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Chalok Lam Bay is an up and coming region that has made the transition from traditional Thai fishing village into a tourist destination aimed at those who are looking to get away from their busy modern life styles. There is very little development here and so the bungalows that line the shore fit neatly in with the tropical palms and coconut mangroves that typify the bay.
At night each of the bungalows dotted along the three kilometre beach provide food and drink and the village has a range of restaurants with the freshest sea food available. There are bars where you can dance and a variety of shops to provide your every need.
There are two Thai temples in Chalok Lam (sometimes spelt Chaloklum) – one is a working temple in the village centre where the locals gather each day to participate in the ceremonies, another on the road back to Thongsala that provides training for locals and Thais from all over the country. The Chinese temple is positioned on the same road just to the north offering tremendous views over the mountains and bay area.
Haad Son Beach offers a stunning private bay and beach on the west side of the island - there is just one resort here - Haad Son Resort with hotel, villas and bungalow accommodation. The coral reef within the bay is just seventy metres off shore and allows easy access for divers and snorkellers. The bay is a private paradise and just a few minutes walk to the busy bars and beach at Haad Yao. Haad Son has accommodation that will suit just about all budgets from bungalow through to full on premium hotel accommodation.
Haad Yao Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island with golden sands for as far as the eye can see. The beach is a hive of activity with resorts, bars and restaurants taking up the area behind the beach. This is one of the most sought after destinations on the island of Koh Phangan. The coral reef that stretches from Haad Yao past Haad Son is a must for divers and snorkelers alike. There are two diving schools based in the bay area offering training and group dives. Haad Yao is also very well positioned for access to Thongsala and nearby beaches such as Haad Salaat and Haad Chao Phao. At night there are fire juggling displays on the beach and guests can wander from beach bar to beach bar.
Haad Salad Beach has developed incredibly quickly over the last few years with the construction of a safe coastal road that made the previously inaccessible beach open to tourists. There is a wide variety of accommodation from budget hotel rooms to luxury accommodation available across the beach. Haad Salad is a family destination - its sandy beaches and swimming opportunities attract countless families from all over the world drawn to the beach which offers a simply stunning holiday lacation.
Haad Chao Phao Beach is the neighbouring beach to Haad Son, Haad Yao and Ao Sri Thanu. It is a small picturesque beach with little development that attracts a wide variety of visitors. As with the neigbouring beaches this is a volcanic outcrop set with large rocky formations that add drama and effect. The offshore reef stretches past Haad Chao Phao for the snorkellers and the deeper water allows swimming throughout the year here.
Ban Tai Beach on the west coast just south of Thongsala offers the longest stretch of sandy coast on Koh Phangan with tremedous views over the Koh Samui shoreline. This area has access to the main Thongsala Haad Rin road which is packed with shops, bars and restaurants. In the high season the sunsets are spectacular hence the name - the sunset coast.
Sri Thanu Bay is a volcanic outcrop that has created a bay with coral reef and beautiful beaches. Positioned between Haad Yao and Thongsala the bay is also well positioned for shopping and visiting other beaches.
Ban Kai Beach is found at the southern end of the Ban Tai beach and the coastline stretches several kilometres from Thongsala until the road begins to climb on the path to Haad Rin. For this reason it is a popular destination - close to Haad Rin for the party action but far enough away to relax and catch some sleep when the time comes. The bay at Ban Kai is very scenic and as it is on the west coast offers views to Koh Samui and the ultimate sunset experience.
Haad Rin Beach is the home of the full moon party and is the crazy wild side of the island whether the moon is full or not. There are two main beaches at Haad Rin - Haad Rin Nok on the east where the full moon party event takes place and Haad Rin Nai on the west. There is extensive shopping and restaurants at Haad Rin and a multitude of beach bars and clubs for entertainment. At full moon accommodation is at a premium so it is best to book well in advance. There are taxis that bring in party goers from resorts all over the island so if you cannot find a bungalow or hotel in Haad Rin there is always possibilities elsewhere.
Thonglang Bay is a secluded bay for those looking to escape the crowds. There are no bungalows for rent only two bedroom and four bedroom villas with private swimming pool. It is an exclusive location for those looking for privacy, peace and quiet. It is a perfect family destination and is just minutes from other busier beaches for those wanting the best of both worlds. Haad Salad and Mae Haed are just minutes away from this well hidden jewel.
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