Some of the best beaches in the world are located on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand

Thailand is known for its world-class beaches and travel options. The beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan are world renowned for a reason and here is a list of my top five must-see beaches on the gulf island.

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No. 5: Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi

Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi is one of Koh Phangan’s smaller and underrated beaches. Great views, plenty of small and chilled beach-front restaurants to grab drinks and snacks from and a cool vibe give this little piece of sand a cool vibe not found many other places in the hustle and bustle of the Thai islands. If you’re in the mood for some sun, a few sodas and some cool views, check out Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi.

No. 4: Haad Salad

Haad Salad is the place to go for beachfront traditional Thai massages, nightly seafood BBQs and last but not least, a lovely and quiet crescent-shaped beach. Haad Salad has two resorts located at each crescent tip and most restaurants and massage parlors rely on them for the majority of their business. As these resorts are generally smaller than others and packed with luxury, the majority of the beach remains empty most of the time. A terrific and quiet find.

No. 3: Haad Than Sadet

A beach cove on the eastern edge of the island of Koh Phangan, Haad Than Sadet is a small beach book-ended by a pair of small resorts and in the middle, a view into infinity. This beach is the entrance into the Gulf of Thailand and the mesmerizing view coupled with quiet surroundings is a great place for relaxing after a night of partying or just unwinding from the world for a bit.

No. 2: Haad Thian Beach

A sandbar beach in paradise? Sign me up! The Haad Thian Beach is pretty much your average cool island beach – small shack-bars with cold drinks, a couple lounge chairs strewn about and random passersby sticking around for indeterminate periods of time – except for one amazing feature – a giant sandbar located some 20 yards from the beach itself! The massive sandbar feels like its own separate island and has the cleanest sand you’ll find.

The haze that sets upon the tall hills of Koh Phangan adds a fairytale-like feel to this tiny sand oasis in the bay of Haad Thian. Haad Thain is located on the western coast of Koh Phangan.

No. 1: Haad Rin

It had to be #1, right? “The Full Moon Party” Beach of Haad Rin is the most famous beach on the entire island of Koh Phangan, let alone its neighbors Samui or Tao. The monthly festivities last all night long and in the morning give way to a freshly-cleaned cleaned canvas of sand and hungover/still sleeping partygoers. Known as a backpackers beach, you’ll want to enjoy the cheap food and drinks that dot the area along with taking a tuk tuk to and from the beach during the party season.

I hope you enjoyed my top 5 beaches on Koh Phangan! Stay tuned for my rundown of Koh Tao coming up next and as always…