 NORTHWEST
AREA
The Northwest coast of Koh Phangan is known for its beautiful beaches, fringing coral reefs and excellent sunset views. The best snorkeling and dive spots of the island are to be found in this area.
 The area is very easy accessible by 3 different cemented roads from Thong Sala. One road leads you along the coast to Wok Tum, Hin Kong, Srithanu, Haad Chao Phao and Haad Yao. The other one is a bit more inland and leads you along the hospital, Haad Salad, Haad Mae Haad to Chaloklum. The third road leads you along the police station, Phaeng Waterfall and Paradise Waterfall to Chaloklum.
Almost all villages in the Northwest have all necessary facilities like mini marts, internet shops, motorbike rental, massage, tattoo shops and places where you can rent diving/snorkelling equipment. If you want to go out for food or a drink there are plenty of small restaurants and bars offering all kinds of food and drinks and a great view on the sunset. Show me recommended resorts, hotels and bungalows in the Northwest of Koh Phangan
VILLAGES
Ao Sri Thanu (or Seethanu) is a small fisherman village 10 minutes drive from Thong Sala. The beach consists of a long, unshaded strip of sand with a little fishing port at one end. Haad Chao Phao is a nice, small and quiet bay with a few nice places to stay.
The popular beach of Haad Yao (‘long beach’) is often described as one of the prettiest beaches of Koh Phangan due to its long stretch of fine white sand, shady coconut trees and most of all amazing sunsets. It is probably the most lively beach in this area.
The beaches of Haad Salad and Haad Mae Haad are well known for their excellent coral reefs. Haad Salad is a nice and quiet bay located on the road from Thong Sala to  Mae Haad and Chaloklum. There are a couple of nice places to stay. Mae Haad is located on the Northwest tip of the island. It is a quiet relaxed beach with mainly low budget accommodation. Just across the beach lies the tiny island of Koh Ma, the number one snorkeling spot of the island.
Chaloklum, a 20 minutes drive from Thong Sala, is the island's major fishing village. From Chaloklum it is possible to take a longtailboat to Bottle Beach and Thong Nai Pan (see North East).
NIGHTLIFE
In almost every village you can find a variety of little bars and restaurants. We will mention a few long runners or places we got recommendations for from our customers. It is impossible to give a complete overview here so for up to date information we recommend you to ask your resort or use one of the free guide books that are available everywhere.
In Haad Yao some resorts and restaurants have nice places to sit on the beach at night. On the most southern point of the beach you will find Eagle Bar & Restaurant which is open from 12 pm till late and offers nice food and occasionally organizes a party. In Haad Yao town there are also a few bars and restaurants. Kop’s Restaurant offers really great food. The Apple Bar regularly does a party with funky house, the Magic Bar organizes pre full moon parties with live dj's playing house. On regular evenings it is nice to sit there, have a drink or play some pool. The Life Club has a very nice rooftop chill out terrace, in the Rasta Bar you can listen to reggae grooves in a mellow atmosphere and in the Apache Bar they occasionally organize a party.
 Chaloklum has a handful of good Thai seafood restaurants. In the trendy bar Sheesha you can lounge, have dinner or smoke an original sheesha waterpipe with your friends. The Reggae Bar in Haad Salad organizes a full moon pre-party with house, electronica, reggae and drum & bass. At the southern end of the Haad Chao Phao bay you’ll find the Pirate’s Bar, a bar surrounded by rock cliffs. Once a month, usually 3 days before full moon, the Moon Set Party is being held here, playing trance and hardhouse. The Amsterdam Bar in Wok Tum near Thong Sala, is set on a mountain with great sunset views. They usually organize a party 2 days before the Full Moon.
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