Made famous for it’s notorious full moon party that originated in the mid-80’s, Koh Phangan is still today an obligatory stop for many young backpackers traveling throughout Southeast Asia. Although for the other 28 days of the month, the island is relatively quiet and a good option those looking to unwind and relax along any of it’s 20 or so sandy beaches. With 75% of it’s interior comprised of mountainous tropical jungle, Ko Pha Ngan maintains more ‘undiscovered feel’ compared to it’s more developed neighbor to the South, Koh Samui.
Beaches of Thong Nai Pan Noi & Thong Nai Yai
Located in the secluded Northeast portion of Ko Pha Ngan, the crescent-shaped Thong Nai Pan Yai are one of the most scenic bays of the island. Surrounded by lush a tropical jungle and protected on each end by a big pile of granite rocks, it’s fine pearly white sand gently slope out into a quiet sea perfect for swimming all year long. Vibe is definitely chilled, neither overly developed.
Beachfront at the Buri Rasa Koh Phangan along Thong Nai Pan Noi
Some resorts like the Santhiya shown above are beautifully perched among the jungle-clad mountains where infinity pools offering a panoramic view of the surrounding tropical forest.
Beachfront seen from the opposite side near the end of Thong Nai Pan Noi. The beach chairs on the right belong to the Buri Rasa Koh Phangan where I was staying. Another great option that I will give a try next trip is the Panviman Resort Koh Phangan you can see Idyllically nestled into the rocks where I will definitely stay next trip.
Catching a glimpse of both Thong Nai Pan Noi (front) & Thong Nai Pan Yai (back) from a from one of the viewpoint
One of the souvenir shops located in Thong Nai Pan Noi
Kayak and paddle boats are the best way to go explore neighboring Thong Nai Yai beach
Stopping for a drink after reaching the longer Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach
Thais doing some net fishing along Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach
Walking down to the pool resort
A wider shot of Thong Nai Pan Noi, exactly what a Thai beach should look like, no big crowds or overly developed resorts
There isn’t a whole lot of a nightlife going on Thong Nai Pan Noi, although at the of the beach you will find a small village with a decent selection of restaurants and relaxing bars to enjoy the evening after sunset
Bottle Beach
Bottle beach, located on Koh Pha Ngan’s northern tip is one of the most tranquil bays on the island. There aren’t too many people here and the remoteness of this beach certainly plays a big role in that. This is the beach to pick you are looking to get away from it all, grab a towel, go swimming, sit back, pick up a book and relax for a few days.
The beach is surrounded by hills covered with lush tropical jungle
The vibe is very relaxed along the beach
Some of the tables from the bars and restaurant on the beach
View of my beachfront bungalow at Bottle Beach Resort 1
| Stepping back the luxury and going back to the basics, here inside my Standard Bungalow Beach front with fan |
Great place to just sit back and do nothing for a few days and sleeping listening to the waves
Looking for a spot for a drink
Piña colada time!
Watch out for falling coconuts at Bottle Beach Resort 1
Leelah beach
Stayed the last night on the way back to Koh Samui along Leelah beach, a more quiet alternative to Haad Rin.
The wooden boardwalk along the rocks leading to Leela beach
Beer break during torrential rainfall. It is helpful to remember that the dry season in the Gulf islands Samui/Phangan/Tao usually falls between Febuary and May. This is a bit later than the rest of the country, where the transition happens a month or two earlier.
Walking along Leela beach
Rocks at Leela beach
