Technically, the correct name is “Si Tanu,” not “Sri Thanu” or “Sritanu,” but everyone calls it “Sri.” This area of Phangan actually has three beaches that blend seamlessly into one another: Si Tanu Beach (also known as Sri Thanu) to the south, Ao Niad Beach in the middle, and Chao Pao Beach to the north. Before my trip, I noticed that many reviews and tips from long-term travelers often confuse these beaches.
This might be because those staying long-term on Phangan typically refer to all three beaches collectively as “Sri Thanu.” It makes sense, since the beaches are only separated by rocky outcrops, and the boundaries between them are more conceptual than physical.
I’ve written a separate post about Chao Pao Beach, as it’s quite distinct, but Sri Thanu and Ao Niad share the same infrastructure, so their descriptions are similar—only the photos differ.
Beach Overview
Sri Thanu Beach (Si Tanu) is the first beach you’ll encounter when heading north from Thong Sala along the coast. The beach begins near a cluster of fishing boats, not far from the popular Orion Café, and stretches past several resorts, including:
- Phangan Cove Beach Resort
- Nice Sea Resort
It ends roughly around Laemson Bungalow.
One of the unique features of Sri Thanu is the canal that runs parallel to the shore, separating it from the rest of the island. Beach access is only possible at certain points, which I’ll detail below.
Next up is Ao Niad Beach, which is set further back from the main road (Hin Kong Road). It’s tucked into a quiet pocket, surrounded by palm groves and a small lake, making it invisible from the road.
On the map, Ao Niad curves around the lake, stretching from Laemson Bungalow to Golden Rock Bungalows. Locals sometimes refer to Ao Niad as Zen Beach or even Naked Beach, as it’s a popular spot for those seeking a more “natural” experience.
Chao Phao Beach is the last one, but it’s mostly frequented by guests staying at local hotels, with long-term visitors rarely stopping by. I’ve already written in detail about Chao Phao here. One final note: if you’re standing on Zen Beach and facing the sea, look to your right to spot the area known as the nudist section. So, in a way, Ao Niad is a mix of Zen Beach and Naked Beach—a bit of interesting beach math!
Swimming
The entire stretch of Sri Thanu Beach has a similar feel when it comes to sand and water entry. You’ll find soft, light-yellow sand near the grassy areas, while closer to the water, small pebbles and bits of coral are scattered along the shore. Occasionally, you’ll come across larger clusters of rocks.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during high tide, the water reaches shoulder depth just five meters (16 feet) from the shore. However, the water depth at Sri Thanu can vary greatly depending on the tide. Swimming here isn’t the best for long distances—you can float or enjoy some leisurely freestyle, but it’s easy to stand up and take a break whenever you like.
Sri Thanu is ideal for families with children. On regular days with good weather and a gentle breeze, I’ve never noticed significant waves. Of course, storm season is a different story, but that’s to be expected.
Sunbeds and Shade
Sunbeds are available only on Sri Thanu Beach, and only within the resort areas. However, if you order a drink at one of the beach cafés, you can usually use their sunbeds, which are almost always free. Even during peak season and the busiest midday hours, Sri Thanu never feels overcrowded. As for Zen and Naked Beaches, I didn’t see any sunbeds—no rentals, no private ones.
Shade is hit or miss. Trees only grow along the water at Zen and Naked Beaches, and during low tide, the sea pulls back so far that the beach becomes extremely wide, leaving the available shade far from the water. Running back and forth between the two can be a bit of a hassle.
So, you’ll have to choose between enjoying the water or escaping the sun. That said, swimming during low tide on Phangan’s eastern beaches isn’t ideal anyway, as the water is often too shallow.
Beach Photos
Sri Thanu Beach
Zen Beach
Naked Beach
Amenities
Sri Thanu is packed with shops and cafés. Along the main road, you’ll find a mix of Thai and international eateries, offering a variety of cuisines from around the world. The streets are lined with charming restaurants, two yoga centers, a sauna, and plenty of cozy local cafés. The area’s eclectic infrastructure reflects the diverse crowd that has made Sri Thanu a favorite retreat spot.
This beach is a magnet for yogis, raw food enthusiasts, vegans, and those into all things esoteric. If that lifestyle resonates with you, you’ll feel right at home. From my experience, the main social hub is Orion, a popular spot where people gather to work, eat, and hang out.
