Living on Haad Yao Beach

On the north-west coast of Koh Phangan, you’ll find Haad Yao beach. The white sand beach is lined with palm trees and stretches about half a mile long.

There’s a wide variety of accommodations here. This month, I’m living in a beachfront bungalow at Seaboard Bungalows and my office is cooled by the sea breeze and has a beachfront view. There are restaurants along the beach and set back in the jungle canopy and even accommodations and restaurants up on the hills overlooking the bay. Wherever you stay, the view is postcard perfect and the vibe here is laid-back. There’s plenty of places to get a cold drink and enjoy swinging in a hammock in the shade. There’s even scuba diving available. For a break from work, sometimes I’ll go for a swim. The turquoise blue water is perfect for cooling off. The beach is family friendly and attracts people of all ages. During the day Ibiza Bungalows, next door, sets up their volleyball net for anyone that wants to join in. Haad Yao is a very social beach.

If you enjoy art markets, Bizarre Bazaar is a weekly event at Seaboard Bungalows. A DJ spins tunes, and Paola, the owner of Seaboard, offers a free space for, artists, musicians, stylists, hoop dancers, jugglers, and fire dancers. You may even be able to even get a henna tattoo or a haircut. Samui Prisoners Support group has a donated clothes stall where you can pick up some clothing with just a donation! Bizarre Bazaar is a great place to meet up with your island friends or make new friends and enjoy the beautiful Haad Yao beach.

Haad Yao beach faces west perfect for amazing sunsets. After sunset, the beach is still amazing. The beachside restaurants’ lights come on and the moonlight shines through the palm trees, setting a whole new mood on the beach as the night winds down.