Where should you stay on Koh Phangan? That was the first question we asked ourselves when we planned our trip to Thailand, and the answer depends a lot more on the beach than on the hotel. The island is bigger than it looks, the roads are hilly, and a beach in the east feels like a different world from the party coast in the south. We spent almost a week here in January 2025 with our one-year-old son and stayed on Thong Nai Pan Yai on the quiet east coast.
In this guide we show you the best areas to stay on Koh Phangan, how they compare, and the hotels we would book for every budget. We also tell you where we stayed ourselves and what we liked and did not like. If you are still planning your days, our guide to the best things to do on Koh Phangan is the perfect companion.
Last updated: October 2026
In a Rush? Our Favorite Hotels on Koh Phangan
Short on time? These are the hotels we would look at first:
Best luxury resort: Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa on Thong Nai Pan Noi – Click here for rates & availability*
Best for families with young kids: Longtail Beach Resort on Thong Nai Pan Yai (where we stayed) – Click here for rates & availability*
Best beachfront stay with a pool: Nice Beach Resort on Thong Nai Pan Yai (where we stayed) – Click here for rates & availability*
Where We Stayed on Koh Phangan
We stayed on Thong Nai Pan Yai, a long, curved bay on the quiet east coast, and we chose two hotels right on the beach: the Longtail Beach Resort and the Nice Beach Resort. We really enjoyed our time at the Longtail Beach Resort. The food was amazing and especially in the evening you can have dinner at the beach.
The reason we picked this beach was our son. Thong Nai Pan Yai slopes very gently into the water and the sea is often calm, which is perfect with a toddler. In the evening the whole bay is relaxed and quiet, and you can walk along the beach for a long time. It is not the place for nightlife, but it was our favorite part of the whole Thailand trip, and we would have loved to stay longer.
Longtail Beach Resort | Check Prices*
We also explored other parts of the island during the day, including the west coast and the area around Thong Sala, but we did not sleep there. For all other hotels in this guide we rely on our impressions of the areas, careful research and recent guest reviews.
Where to Stay on Koh Phangan: The Best Areas Compared
Koh Phangan is a hilly island with only a few main roads, so the area you pick decides how much time you spend on a scooter or in a taxi. These are the areas that work best for visitors:
| Area | Best for | Vibe | After dark | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thong Nai Pan (Yai & Noi) | Families, couples, quiet beach days | Calm, scenic bays in the northeast | Quiet, a few beach restaurants | $$ to $$$$ |
| Haad Rin | Full Moon Party, nightlife, a lively base | Busy, young, party-focused | Loud, especially around the Full Moon | $ to $$$ |
| Srithanu | Yoga, wellness, cafés, longer stays | Relaxed and alternative | Chilled, small bars and restaurants | $ to $$$ |
| Haad Yao & Haad Salad | Beach days, value, sunsets | Long west-coast beach with shops and restaurants | Easygoing, beach bars | $ to $$$ |
| Thong Sala & Chaloklum | Short stays near the ferry, local life | Practical, more local, less beach | Quiet | $ to $$ |
Price levels are rough indications. Hotel prices on Koh Phangan change a lot with the season and around the Full Moon Party, so always compare current rates before you book.
Where to Stay in Thong Nai Pan: Our Pick for Families and Relaxing Beach Days
Thong Nai Pan is made up of two neighboring bays in the northeast, Thong Nai Pan Yai and Thong Nai Pan Noi. Both are quiet, scenic and a world away from the party beaches. Thong Nai Pan Yai is the longer and busier one, with a handful of resorts, beach restaurants and small shops. The beach is very shallow and the water is often calm, which makes it one of the best beaches on the island for small children. The trade-off is the distance: it takes a while to get here from the ferry pier on winding roads, and you will want to rent a car or scooter or arrange transfers with your hotel if you want to explore the rest of the island.
Longtail Beach Resort (Best for Families with Young Kids)
The Longtail Beach Resort sits at the end of Thong Nai Pan Yai, right on the sand. It is a simple, relaxed bungalow resort and our top pick if you travel with small children.
We stayed here with our one-year-old son, and the location is the main reason we loved it. The beach slopes very gently into the water, the sea is often calm, and right next to the hotel there are swings and ropes in the trees that are a real paradise for kids. The bungalows are spread around a garden, and the restaurant right on the beach serves Thai food, which makes it easy to eat dinner without going anywhere. The breakfast was a highlight for us.
