Most people visit Koh Phangan just to go to the full moon party and then leave.
But after spending 10 days exploring Koh Phangan, we realized just how much the island has to offer beyond parties. And whether you’re visiting for its beaches, lounges, waterfalls, or temples, where you stay in Koh Phangan can make or break your trip.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the best areas to stay in Koh Phangan based on our experience there. I’ll also share my top picks for hotels, resorts, and hostels in each one.
Whether you’re visiting for two days or two weeks, this guide will help you figure out the best place to stay in Koh Phangan that actually matches your vibe.
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan: Our Experience
We explored all over Koh Phangan to get a true sense of what each area is actually like.
We started by staying in Haad Rin, home of the infamous Full Moon Party. We stayed at the Little Paradise Hill Zone Home Stay and purposely visited before the party so we could experience the area without the full-on madness.
Even without the full moon event, Haad Rin still had a party vibe. And honestly, it worked out great for us. We got to actually explore the area’s beaches and do some sightseeing without the massive crowds. And at the end of the day, we got our party on at the beach bars lining the shoreline.
Next, we headed up to Thong Nai Pan on the northeast side of the island. We stayed at Thong Nai Pan Beach Resort. It was a total change of pace.
The vibe in Thong Nai Pan was peaceful and relaxed, with a more upscale, family-friendly feel. Things were a little more spread out, and it was the least chaotic area we stayed at in Koh Phangan.
We also had some of our best meals in Thong Nai Pan. Every night, the beach restaurants next to where we were staying in Thong Nai Pan Yai opened up and served grilled fish dinners. We just walked along the beach until we found one that drew us in with whatever they were cooking, then sat down for a meal. It was incredibly romantic.
After Thong Nai Pan, we went back south again to stay in Baan Tai at Yangyai Garden Lodge.
So, a bit about Baan Tai. It’s a densely populated, mostly local area with a lived-in vibe. We stayed there for five nights, and it’s ideal if you want to feel more like a local and less like a tourist.
There wasn’t much going on in Baan Tai in terms of things to do, but it turned out to be a great base for exploring the island. It’s well connected in terms of roads, and it’s close to Thong Sala, so there were plenty of restaurants, shops, and services nearby.
Then we went over to stay in the western beaches area of the island. We ended up at Bounty Resort, located right between Haad Yao and Secret Beach.
The area definitely had a touristy vibe, though maybe not in the way you’d initially expect. What I mean is that it’s the hotspot of the free-spirited culture of the island. Think yoga retreats, vegan restaurants, and drum circles.
There’s still plenty of social energy in Western Koh Phangan, but it skewed more mature and chill compared to the young backpacker crowd in Haad Rin.
The beaches we hung out at on the west side were some of the best on the island, and it’s an area I would easily return to and spend my entire time in Koh Phangan without hesitation.
Best Areas to Stay in Koh Phangan
Here’s our breakdown of the 7 main areas in Koh Phangan where most travelers stay. Sure, you stay elsewhere, but these are the spots that make the most sense if you’re visiting the island. Some are better than others depending on your vibe, but each has its own thing going on.
If you want my quick recommendations:
- Stay Haad Rin if you’re visiting for the full moon party.
- Stay in Thong Sala or Baan Tai if you want to be centrally located and want to explore the entire island by motorbike.
- Stay in Thong Nai Pan if you’re looking for a peaceful, relaxing escape with good food and quiet beaches.
- Stay on one of the West Beaches if you want to get in touch with the free-spirited culture of the island or want to relax on the island’s best beaches.
That said, no matter where you stay, the island’s small enough that you can get anywhere in a reasonable amount of time, especially if you rent a motorbike. Between the beaches, jungle hikes, waterfalls, night markets, and parties, you won’t run out of things to do in Koh Phangan.
Thong Sala
Thong Sala is the main “city” on Koh Phangan. It’s the first place you’ll land if you’re arriving by ferry and also the island’s transportation hub.
The island’s road system converges on Thong Sala, and it’s where you’ll find many markets, restaurants, convenience stores, and motorbike rentals. Needless to say, you will be passing through Thong Sala at one point or another since it’s the gateway to the island.
