Haad Rin
Full Moon madness one night a month, a pretty, cheap, easy-going beach town the rest of the time.
Tours that include Haad Rin
Skip-the-line entry, guided visits and day-tour combos around Haad Rin.
This placeHaad Rin: tickets, guides & combos
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
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On the waterBoat trips & snorkelling from Koh Phangan
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesDay toursKoh Phangan island-hopping day tours
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
Two completely different places share the same sand here. On Full Moon night, Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach) fills with tens of thousands of people, sound systems the length of the beach, fire ropes and neon paint. Every other night of the month it's a pale-sand bay with clear water you'd happily swim in, backed by guesthouses and cheap eats that make it one of the most affordable bases on Koh Phangan.
The peninsula has a quiet side too. Haad Rin Nai faces west, catches the sunset and gets a fraction of the crowd, so if the party isn't why you came, book over there and walk across when you want noise. My advice for first-timers: check the moon calendar before you book anything. Rooms triple in price around party dates and the whole town changes character overnight. Arrive a couple of days early or a couple of days after and you get the same beach for a fraction of the money.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026 · How we check places
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Haad Rin, round out your day in Koh Phangan with contrasting stops nearby.
Ban Tai, Ko Pha-ngan District
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Beaches
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Explore Beyond the Main Strip
Every popular beach area has quieter alternatives nearby. Rent a scooter and ride 10 minutes from Patong to find Freedom Beach, or head to Phuket's northeast coast for nearly empty shores.
Haad Rin: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haad Rin worth visiting?
Haad Rin holds a 4.5★ rating from 1,456 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated beaches in Koh Phangan.
When is the best time to visit Haad Rin?
The best months to visit Koh Phangan are January – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in Full Moon Party nights & December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – November (Gulf monsoon peak).
Where is Haad Rin located?
Haad Rin is at Ban Tai, Ko Pha-ngan District, in Koh Phangan. Getting around Koh Phangan: Songthaews from Thong Sala pier to the main beaches; Motorbike rental (฿200–300/day; steep hills to Bottle Beach and Haad Rin).
Also popular in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan
Two islands in one: the Full Moon madness at Haad Rin, and everywhere else, which is nothing like it.
OXA - Jungle Party
A proper open-air club in the trees, not a beach bar with speakers, and it runs on event nights only.
Pantip Market
A working island market where the prices are local, not resort, and the kitchen never really shuts.
Amsterdam Bar
The hillside sunset institution above the west coast — cushions, pool, and the island's ritual pre-party gathering as the sun drops into the sea.
Similar Beaches across Thailand
Patong Beach
Three kilometres of white sand with jet skis, loungers and Bangla Road behind it, so come for the noise, not the calm.
Freedom Beach
Crystal water and soft sand, but you pay 100 baht and earn it on a steep climb back up.
Tawaen Beach
Ko Lan's biggest beach, great water, but come early and don't expect peace from the jet skis.
Karon Beach
Four kilometres of clean sand with calm shallow water, and sunsets that make the evening the main event.