Keep in mind that this is a simple island resort, not a luxury hotel. Bungalows in a tropical garden tend to be on the small side, and you should expect the occasional insect, so keep your door closed and check the room when you arrive. If you travel with kids, book early, because the hotel is popular with families.
Longtail Beach Resort | Check Prices*
Nice Beach Resort (Best Beachfront Stay with a Pool)
The Nice Beach Resort is a stylish beachfront hotel on Thong Nai Pan Yai with a pool, a restaurant and a spa. It is our pick if you want a bit more comfort than a basic bungalow resort without leaving the beach.
We loved the setting here. The hotel sits directly on one of the nicest stretches of the beach, the pool looks out to the sea, and the restaurant is right by the sand, so the day can be as simple as pool, beach and dinner. Book a room with a sea view if you can, because that is where you really feel the location.
Two things to know: the resort is very family friendly, so expect kids around the pool and on the beach, and it is a good choice for couples only if you like a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. Most guests also arrange their transfer through the hotel, so ask about the price before you book it and compare it with a taxi.
Nice Beach Resort | Check Prices*
Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa (Best Luxury Resort on Koh Phangan)
Santhiya is the big luxury resort on the neighboring bay of Thong Nai Pan Noi, built in a traditional Thai style with pools, a spa and a gym. It is the place to book if you want to splurge and spend most of your trip at the hotel.
The resort has several pools, a spa, restaurants and a breakfast that guests like, and many suites come with a private pool and sea views. The setting is secluded and peaceful, far from the busy parts of the island, which is exactly why people come here.
The resort is built on a hillside and is quite large, so there is a shuttle service inside the property, and a trip to anywhere else on the island takes some time. Restaurants add a service charge, and some guests mention that the room they got did not match the description, so check the room type and the view you are booking.
Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa | Check Prices*
Where to Stay in Srithanu: Best for Yoga and a Relaxed Vibe
Srithanu on the west coast is the island’s wellness and yoga corner, with plenty of cafés, healthy restaurants and small shops. It is not the best place for swimming, because the beach is not the main attraction, so choose a hotel with a good pool. It suits you if you want a calm base with lots of places to eat, and it works well for longer stays.
Amaya Boutique Resort (Best Boutique Hotel on Koh Phangan)
Amaya Boutique Resort is a small resort of bungalows built around a pool in Srithanu. It is a good pick if you want a quiet, pretty base with a boutique feel and still want restaurants nearby.
The bungalows are grouped around a saltwater pool, the grounds are quiet, and the resort has its own restaurant serving Thai food. The restaurants of Srithanu are about a seven-minute walk away, so you can eat out without a scooter.
The hotel is not directly on the beach, so plan to rent a scooter or take a taxi for beach days. Rates can be on the higher side for the room size, so compare the room types before you book.
Amaya Boutique Resort | Check Prices*
Where to Stay on Haad Yao and Haad Salad: Best for Beach Days and Value
Haad Yao is the longest beach on the west coast and has shops, restaurants and beach bars within walking distance, so it is easy to stay here without a scooter. Nearby Haad Salad is smaller and quieter and known for its sunsets. This is a good area if you want a classic beach holiday at a fair price.
TropiCoco Beach Resort (Best Value Beach Hotel on Koh Phangan)
TropiCoco Beach Resort sits right on Haad Yao with a pool, a beach restaurant and a bar. It is our pick if you want a beachfront stay at a fair price.
The combination is hard to beat. You get a pool, a beach restaurant and bar, and a convenience store and café right next to the hotel, so you do not need to go far for the little things. The beach in front is long and wide, and the resort is a good base for sunsets on the west coast.
The rooms and bathrooms are simple and some guests find them a little dated, so this is not the place for a luxury stay. Check the room type before you book and do not expect a resort in the style of Santhiya.
TropiCoco Beach Resort | Check Prices*
Where to Stay in Haad Rin: Best for the Full Moon Party
Haad Rin in the south is the home of the Full Moon Party and the busiest part of the island, with bars, clubs, shops and restaurants on every corner. If you come for the party, staying here saves you a long ride home at night. If you do not, it is probably not the area for you, because it can be loud and crowded, and prices go up around the Full Moon.
