Koh Phangan Island is located on the South East of Thailand. Only 30 minutes ferry ride from Koh Samui Island
Getting to Koh Phangan – Most travellers arrive at Koh Samui airport, then take the ferry to Koh Phangan. Alternately you can take a ferry from Donsak, Surat Thani, or Koh Tao Island.
Our mission was to explore Koh Phangan, its beautiful beaches and bays, showing travellers that Koh Phangan has more to offer than the infamous Koh Phangan Full-moon party.
We set off to explore the west coast known for its sunsets, turquoise green waters, relaxed vibe and funky beach bungalows.
We were not disappointed…
Koh Phangan still has lots of low cost beach bungalows that tourists seek. Dreaming of lying on a hammock, surrounded by white powdery sands and the sound of the waves.
This is where you should be for that dreamy holiday/vacation – Simply Perfecto…
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For a multi destination travel Itinerary , Koh Phangan is that perfect place to finish off. Wind down after activities, tours or trips, or simply too much travelling.
Setting off from Koh Samui Island take the Seatran Ferry from Bang Rak pier, this will take you to Thong Sala Pier the South of the Island. Do not take the Haad Rin Queen boat, because this will take you to Haad Rin pier.
The better way to explore Koh Phangan and cheapest is to hire a jeep or a 125 Honda Click bike(with power) This you can do at Thong Sala Pier Koh Phangan.
Daily hire 200/250 baht per day. Deposit to be left from 5000 – 7000 baht which is returned, if the bike is returned with no damage.
On Koh Phangan they have mainly Songteaw open taxis the minimun charge is 200 baht per journey however the Songteaw will not leave until it is full. This can work out very expensive if you want to explore the Island.
Staying over for 3 days 2 nights is plenty to explore before moving on. This is of course of you tale the early ferry at 08.00am. This given you time to explore before checking in your resort at 14.00 pm.
The drive from Thong Sala to Haad Salad where we stayed at a funky little hotel Paps House. Very clean, super friendly staff, and fabulous views of the mountains and gardens below.
2 nights 1850 baht
Koh Phangan West Coast Beaches
Ao Sri Thanu – one side of the beach is a rocky beach, but pretty, and the other opens up to the river mouth.
Sri Thanu was my favourite place, as far a friendly, laid back vibe goes. Healthy food shops, coffee shops selling healthy juices and smoothies.
It has an old village feel with funky shops, restaurants and bars. Only 10 min drive from Haad Yao and 15 mins from Haad Salad, is a cool place to visit for lunch or evening food.
Haad Chao Pao – Is situated in-between Sri Thanu and Koh Raham. The little bay, is a lovely little hideaway, but slightly rocky.
Haad Son – A very rocky beach, but pretty. Better option is to visit Koh Raham
Koh Raham (Secret Beach) – Spectacular, loved this secret beach. Only 1 bar/restaurant of which has a few little low budget bungalows
Running a long side Koh Raham (secret beach) is Haad Son Resort, this would be the most convenient place to stay
Haad Yao – Much more going on around Haad Yao. The beach is beautiful, shallow waters, clear but not a stunning as Haad Salad
A mix of low budget and mid range, also a choice of a couple of private villas to choice from.
Haad Yao, is probably a better location for those wanting a busier nightlife, more choice of shops, restaurants and coffee shops.
Only a 10 minutes bike ride to Haad Salad
Haad Tian – A small rocky cove, shallow clear waters, but nothing much to do but relax, and enjoy the hotel.
Haad Salad – Simply stunning. White powdery beach, relatively wide, and shallow, crystal clear turquoise waters.
A mix of low budget beach bungalows and two mid ranged beach resorts. Not much choice in way of nightlife bars ect, mostly beach bars attached accommodation.
Viewpoint – Sabai Bar Haad Salad Viewpoint
The Sabai Bar is located in-between Haad Salad and Haad Yao. If driving from Haad Salad the drive up is very steep.
This is a must visit, for the views alone. The view over Haad Salad bay is breathtaking. A contrast of nature and turquoise waters ( See main image)
On a Wednesday they have a live band from 21.00 – 00.00
Coffee Lovers –
Bubbas Roastery
Being a coffee lover and a coffee shop owner my main mission was to seek out a great coffee blend. Lucky for us, we where located not too far from Bubbas Roastery @ Haad Yao opposite the 7/11.
The Coffee blend good, and the healthy option food is a treat.
Karma Kafe –
Karma Kafe is located on Sri Thanu beach approx 15 minutes drive from Haad Salad – Easy steady drive, through nature and a laid back vibe.
Simply stunning location, situated in the middle of Yogo classes and schools, it has a sleepy feel to it. Wonderfully designed and comfortable seating was alone worth the visit. The menu is bursting with healthy options, and unique smoothies. The coffee blend was super, but the delicious breakfast bowl was just divine.
Explore Koh Phangan, explore Sri Thanu beach and open yourself up to a healthy option breakfast.
Hike from Haad Khom to Bottle beach
This hike I was looking forward too so much, but unfortunately my Honda Scoopy just wasnt powerful enough to get up a very steep winding hill with 2 persons.
With a Honda Click 125 this can be done easily. If you choose to do this it takes approx 1hour to 1hrs .15 min. The hike starts off challenging, but levels out. You follow the bottles all the way.
Once you arrive at Bottle Beach, you can relax on the beautiful beach, and eat lunch. If you choose not to hike back, you can take a long-tail boat for 150 baht per person which takes you to Baan ChalokLam.
For more information regarding Koh Phangan contact Samui Explorer directly. For Customised Travel Planning please visit Customised Travel Itineraries
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