Where to stay in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan sits between Koh Samui and Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand and has two very different reputations. Haad Rin, on the south-eastern tip, hosts the famous Full Moon Party, while the rest of the island is mostly jungle-covered hills, yoga retreats and quiet beaches.

The island is bigger than it first looks, and the roads to the northern bays are hilly, so choosing an area matters. Thong Sala, on the south-west coast, is the main pier and town; most visitors arrive there by ferry from Koh Samui, Koh Tao or the mainland at Donsak.

Getting there
Ferries to Thong Sala from Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Donsak on the mainland; there's no airport
Nearest airport
Samui International (USM), on Koh Samui
Getting around
Songthaews (shared pick-up taxis), taxis and scooter hire
Full Moon Party
Held at Haad Rin around each full moon; dates are published in advance

Places to stay in Koh Phangan

29 hotels

Mae Haad and the north-west

Garden Inn

Green surroundings and hill views in the island's quiet north-west

  • garden
  • terrace
  • air-conditioning
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Srithanu, Hin Kong and Haad Yao

Nitchanan Villa

Self-catering units a minute from Hin Kong Beach, in Koh Phangan's wellness belt

  • air-conditioning
  • free Wi-Fi
  • kitchen
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Thong Sala and Nai Wok

The Pier

A terrace for every room and its own patch of beach, right by the island's main town

  • garden
  • terrace
  • free Wi-Fi
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Koh Phangan, area by area

The south is flat, busy and well connected; the west has the sunsets; the north and north-east trade convenience for quieter bays.

Haad Rin

Best for the Full Moon Party

The narrow peninsula at the south-eastern tip, with Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach), where the Full Moon Party takes place, on one side and Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) on the other. It's packed and loud around party nights and noticeably calmer the rest of the month. Rooms fill and rates rise around the full moon, so book early if you're timing a visit to it.

Ban Tai and Ban Khai

Best for a central base on the south coast

The long, shallow south coast between Thong Sala and Haad Rin, lined with beachfront bungalows, cafés and a few party venues. The sea here is calm but very shallow at low tide, so it's better for sunbathing and sunrise views than for swimming. It's handy for both the pier and Haad Rin.

Thong Sala and Nai Wok

Best for ferry connections and the night market

The island's main town and ferry pier, with banks, supermarkets, scooter rental and the busy weekend Walking Street and food market. Nai Wok, just north, has a small beach with sunset views. Staying here makes arrival and departure easy and puts the rest of the island within a short ride.

Srithanu, Hin Kong and Haad Yao

Best for sunsets and yoga

The west coast faces the sunset and has a relaxed, wellness-minded feel, especially around Srithanu with its yoga schools, vegetarian cafés and the forested Zen Beach. Haad Yao, further north, is a proper swimming beach with a handful of resorts. You'll want a scooter or taxis to get around.

Mae Haad and the north-west

Best for snorkelling and a slower pace

A quiet corner of the north-west coast, where a sandbar at low tide links Mae Haad beach to the small island of Koh Ma, a well-known snorkelling spot. The fishing village of Chaloklum is a short ride east. Thong Sala is around 20 to 30 minutes away by road.

Thong Nai Pan

Best for secluded bays

Twin bays on the north-east coast, Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai, with soft sand, clear water and a small village of restaurants. It's one of the prettiest parts of the island and also one of the most remote, reached by a winding hill road from Thong Sala or Ban Tai.

Questions about staying in Koh Phangan

Where should I stay for the Full Moon Party?

Haad Rin puts you within walking distance of the party on Haad Rin Nok. If you'd rather sleep away from the noise, Ban Tai and Ban Khai are a short taxi ride away, with plenty of transport on party nights.

Which part of Koh Phangan is quietest?

The north and north-east, around Mae Haad and Thong Nai Pan, are the calmest. The west coast around Srithanu is also relaxed, with a yoga and wellness scene rather than nightlife.

How do I get to Koh Phangan?

By ferry or speedboat to Thong Sala pier, from Koh Samui, Koh Tao or Donsak on the mainland near Surat Thani. Koh Samui's airport is the nearest, with a boat transfer to complete the trip.

Do I need a scooter on Koh Phangan?

Songthaews and taxis cover the main routes, but a scooter gives you more freedom. Roads to the northern bays are steep and winding, so only ride if you're confident.

When is the best time to visit?

The drier months are usually from around January to August. Like the other Gulf islands, Koh Phangan tends to see most rain from about October to December.

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