Bungalows, Beaches, and Banana Shakes – Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand


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Last Updated on April 20, 2018 by

Sunset at the Beach Koh Pha Ngan
Sunset at Haad Yao Beach – Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

Located just northeast of Ko Samui, Koh Pha Ngan is best known for its crazy full moon party at Haad Rin. For us, it's a place to stay in a simple bungalow on the beach and relax with a book.

We haven’t seen very much of the island – once we get to Haad Yao, a white sand beach in the northwest corner of the island, we find it hard to leave. We fall into synchronization with the pace of the island, where the most difficult decision of the day is “pineapple or mango shake?”

Cocktail - Koh Pha Ngan
Cocktail Time – Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

Cocktail Time – Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

Bungalows on the beach are perfect for navel gazing and getting lulled into a meditative state by the rhythm of the waves.

It was really hard to leave.

Palm Tree Shadows
Palm Tree Shadows – Haad Yao, Koh Pha Ngan

Transport to and Accommodation in Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

  • How to get there: Take a train or bus to Suratthani and transfer to Koh Pha Ngan by ferry. Alternatively, fly to Ko Samui from Bangkok and catch a ferry to Koh Pha Ngan. Hydrofoil and bus connections through Chumphon are also available from Bangkok. Sawngthaew taxis (pick-up trucks with benches in the back) will take you from the pier in Thong Sala to wherever you’d like to go on the island.
  • When to go: December through February is the high season, with sunny days and minimal rain.
  • Where to stay: Bungalows are available along the beach and inland. We’ve stayed both times at Seaboard Bungalows where a simple bungalow (cold water, basic bed and bathroom) right on the beach is 400 baht ($12) during the high season. Cheaper bungalows are available off the beach. More expensive upmarket options are possible in Haad Yao, but probably better sourced elsewhere on the island.
  • Where to eat: All guesthouses have restaurants serving Thai food, western breakfast, and simple western food. In the evening, expect to see trays of fresh seafood from the day’s catch, ready to go on the grill. Prices are reasonable.
  • What to do: The beach and slow rhythm are the main draw for us. Motorbikes are available for rent to visit other parts of the island to explore waterfalls, Buddhist temples, and coconut plantations. Scuba diving and snorkling are easy to arrange.
About Audrey Scott
Audrey Scott is a writer, storyteller, speaker and tourism development consultant. She aims to help turn people's fears into curiosity and connection. She harbors an obsession for artichokes and can bake a devastating pan of brownies. You can keep up with her adventures on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And you can learn more about her on the About Page and on LinkedIn.

4 thoughts on “Bungalows, Beaches, and Banana Shakes – Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand”

  1. Hi Audrey and Dan,
    I’m just going through your web page. I like it much. The writings, the pictures, even the sound are neat and sweet. Every item, I’ve entered by now, worked. I will have to visit your web in a certain doses at a time, otherwise I get frustrated. Anyway, watching your work, I’ll be able to see that you’re doing well. Take care.
    Katarina

    Reply
  2. Hi Katarina,
    I’m very glad you are enjoying the site! There’s a lot of material to start with, so take it in small doses! I hope everything continues to work well : )

    We will update soon from Georgia!
    Ciao!
    Audrey

    Reply
  3. Hi Daniel and Audrey,
    Wonderful info and photos!
    Just a quick question…
    If you had a choice between spending 10 days at either Long Beach on Koh Lanta or Haad Yao on Koh Phangan, which would you choose?
    Thanks in advance for your answer!
    Ann

    Reply

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