11 Best Hotels in Koh Phangan, The Gulf Coast Beaches

Villas and suites at this upscale hideaway, which deserves its reputation as the most luxurious bolt-hole on the island, all have their own private plunge pools, while the signature spa built into the mountainside is the perfect place for pampering.

Although Thong Sala (the island's main town) is often overlooked as in favor of other beaches there's plenty to like about the unassuming stretches of sand nearest to the "big city" and this lovely property is one of the best places to stay, with secluded bungalows, a fine restaurant, and a swimming pool.

This resort is on mellow Haad Sarikantang, a five-minute walk from Haad Rin West. Rooms range from cute air-conditioned clapboard bungalows on the beachfront to less expensive digs with shared baths in a large wood-and-concrete building. The bungalows away from the beach are connected by a boardwalk and have ladders leading up to tiny lofts; newer bungalows on the hill have high ceilings and banks of windows opening up to impressive ocean views. The resort provides a slew of services and amenities, including beach volleyball, rafts, and kayaks to keep you busy during the low tide, when the water is too shallow for swimming.

Cascading down a jungle-clad hillside at the southern end of Haad Salad, Cookies Salad offers something for everyone. In the budget category, basic rooms in a modern block have amazing views and outside hammocks. Family cottages are more luxurious with king-sized beds and chic outdoor areas. A lovely swimming pool puts the icing on the cake. 

These simple wooden huts directly on the beach at the "quieter" northern end of Haad Rin East are the best deal in the area—for the best location. Opt for one of the beachfront bungalows and request hammocks for the porch.

The bungalows and restaurant at this well-landscaped resort in northern Koh Phangan are built of wood, thatch, and bamboo in traditional southern Thai style. The bungalows, each with a private balcony, sit amid lush tropical gardens shaded by coconut and other trees. Popular with travelers wanting to laze away soaking up the sun, casual Longtail is right on Haad Thong Nai Pan Yai.

Established in 1985, this relaxed, family-run resort at the northern end of Haad Rin East was one of the first on Haad Rin Beach. What started with a few bungalows has become a popular, 40-room resort with direct beach access, an open-air restaurant shaded by coconut trees, and a clean swimming pool framed by tropical shrubs. Book the beach bungalow if you want a balcony with unbroken sea views and don't mind hearing pumping beats on full moon nights.

The big attractions at this cheerful resort on Koh Phangan's northern coast are its two restaurants: one is a circular dining area that's open to the ocean breezes; the other is a seaside terrace. Superior rooms have hardwood floors, spacious decks with ocean views, and convenient access to the gorgeous, multitiered swimming pool. More like small wooden houses, the bungalows sit on the hill above the small private beach. Family cottages are enormous, with tall windows on both floors. 

On Haad Rin East near the action but away from the crowds, this was one of the island's original resorts. The best huts are lined up neatly and angled toward the sea. Concrete huts on the far side of the resort have air-conditioning, parquet floors, modern baths, and hammocks, but aren't as fun as the beachside ones. Only a short walk to the party part of town, the resort is far enough away to be secluded from the late-night noise.

On Haad Sarikantang, this small resort is a short walk from the festive atmosphere at Haad Rin. The nicer, villa-style accommodations have outdoor baths, hot water, air-conditioning, and hammocks, while the rooms in the main building have more basic amenities. The rooms are behind the pool, and although none of them are beachfront, most have ocean views. Two suites have large stone bathtubs with views past cozy living rooms, across the decks, and out to the sea. Right on the beach, the spa offers excellent massages while you listen to the waves lap the shore. This is a family-run resort that genuinely tries to make you feel welcome.

Of the guesthouses on northern Koh Phangan's Haad Kuat (Bottle Beach), this one on the beach's western end is the best, though it lacks most amenities besides a restaurant. Huts are on the hillside and have large wooden decks overlooking the water. The bungalows higher up the hill, duplexes, have the best views. The restaurant has comfortable seating, either at standard-height wooden tables or low tables surrounded by triangular pillows. The staff frequently hangs out with the guests in the evening, when the music is turned up, the lights are turned down, and cards and beer bottles cover the tables. The beach is great for swimming.