The Best Beaches of Koh Phangan - West Coast
Feb 7
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We want to take you on a journey up the beaches along the west coast of Koh Phangan. Most of them are easily accessible and each has its own charm and unique features. Whether you are staying at Joy Beach Villas in Hin Kong or at one of the other stunning beach accommodations of the West Coast, this guide will help you to experience this beautiful coastline. Take your motorbike or grab a taxi and follow us from the shores of Hin Kong Beach up to Haad Salad.
Table of content:
The Top 4 Koh Phangan Beaches on the West Coast
Hin Kong Beach Koh Phangan
For many visitors, Hin Kong Beach is known for its breathtaking sunsets. During the low season (April - November), the low tide reveals such a vast stretch of beach that it feels like you can walk into the horizon. Strolling on the sandbank that sometimes emerges is a truly special experience. Hin Kong is a peaceful haven where you can witness the most magical sunset paintings in the sky. Swimming is possible during high tide in the high season, from November to March.
In the shallow water, you can observe the beautiful marine life of the coral reef, located only about 300 meters from the beach. You might spot hermit crabs, mussels, and other shellfish, which are often collected by the local Thais. To help recover the local ecosystem, mangroves were reforested here several years ago.
The area also offers some fantastic dining options. Enjoy your breakfast on the beach, have fresh seafood or Pizza for dinner or sip a coconut. You will find everything from Thai to Italian, Indian or French cuisine. In the last few years several beach bars have popped up where you can relax with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine. You will find laid-back vibes, life music and cozy seating right by the water.
Hin Kong Beach is close to the Shritanu area, which is a popular spot for health-conscious travelers looking for Yoga, Massages or healthy food. We continue our drive up the West Coast to Shritanu village and beach.
Shritanu Beach, Zen Beach and Happy Beach Koh Phangan
Shritanu beach is the ideal beach for a quiet morning swim before the first yoga class. Despite several resorts and restaurants, the energy of Shritanu beach remains tranquil. Many visitors enjoy it for relaxation and meditation. The beach is a curved bay with soft sand and very calm and shallow waters, which makes it also ideal for children.
Shritanu beach is also renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, a daily event that attracts both locals and tourists. Shritanu village is very laid-back and holistic, offering several yoga studios, massage shops as well as healthy vegan cafes and restaurants.
During low tide, visitors can walk along the shoreline from Srithanu Beach to the nearby Zen Beach. Zen Beach is known for its relaxed vibe and is a popular spot for evening gatherings, often featuring live music, drum circles or Acro Yoga. Also here you will find a restaurant and beach bar, inviting you to stay even past the popular sunset hours.
The areas of Zen and Shritanu Beach are also often referred to as Happy Beach.
Now let's take the motorbike and drive another 10 minutes up North along the West Coast towards Secret Beach and Haad Yao Beach.
Haad Son - “Secret” Beach and Haad Yao Beach of Koh Phangan
Just around the corner before Haad Yao lies Haad Son, often called Secret Beach. It is a cozy cove, framed by rocks and trees. Although it is not truly “secret” anymore, it still has this intimate feeling. Here you will find a very laid-back atmosphere while enjoying the peacefulness of this picturesque little beach.
Continuing up the coast, Haad Yao (also known as Long Beach) seems to offer the best of everything. The beautiful 1 km long stretch of sand is surrounded by beautiful coconut trees and scenic hillsides.
Its clear water is amazing for swimming and leisurely sunbathing. The waters around Haad Yao are home to coral reefs, making it a great spot for snorkelling near the rocks at the edges. In this area you can discover various species of fish as well as colourful corals.
Especially the area between Haad Son and Haad Yao is popular for snorkelling and discovering marine life in the calm waters surrounding the Koh Raham restaurant.
As it is a western-facing beach, it offers a clear view to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets of Koh Phangan. Haad Yao beach is lively but not overwhelming. You will find plenty of beachfront restaurants and bars for your lunch or dinner.
Right now the beach can be accessed through the several restaurants on the beach like Coco Locco. The street opposite of the beach offers several convenience shops and lovely cafes for breakfast or dinner restaurants.
Haad Salad on Koh Phangan
Further up the coast, heading North-West, you will reach Haad Salad, also known as “Pirate Beach.”. The coral reef, which makes it a popular snorkeling spot today, once made the beach difficult to access for larger navy boats. This natural barrier turned Haad Salad into a favored hideaway for pirates and smugglers in the past.
The coral reef starts 80 m from the beach and the shallow, clear water reveals fabulous marine life. Haad Salad is rather quiet and very child-friendly which makes it very popular with families. There are a few charming beachfront cafes and restaurants where you can relax with a fresh coconut and enjoy beautiful sunset dinners.
Accommodations in Haad Salad range from budget-friendly resorts to more luxurious options. For ultimate relaxation, you will find several massage parlors on the beach, offering soothing treatments while you listen to the calming sound of the ocean.
The village of Haad Salad offers diving shops and convenience stores for essentials like snacks, toiletries, and beachwear.
Mae Haad Beach & Koh Ma on Koh Phangan
To get to Mae Haad we have to leave the coastal road. The beach is still on the west coast but is accessed via Middle Road. Due to this distance, Mae Haad is still a rather quiet beach, despite some resorts. The sea is perfect for swimming and Mae Haad is a popular spot for snorkelling.
What makes this beach really special is the small island of Koh Ma, which can be reached through a sandbank at low tide. A popular hotspot for visitors and a spectacular natural event. Koh Mah is also popular for snorkelling and discovering the colourful underwater world.
Mae Haad has a few smaller beach restaurants and is ideal for families or people who don't want to spend their vacation in the busy center of the west coast.
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