The 10 Best Hotels in Koh Phangan
1. Phangan Bayshore Resort
Boasting an excellent central location with direct beach access, this remains one of the pioneering and premier resort choices on the island. Accommodations are arranged in detached blocks reminiscent of a roadside motel, though guests should be aware that rooms may become noisy during peak periods due to their close proximity—as is common amongst many island resorts. Optimal options include rooms overlooking the busy pool or those with balconies near the sands, approximately 10 meters apart. Rooms facing the beach, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a short path to the sand, offer particularly stunning vistas just 5 meters from the crystalline waters. Beyond the expansive pool stretching from the lobby to the shoreline, facilities incorporate a playground and swinging chairs amidst the palm-dotted lawns. Situated discreetly down side lanes in the otherwise scruffy village of Haad Rin, the property fronts the calmer northern section of the renowned Sunrise Beach, focal point for legendary full moon festivals.
2. The Cabin Beach Resort
Recently constructed with a modern aesthetic, this resort sits in a secluded cove along the shoreline yet does not feel isolated. Renovated in 2017, various up-to-date lodging options are arranged along the beachfront and climbing uphill on a rocky incline. However, some guests may find that the uniform and light color scheme used throughout the communal and room spaces, with additional flat surfaces, lacks character. The Deluxe Bungalows offer a pleasantly stylish ambiance through a carefully considered design and local art pieces. Those alongside the shore provide spacious, airy quarters with trendy furnishings, exclusive plunge pools, and abundant natural lighting. Guests staying in additional units farther up the hill will trade enhanced ocean perspectives for some steep steps. Situated on the serene southern section of a broad, soft sand beach known as Seekantang and accessible on foot within minutes from two renowned beaches.
3. The Coast Resort
Secluded in a picturesque beachside locale catering solely to adults, this high-end resort`s layout is generally agreeable despite its industrial aesthetic. All rooms feature polished concrete and sliding glass doors ensuring privacy but impacting scenery, with villas providing two bedrooms and extra-large balconies directly overlooking the inviting beach pool or ocean. Deluxe rooms are spartan with limited furnishings like a single bedside table. Situated at Haad Rin`s northern reaches, the pristine sands near the property are shadier and cleaner than areas to the south where full moon celebrations are held. A scattering of basic eateries line the road near the 10-minute walk or complimentary shuttle ride to the main village.
4. Cocohut Beach Resort & Spa
Sprawling along the coastline and climbing a nearby hill, this resort is fortunately situated near Seekantang Beach and the renowned sunset and sunrise coastal areas. A selection of villa and bungalow layouts are on offer, such as the circular cliffside bungalows perched on large granite rocks high up the incline–though vegetation blocks most scenic perspectives. Preferable are the beachfront villas only a few meters from the sandy shoreline, providing two bedrooms plus private plunge pools sheltered by colorful external walls that constrain visual angles. Still, the contemporary interior configuration is quite appealing with its spacious living and sleeping quarters featuring wooden panels and elevated ceilings. Most notably, the lavish central pool directly faces the extensive palm tree-lined beach, virtually ensuring seclusion.
5. Neptune Villa
Located along the beachfront in an unpretentious and relaxed style, this property provides accommodations in two sections on both sides of the main village road. Guests can select from 13 room types, starting with simple yet comfortable wood huts facing the garden walkway leading to the sandy shore. Alternatively, the more spacious but less personally distinct motel-style spaces in an adjacent block present panoramic views of the sparkling swimming pool. Most highly recommended are the oceanview rooms practically positioned directly above the sand, boasting unobstructed vistas of the azure waters that rival opulent western resorts at a fraction of the cost. While situated on the famed Sunset Beach active during full moon parties, the beach itself remains surprisingly natural despite neighboring developed resorts, although the shoreline may recede during high tide. A short distance also provides convenient ferry transportation to Koh Samui from the nearby Haad Rin pier operating on an periodic schedule with competitive pricing.
