Budget Accommodations in Koh Phangan: Best Cheap Stays for 2025

Are you planning a trip to Koh Phangan and wondering where to stay on a budget? You’re in the right place!

This guide covers everything you need to know about budget accommodations in Koh Phangan, along with the best areas to stay, top hotel recommendations, and tips to make your stay unforgettable.

Koh Phangan is a stunning island in Thailand, famous for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and serene wellness retreats. Whether you’re a backpacker, a budget-conscious traveler, or a family looking for affordable stays, this guide will help you find the perfect place to stay in Koh Phangan without breaking the bank.

Koh Phangan is home to diverse seaside villages, each with its own charm—whether you’re looking for lively nightlife, family-friendly stays, or a peaceful retreat.

However, Koh Phangan is a large island so choosing the best place to stay is an important decision. Whether you’re searching for secluded tranquility, a family friendly atmosphere, a vibrant nightlife scene or something in between, Koh Phangan offers a broad appeal and caters to various travel styles and tastes.

A view of a beach lined with palm trees and clear emerald water. Best places to stay in Koh Phangan
Leela beach near Haad Rin in South Koh Phangan

Regardless of your taste, budget or travel style, this guide covers everything you need to know about accommodation on Koh Phangan along with explaining what to expect in each of the different areas.

Tips for Finding Budget Accommodations in Koh Phangan

There are a few steps to take that will help you find good accommodation and hotel deals in Koh Phangan.

  1. Book Early

    Budget accommodations fill up fast, especially during peak season. Secure your stay in advance.

  2. Travel Off Season

    Visit during the low season (September–November) for lower prices and fewer crowds.

  3. Use Local Booking Platforms:

    Check platforms like Agoda and Booking.com for exclusive deals on budget stays.

  4. Consider Hostels and Guesthouses:

    These are often the most affordable options and great for meeting fellow travelers.

  5. Avoid the Full Moon Party

    The full moon party brings in a lot of crowds leading to higher prices. Otherwise, if traveling during these days, definitely book well in advance.



Budget Accommodations in Koh Phangan – Areas

Before getting into the best Budget Accommodations in Koh Phangan, let’s first cover all the different seaside areas. This way you know what to expect and which part of the island aligns best with your travel style.

Thongsala is the main town on the island and boasts the largest concentration of amenities including restaurants, bars, pubs, markets and supermarkets. It’s the best area to stay if you want everything nearby.

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Baan Tai is increasingly becoming popular for it’s convenience and also because it is rather quiet yet still has all the amenities. Most of the accommodation and restaurants in Baan Tai are located along a straight road that goes down from Thongsala to Haad Rin.

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Haad Rin is the town where the full moon party is held each month. The beach in Haad Rin is arguably one of the nicest on the island and is lined with bars that seem rather run down. Haad Rin is relatively compact and all amenities and the beach can easily be reached even by walk.

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Sri Thanu is located about 10 minutes drive north from Thongsala and is the cool and hip part of Koh Phangan. There’s a number of wellness centers and yoga classes along with hip cafes, vegan eateries and beachfront sunset bars.

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Haad Yao extends out of Sri Thanu and while the atmosphere is similar it is a lot more quiet and doesn’t have as many amenities which are also sparse. Therefore you’ll need a scooter or use a taxi to move around in most cases.

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Haad Salad is even further north and here the atmosphere really gets quiet. Personally we like the place because of it’s tranquility but still keeping us with a 10 minute scooter ride to all the cool cafes and restaurants in Sri Thanu.

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Chaloklum is a fishing village in north Koh Phangan. It’s a relatively secluded area and not that touristic. You’ll get a sense of Thai charm as western amenities are quite limited and most restaurants offer local dishes and cheap seafood.

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Thong Nai Pan is a beach and resort area in east Koh Phangan. It’s a compact area home to some of the islands most exclusive properties. A handful of restaurants, bars and cafes are all within a 5 minute walk to the hotels and the beach. Further south is Thong Nai Pan Yai beach which is divided by rock outcrops. Here you’ll find more budget friendly accommodation options.

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Getting to Koh Phangan

Below are the best affordable travel options to reach Koh Phangan from other popular destinations.

Bangkokbest Bangkok to Koh Phangan transport (combo)
Phuketbest Phuket to Koh Phangan transport (combo)
Krabibest Krabi to Koh Phangan (combo)
Koh Samui30 minute ferry to Koh Phangan (direct)
Koh Tao1 hour ferry to Koh Phangan (direct)


Places to Stay in Koh Phangan – By Area

The following section covers everything you need to know about where to stay in Koh Phangan. I have listed neighborhoods near the beach along with the best hotels, resorts, hostels and guesthouses in each location. With this information you’ll know in advance what to expect from the location so that you can book a hotel in Koh Phangan with ease.

Note: all recommended properties are the best rated and most booked in that particular area. Consequentially these properties are in high demand and often sold out unless booking in advance.

