Haad Salad Beach

Known to Thais as an oldtime pirate hangout where booty was loaded onto ships before setting sale for trading ports, Haad Salad in the northwest of Koh Phangan, was a sleepy and relatively undeveloped beach until the past decade or so when resorts and bungalow operations have sprung up across the full length of its white sands and up the surrounding hills. Several budget spots still offer simple rooms to backpackers with mosquito nets, hammock-strung balconies and little else while a couple of fancier resorts with all the bells and whistles help visitors unload more booty. One advantage of this development is that several markets, internet cafes and travel agencies have sprung up as well.

Nonetheless, this remains a peaceful and mostly quiet spot with an abundant selection of restaurants and accommodations to choose from for travellers of all stripes. Old-timers could be disappointed, but nearby and much smaller beaches provide a little more peace and quiet.

The soft white sand rimmed with palms for shade is great for laying out or sunset strolls, and a lovely reef with a plethora of colourful tropical fish and hard and soft corals lies about 150 metres offshore providing some of the island's best snorkelling. Swimming is best from November to April when the tides are higher, but the sea provides some nice splashing opportunities year round.