Haad Rin
Full Moon madness one night a month, a pretty, cheap, easy-going beach town the rest of the time.
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Best rated within a 7-minute walk
Details
Tours that include Haad Rin
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Haad Rin.
Why 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. First-timers should 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 Oct 2026
Tours that include Haad Rin
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Haad Rin.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Haad Rin, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
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 MapsMore beaches nearby
All within a 9-minute walk of Haad Rin.
Leela Beach
Tips for Visiting Beaches
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. A sunrise walk is the best hour of the day on the sand, 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.
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
Secret Beach: Lost 'N Found Beach Bar
Phasawan Viewpoint
2C Bar
Lavella Spa
Similar Beaches across Thailand
Silver Beach (Crystal Bay)
Shark Bay
Bamboo Beach