That said, Thong Sala is not exactly a dream vacation spot. It’s more of a functional than a relaxing area. It does have some of its own beaches, but they’re nothing special compared to the beaches on the rest of the island. But if you plan to explore Koh Phangan by motorbike and want to be centrally located, Thong Sala is a solid base.
Baan Tai
Baan Tai is the “middle south” part of Koh Phangan. It’s somewhat of a large area where many locals live. While Baan Tai is not much of a tourist area, it’s a solid base if you plan to explore the island.
There’s not a ton going on in Baan Tai itself, but it does have restaurants, convenience stores, and accommodations. But don’t expect a lot of things going on there. However, there are a few sporadic parties in Baan Tai, including the Halfmoon Festival. So if you’re planning your trip to Koh Phangan around that, then it’s a good place to stay. But overall, it’s a quieter, more residential area.
Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is the closest thing Koh Phangan has to a resort area. It’s tucked away on the northeast side of the island, so getting there involves a long drive (by Koh Phangan standards).
But once you arrive in Thong Nai Pan, the vibe completely changes.
Thong Nai Pan is peaceful, quiet, and leans more toward upscale resort-like accommodations. You won’t find the free-spirited, backpacker vibe that is prevalent on the rest of the island. Instead, Thong Nai Pan is where families and couples go to vacation.
The resort-y feel does mean slightly higher prices, but it’s still within reason. If you’re after a quiet retreat or a romantic escape, Thong Nai Pan should be your top choice. But if you’re looking to party or be social, I recommend staying elsewhere.
Haad Rin
Haad Rin is home to Koh Phangan’s infamous Full Moon Party. But the party vibe isn’t limited to just once a month. The party atmosphere transcends into every night of the year. Beach bars pump electronic music, and the area is packed with lounges and smoke shops.
That said, Haad Rin definitely isn’t for everyone. If you’re not into loud music, nightlife, or just a general party atmosphere, you should stay elsewhere. On top of that, everything in Haad Rin is a little more expensive, from food to accommodations to transportation.
So, a bit about the layout of Haad Rin. Once you’re in Haad Rin, the area is fairly walkable. It’s a relatively dense area. But getting in and out of Haad Rin is a hassle. There’s only one road into Haad Rin, so it’s kind of inconvenient to get there from the rest of the island. But if you’re looking to stay put and party it up, it doesn’t get much better.
Haad Yuan
Just around the corner from Haad Rin is a tiny beach called Haad Yuan. This place is completely cut off from the rest of the island. It is only accessible by boat, hike, or a busted 4×4 dirt road, which keeps the crowds away.
There are only a handful of places to stay in Haad Yuan, so it has a remote, off-the-grid feel. Just a warning: there is absolutely nothing going on here except for a Saturday night party at Eden Bar, so if you’re looking to truly unplug and disconnect, then Haad Yuan is your spot.
Chaloklum
Chaloklum is a small fishing village on the north side of the island. It’s one of the quieter areas in Koh Phangan, with a local vibe that hasn’t been fully overrun by tourism.
The beach in Chaloklum is long and scenic, with mountains wrapping around the bay. There are a few cozy beach bars and restaurants, but nightlife there is basically non-existent. It’s more of a place to slow down and chill out.
Chaloklum is the area where many snorkeling and diving tours depart from, so if that’s on your itinerary, it’s a convenient place to stay. Overall, it’s a great area if you’re after a small-town feel, but don’t expect much action.
West Beaches
The western beaches of Koh Phangan (Hin Kong, Zen Beach, Haad Yao, and Salad Beach) are the heart of Koh Phangan’s free-spirited culture. This is where you’ll find yoga retreats, vegan restaurants, and fire spinners. It’s got a laid-back, bohemian vibe while still being exciting.
The area is growing fast, with new cafes, boutique accommodations, and wellness spots popping up regularly. And the best part is that some of the island’s best beaches are in this area. Zen Beach is famous for sunset drum circles, Haad Yao has tons of beachfront accommodations, and Salad Beach is great for swimming.
