Palita Lodge

This rustic little lodge is nestled in beautiful gardens right on the beach, with stone pathways that wind through lush tropical plants and trees. It's shady and peaceful -- at least on the surface. After all, this part of Koh Phangan is party central. The highlight of the property is the large outdoor pool, where guests hang out on lounge chairs and cushy wicker sectionals overlooking the beautiful beach. The restaurant is nearby, with seating on the sand or in the open-air interiors. The setting is casual, but the action picks up during the monthly Full Moon Party. This hotel is close to the party, so guests should keep that in mind when booking. This place is most popular with couples and groups of friends, although a few families and solo travelers stay here as well. 

Palita Lodge is situated on Haad Rin Beach, home of the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan. The beachfront around the hotel is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants, and it is a popular area for parties on the beach. The road leading to the resort is small and bumpy. The hotel provides free transportation for guests arriving at Haad Rin Pier. The drive takes five minutes, or guests can walk it in 10 minutes. The drive from the Thongsala Ferry Terminal takes about 30 minutes, and the hotel provides transfers for a fee. Both Phaeng Waterfall and Than Sadet Waterfall National Park are about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. The hotel arranges tours for seeing the waterfalls, temples, and other attractions. 

The hotel offers bright, modern Thai-style suites and villas with dark wood furniture, tile or wood floors, and neutral color schemes of beige and white accented with splashes of red, orange, or gold. All are attractively rustic and spacious enough to include sitting areas. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and electric kettles. Modern bathrooms feature above-counter vessel sinks, hairdryers, and toiletries. Various types of decorative tile are used for a pleasing effect. All rooms have furnished balconies, some with views of the pool, some of the gardens, and some the parking area. Keep in mind that this isn't the most peaceful part of the island and noise from nearby partying is often audible, particularly during the Full Moon Party.

Although this is far from a fancy resort, it does offer the basic necessities for a fun beach vacation. Dining takes place at the Beach Restaurant, a casual, colorfully decorated space with a variety of seating options indoors and out on the sand. The menu features Thai and Western fare, including a free breakfast that's made to order. The large outdoor pool is surrounded by tall palm trees and other tropical vegetation. Lounge chairs with umbrellas are lined up on one side, and cushy wicker sectionals are located at the end facing the beach. There's also a dining table and chairs here, as well as a picnic table on the sand beyond. The wide, sandy beach is gorgeous, but there are no chairs. Other activities include table tennis on the sand under the trees, beach volleyball, and billiards indoors. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and free parking is available as well. The hotel offers Western and traditional Thai wedding packages.