Where to stay in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is famous for the Full Moon Party, but most of the island has nothing to do with it. Away from Haad Rin you'll find jungle-covered hills, small bays with yoga retreats and cafes, and a laid-back main town around the ferry pier at Thong Sala.

There's no airport, so most people arrive by boat from Koh Samui, Koh Tao or the mainland. That makes the area around Thong Sala and nearby Ban Tai a practical base: ferries are minutes away, the island's best night market is on the doorstep, and you can reach every other beach by road. The places we list are mostly in this south-western corner.

Arriving
Ferries and speedboats to Thong Sala pier from Koh Samui, Koh Tao and the mainland
Nearest airport
Samui International, then a boat of roughly 30 to 60 minutes
Getting around
Songthaews, taxis and scooter hire; some roads are steep and unpaved
Full Moon Party
Held monthly at Haad Rin, on the south-east tip

Places to stay in Koh Phangan

4 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Koh Phangan, area by area

Think of the island as four parts: the busy south-west around Thong Sala, the southern beaches running to Haad Rin, the quieter west coast, and the remote bays of the north and east.

Thong Sala and Wok Tum

Best for convenience and easy ferry connections

Thong Sala is Koh Phangan's main town and port. It's where you'll find the banks, supermarkets, scooter hire and a lively evening food market. Wok Tum, just to the north, is a mix of hillside homes and small resorts, many with views over the sea towards Koh Samui. Neither is a beach destination in itself, but both put the rest of the island within easy reach.

Ban Tai and Ban Khai

Best for quiet beaches close to town

East of Thong Sala, the south coast is lined with long, shallow beaches facing Koh Samui. Ban Tai and Ban Khai are relaxed and residential, with beach bars and some well-known party venues for the nights around the full moon. The water is calm and shallow, good for paddling but often too shallow for proper swimming at low tide.

Haad Rin

Best for the Full Moon Party

The island's south-eastern peninsula is home to Haad Rin, where Sunrise Beach hosts the monthly Full Moon Party. It's lively year-round, packed around the full moon, and about 20 minutes' drive from Thong Sala.

The west and north coasts

Best for yoga, sunsets and remote bays

Up the west coast, Sri Thanu and Haad Yao are known for wellness retreats and sunset beaches, while the north has the fishing village of Chaloklum and the twin bays of Thong Nai Pan. These are the most beautiful parts of the island for many visitors, but they're also the furthest from the pier.

Questions about staying in Koh Phangan

Where should I stay in Koh Phangan if I'm not going to the Full Moon Party?

Thong Sala, Ban Tai or the west coast. Thong Sala and Ban Tai are close to the pier and the night market; the west coast is quieter and better for sunsets.

How far is Ban Tai from Haad Rin?

Around 10 to 15 minutes by road, which makes Ban Tai a popular choice for people who want to go to the party without sleeping in the middle of it.

How do I get to Koh Phangan?

Fly to Koh Samui and take a boat to Thong Sala, or travel overland to Surat Thani or Chumphon and catch a ferry. Boats also link the island with Koh Tao.

Do I need a scooter on Koh Phangan?

It helps, but only if you're confident on hilly roads. Songthaew taxis cover most of the island and wait at Thong Sala pier.

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