There is so much to this area with all its restaurants, beaches, and cafes. If I had to pick only one place to stay my entire time in Koh Phangan, this would be it.
Mae Haad
Just north of Koh Phangan’s west beaches is Mae Haad. It’s sort of its own little quiet area with a few resorts lining the beach. Its main draw is Ko Ma, a tiny island you can walk to at low tide via a sandbar that juts out from the beach. It’s a unique natural feature and a popular area for snorkeling.
But beyond that, Mae Haad is pretty isolated. There aren’t many restaurants, beach bars, or things to do nearby. It’s peaceful, but unless you’re planning to spend most of your time relaxing at your resort or on the beach, it’s probably not the best area to stay in.
Where to Stay in Baan Tai
Yangyai Garden Lodge
Yangyai Garden Lodge was easily the best place we stayed at in Koh Phangan. And honestly, a contender for one of the best places we’ve ever stayed at, period.
It’s not beachfront or fancy. The rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable. So why did we enjoy this place so much? What makes Yangyai Garden Lodge truly special is its host, Mr. Ping.
Mr. Ping gave us fantastic local recommendations, provided us with rides into town, and always made time to chat. He is from Koh Phangan but studied in Europe and speaks perfect English. And since the lodge is owned by his family, he runs it with genuine care.
Yangyai Garden Lodge is located in a quiet local neighborhood, with a pool and covered motorbike parking, so it’s perfect for longer stays as a base to explore the island. The outdoor lobby was a chill spot to hang out and meet other guests. Some of my best memories from Koh Phangan were just sitting there, chatting with Mr. Ping. He’s an absolute legend.
Sea Love Beach Bar & Bungalows
Sea Love Bungalows is tucked right along the beach in Baan Tai. The vibe is super chill, with hammocks lining the shore just steps from the water.
The bungalows are simple and more on the basic side, so don’t expect anything fancy. But what they lack in luxury, they make up for in atmosphere and beachfront views. There’s also an on-site restaurant and bar, which is perfect for grabbing food or drinks between beach sessions.
The hotel also rents out motorbikes, which is great if you like exploring on your own. The location strikes a nice balance. It’s close enough to Thong Sala and Haad Rin to be convenient, but far enough away to stay peaceful and low-key.
Art of Nature Resort
Art of Nature is all about the details. From the sleek infinity pool to the perfectly kept garden, it feels like you’ve stepped into a completely different environment.
The resort is built into a hillside, giving it a layered, multi-level layout. Something to keep in mind if you’re not a fan of stairs. But the rooms are modern, airy, and many come with sea views and private balconies. Little touches like yoga mats, Bluetooth speakers, and high-quality toiletries make it feel like a boutique escape with just the right balance of comfort and style.
The on-site restaurant serves up brunch-style dishes with a European twist, and the whole place has a relaxed, refined feel. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
See Sea Backpackers House
See Sea Backpackers House is a solid choice if you’re looking for a social but laid-back hostel vibe. It’s located in a quieter area of Baan Tai, just around the corner from the beach and close to cafes, convenience stores, and the local night market.
The hostel has lots of places to hang out, with giant beanbags on the upstairs balcony, a shaded terrace, and cozy spots near reception. The whole place feels welcoming and clean.
It’s not a party hostel, but the staff go out of their way to create a friendly communal vibe, especially around Full Moon time when they organize group dinners and drinks. Overall, I’d recommend this place if you’re traveling solo and want somewhere with a good social energy that’s not chaotic.
Where to Stay in Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan Beach Resort
Thong Nai Pan Beach Resort is where we stayed while exploring the northeast part of the island. The rooms there are simple and rustic. Nothing fancy, just clean and functional. It’s one of the more budget-friendly options in an area known for high-end resorts, so it’s an awesome choice if you’re not looking for luxury.
The best part about Thong Nai Pan Beach Resort is its location. The resort sits right in the middle of Thong Nai Pan Yai, a long, peaceful beach where it’s easy to find your own little quiet stretch of sand to relax for the day.