Where to stay in Thongsala

Why stay in Thongsala? For everything, Port Town, Bustling Market, Diverse Accommodations, Convenient Location, Lively Atmosphere.

Thongsala is Koh Phangan’s main port town and the point of entry for most tourists. This part of the island is known for it’s diverse range of accommodation options. From beachfront hotels, budget guesthouses and social hostels. During the day Thongsala is quite laid-back but as the sun goes down, the bustling markets set up near the port offering various local and international dishes at affordable prices and attracting both locals and tourists.

This is also the main town and while by no means is it overcrowded, Thongsala is the most developed part of the island. You’ll have all the major banks and ATM’s here, numerous scooter rentals shops and supermarkets. Also if you’re looking for places to dine, Thongsala has the largest concentration of local and western restaurants, bars and pubs. Arguably one of the most famous restaurants is Outlaws Saloon grilling the best steaks on the island.

Best Places to Stay in Thongsala

Below are the best places to stay in Thongsala. If you’re searching for something on the higher end, Thongsala doesn’t really have any option. Exclusive properties are mostly on the way down to Haad Rin and on the opposite side of the island in a town named Thong Nai Pan. Everything is listed below.

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Budget
Best hotels in Ko Phangan
The Pier
PropertyPrice
The PierFrom $23
Buakao InnFrom $22
Phatra HostelFrom $10 (p.p)
Phangan Barsay HostelFrom $35

Where to stay in Baan Tai – Convenient

Why stay in Baan Tai? Good for families – selection of bars – restaurants – outdoor foodcourt

If you can’t decide where to stay in Koh Phangan, then Baan Tai could be the answer. Baan Tai is the town in between Thongsala and Haad Rin. It’s less developed and not lively as the nearby town but there’s all the amenities including bars and restaurants and a number of accommodation that are cheaper for the same level of service.

What we loved most in Baan Tai is how easy it is to navigate. All the amenities are located along a straight main-road, including most of the accommodation. The convenience is also a bonus. Thongsala is just a 4 minute drive up the road and about 10 minutes drive south is the gorgeous beach in Haad Rin. There’s also an open air food court that opens every day and has various stalls with local and international cuisine.

Best Places to Stay in Baan Tai

Below are the best places to stay in Baan Tai for any budget. Keep in mind this is a less developed part of Koh Phangan and while there’s lots of amenities, everything is somewhat spread out.

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Where to stay in Haad Rin – Lively

Why stay Haad Rin? Best beach – lively atmosphere – hotels for any budget

While Haad Rin is ground zero for entertainment and partying, this relatively chaotic scene is mainly concentrated on the beach and only around the full moon party dates. Haad Rin is still going to be lively outside the full moon party dates but it isn’t going to be anything crazy.

Besides, Haad Rin is home to the most beautiful beach in Koh Phangan. If you had to describe the pure definition of paradise, this would be it. Powdery soft sand spilling into crystal clear water in a cove with jungle on both sides. I understand why the hippies in the 70’s where so fascinated by this place which from a small gathering started an event known globally.

Haad Rin beach and the town is a peninsula on the southern tip of Koh Phangan. The main beach, Haad Rin faces East and on the opposite side there’s another beach where you’ll find some of the more fancy accommodations. The entire town is small and regardless where you stay you can easily walk to anywhere in the Haad Rin area within 20 minutes.

Best Places to Stay in Haad Rin

Below are the best places to stay in Haad Rin for any budget. Haad Rin is one of the most popular areas to stay in Koh Phangan. Not only because of the full moon party but also for the amazing beach. The best deals and hotels are often booked in advance. If you already know your travel dates, make sure not to leave until the last minute.

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Mid-Range

Where to stay in Sri Thanu? – Hip Area

Why stay in Sri Thanu? Yoga Hub, Wellness Retreats, Eco-Friendly Accommodations, Spiritual Atmosphere, Organic Cafes.

Sri Thanu is basically the yogi part of the island. There’s a number of wellness centres and retreats. This also brings along numerous trendy cafes and organic, vegan, healthy (and the likes) restaurants and places to eat. I don’t want to give the impression that the whole area is just a touristy/spiritual place, because by no means it isn’t. There’s still various local eateries and lots of locals live here too.

Sri Thanu offers a chill atmosphere and most accommodations are in the mid to high price range. If you’re on a budget it is best to stay in Thongsala, as it’s relatively close. Sri Thanu is where there’s Zen beach a famous sunset beach in Koh Phangan. Regardless of where you stay, definitely visit Zen beach for sunset, its truly magical.

Best Places to Stay in Sri Thanu

Below is the list of best places to stay in Sri Thanu: the hippiest, trendiest and coolest part of Koh Phangan.

