Phangan Bayshore Resort

The property itself is on the typical side for a beachfront resort, with palm trees and green lawns framing a building that features lots of open-air lounging and dining spaces, exposed wooden rafters in the lobby, and lovely views of the sea. As one of the main spots for Haad Rin’s famous all-night Full Moon beach festivities, this is undeniably a party hotel. Abuzz with reveling twentysomething couples and friends once a month, dining and lounging areas can feel chaotic. The hotel isn’t generally suited for business travelers or early risers, and guests staying here shouldn’t expect a decent night’s sleep. Note that the hotel is serious about charging extra for any friends that might visit (or spend the night) in the hotel. The atmosphere during the low season is much more relaxed, allowing guests to take advantage of the evening lounge music by the quieter end of the beach, or the outdoor poolside seating. 

Sitting right on Sunrise Beach (Haad Rin Nok), where the monthly Full Moon bashes take place, the hotel’s scenic location is optimal for party-seeking travelers. It’s also convenient for those who want easy access to the Haad Rin village, which is five minutes away on foot. The much quieter Sunset Beach (Haad Rin Nai) is a 10-minute walk away. Further up the coast, Than Sadet Waterfall National Park is a 26-minute drive away and the Pantip Food Market is 22 minutes away by car. Several other scenic beaches take upwards of 30 minutes to reach by car. Ferries to Koh Samui Airport are available from the Haad Rin Pier, a nine-minute walk from the resort. The hotel provides free pickups from the ferry terminal. 

Rooms are spacious and decorated with cool tile floors and heavy use of wood for most of the simple furnishings. However, many guests note that cleanliness can be subpar despite stringent rules around body paint stains from the Full Moon Parties. Not all rooms are beachfront; in fact, most of them, including the villas, face the inner courtyard or pool area, but views are pleasant nonetheless and outdoor patios have seating. Large closets provide plenty of storage space, and beds are comfortable. Baby cots are available for free.

All rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, and free patchy Wi-Fi. A minibar and packaged snacks are available, along with tea-and coffee-making facilities, pool and beach towels, and large umbrellas. 

Bathrooms in standard rooms are on the small side, but have clean sink tops and most have large walk-in shower areas with handheld showerheads. Like many hotels in the area, the shower areas lack curtains. Water pressure and temperature can also be unpredictable. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Features here offer some nice extras. A large open-walled restaurant serves a varied breakfast buffet that’s included with rates. Stations serve local dishes plus western fare, and large salad and fruit spreads. The food is fresh and tasty, but the dining area itself can get crowded and disordered during peak season. Evening menus are also available, and feature great local seafood, but guests may not love that dinners at the restaurant are compulsory (and come with extra fees) on Full Moon nights and New Year’s Eve. 

The beach is the main attraction of the hotel. The hotel doesn’t provide beach seating, but the lack of lounge chairs and largely untouched sand makes for a peaceful atmosphere that’s a welcome break during non-Full Moon Party weeks. Guests looking for lounging options can go to the chairs by the large outdoor pool, surrounded by a polished wooden deck and a pool bar, but drinks there can be pricey. The lawns also offer some play equipment for kids.  

There are no gym, business center, or meeting facilities on-site, but laundry and dry cleaning services are available. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free.