Haad Rin Nok & Nai

Extending along a peninsular area on the southern tip of the island, Haad Rin is certainly the most famous and popular beach on Koh Pha Ngan. Home to the famous Full Moon Party, Haad Rin is actually made up of two distinct opposite beaches. Also called Sunrise Beach, Haad Rin Nok is the longest and widest beach to the north while Haad Rin Nai is the smallest to the south. About 700 meters in length and surrounded by crystal clear water, Haad Rin Nok is definitely one of the island's most beautiful beaches and was also one of the first discovered by travellers. At first the beach was particularly popular with backpacks fleeing from the crowd of Ko Samui in the early '80s, when it was the most easily accessible with the boats from the nearby main island, as well as the only beach on Koh Pha Ngan which had a few simple bungalows built of wood and bamboo. Since then, the popularity of Haad Rin Nok has increased every year, especially because the world-renowned Full Moon Party has been held here every full moon since 1985, when no more than 30-40 travellers have improvised a party along the crescent-shaped beach to celebrate the full moon night. Nowadays, the beach is frequented by hundreds of thousands of party-goers each year and a large number of shops, restaurants, bars, resorts and guest-houses are now located immediately behind or near to the beach. Very lively day and night, most of beachfront venues at sunset turn into many nightclubs offering drinks promotions, fire shows and renowned locals DJs that animate the night. Also known as Sunset Beach, Haad Rin Nai is a quieter beach compared to Haad Rin Nok but still more beautiful. Smaller and narrower than its sister, it has a beautiful stretch of white sand with turquoise water and is ideal for those who want a more relaxing stay, although it also offers great restaurants and accommodation. Some of boats and ferries reaching Koh Pha Ngan from Koh Samui, Koh Tao and the mainland arrive here.Read More