Where To Stay Koh Phangan: Best Areas To Visit, Places To Stay & Map 2025
- Kate Colliety
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Koh Phangan is one of the most famous Thai islands, known for its Full Moon Parties and late nights, however we found there was so much more to offer on this beautiful island. With a surprising amount of small neighbourhoods, which have based themselves around some of the best beaches in the world, it can be confusing deciding where to stay on Koh Phangan.
Whether you’re looking to relax with the family or party until the sunrise, the island has something for you, offering cheap hostel beds as well as luxury resorts. We chose to stay in the Baan Tai area which we would highly recommend, but more on this below.
Read on to find out everything we wished we knew about where to stay on Koh Phangan, including the best areas to stay for every budget and a handy area map of the island.
Contents
Koh Phangan Best Areas To Stay Map
Best Areas To Stay on Koh Phangan
Haad Yao: Relaxed Beach Town Perfect For Families
Haad Rin: Home To The Famous Full Moon Parties
Baan Tai: The Best Area To Stay For First Time Travellers
Thong Sala: The Busy Port Town of Koh Phangan
Haad Salad: One of The Most Beautiful Beaches
Baan Tai: The Best Area To Stay For Your First Time
This is where we chose to stay during our time on Koh Phangan and found it to be the perfect mix of relaxation and party, making it the best area for first time visitors. Located on the south coast of the island, it's a great base for exploring by scooter in the day and close enough to get to Haad Rin’s parties in the evening, meaning you can escape back to the peace in the days.
The town of Haad Rin has plenty of restaurants, internet cafes, ATMs and everything else you could want, which is why we think it's the best place to stay in Koh Phangan! It’s also home to the longest beach on the island which offers water sports, kayaks and SUPs.
If you’re looking for the best mix of chill and chaos, Baan Tai it is.
Best Budget Accommodation in Baan Tai $
World Citizen Guesthouse: Backpackers, Budget Couples
This is actually where we chose to stay during our time on Koh Phangan, a lovely small bungalow set a 5 minute walk away from the beach. This place is perfect for backpackers looking for a rest from hostels or budget couple like us, it was clean and comfortable!
See Sea Backpackers House: Backpackers, Budget Couples
This cheap and friendly hostel is great for the social butterflies! With comfortable beds, cheap prices and good vibes, its exactly what every backpacker looks for. Just a short ride into the full or half moon parties, its location is great, perfect for a combination of parties and island exploration in the day. A great place to stay in Koh Phangan!
Na-Tub Hostel: Backpackers, Budget Couples
A clean and social hostel with a pool out the front, this is a comfortable hostel set away slightly from the parties meaning it's ideal for travellers seeking a more relaxed environment that the chaos of Haad Rin while still having a good time. Only a 15 minute drive to the fool moon parties however prices are slightly higher everywhere on the island during this time.
Baan Tai Best Mid-Range Places To Stay $$
Sand Terrace Beach Bungalows: Couples & Families
These clean and modern bungalows set right on the beachfront have great reviews and usually come with very friendly welcoming touches. Set amongst beautiful scenery and near a variety of cafes & restaurants, the sand terrace beach bungalows are a great choice for couples and families. The beach is great for sunsets so you can enjoy a cocktail and head to the close-by night market.
Yangyai Garden Lodge: Couples, Families
Here, you'll notice the Thai friendliness continues with an amazing family running these lodges, set on the edge of town surrounded by palm trees. Each lodge is spotless and well maintained, offering peace and quiet from the chaos while still being only a 5 minute scooter ride away from the main choice of restaurants.
Best Luxury Resort in Baan Tai $$
All At Sea Beach Resort: Families & Luxury Travellers
A final choice for the Baan Tai area (which we think is the best place to stay in Koh Phangan) is the All at Sea Beach Resort, offering large and clean bungalows for guests looking to relax on the beach. It's only a 10 minute walk to the Baan Tai market and main restaurants while it sits right on the Baan Tai beach-front, a gem of a place to stay!
Haad Rin: Home To The Famous Full Moon Parties
Home to the legendary Full Moon Parties, this town speaks for itself and is the party capital of Koh Phangan! Without a doubt, if you’re looking for a party while visiting Koh Phangan, then this is the place to be staying. Every night of the week, you’ll be able to find a party happening, from the iconic beach raves under the full moon to regular events like the half moon, jungle and Saturday night Haad Yuan beach parties.
The town itself is packed with bars. Beach clubs, fire shows and vibrant street food spots, along with a range of accommodation to suit all budgets, from lively hostels to beachfront resorts. It's worth noting that during the Full Moon Parties, hotels and hostels can be booked up early in advance.
