Where to stay on Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is known for west and north bays rather than one party hotel, so sleep Srithanu or Thong Nai Pan for quiet. Stay at Haad Rin only if the Full Moon Party is why you came.
Back to Koh Phangan
Name the bay, and srithanu and the west coast are the usual first stay. Thong Nai Pan is the north-east sand and a longer ride from Thong Sala, and haad Rin is Full Moon, not a default base. Thong Sala is the ferry town, and Lomprayah from Bangrak or Maenam on Koh Samui is about 30 minutes. Seatran is about 45.
Scooter roads are steep and sandy, and a 2026 scooter day is often 200 to 300 THB and rental insurance often excludes scooter accidents. Book the room by bay name on Trip.com, and January to September is the easier Gulf sea. Koh Tao is a further boat if diving is the point.
Which bay fits which trip
| Bay | Who it fits | 2026 note |
|---|---|---|
| West / Srithanu | Quieter first stay | Sunsets; scooter hills |
| Thong Nai Pan | North-east sand | Longer from Thong Sala |
| Haad Rin | Full Moon only | Skip if you want sleep |
| Thong Sala | Ferry night | Logistics, not a beach week |
Keep going
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Common questions
- Do you need a Samui hotel as well?
- One night on Samui is enough if you fly USM. Stay on Phangan if the bay is the point.
- Is Haad Rin a good three-night base?
- Only in party week. The rest of the island is the west and north bays.