The beachside restaurant served some of the best Thai food we had on the island, and we enjoyed starting every day with coffee and a green papaya salad. And even better, many nearby resorts set up beachfront seafood BBQs in the evenings. Just walk down the sand at sunset, have a seat at one of the tables along the beach, and enjoy your freshly caught and cooked seafood.
Santhiya
Santhiya is without a doubt the most intricately designed hotel in Koh Phangan. The hotel is absolutely beautiful, and it’s not hard to get lost in the carved woodwork at every turn.
The resort sits in its own private cove at the far end of Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, disconnected from the rest of the area. It gives it a secluded, jungle-like feel. The main beachfront pool is surrounded by trees and has rock features, mini waterfalls, and different levels to swim in.
It’s the kind of place where you can check in and not worry about a thing. There are daily activities like yoga and Muay Thai, plus organized excursions like snorkeling, or even the Full Moon Party. If you’re up for a walk, there’s a little village about 15 minutes away where you can go out for an afternoon of shopping and dining.
Anantara Rasananda
Anantara Rasananda is one of the most luxurious places to stay at in Koh Phangan, perfect if you’re looking to splurge on something truly special. The resort combines tropical seclusion with five-star comfort. Private villas, lush garden paths, and of course, a beachfront infinity pool.
The resort is located along Thong Nai Pan Noi, one of the island’s best beaches. It’s easy to spend your day drifting between the pool and the ocean. The property covers a large stretch of shoreline and has several bars and restaurants on-site.
The resort’s design is inspired by a traditional Thai fishing village but with a sleek contemporary twist. The suites and villas come with high-end touches, and the resort offers yoga classes, a spa, a gym, and even Thai cooking lessons.
But the appeal of Anantara is more than its design. What really sets Anantara apart is its location. It’s sandwiched between one of Koh Phangan’s best beaches and a village. You get beachfront luxury and easy access to the nearby village, where you can wander into local shops or grab dinner just a few minutes from your room.
Where to Stay in Haad Rin
Little Paradise Hill Zone
Little Paradise Hill Zone is where we stayed during our time in Haad Rin. We wanted something budget-friendly and close to the action, but far enough to actually get some sleep. This spot hit the mark. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Haad Rin Beach, but perched up a steep hill surrounded by trees, giving it a more peaceful, tucked-away feel.
The bungalows are clean and simple but have everything you need: AC, fridge, kettle, and even a small balcony or rooftop where you can catch the sunset with a drink. Rooms are cleaned daily and provided with fresh towels and bottled water.
The only thing to note is the check-in process. It doesn’t happen at the Hill Zone itself. We had to first head to the main Little Paradise hotel down by the beach to get our keys, then up the hill to the bungalows at the “hill zone”
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable, comfortable stay in a quiet jungle setting just outside Haad Rin’s party zone, Little Paradise Hill Zone is a great choice as long as you’re okay with a bit of an uphill walk.
So Good Haad Rin Hostel
So Good Haad Rin Hostel sits at the far north end of Haad Rin Beach, the location of the infamous full moon party in Koh Phangan. Getting there isn’t the easiest (the last stretch is a rough dirt road), but once you arrive, the location is unbeatable. It’s right on the beach, just seconds from the sand, yet tucked far enough away to feel slightly removed from the full moon party chaos.
The dorms are clean, spacious, and air-conditioned, with comfy beds and privacy curtains. There’s also a shared kitchen and a lounge for hanging out. It’s not a party hostel, but the beachfront vibe makes it easy to meet people and feel part of the scene without being in the thick of it.
Ventus Phangan
Ventus Phangan is a newer hotel just a few minutes’ walk from Haad Rin Beach. That means it’s close enough for Full Moon Party convenience, but far enough to get some actual sleep.
The rooms are well designed with big open shelves, AC, and smart TVs that you can connect to YouTube. There’s also a large pool, a gym, and an on-site restaurant serving everything from omelets to Asian breakfast spreads.
A 7-Eleven is right outside the hotel, and you’re within walking distance of both the beach and Haad Rin’s main street.
Overall, if you’re after a comfortable, full-service stay near the Full Moon action without the chaos, Ventus is a great pick.
