Joanna James
As one of Thailand's top beach holiday hotspots, Koh Phangan is home to some of the country's finest beaches. From tranquil beachside hideaways to more popular beaches with recreational facilities, here are the top 5 beaches on the island.
Tipped to be one of the most photographed beaches in all of Koh Phangan, Leela Beach is "Instagram famous" due to the many posts made by vacationers of its pristine surroundings over the years. As one of the more peaceful and laidback beaches on the island, the tranquil blue waters and the coconut tree-lined shored of Leela Beach are perfect for families in search of a little piece of heaven for themselves. Couples and honeymooners will also appreciate the privacy and seclusion of this beach area, which is accessible only through the resort hubs located around its fringes. The short walk is well worth it as it is a less busy seaside spot than others.
Whether one is based at the Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas or any other resort in Phangan, an afternoon at Haad Chao Phao is a rite of passage all first-time visitors must enjoy. This visually stunning but slightly rocky beach is one of the cleanest and whitest beaches in Koh Phangan and a popular snorkelling hub for water sports lovers. The calm waters mean that one can swim with ease as the shore is encircled by a protective reef that keeps the big waves at bay. Those who do snorkel off the coast of Haad Chao Phao will likely encounter colourful coral reefs and tropical fish species.
Occupying pride of place on the northern reaches of Koh Phangan lies Haad Salad, the preferred beach of frequent visitors to the island. Although the beach is not exactly easy to reach, the trip is more than worth it due to the crystal clear waters and the palm-fringed shores of this captivating paradise. Encircled by cliffs on every side, this is a family-friendly beach where children and adults can have a wholesome time, unlike Haad Rin, which is more geared towards the young and the restless. Those who wish to avoid the full-moon parties and the accompanying crowds should find Haad Salad the perfect refuge for a quiet beach getaway. Snorkelling is also excellent on this beach as the area boasts good visibility.
While it is one of the busiest and most frequented beaches on the island, no trip to Koh Phangan would be complete without spending a few hours at this full-moon party hub. Those who wish to watch the fire spinning showcases or dance the night away should head to Haad Rin during the late afternoon, although those who wish to enjoy a swim will find that it is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island in spite of its dubious reputation.
Spread out across nearly 3 kilometres, Chaloklum Beach is another crowd-free and laidback beach haven in Koh Phangan that's ideal for those in search of sailing tours. The best time to visit the beach is from December to March when the weather conditions are perfect.
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