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“BTW, I’m not a yogi, vegan, healthy eater, spiritual leader, meditate or anything similar, but personally Sri Thanu is one of my favorite areas on Koh Phangan”

Mid to High
PropertyPrice
ECO 2From $45
Phangan Cove ResortFrom $55
Crystal White Sand ResortFrom $55
Phangan AkunaFrom $57
Shanti Boutique HotelFrom $85

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If you want a full day of fun and adventure make sure to add one of the Koh Phangan experiences.

Where to stay in Haad Yao?

Why stay in Haad Yao? Sunset Views, Tranquil Setting, Range of Accommodations, Relaxation, Swimming and Snorkeling, perfect for families and kids

The most popular areas in Koh Phangan are located on the west side of the island. Thongsala is the busiest part and further up you go, the quieter it will get. Haad Yao is past Srithanu and this is where the island turns into s really chill vibe.

In Haad Yao you can find a number of accommodation but significantly less than the nearby Srithanu. It’s a rather small area with limited amount of dining options. However, you’ll have a gorgeous beach nearby and the cool cafes and dining options in Sri Thanu aren’t that far away.

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Budget
PropertyPrice
Easy Life BungalowsFrom $23
Shiralea Backpackers ResortFrom $19
Silver Beach BungalowFrom $42
Apache Bar Haad yaoFrom $35
Bounty ResortFrom $30
High-End

Where to stay in Haad Salad? For Families

Why stay in Haad Salad? Family-Friendly, Relaxing Atmosphere, Mid-Range Resorts, Snorkeling Spot, Quiet Compared to Party Areas.

The Haad Salad area spills into Haad Yao and is a little further north along the west coast. It’s relatively secluded yet still within accessible reach of neighboring Srithanu however not within walking distance so you may want to consider a scooter rental.

Haad Salad offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a relaxing ambiance, making it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat. Here you’ll find mid range to high end properties and beach bungalows.

If you want a budget option in Haad Salad, check out →Haad Salad Resort. Here they offer simple bungalows (not on the beach) at a very affordable price.

Below are the best places to stay in Haad Salad

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Mid to High

Chaloklum – Thai Charm

At a glance: Fishing Village Charm, Scenic Bay, Authentic Atmosphere, Diverse Accommodations, Waterfront Restaurants.

Nestled among the secluded and lush landscapes in North Koh Phangan, Chaloklum offers a glimpse into the authentic Thai way of living. The beach itself stretches for over 2 km and has a pier in the middle. Colorful longtail fishing boats anchor along the bay.

Chaloklum is the answer to the popular Bophut neighborhood in Koh Samui. In the small town you’ll find wooden Chinese houses along with a number of budget to mid range accommodation both on the beach and in town. It’s a charming place to stay in Koh Phangan that blends in with Thai culture. This is a rather secluded area and amenities including restaurants are limited.

Below are the best places to stay in Chaloklum

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Budget to Mid Range

Where to stay in Thong Nai Pan? – Luxury Retreats

Why stay here? Luxury Retreat, Serene Atmosphere, Upscale Resorts, Ideal for Couples and Families, Beachfront Setting.

Thong Nai Pan is a small and secluded town on the Eastern side of Koh Phangan. It’s a laid back area that is far away from everything and completely surrounded in jungle. The journey to get there is pretty amazing too as you go up and down steep roads winding through the jungle. This remote location is divided into a north and south beach. The north beach is Thong Nai Pai Noi and is a compact resort home to exclusive resorts and a number restaurants and cafes all within a 5 minute walk.

Further down there’s Thong Nai Pai Yai. This is the actual town and you’ll find a handful of amenities such as local eateries and a few convenience stores and also a number of accommodation ranging from budget to mid range. Remember, this is an isolated part of Koh Phangan so everything is going to be limited. If you’re searching for a laid back atmosphere that isn’t touristic this is the place.

Below are the best places to stay in Thong Nai Pan

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Thong Nai Pan Yai

Conclusion

This guide provides an overview of accommodation options in Koh Phangan, starting with its main port town, Thongsala, situated on the west coast.

Thongsala boasts the highest concentration of amenities, including restaurants, accommodation, bars, and grocery stores. Moving north and south from Thongsala, the ambiance becomes progressively quieter, with the exception of Haad Rin, located at the island’s southernmost tip and still bustling with activity. Beyond the villages and neighborhoods on Koh Phangan’s west coast, the rest of Koh Phangan offers remote and secluded options for those seeking a more tranquil retreat.

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If you’re still planning your Thailand itinerary and need an idea where to go after Koh Phangan, then maybe consider Koh Samui because you can get there via a 30 minute fast ferry. Koh Samui is a big island so it’s important to plan accordingly. You can read this detailed guide to get started.

Another option is to go from Koh Phangan to Krabi. Krabi is where popular places like Railay and Ao Nang are located and is home to an incredible landscape of rock formations and lush jungle.

If you’re limited on time and want to make the most of your days in Thailand, then you may want to consider an organized 12 days tour in South Thailand.

HEY, just so you know…

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