Cocohut Beach Resort
Cocohut Beach Resort is located on the quieter side of Haad Rin, right on the shores of Leela Beach. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale in the area, this is it. It’s close enough to the Full Moon Party for convenience, but far enough away that you can return to a more peaceful, laid-back vibe afterward.
The resort has direct beach access, multiple pools to lounge at, and newly renovated rooms. It’s a beautiful, calm area that feels like its own little escape. There’s a restaurant and two bars near the pool and beach, so grabbing a smoothie or cocktail after a swim is easy.
Overall, Cocohut hits that sweet spot of a resort-style stay that doesn’t isolate you from the rest of the island.
Where to Stay in Chaloklum
Silan Residence
Silan Residence is a quiet, comfortable spot just across from Chaloklum Bay. It’s a place that is located away from the bustling tourist areas with more of a peaceful vibe.
Its rooms are spacious, modern, and come with kitchenettes, dining areas, and private terraces. It’s a great setup if you’re looking for a longer stay. Some rooms have garden views, others face the mountains, and the property also has its own pool.
The location is good for the area. There are restaurants, massage shops, and Chaloklum’s Sunday walking street market all within walking distance.
Overall, Silan Residence is a great choice if you’re after a low-key base that still has the comforts of home.
Baan Bhuwann Holiday Apartment
Baan Bhuwann is a peaceful, homey apartment stay in Chaloklum. It’s the kind of place you stay in for a while. It has just four rooms, so it feels super homey.
The apartments are clean, spacious, and each one has its own kitchen and patio. The pool is small, and the beach is just a few minutes away by walk.
The main village area of Chaloklum is right around the corner, so there are plenty of businesses nearby, making it a convenient place to stay.
If you’re looking for a cozy, quiet base in Chaloklum, Baan Bhuwann is a solid pick.
Where to Stay in West Koh Phangan
Green Papaya Beach Resort
Green Papaya Beach Resort is centered around its tropical pool and lush Balinese-style garden. But what’s even better is that it’s located right on Haad Salad, one of our favorite beaches for swimming on Koh Phangan. It’s peaceful, low-key, and ideal if you’re coming to Koh Phangan to unwind.
The rooms at Green Papaya are simple, clean, and comfortable. Some even have private plunge pools and outdoor showers. The resort’s newly renovated restaurant is set to reopen soon, but in the meantime, there are plenty of great beachside restaurants nearby.
It’s not five-star luxury, but for a quiet beach escape with all the basics done well, Green Papaya hits the mark. Especially if you’re after something slightly off the beaten path in Koh Phangan’s western shores.
Bounty Resort
Bounty Resort sits on the southern end of Haad Yao. It’s a quiet, low-key stay with both rooms and bungalows. But what really makes Bountry Resort special is its own tiny private cove. Just head toward the shoreline and down the stairs to find a secluded white sand beach with epic sunset views. Expect island-style simplicity—comfy beds, garden or ocean views, and a laid-back atmosphere.
When we explored the west side of Koh Phangan, we stayed at Bounty Resort because it was just a short walk from a bunch of the area’s main attractions. Within walking distance were Secret Beach, Koh Raham, What’s Cup, and the Wednesday night Bizarre Bazaar at Seaboard Bungalows.
The resort also has a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a super helpful staff that can arrange rentals, taxis, or boat tickets. They helped us get a ride to the ferry port on our last day on the island.
Overall, Bounty Resort is a great pick if you’re looking for an affordable stay with an excellent location in west Koh Phangan.
TropiCoco Beach Resort
TropiCoco Beach Resort is right on Haad Yao Beach and checks all the boxes: beachfront access, a pool, an on-site restaurant, scooter rentals, and even a 7-Eleven next door.
The rooms are spacious and clean, and have all the essentials like balconies, hammocks, AC, and Netflix-ready TVs. It’s a solid midrange option that works especially well for longer stays.
The beachfront restaurant is perhaps what TropiCoco is known best for. It’s located just steps from the sand, overlooking Haad Yao. There’s also a chill pool area, or you can relax on the sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach fronting the hotel for free.
