Renowned for its lush tropical landscapes and legendary full moon and black moon parties, Koh Phangan is a party lover’s dream paradise. But we’re here to tell you that Koh Phangan has so much more to offer including stunning sunsets, adventure activities, and countless relaxation opportunities.
The island offers a certain vibe that entrances you and whether you’re looking to escape the party scene, relaxing and soaking in the last of the sunshines rays is a perfect way to spend your evening. Many travelers make ‘sunset plans’ which the rest of the day revolves around making sure that they get to see some of the most exquisite sunsets around.
We’ve put together a guide to seven of the best sunsets in Koh Phangan so that you don’t have to go searching and can plan your trips and days with ease. Whether you’re looking to lay down a towel and relax under the stars afterward or spend a nice romantic evening with drinks and a bite to eat, you’ll find it all in this guide.
Amsterdam Bar
One of the top-rated spots by all who visit Koh Phangan is Amsterdam Bar. This bar has unobstructed views of Koh Phangan sunsets, the national park, ample space to lounge about, and a swimming pool so you can have a dip while enjoying the glorious colors in the sky.
Amsterdam Bar is a two-tiered bar with traditional Thai floor cushions and Amsterdam-reminiscent treats to get you in the mood. They play a diverse range of music and are almost always packed, so arriving early is essential if you want to see these views.
Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach)
Haad Rin Nai is the little sister beach of Koh Phangan’s main beach, Haad Rin Nok. All along this beach, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and old-timey bars. It’s the perfect place to kick back, relax, and grab a bite to eat and drink. But it’s not just a great sunset spot, you’ll want to hang around for a bit of stargazing too.
Seeing the divide between the two beaches; Haad Rin Nai and Haad Rin Nok, is also pretty special. Whether you’re looking for a good night out or just a quiet relaxed evening, Haad Rin Nai is perfectly located for both.
Three-Sixty Sunset Bar
Just as the name suggests, Three-Sixty Sunset Bar offers 360-degree panoramic views of the sea and Koh Phangan’s jungle surroundings. The atmosphere and service at this bar are second to none and with plenty of space to soak up the sun during the day and marvel at the sunset are a must-see. They even offer you your own personal hut if you really want to take it all in.
Although a little more expensive than the other places on the island, the views more than make up for it. Often times the bar will also provide sunset sessions with some deep house and tech tunes for further entertainment and to liven up the sunset.
Haad Yao (Long Beach)
Haad Yao is a picture-perfect location in Koh Phangan and if you’ve seen any postcards of Thailand you’re bound to have seen it. The water is crystal clear turquoise and is perfect for a full day of lounging around, swimming, and generally soaking in the slow pace of Thailand.
With plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from along the beach, you’re bound to find the perfect place to grab a bite to eat with a romantic view. Wednesday nights are always a favorite among tourists as all the ex-pats gather for a fun-filled night of house music and booze.
Zen Beach
If hippy vibes and good times are your things then look no further than Zen Beach. You can enjoy some dancing, drum circling, yoga, juggling, and some general bohemian shenanigans. It’s the perfect spot to meet new people and experience a vibe like no other on the island.
Plus you get to experience a spectacular sunset and enjoy a swim as the water changes color and being directly on the west coast means the sun sets right in front of you. This beach does get rather busy though so if you’re looking for a quiet spot this might not be the right beach for you.
Leela Beach
Leela Beach is as close to a hidden oasis as you’re going to get. Covered in bright white sand complemented by hammocks between mangrove trees are what makes this beach so serene. If you’ve spent any time of Haad Rin Nok you’ll welcome the peace and tranquility of Leela Beach even if it’s surrounded by 4-star hotels.
Be sure that you don’t make the same mistake every backpacker makes by watching the sunset from the beach itself, instead, head right to the end of the pier where you can grab a few drinks from the 7/11 on the way and take them with you. You’ll catch a sunset you’ll never forget and you’re bound to want to go back, night after night.
Baan Tai (Sunset Walk)
Although fairly new, Sunset Walk has a huge landscape that offers cushions, bean bags, chairs, and regular table seating throughout the entire restaurant. Their Thai and western cuisine is divine and worth a taste even if you don’t manage to catch the sunset.
The area is booming and is perfectly located to escape from backpacker-ville. There’s a walking deck that offers some of the best photo opportunities and for those with children, there’s also a children’s play area they can go to while you take advantage of happy hour. They also host several free events throughout the year, so it’s always worth checking them out over a few nights during your stay on the island.
