Haad Chao Phao is a small stretch of coastline on the west side of Koh Phangan, just beyond Sitanu (also known as Srithanu) Beach when traveling north from Thong Sala. What makes this beach stand out from others in the area is its secluded nature.
A dense palm grove between the road and the sea creates a natural barrier, making the beach almost invisible from the outside. The entire beachfront is occupied by a few resorts and bungalow complexes, so most visitors are guests of these accommodations.
Beach Overview
Haad Chao Phao Beach is a small, charming stretch of sand, only about 330 feet (100 meters) long, but it’s a beautiful 330 feet with very few people around. I believe it’s so quiet because most tourists drive right past it without realizing it’s there. I myself rode past it on my scooter many times without noticing the small patch of forest near the road.
I didn’t realize there was a hidden beach nearby until I checked the map at my hotel. Upon exploring, I found that the sand at Chao Phao is fine and light, often scattered with small stones and shells, especially along the shoreline where the waves break.
In terms of beach relaxation, Chao Phao is ideally located. If you’re here purely for the beach experience, there are three beaches within walking distance: Chao Phao itself, plus Sitanu (also known as Srithanu) and Ao Niad (also called Zen Beach). There’s a catch, though—you can’t walk directly between them along the shore, as Chao Phao is flanked by rocky, ankle-twisting terrain on both sides.
All these beaches are on flat terrain, running alongside the main road, so there’s no need to navigate steep hills or slopes—a significant plus if you’re walking. Facing the sea from Chao Phao, Zen and Srithanu are to the left, while to the right, beyond a small hill, lies Haad Son Beach and its Secret Beach. However, walking there over the hills is quite a challenge, and probably not something you’d want to do every day.
Swimming Conditions
The water entry at Haad Chao Phao Beach isn’t ideal, but most beaches on Koh Phangan’s west coast have similar conditions. The shoreline gently slopes into the sea, creating a very shallow and gradual entry. Within 10 feet (3 meters) of the shore, the water remains too shallow to swim without your feet touching the bottom.
Even at high tide, the situation doesn’t improve much. At low tide, you’ll have to walk about 26-33 feet (8-10 meters) out before the water reaches shoulder depth, and even then, it’s not much deeper. In short, the depth here is typical for the entire western coast of Phangan and is ideal for visitors with young children—it’s like a paradise for them.
Sunbeds and Shade
I noticed sun loungers on the resort grounds near the bungalows. As for shade, there are plenty of trees on the beach, providing many spots to escape the sun. However, it’s worth noting that the forest doesn’t form a continuous wall, so there are gaps where shade is scarce.
Keep in mind, the lack of shade will only be an issue until noon. After that, the sun will be directly overhead and then start setting in front of you. Since Haad Chao Phao is on the west coast, you’ll have the perfect view of the sunset.
Beach Photos
Amenities
The beach’s immediate infrastructure includes a few resorts, beachfront cafés, and massage huts catering to laid-back visitors, with affordable prices to match. For more convenience and services, you’ll need to head to the main road.
If you’re here for a short vacation rather than a long-term stay, the resort and beach facilities are more than enough to keep you entertained for two weeks without ever needing to leave. The beach, the sea, cocktails, and massages—Haad Chao Phao has it all.
There are no shops directly on Haad Chao Phao Beach, but for such a small beach, that’s not surprising. All the shopping facilities are located either along the main road opposite the beach or a bit further up, closer to Sitanu Beach.
Near Sitanu, you’ll find everything you need for independent living, even if you’re staying in a rental house with its own kitchen: bike rentals, shops, currency exchange points, a 7-Eleven convenience store, fruit and vegetable stands, two yoga centers, and more. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from Haad Chao Phao.
Attractions near Haad Chao Phao are similar to those around Srithanu and Ao Niad: the Sweet Water Lake (a former tin mine flooded with fresh water) and the Srithanu Buddhist Temple, although it’s a bit of a walk to get there. For everything else worth seeing on Koh Phangan, you’ll need to travel by vehicle.
Accommodation
Looking for a beach that feels like a well-kept secret? Chao Phao Beach is just that. Small, secluded, and never overcrowded, it offers a peaceful escape from the busier spots on the island. The entire shoreline is dotted with cozy resorts that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Two standout options with fantastic ratings are perfect for checking in and unwinding:
- Paragon Resort & Spa
- Seaflower Bungalows
The best part? It doesn’t really matter if your accommodation is right on the beachfront or slightly inland. Everything here is so close-knit that you’re always just a short stroll from the water. If waking up to the sound of waves is important to you, plenty of beachfront resorts are available to make that dream a reality.
As you approach Chao Phao from Thong Sala, keep an eye out for a sign pointing to Hut Sun Bungalow. Once you pass it, the road slopes uphill toward Haad Son Beach, so it’s best to book your stay before reaching that point if you want to stay near Chao Phao’s flat, easygoing stretch of sand.
Hotels on Haad Chao Phao Beach →
How to Find the Beach
A good landmark to find the beach is the FamilyMart, near which there’s a road that leads directly to the beach through the Paragon Resort & Spa. On Koh Phangan, it’s quite common to access beaches by walking through private resort properties
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