Overall, TropiCoco is a good value for what you get, especially if you want to stay in a comfortable beachside hotel.
Where to Stay in Mae Haad
Maehaad Bay Resort
Maehaad Bay Resort is a quiet beachfront stay at the northwestern tip of Koh Phangan. It’s a scenic spot, right next to the sandbar that connects to Ko Ma.
The rooms are spacious, especially in the newer section, and many have balconies overlooking the pool or mountains. The resort has a massive main pool, lush tropical landscaping, and a second, smaller pool with a swim-up bar that opens during busier times.
But the location of the resort (just like the others in the Mae Haad area) is remote, so unless you’re renting a scooter, getting around can be a hassle (and taxis to/from here aren’t cheap).
Overall, if you’re after a peaceful beach retreat and don’t mind being far from the island’s action, Maehaad Bay Resort is a solid choice. Just expect more of a chill retreat than a polished high-end resort.
Mae Haad Garden Inn
Mae Haad Garden Inn is a simple, affordable stay within walking distance of Mae Haad Beach. It’s a low-key location that’s ideal if you’re looking to relax or explore the north of the island.
The rooms are clean, spacious, and come with big, comfy beds. There’s also an on-site restaurant, and you’re close to rental shops, convenience stores, and local food spots, so all the essentials are nearby.
One thing to note: the view from the balcony isn’t anything special. It faces a road. The setting is more practical than picturesque. But if you’re after a few affordable nights in the area, it gets the job done.
Koh Ma Beach Resort
Koh Ma Beach Resort sits right in front of the sandbar that leads to Koh Ma, making it one of the best spots on the island for easy-access snorkeling. The resort has a relaxed feel with a large beachfront pool and an open-air restaurant.
Rooms at Koh Ma resort are clean, modern, and spacious. Some rooms have sea views and balconies just steps from the sand. The resort provides conveniences like daily water and rental scooters.
The location is peaceful, but like other spots in the Mae Haad area, it’s a bit remote, so renting a scooter is the way to go if you want to explore more of the island. There’s a minimart and a few restaurants nearby, but not much nightlife or variety unless you leave the area.
That said, once you’re there, you may not want to leave. It’s hard to beat the views and direct beach access. Between the scenery, the snorkeling, and the peaceful vibe, Koh Ma Beach Resort is a unique and unforgettable spot to stay in Koh Phangan.
What to Pack for Koh Phangan
Here are some of our must-have items you might not have thought of when packing for a trip to Koh Phangan.
- Crocs: During our time in Koh Phangan, we visited 15 beaches, and almost all of them had one thing in common: rocks in the water! I was so glad to have Crocs to protect my feet when swimming.
- Sunscreen: We ran out of sunscreen while in Koh Phangan, so we went to the store to buy it and it was super expensive! Don’t be like us. Bring plenty of sunscreen because you will need it!
- Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures in Koh Phangan, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
- Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Koh Phangan! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.
Our Free Koh Phangan Google Maps Locations
Do you need a handy map with all our Koh Phangan locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Koh Phangan locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Koh Phangan adventure.
Are You Following Our Koh Phangan Blog Series?
We spent 10 days in Koh Phangan and found so many things to do there—from waterfalls to beaches, temples, and hikes. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our Ultimate Guide to Koh Phangan: 16 Incredible Things to Do in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan accomodation/area guide: Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan Beach Guide: The 15 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan
- How to plan your trip to Koh Phangan: 3 Days in Koh Phangan: The Perfect Koh Phangan Itinerary
- The Bottle Beach Viewpoint is Koh Phangan’s most epic vantage point
- We did the Haad Rin to Haad Yuan Hike over a mountain to a secluded beach
- Our favorite temple in Koh Phangan is the Kuan Yin Chinese Temple
- Our favorite waterfall in Koh Phangan: Pho Darng Waterfall
- How to get to Koh Phangan: Surat Thani to Koh Phangan by Ferry
I hope you enjoyed our guide to the best areas and places to stay in Koh Phangan, Thailand.
