Haad Chao Phao

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    Haad Chao Phao Beach

    Moonset Party at Pirate's Bar

    Sunny Yoga

Haad Chao Phao

About Haad Chao Phao

Haad Chao Phao was until a few years ago one of the least visited beaches on Koh Phangan. Recently it has seen a dramatic rise in visitor numbers as the word is out about the great beach, the relaxed atmosphere and the cheap bungalows.

Haad Chao Phao has developed in terms of the number of businesses now on the beach and along the main north-south road that runs parallel to the beach. There are plenty of accommodation options, and plenty of places to eat, drink and party. Except for the 2 'Moon Set' parties a month at Pirate's Bar Haad Chao Phao cannot be described as a ravers' beach.

Haad Chao Phao Beach

Haad Chao Phao is one of the best beaches on the west coast of Koh Phangan. The beach is about 1 km long. It is in a slight bay and naturally the sand curves in a crescent. There is plenty of palm and tree cover behind the beach. This gives the feeling of plenty of space. You don't feel hemmed in here.

The sand is fine and white. The tide, as with all the west coast goes out a long way. The good news is that the sea gets deep quite quickly allowing for good swimming on the beach side of the coral reef. The reef is about 100 metres out. This is too far out for many, but some make it out to snorkel the corals.

As you would expect of a beach on Koh Phangan, there is a volleyball net set up and for those looking for sedentary perfection, hammocks in the tree line. Haad Chao Phao is one of the most paradise-like of the 20 odd beaches of Koh Phangan.

Haad Chao Phao Accommodation

Haad Chao Phao recent popularity has created an increase in accommodation options for this beautiful beach. At the budget end of the scale there are Haad Chao Resort,and Niramon Sunview have bungalows for under $17 a night. Haad Chao Phao Resort has a fan bungalow and offers a month deal on a bunk bed for 4,000 Thai Baht ($133).

Resorts with a swimming pool include Niramon Sunview Resort, Phangan Cabana Resort, Sea Garden Resort, Sunset Cove Resort, Sunset Hill Boutique Resort and Beyond the Blue Horizon.

Beyond the Blue Horizon is not the most luxurious in terms of star rating but it is the most 'boutique' since it has only 9 rooms for rent. Sunset Boutique Resort is the only 4 star resort in Haad Chao Phao. It is an apartment development that has been transformed into a resort. Sunset Boutique Resort offers apartments with kitchen, living room, multiple rooms and private plunge pool.

As long as you are not insisting on a 5 star resort, Haad Chao Phao probably has the room type for you. Read more.

Bars and Restaurants

There is a good selection of places to eat and drink in Haad Chao Phao both along the beach and back from the beach on the main road and Haad Chao Phao 'village'. You can get vegan, vegetarian and health food at Taboon and Art Cafe. Highly rated on Tripadvisor is La Dolce Vita (Italian food) and Belgian Beer Bar (European). You can find American style cooking at Jericho Cafe and Indian cuisine at Bollywood Indian Restaurant.

There is plenty of good Thai food to be found both at the resort restaurants along the beach as well as in the smaller places set back from the beach.

For those looking for a few drinks in the evening there are Heaven Bar at Sea Garden Resort, Belgian Beer Bar and of course Pirate's Bar tucked away in its own cove south of Haad Chao Phao. When they aren't having a party at Pirate's Bar it is a fairly chilled place for a drink.

And don't forget any restaurant along the beach is probably a great spot to see the fantastic sunset while sipping on something delicious. Read more.

Things to Do

There are a few things you can do at Haad Chao Phao. For strong swimmers there is the coral reef (100 metres out) to enjoy snorkelling. Another option is to hire a kayak with a friend and paddle out to the reef. Those keen to explore the under water environment of the Gulf of Thailand need look no further than the Haad Yao Divers shop in Haad Chao Phao. It's on the main road next to Jericho Cafe and Tavern.

Those interested in watersports might want to make the short hop down the coast to Nai Wok where there is the option of windsurfing and SUP (stand up paddling) at SL2KAdventure.

For the beach there is beach volleyball. The coral reef means that Haad Chao Phao is (gratefully) free of jetski operators.

The main thing to do in Haad Chao Phao is to take the rickety boardwalk around the headland to the Pirate's Bar. 3 days before and 2 days after the Full Moon Party Pirate's Bar throw a free party called 'Moonset Party'. They have plenty of decoration and loudspeakers. It is a big sound and normally a good crowd. Thankfully the party has moved beyond just trance music.

Those looking for a healthier activity might be interested in Sunny Yoga (see link top left column). They have regular yoga lessons. The yoga school is located at the southern end of the beach near Seetanu Bungalows and La Dolce Vita.

 

 

More Koh Phangan Beach Guides

 
Thong Nai Pan
 
Haad Yao
 
Haad Salad
 
Mae Haad
guide to Thong Nai Pan area
guide to Haad Yao
guide to Haad Salad
guide to Mae Haad and Koh Ma
Thong Nai Pan is famous for its stunning white sand beaches and luxury hotels.
Haad Yao is considered to have a 'perfect beach' as well as several great places to stay.
Haad Salad is an old pirate hangout that now caters for discerning beach lovers.
Mae Haad is a hidden gem that offers 3 beaches, snorkelling and stunning natural scenery.

 

Haad Rin
 
Bottle Beach
 
Baan Tai
 
 
guide to Haad Rin area
guide to Bottle Beach
guide to Baan Tai
Haad Rin is a sleepy village with 2 beaches that once a month become the scene of the legendary Full Moon Party
Bottle Beach is one of Thailand's best beaches. Its remote location inspired the novel and movie 'The Beach'.
Sea, sand, sun and lots and lots of parties. Baan Tai is the home to many of the best parties on the island.
 
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