The best hotels in Koh Phangan

This no-frills resort sits right on the eastern end of Haad Rin beach, a five-minute walk from the Full Moon Party grounds. Rooms are basic but clean, with decent air conditioning and a small balcony facing the garden. The outdoor pool is small but functional and rarely crowded outside party weekends. Staff are helpful enough for booking longtail boats and taxis. Good for travelers who want beach access without spending much.

Located directly opposite the main Thong Sala ferry pier, this hotel is the most practical base for island hopping. Rooms are straightforward and clean, with older furniture that has been well maintained. The on-site restaurant serves solid Thai food at fair prices compared to the tourist spots nearby. Easy to grab a songthaew or motorbike taxi right outside the entrance. Not a beach hotel, but the convenience factor is hard to beat at this price.

The resort overlooks Haad Yao beach from a hillside position, so most rooms get a genuine sea view from the balcony. The beach below is one of the calmer stretches on the west coast, good for swimming most of the year. Rooms are mid-range Thai style with tiled floors and basic amenities that are clean and reliable. The infinity pool is the standout feature, particularly at sunset. Walk down the hill to find several independent restaurants along the beachfront road.

Hin Kong is one of the quieter beaches on the western side of the island and this resort sits almost entirely alone on it. The property spreads across a garden with a mix of bungalows and newer block rooms, the bungalows being the better choice. Snorkeling is decent directly off the beach during the dry season. Staff organize yoga and cooking classes a few times per week at no extra charge. It attracts a mellower crowd than the Haad Rin area.

Bottle Beach on the north coast is accessible only by longtail boat or a steep jungle hike, which keeps it from getting overcrowded. The resort here has well-spaced bungalows sitting close to the sand, and the beach itself is genuinely beautiful with calm clear water. Accommodation is comfortable rather than luxurious, with ceiling fans and minimal decor. The restaurant has a limited menu but the fresh fish dishes are consistently good. Plan on spending at least two full days here because getting in and out takes effort.

Haad Salad is a short, sheltered bay on the northwest coast and this resort sits at its southern end with direct beach access. The bungalows closest to the water are worth paying extra for, the sound of the sea at night is a real plus. Food at the resort restaurant is genuinely good, particularly the seafood grills done on the beach barbecue most evenings. The bay is calm enough for kayaking and the resort provides them free to guests. A couple of dive shops are a short walk away for those wanting to explore the reefs.

Mae Haad beach on the northwest tip of the island is famous for the sandbar connecting to the small island of Koh Ma, and this resort is positioned right next to it. The rooms are larger than average for this price range, making them workable for families. Koh Ma itself is a marine reserve with excellent snorkeling and the resort rents equipment at a fair rate. A small convenience store and a couple of independent restaurants are within easy walking distance. The sunsets from the beach here regularly draw people from other parts of the island.

Chaloklum is a working fishing village on the north coast that most tourists bypass on the way to other beaches, which is exactly why staying here is worthwhile. This resort has spacious rooms with polished wood finishes and good-sized balconies looking over the bay. The seafood restaurants in the village are among the best on the island for fresh local fish at honest prices. Dive trips to the nearby Sail Rock depart from the pier here, which is one of the top dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. The overall pace of life in the village is genuinely relaxed.

Srithanu on the west coast has become the island's center for yoga and wellness tourism, and this retreat sits at the upper end of that scene. The pool villas are private and well designed with an outdoor shower and a plunge pool separated from neighboring units by thick tropical planting. Daily yoga and meditation classes are included in the room rate, led by instructors with genuine credentials. The restaurant focuses on plant-based food that is actually interesting rather than just being minimal. Walking distance to Samma and Orion healing centers as well as a strong selection of local cafes.

Anantara Rasananda occupies a sheltered cove at Thong Nai Pan Noi on the northeast coast, one of the most naturally beautiful beaches on the island. All accommodation is in private pool villas, some positioned directly on the beachfront and others elevated on the hillside with panoramic sea views. Service consistently matches what you would expect from the Anantara brand, with staff anticipating needs before they are stated. The spa is extensive and the treatments use locally sourced ingredients. Getting here from the ferry pier requires a 45-minute drive but the seclusion it provides is a large part of the appeal.