During the day while staying in Haad Rin, you can chill out on Haad Rin Nok or explore nearby viewpoints if your headache isn’t too bad. While it’s not the quietest place to stay on Koh Phangan, Haad Rin offers non-stop energy and a very unique party vibe, making it perfect for solo-travellers, backpackers & dancers.
Best Budget Accommodation in Haad Rin $
So Good Haad Rin Hostel: Backpackers, Solo-Travellers
Located with a view looking over Haad Rin beach which is where the full moon parties parties are held, this has to be one of the best places to stay in Koh Phangan if you're looking to party, being so close to the action means there will be loud base noise but with the right earplugs you'll still be able to get some sleep, or party all night. The rooms are big, clean and open which can't be said for all oh Haad Rin on a tight budget.
Richmond Guesthouse: Backpackers, Budget Couples
For the budget travellers out there looking to party while staying in a private room, richmond guesthouse is a nice alternative to the dorm rooms on offer. The rooms are clean and good value for money, especially if you're sharing with a friend or partner. It's a great location for access to the full moon parties although that will also bring some noise in the night!
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Haad Rin $$
Sunset Beach Villas: Couples, Families
These tidy and cute villas located right on the beach are in the perfect location in Haad Rin town, the stunning pool shown above sits a stone throw away from the beach which is an epic place to watch sunset. Considering the mid-range budget of these villas, its a great alternative if you're a couple or family looking for some comfort while in Haad Rin.
Haad Rin Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts $$
Palita Lodge: Families, Couples
Although Haad Rin is known for its chaos, if you're looking to stay there then Palita Lodge is one of the best places to stay in Koh Phangan. Located just to the side of the beach meaning you're slightly away from the base noise at night, with large and spacious rooms, a huge pool, free laundry, parking and great service. A great choice for families in this party town.
Skymoon Resort: Families, Luxury Travellers
Located just around the corner from the stunning picturesque beach, skymoon restort is a great choice for families looking for some comfort. The large spacious rooms have air-con and are cleaned everyday with an amazing pool overlooking the beach. Along with amazon cliffside views, they also operate a shuttle to avoid walking.
Haad Yao: Relaxed Beach Town Perfect For Families
Haad Yao is one of the most popular and stunning beaches on the northwest coast of Koh Phangan, with its long stretch of soft sand and calm, turquoise waters, perfect for swimming & relaxing. If you’re looking to get away from the parties in the south, then staying in Haad Yao will suit you, allowing you to soak up the more peaceful side of Koh Phangan.
Being west facing means this bay is the perfect place for a sunset cocktail, with several beachfront bars and restaurants to choose from. It’s also located just next to Haad Salad, making it a great place to explore the nearby bays from.
For those who get itchy feet just lounging on the beach all day and looking for more action, Haad Yao is also a hotspot for snorkelling and kayaking with vibrant coral reefs just offshore.
Best Budget Accommodation Around Haad Yao$
Shiralea Backpackers Resort: Solo-Travelers, Backpackers & Budget Couples
These backpacker huts are basic but nestled in the jungle of the Haad Yao area, perfect for those looking to get some peace and quiet. Only a 1 minute walk to the beach, this backpackers resort also has a pool. Great vibes and fairly priced - what more could a backpacker want? The hut nature of it does mean there might be some more bugs around than usual.
Best Mid-Range Accommodation in Haad Yao Koh Phangan $$
TropiCoco Beach Resort: Couples, Families
Located right on the beachfront, this resort offers modern and clean bungalows perfect for couples or families looking to relax. The restaurant on-site serves up great Thai food with a friendly atmosphere, this spacious resort is a great place to stay on Koh Phangan.
Long Bay Resort: Families
This super friendly family run resort is a great choice for families, with its clean landscaping and stylish interiors its sure to make a comfortable stay. It has a nice pool to relax in while also being not too far from the beach, located on the quiet side of Haad Yao beach but only a short walk over to the action, notably Seaboard for the Wednesday evening night market.
Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Haad Yao $$
Baan Kiao Resort: Families, Luxury Travellers
Just a 5 minute walk to the beach, Baan Kiao is yet another example of the amazing places to stay Koh Phangan has to offer, with clean and spacious rooms, a large pool, breakfast, rental scooters and everything else you could want or need while visiting Koh Phangan. What really stands out on this island and resort is the friendly staff!
Summary of The Best Places To Stay Koh Phangan
Best For Families: Haad Yao & Haad Salad
Best For Solo Travellers: Haad Rin
Best For Couples: Baan Tai
Best For Backpackers: Haad Rin for Parties or Baan Tai for more relaxed
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