Bayshore Resort (Best Resort for the Full Moon Party)
Bayshore Resort sits on Haad Rin East, also called Sunrise Beach, with a pool right in front of the sea. It is a comfortable resort in the middle of the action and a good choice if you want a proper hotel instead of a party hostel.
We picked it because it combines a central location with a pool, a restaurant and a buffet breakfast. The town of Haad Rin with its shops and restaurants is only a short walk away, and the beach is on your doorstep.
The downside is the noise. Haad Rin can be loud late at night, especially around the Full Moon, so ask for a room away from the beach bars if you want to sleep. Book early if your dates are close to a Full Moon Party.
Bayshore Resort | Check Prices*
Where to Stay near Thong Sala and Chaloklum
Thong Sala is the main town and ferry port, and Chaloklum is a small fishing village with a lively beach in the north. Both are practical bases with shops, restaurants and a more local feel, but the beaches are not the island’s best. They make sense for a short stay if you arrive late or leave early by ferry, or if you want to live like a local. We visited during the day but have not stayed here ourselves.
Which Area Is Right for You?
- Traveling with small children: Thong Nai Pan Yai, where the beach is shallow and calm, like we did.
- You want a luxury resort and a quiet stay: Thong Nai Pan Noi.
- You want to party at the Full Moon: Haad Rin.
- You want yoga, cafés and a relaxed vibe: Srithanu.
- You want a classic beach holiday with good value: Haad Yao or Haad Salad.
- You arrive late or leave early by ferry: Thong Sala.
Getting Around Koh Phangan from Your Hotel
Koh Phangan has no airport. Most visitors fly to Koh Samui or Surat Thani and continue by ferry to Thong Sala. High-speed catamarans run from Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Donsak near Surat Thani, and you can check routes and book on the official Lomprayah website. We explain all options in our guide to the best things to do on Koh Phangan, including how to get here and how to get around.
Once you are on the island, you have three choices. A scooter is the cheapest way to get around, usually around 150 to 300 baht per day, but the roads are steep and winding. Taxis and songthaews work too, but you should agree on the price before you get in, especially in the evening. With our one-year-old son we rented a car through our hotel, including a child seat, and it cost us about 30 euros per day. If you stay in Thong Nai Pan, we recommend arranging your transfer in advance, because it is one of the farther corners of the island.
Is It Safe to Stay on Koh Phangan?
Yes, Koh Phangan is generally a relaxed and safe island for tourists. The biggest risk is not crime but traffic: scooter accidents are common, especially on the steep roads and at night, so only rent a scooter if you have experience and always wear a helmet. Around the Full Moon Party, keep an eye on your belongings and your drinks. Be careful when swimming and kayaking, because currents can be stronger than they look.
FAQ: Where to Stay on Koh Phangan
What is the best area to stay on Koh Phangan?
It depends on your trip. For families and quiet beach days we recommend Thong Nai Pan Yai, which is where we stayed. For nightlife choose Haad Rin, for a relaxed vibe Srithanu, and for a classic beach stay Haad Yao.
Where should you stay on Koh Phangan with a baby or toddler?
We recommend Thong Nai Pan Yai. The beach slopes very gently and the water is often calm, which is perfect for small children. The Longtail Beach Resort was a great base for us.
Where should you stay for the Full Moon Party?
Haad Rin is the easiest choice, because the party is on the beach and you can walk home. Book your hotel well in advance, because rooms fill up and prices go up.
Do you need a scooter on Koh Phangan?
Not necessarily. Many beaches have restaurants and shops within walking distance, and you can use taxis. A scooter or a car gives you more freedom, especially if you stay in a quiet area like Thong Nai Pan.
How many nights should you stay on Koh Phangan?
We spent almost a week and would happily have stayed longer. Three to four nights are enough for the highlights, but with a week you can also enjoy the beaches slowly and visit the other parts of the island.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay on Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is more than the Full Moon Party, and the beach you choose shapes your trip more than the hotel. If you remember one thing from this guide: decide first whether you want a quiet bay or a lively base, and then pick a hotel. For us, Thong Nai Pan Yai was perfect. And if you have been to Koh Phangan yourself, tell us in the comments where you stayed and what we missed.
Planning more of Thailand? Check out our tips for the 12 best things to do on Koh Phangan, and let us know in the comments what you would like to read next.