While Haad Rin might draw the largest number of visitors to the Thai island of Koh Phangan, it is the twin beaches of Thong Nai Pan that attracts the most exclusive set of people. Thong Nai Pan Noi in particular has re-invented itself over the last few years from ‘hippy secret’ to fashionable resort area. Whereas the rest of the Koh Phangan beaches largely rely on backpackers and the Full Moon Party attendees for their customers, Thong Nai Pan gets those people willing to pay 5 star prices for that magic combination of luxury and outstanding natural beauty. This post will provide a few recommendations for good quality and better value places to stay in Thong Nai Pan.
The first thing that should be mentioned is that that the bigger beach of Thong Nai Pan Yai has cheaper accommodation than the smaller beach of Thong Nai Pan Noi. There are the two good mid-range options in Thong Nai Pan Yai. They are Central Cottage and Dreamland Resort. Both places are on the beachfront and have air-con rooms with hot water and a communal pool. There is also the friendly family-run Dolphin Bungalows with nicely furnished bungalows and a pleasant shady restaurant area. The Havana Resort offers hotel style rooms with air-con, hot water, cable TV and free wi-fi. It also has a restaurant that serves passable Indian food.
On Thong Nai Pan Noi the best value for money bungalows are found at the northern end of the beach. There is the Thong Tapan that has recently revamped and offers air-con, TV, wifi and hot water, and there is the Tapan Noi which has the only beachfront cheap bungalows.
The Panviman Resort and Spa has hotel rooms, cottages and pool villas at better prices than either the boutique Rasananda or the big Santhiya. It is a popular choice for returnees to the beach.
For those who like to eat outside their resort Thong Nai Pan Noi offers some cheap Thai food at Bamboo Restaurant and Again and Again Restaurant. Sadly both the Baan Panburi and Star Huts have been pulled down to make way for more expensive accommodation.
For those looking for a Thai massage or spa treatment the best masseuses are found at the independently owned Tanaporn Massage House located behind Sandy Bungalows. This place has beauty treatments at a fraction of the cost of the big hotels on the beach.
For diving the best place is H20 Scuba School. It is the longest running scuba place in the area and has built up a lot of knowledge and expertise in the field of scuba diving.
If night life is important to your fun while staying on a beach then there are still a few good bars and clubs to choose from. In Thong Nai Pan Yai the coolest spot is the Funky Buddha Bar that has a party night once a week (it varies as to which day). It plays good dance music that avoids the rut of playing the same hits of yesteryear.
In Thong Nai Pan Noi the original club – the Jungle Bar – is still going. The party nights are not as well attended as before but still provide some late night fun. The Hideaway Bar has been pulled down and the Flip Flop Bar has moved to Yai where it competes with Nu Bar.
The average age of people going to Thong Nai Pan has got older. This is no doubt a reflection of the hike in prices. What remains the same is the stunning beauty of the beaches and the surrounding area. By following my suggestions you can still stay in Thong Nai Pan for a reasonable sum of money and still enjoy yourself.