Koh Phangan’s All-Rounder Beach
Haad Yao (also known as Long Beach), on Koh Phangan’s west coast, is a beach with a buzz that ticks a lot of boxes. It’s beautiful, wide stretch of sand sits within a calm and tranquil bay that’s great for swimming and snorkelling.
The beach is lined with lots of bungalow operations, where hammocks swing on balconies and between palm trees. There is an excellent choice of restaurants and bars to hang out at, while watching the sunset. Haad Yao is also within easy striking distance of Koh Phangan’s main town and hub, Thong Sala.
Things to Do at Haad Yao
- Haad Yao’s clear, calm waters are great for swimming and snorkelling
- Explore other beautiful beaches, nearby to the north (Haad Salad) or south (Sri Thanu) of here
- Head into Thong Sala for the night, or base yourself at Haad Yao if on the island for the Full Moon Party
- Visit one of this part of Koh Phangan’s highly regarded yoga, wellness or meditation centres
- Hit the hammock and enjoy beautiful sunsets on one of Koh Phangan’s best west-facing (sunset) beaches
Key Points
- Orientation: West facing (sunset)
- Length: 675 metres (approx)
- Access: Taxi / longtail boat / scooter
- Sand: Soft and white
- Water: Calm and clear
- Must do: Sunset at the 9 Million View Restaurant
- Popular hotel: TropiCoco Resort
- Nearby beach: Haad Son (Secret Beach)
- Distance to Thong Sala: 10 km
- Distance to Haad Rin: 21 km
Where to Stay on Haad Yao?
This is the ideal beach to live out those hammock fantasies. Accommodation is plentiful, with mid-range options strung out along the beach and some budget choices close by.
TropiCoco Beach Resort
- Range – mid
- Location – beachfront, middle of beach
- Accommodation – bungalows
- Facilities – restaurant, bar, swimming pool
Haad Yao Bayview Resort & Spa
- Range – mid
- Location – beachfront, northern headland
- Accommodation – rooms, bungalows
- Facilities – restaurant, bar, swimming pool
Shiralea Resort
- Range – budget
- Location – 2 minutes from beach, northern headland
- Accommodation – dorms, bungalows
- Facilities – restaurant, bar, swimming pool
Who Should Stay Here?
- Sunset lovers who long for a hammock and a slower pace than some of the southern beaches
- Those who love to eat and drink in a different beach restaurant and bar every night (lots of choice here)
- Happy being fairly close to main hubs but far enough away for a more relaxing vibe
How to Get to Haad Yao
Jump on one of the many songthaew taxis that await arrivals on the island’s piers. The journey will take around 40 minutes from Haad Rin or 20 minutes from Thong Sala.
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