Ko Phangan: Nicest beach we found was on the north east coast, Thong Nai Pan Yai. Tide minimal, few rocks, deep water close to shore. Quiet area, wide variety of bungalows. We stayed at the Starlight Bungalows at the south end of beach, price 200 Baht and up. Clean, quiet. Friendly staff. Walk over hill side at the north end of beach, to Thong Nai Pan Noi, approx 25 min walk to another nice beach. Accomodation here slightly upscale. From port at Thong Sala take truck-taxi 150 Baht per person. We found Had Yao on the west coast poor beaches for swimming due to low tide and an abundance of rock and coral. Seemed to have more tourist traffic on west coast.
Ko Tao. Low key, far from the crowds at Sairee Beach, Chalok Bay(beaches ok at these areas). Stay on the east coast. Disadvantage is that you need transportation to go anywhere, but taxis can be available, 100 Baht into town. Some bungalows offer return transportation free from port. We stayed at Snorkelling Point Resort. One way rough road in, bungalows fine overlooking the sea, 300B. No beach but huge rocks along shoreline with crystal clear deep water, excellent snorkelling here.
Ko Phangan: Nicest beach we found was on the north east coast, Thong Nai Pan Yai.
yay! go TNPY!
TNP is lovely... Both TNPs actually. Don't stay at Dreamland resort, though. We thought the place was a bit of an overcooked ham. And the construction noise of all the new bungalows/swimming pool etc. drove us crazy. the bungalows are all too close... very large, not overly friendly.
I've been paying 200bht from Thong Sala to TNP. I'd happily pay 500bht. TNP is as close to heaven as I will ever get. I'm going back on 8 June. Well written summary drcvoyager!
yeah #2 dreamland used to be ok but in their rush to overdevelop it is just a mess now. dolphin bungalows, pen's, pop bungalows, thai terrace, and paradise garden resort are all good on yai beach.
#3 the normal fare is 150b each way from TNP to thongsala.
You can often flag down lifts in between the times the scheduled taxis are going.
RE#3 If I could show you pictures of how TNP Noi and TNP Yai used to look , you might be crying when you compare to how they look now .
There is still budget accom at TNP Noi , including Starhut , Sandee Bungalows , and the bungalows on Nth hillside of the beach.
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