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Haad Rin

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Haad Rin is the most popular spot on Ko Pha Ngan, largely for its thriving nightlife, with a long strip of clubs along Sunrise Beach that pump out the techno jams for drunken tourists to dance until dawn every night. This is also the home of the infamous Full Moon Party held once a month on or around the full moon. Tranquillity-seekers are advised to stay in town or on Sunset Beach, or better still, on a different beach altogether.

Haad Rin remains one of the best-known beaches in Thailand — with a long, wide swath of squeaky white sand and sea deep enough for good swimming even during lower tides, there's many reasons to come here apart from the party.

In season, Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach) is packed much of time by jet skis and hundreds of sunbathers, volleyballers and various other fun-seekers and sun-worshippers. Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) is more peaceful and the resorts more reasonably priced, but the beach is not anywhere near as pretty. The much longer and narrower strip of sand is generally rougher, and the water is much shallower — really too shallow to swim in the lower tidal seasons (May to July).

Don't expect an authentic Thai experience here, but rather hordes of young western backpackers crowding the streets, watching movies and sitcoms in the restaurants by day and partying till they drop come the evening.

Orientation
Travellers can find anything they might need in Haad Rin. ATMs and money exchange are plentiful, and every other shop is a travel agent or internet provider, or both. Most guesthouses and resorts here offer laundry service, and a plethora of mini marts, including 7-Elevens, pharmacies and nursing clinics are easy to find.

Related reading

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What's a good beach on Ko Pha Ngan?
Dive Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan & Ko Tao
Bangkok to Ko Samui, Pha Ngan & Tao
Should I book for the full moon party?
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Accommodation: Haad Rin sunset side to Ban Kai
Bird | Blue Marine Resort | Boom's Cafe Bungalows | Charung Bungalow | Coral Bungalows | Friendly Resort | Harmony Beach Resort | Neptunes Villa | Peach Guest House | Pha Ngan Buri Resort and Spa | Seaside | Starlight Resort | Sun Beach Bungalow |
Accommodation: Off the beach
Baan Talay Guest House | Drop In Club Resort and Spa | Hillside Bungalows | Same Same Lodge | Sea Breeze | Sea Garden Resort | Suncliff Resort |
Accommodation: Haad Rin sunrise side
Delight Resort | Haad Rin Resort | Haad Rin Seaview Bungalows | Hua Laem Resort | Palita Lodge | Paradise Resort | Pha Ngan Bay Shore Resort | Same Same Chill House | Sea View Haadrin Resort | Serenity Bungalows | Tommy's Resort | Top Hill Resort |



Text and/or map last updated on 19th December, 2010.

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