Yao represents an ideal place to stay for those seeking the perfect balance between calm and festivity.
This area of Koh Phangan offers a wide range of accommodation options. If you choose to stay here, you'll have no trouble finding accommodation. And if you choose to stay here, you'll be able to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island.
Accommodation near Haad Yao
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Just 40 meters from Haad Yao, this accommodation offers simple rooms with balconies. There's a swimming pool, restaurant and tour desk for exploring the island. Massages are also available.
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Ideally located by the sea, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms. When you choose to stay here, you'll enjoy several pools, a spa area, a bar and a restaurant. Free private parking is available, and there are plenty of activities on offer.
Baan Tai: staying close to lively places on a smaller budget
Not very popular with tourists, Baan Tai is a small village located between Haad Rin and Thong Sala. With its many small beaches and shallow waters, it offers pleasant swimming and magnificent sunsets for those who choose to stay here. Nearby, in the Baan Tai hills, you'll find Wat Khao Tham, a small traditional monastery with a large reclining Buddha image and stone sculptures scattered throughout the site.
Quieter than the more touristy areas, it still boasts bars, excellent Thai restaurants, a local market and a fishing pier. Baan Tai also hosts the Halfmoon party, one of Thailand's most popular open-air parties after the Full Moon Party, held in a small clearing. So it's a good place to stay for those who want a quiet place during the day but lively in the evening.
With its range of inexpensive accommodation, staying in Baan Tai can be a good alternative for staying close to the liveliest spots on a budget.
Our selection of accommodation in Baan Tai
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Located in Baan Tai, close to the sea, this accommodation offers comfortable rooms with terraces at affordable prices. If you choose to stay here, you'll enjoy anoutdoor swimming pool, a café and a range of activities available at extra cost.
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Just 50 meters from Baan Tai beach, this hotel offers clean, fully-equipped rooms. The hotel has its own restaurant, anoutdoor swimming pool and free private parking. Diving and massages are available at an additional cost.
Haad Salad: stay close to pirate beach
Once a haven for smugglers, Haad Salad is one of Koh Phangan's best-preserved beaches and is considered one of the best destinations on the west coast. Representing one of the most beautiful on the island, this long stretch of sand with its family atmosphere is a destination for families looking for a quiet place to stay. What's more, with its wide expanse, those lucky enough to stay at Haad Salad will be able to admire some superb sunsets.
With its proximity to the main road circling Koh Pha Ngan, choosing to stay here means easy access to other emblematic sites such as Wangsai waterfall, but above all Mae Haad to the north of Haad Salad, a beach with unique aspects thanks to Ko Ma, an island connected to Koh Phangan by a sandbar at low tide.
Being less developed, Haad Salad has a smaller selection of accommodation. What's more, being quieter, it's a place to avoid if you want to stay in a busy area.
Good places to stay near Haad Salad
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Located in Haad Salad, this accommodation offers rooms with balconies at affordable prices. If you decide to stay at this establishment, you'll be able to take advantage of an outdoor swimming pool with whirlpool, a restaurant and a wide range of activities.
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Situated on the seafront, this establishment offers luxury accommodation at affordable prices. A swimming pool, a garden, a restaurant overlooking the sea, as well as water sports facilitiesare all available within the complex.
Stay close to other beaches: Srithanu, Chaloklum, Bottle beach and Thong Nai Pan
The areas mentioned above are not the only ones on Koh Phangan, and others are well worth a visit during your stay. These include Srithanu, Chaloklum, Bottle Beach and Thong Nai Pan. So, depending on your wishes and budget, you may or may not choose to stay there.
At the very western end of the island, Shritanu is a relaxed stretch of white sand next to the small village of Baan Sri Thanu, with its pretty fishing port and small markets. With its beautiful beaches, it's one of Koh Phangan's best spots for diving and snorkeling. In the extreme north of the island, Chaloklum is an old fishing village with a picturesque setting and authentic atmosphere. Srithanu and Chaloklum are ideal places to stay if you want to experience local life on Koh Phangan.
Bottle Beach and Thong Nai Pan are less frequented but just as beautiful as the other beaches on Koh Pha Ngan, making them ideal alternatives for idyllic accommodation away from the tourist crowds.
Accommodation in other areas
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On the Srithanu coast, just a 5-minute walk from the village, this establishment offers rooms in small bungalows with balconies. An on-site restaurant serves Thai specialties. Free parking is available on site.
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In Chaloklum, this establishment offers fully-equipped rooms with balconies. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, restaurants and daytime and evening activities. Private parking is available free of charge.
Koh Phangan is an island well worth a visit when traveling in Thailand. As you can see, it boasts a host of heavenly beaches and typical villages, all with different atmospheres that you need to take into account when choosing where to stay.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose to stay in Haad Rin if you’re heading to Koh Pha Ngan for its famous Full Moon Party, or opt for accommodation in a quieter, wilder spot such as Haad Salad or Chaloklum.