You’ll also find the ever-present 7-Eleven and FamilyMart, alongside a variety of local Thai shops. A unique attraction here is Sweet Water Lake, a former tin mining site that has since turned into a small lake. Interestingly, the tin mine tailings were dumped into the sea, making the already shallow seabed even shallower. Locals say no one has ever reached the lake’s bottom without diving gear.
Sri Thanu is also home to the Orion Healing Center, where you can practice yoga or unwind in the sauna. There’s another yoga center, Agama, and a range of international dining options. From Jewish cuisine at Taboon to Italian fare, you’ll find it all. Orion serves great burritos and fresh fruit salads, and further north, there’s a Belgian restaurant with amazing beer.
Vegans will love Macrobio Café, a local favorite. Honestly, I couldn’t visit all the spots I saw—there are just too many! You could spend your entire vacation trying a new restaurant every night. While staying in Sri Thanu, I barely ate any Thai food—I just didn’t have time!
As for Zen Beach, its name comes from a nearby bungalow complex. Sometimes it’s called “Zen Beach” because musicians gather here during high season for nightly jam sessions. With drums and wind instruments, they put on mini-concerts that draw a crowd of listeners.
I’ve gone a few times myself. The jams usually start at sunset, around 5 PM, and go until about 7 PM, when it gets dark. The spot is marked on my map, and it’s easy to find—just follow the dirt road. If you miss the exact path, don’t worry, you can easily locate the gathering by following the music and the crowd.
Accommodation
Sri Thanu Beach is one of those areas on Phangan that attracts both tourists and long-term visitors. There are houses for rent right on Zen Beach, as well as several housing complexes set further back. You have plenty of options, from beachfront properties to second-row homes, and even cottages right on the sand. Some friends of mine lived here for almost a year and said it’s an amazing spot.
Finding a hotel is easy, too. If you’re not set on staying right by the water, there are plenty of options between the road and the beach, as well as further inland. But if you prefer something closer to the sea, here are three great beachfront bungalow resorts on Sri Thanu—two of which I’ve stayed at myself:
- Seaview Rainbow Bungalow
- Phangan Cove Beach Resort
- Nice Sea Resort
These resorts are side by side, occupying a lovely stretch of Sri Thanu Beach. Phangan Cove Beach also has a cool Thai café with a relaxed atmosphere and a stylish interior.
How to Find the Beach
Let’s go over a few ways to access different parts of Sri Thanu, assuming you’re traveling from Thong Sala along the coast, heading north on the island’s west side.
Sri Thanu Beach: As I mentioned earlier, the main challenge with accessing this beach is the canal running from the lake to the sea, parallel to the shore. It cuts the beach off from the rest of the island, so you’ll need to know where the bridges are, ideally ones accessible by scooter.
There’s a turn-off before you reach the main Sri Thanu area, where Hin Kong Road makes a sharp 90-degree turn. Unfortunately, there aren’t many clear landmarks here, aside from the bend itself. About 50 meters after you make the turn, a path veers left toward Orion Café, but you don’t want to go that way.
Instead, when you see some advertising banners, turn right onto a small path. You’ll soon come across a bridge. Cross it, follow the path, and you’ll arrive at Phangan Cove Resort. Another option is the bridge at Nice Sea Resort, which you can reach directly from the main road—just keep an eye out for the signs.
Park your scooter by the bridge and walk to the beach; this is perfectly normal, and everyone does it. Phangan Cove is also a great spot for lunch, with excellent Thai food.
Ao Niad and Naked Beach: Finding your way here is a bit trickier, and it’s easier if someone shows you in person. After passing the local 7-Eleven, you’ll find an unmarked turn just before the ticket booth for the lake attraction. Look for the large sign for “Thai Cultural School” and take that road until it ends.
At the fork, turn right and continue until you see a cluster of beach huts. When you notice a bunch of scooters parked in the area, leave yours there and walk to the beach.
There’s another route to Naked Beach. Head along Hin Kong Road, past the lake, and look out for the Golden Rock Bungalows sign. Once you see it, turn onto the narrow road. Here’s the catch: while this path is shorter and more convenient, you can’t ride your scooter the whole way because it’s a private road, and Golden Rock Bungalows has a rule against motorbike traffic.
At some point, you’ll need to park your scooter and walk the rest of the way to the beach. However, if you stop by their café for a meal or order a drink, they may allow you to pass through their property by bike.
Google Reviews
Sri Thanu Beach
Zen Beach