6. Rin Beach Resort
Situated conveniently in the village of Haad Rin alongside the ferry terminal to Koh Samui, this resort overlooks a scenic private cove. Offering a vivid assortment of accommodations, most diverge distinctly from conventional styles on the island. Bungalows perched atmospherically above the sea or along a hillside route maintain simplistic furnishings yet incorporate expansive windows granting priceless panoramas and refreshing breezes. Consider splurging on or glimpsing the four extraordinary lodge rooms towering above a lagoon with oceanfront facing, fancifully formed like oversized tugboats and vividly colored. Constructed of dark wood across three floors, they integrate a spa bathroom and bed featuring a wheel-like design. Though interior lighting remains limited, this intriguing element accentuates the charming atmosphere. Ample recreational facilities like an above-average pool also cater well to families.
7. Sarikantang Resort & Spa
Offering appeals for both relaxation and celebration, this beach retreat provides seclusion yet proximity. Accommodations range from standard motel-style rooms to more traditional hillside bungalows to budget-friendly lodgings, together lending vintage and modern comforts. Verandas grant hammock swinging with panoramic perspectives. Spacious yet dimly-lit Standard Rooms become brightened through stylish renovations to the airy Superior alternatives facing a second pool. Most uniquely situated are the romantic suites nearly contacting the sand, though their planned improvements remain undefined. The principal pool and narrow sands likely receding at high tide offer respite in the shade. A diversity of recreational activities such as culinary exploration, mind-body practices, and archery competitions are provided. Favored for its scenic vistas and tranquility, the resort resides a brief walk from the village of Haad Rin along Seekantang Beach, with the famed shores of Sunset and Sunrise slightly further ahead
8. Sunset Beach Club Hotel
Located along the shoreline, this property offers conveniently compact accommodations suited for social gatherings. The rooms provide basic comforts in an utilitarian design. Undoubtedly, the premier feature is the magnificent unobstructed ocean perspectives afforded by higher-level rooms. An elongated seafront infinity pool provides recreation, and guests may also enjoy additional amenities at the neighboring Sunset Beach Villas such as another pool along with gardens and a playground. However, it merits mention that lodging here in the days surrounding the full moon may interfere with restful slumber owing to elevated nighttime activity levels. At other times, both locations foster a relaxed ambience. Unlike the more visually pleasing Sunrise Beach, this section of Sunset Beach disappointingly contains some gravel surfaces mixed with unattractive mangroves and risks losing portions during high tide – though the scenic ocean vistas remain extraordinary. While a sense of isolation exists, the downtown center lies within brief walking distance through the adjoining villas` grounds.
9. Sunset Beach Villas
This beachfront lodging offers an accommodating location and lively atmosphere. Though the rooms, termed “villas”, are simply furnished units priced according to visual components, most provide hammock-laden verandas overlooking tropical flora, with some facing another nearby. Those advertised with “mountain perspectives” sit farther upland and more distant from the boisterous pool. The recently built quarters, though practical, stand narrowly divided and angled for possible ocean glimpses, but fail to orient directly seaward for optimal scenic exposure. A expansive pool shares ground with the beach, surprisingly disappointing with grains and native plants. A children`s area lies on a patch of grass. However, guests largely search proximity to full-moon festivities, even if Sunrise Beach outshines. Ample on-site amenities and ease to the ferry pier, despite infrequent sailings to Samui Island, further complement the location.
10. Tommy Resort
Iconic and ranging in location, most dwellings front a path encircled by trickling streams and koi-laden ponds in a wooded design. Crafted of dark wood with full-height windows, they are singly positioned occasionally over ten meters apart. Those near the pool risk noise particularly during full moon socials, and a few perch on the sand itself. Budget-cost rooms overhead the breakfast bistro may face disturbance otherwise, but spacious villas flaunt private hot tubs. The elongated saltwater pool divides the expanse of lawn from the beach, serving an obscure purpose. Somewhat difficult to find down laneways in lively Haad Rin village, it presents a superb stretch of golden sands, with volleyball indicating the perpetual festive environment. This northern area of Sunrise Beach maintains relative calm, yet staggering distance from the social spectacle.
