When you think of where best to go for a romantic getaway, the infamous party island of Koh Phangan will probably sit somewhere near the bottom of your list.
Thailand Travel
The travelling grapevine dictates that this is the home of wild parties, buckets of booze and the biggest Full Moon Party in the world. What many don’t realise is that some of this island’s beaches are up there with the best in the world. Koh Phangan provides everything needed for that dream destination with your loved one.
Thailand Travel - Koh Phangan Sunset
I had the privilege of living on this beautiful island for five months last year and fell deeply in love. White sand beaches, crystal blue waters, massages under a canopy with the ocean breeze on your skin, sunset strolls… Pure bliss.
Thailand Travel - Koh Phangan Beach Before Sunset
For the few days around full moon, the island is full of crazy revellers in the party beach town of Haad Rin. However, when you are a twosome, you often want some R&R and a bit of seclusion and you are well catered for this on the island around the rest of the month. If you do fancy a night of hedonism, you have the best of both worlds as you can always make your way to the aforementioned Haad Rin, or better yet, the isolated Guys Bar on Haad Tien. The road to this part of the island is almost impossible to pass by vehicle so the best way to get there is by taxi boat. Every Friday, this jungle bar has an intimate party that goes on until the sun comes up, and then keeps going.
When you’re not partying and are looking for some quality beach time instead, here are my best beach options:
Haad Salad Beach
The coastal road to this beach is simply glorious. The motorbike ride is as amazing as the beach itself. You arrive into a perfect cove, scattered with a few quaint eating establishments. The water is warm and crystal clear. Picturesque swings, tranquil massage canopies and fresh coconuts are all you need for a day of calm.
Thailand Travel - Haad Salad
Thong Nai Pan Beach
The bumpy road getting to this secluded beach is ideal for adventurous couples. Hiring a motorbike or an off road Jeep is the only way to get there and once you arrive, hopefully unscathed, you have nothing but cold beers and reggae music to while the evening hours away after a day of sun worshipping.
Thailand Travel - Thong Nai Pan
Koh Mar Island
This small secluded island just off the main island is a prime snorkelling spot. The sand bank to get to it makes for a perfect stroll. Just make sure the tide doesn’t catch you out.
Thailand Travel - Koh Mar Island
Secret Beach
Thailand Travel - Secret Beach
Yes, not so ‘secret’ and a pretty daft name but believe me, it does serve its purpose. Nudist couples will be happy here. This beach is the most laid back of them all but again, for those islanders in the know, if you walk left along the beach towards the rocky area, clamber over the rocks and you come to a completely isolated tiny cove where goodness knows how many people have enjoyed a bit of alfresco action. Now, I know I’ve given this ‘secret’ away but hey, isn’t the fear of getting caught all part of the fun anyway?! Sex overlooking the ocean, sun beating down on your naked skin and sand ending up in every nook and cranny is a must on any island adventure, don’t you think?
After a day of swimming and sun grazing, what more could you want than a romantic meal? Koh Phangan has a huge range of fresh seafood and the extremely low cost makes it all the more rewarding. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a two week holiday, every purse string can afford the delights of exotic seafood meals that would clearly cost you a small fortune anywhere else in the world.
Thailand Travel - Koh Phangan
Lastly, whatever your budget, you can experience these glorious beaches in any style you wish. Small beach huts, with nothing more than a big bed and a hammock or phenomenal villas with your own private pool.
Thailand Travel - Koh Phangan Villas
Whatever your preference you can be sure that Koh Phangan will be a romantic getaway to rival any other.
Thailand Travel - Koh Phangan Villas
We went to Koh Phangan last year and stayed in Koh Phangan Villas, we love the surfing and snorkeling at the beach:)
Simon
Cool! It’s a great place to stay isn’t it? I can’t wait to go back. I’d happily live there
This sounds like a really great place I’d love to visit. The secluded and private nature of it definitely seems like it would be something amazing to relax in!
It’s probably my favourite place in the world Mary. Just gorgeous
Great post. Very helpful. My boyfriend and i are planning a 2 year backpacking trip through Europe and Asia to start this fall and we’ll be spending a month in Thailand (if not more) so this post is very helpful in planning which islands/beaches to go to!