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HAAD RIN
In the southernmost part of Koh Phangan, eleven kilometers from the Thong Sala Pier you find the village and beach of Haad Rin (or Hat Rin). Haad Rin is mainly known for the Full Moon Parties that are held here every month. But Haad Rin has much more to offer than just partying until the sun rises again. The days after the Full Moon Party this area is a lot calmer. Sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the sea and strolling through the village are the daily activities in Haad Rin. In case you just inadvertently missed the Full Moon Party, don’t worry! Also the days after the Full Moon Party are plenty of parties.
Transportation to Haad Rin
Once arrived at the pier of Thong Sala, the taxi drivers are already waiting to take you to different places on Koh Phangan. A ride by car or shared van called a Songthaew from Thong Sala to Haad Rin takes half an hour. You pay per person 100 to 150 baht and wait until the Songthaew is full, this usually goes smoothly and fast. With a scooter you will be on the road a bit longer. In several places like Thong Sala you can also rent a scooter and drive to Haad Rin on your own. You rent a scooter for about 150 to 250 baht per day.
PLEASE NOTE!
The road to Haad Rin can be quite tough with the scooter. The road is in some places very steep and sometimes consists of sharp curves. This allows you without experience on the other half of the road can easily end up. In addition, one drives on the left in Thailand. If you want to see what we mean, take a look at the movie below. Skip if necessary to 06:15. PS Wear a helmet anyway.
Haad Rin and surroundings
The most famous beach where the Full Moon Party is held is Haad Rin Nok. This eastern beach is also called Sunrise Beach by the many visitors. In the west lies Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) where many Full Moon Party people arrive by boat from Koh Samui on the Haad Rin Pier. Between Haad Rin Nok and Haad Rin Nai is the village of Haad Rin. Usually in calm and relaxed rest mode but in turbo mode during Full Moon partying on Koh Phangan! Around Haad Rin are a number of other beaches including Haad Leela and Haad Khontee.
Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach / Full Moon Party Beach)
In the east of Haad Rin lies the beach Haad Rin Nok. The beach where most tourists go, whether there is a Full Moon Party or not. Not surprising because the beach has fine white sand, is more than one kilometer long and nice and wide. Don’t expect an ideal snorkeling spot here, but in the sea it’s nice to stay. You can swim safely in the delimited stretch of sea, so you won’t be bothered by the longtail boats that moor here. Haad Rin Nok is also called Sunrise Beach, so if you get up early enough or party on long enough you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise here!
Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach)
In the southwest lies Haad Rin Nai. Less beautiful than Haad Rin Nok but also quieter and cheaper. While walking you are within 15 minutes on the more beautiful Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach). Like walking? The two-kilometre long beach of Haad Rin Nai is ideal for a beach walk. From mid November to April the sea is calm enough to swim in (snorkeling is not worth it). An additional advantage is that during your beach walk on Haad Rin Nai you can also see the sunset.
The village of Haad Rin
In the village of Haad Rin there are many eateries that can serve you all kinds of Thai and western dishes. Besides the many restaurants there are more than enough shops that sell stuff. From very touristic to authentic. If you never want to forget Koh Phangan you can also have a Tattoo done here in between. If you want to discover more of the island it is also possible to rent a scooter in Haad Rin. Of course there is also a 7 -Eleven for all your groceries and must eaten toasties! Furthermore, there are a number of banks, currency exchange offices and enough ATMs so that the money can flow nicely. And if you get sick or have an accident, you can go to the clinics and / or pharmacies in Haad Rin. Haad Rin is a small but complete village where you can easily stay a couple of days.
DID YOU KNOW?
A landmark in Haad Rin is the Chicken Corner, located at the busiest crossroad in the village. The name was created because the restaurant ‘Mr. K Food Center & Chicken Corner‘ is located there. At this intersection it is easy to book a taxi or boat.
Nightlife in Haad Rin
Besides the world-famous Full Moon Party, there is plenty to do during the night at Haad Rin Nok. There are many (beach)bars that stay open until early in the morning. And where there are beach bars, there are fire shows and drink games… A fantastic combination if you want to spend the rest of your holiday with a nice white bandage. In addition to the various bars, there are also a number of nightclubs. Music in the clubs and bars varies from commercial EDM to underground House and from Reggae to the hit parade of the past and present. Have fun!
Spending the night in Haad Rin – which accommodation?
You can stay in Haad Rin with almost any budget. That’s why we offer you and a number of options from basic to luxury. We also make a distinction between the two beaches and the village. This because Haad Rin Nok is a bit busier and noisier than Haad Rin Nai.
Little Paradise Resort
Little Paradise located on the busier beach Haad Rin Nok. To be more precise, this hotel is located opposite the Full Moon Party monument where it all began. The rooms are modern, clean and tidy. Also the wifi signal was more than enough. Furthermore, the rooms have a nice bathroom, nice shower and air conditioning. The hotel has a swimming pool which is also used by the guests of the neighboring hotels (same hotel chain). The accompanying restaurant has an extensive menu.
Same Same Guesthouse
Same Same Gueshouse is basic but the atmosphere makes it really good! Super friendly staff and only a few minutes walk to the beach Haad Rin Nok. You can eat Danish, Mexican, Italian and of course Thai food. As said the rooms are basic but if you want to stay a few nights (minimum 4) during the Full Moon Party in Haad Rin then Same Same Guesthouse is a good option. We do advise you to take an air-conditioned room because it can be pretty hot in those rooms.
PLEASE NOTE!
Even though there is no Full Moon Party, there is a chance that loud music around your hotel on the Haad Rin Nok beach will keep you constantly awake by the thumping basses coming out of the speakers.
Sunset Beach Club Hotel
Do you have something to spend and are you ready for some good R&R (rest & relaxation) then this is the perfect hotel for you! Sunset Beach Club is located at the calmer beach Haad Rin Nai and a ten minutes walk you are on the Haad Rin Nok. The best of both worlds! And if you can’t choose from a splash in fresh or saltwater, you can choose from a swimming pool or the sea in front of the hotel. The rooms of 30 m2, excluding balcony of another 8 m2, are very comfortable and neat. And of course, each room has a minibar, safe, air conditioning, wifi and a TV.
Skymoon Resort
Just in case you can, a super luxury hotel for the lucky ones. Less than 500 meters from the Sunrise Beach you’ll find a resort you can say WOW to! The Skymoon Resort has an amazing infinity pool overlooking Sunrise Beach. The service is excellent and the included breakfast is of top quality! As for the rooms, you have your own Jacuzzi and the spacious rooms have a sleeping and separate sitting area. In the beautiful bathroom you can choose from a shower or bath. If you can miss it financially, we definitely recommend your Skymoon Resort!
