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.

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

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Haad Rin Positive Changes & NYE 2011/12

MAKING SOME POSITIVE CHANGES IN HAAD RIN

Over the last few years Haad Rin and the Full Moon Party have had some negative exposure and the Haad Rin Business Association – an organization made up of representatives from local businesses – has decided that it is time to make some changes to make Haad Rin a place where tourists have a positive and enjoyable holiday experience.

Money raised from the Full Moon Party entry fee is being used for the following:
Cleaning the Beach – A beach cleaning machine has been purchased for daily beach cleaning and rubbish cans with ash trays have been positioned along the beach.
CCTV cameras have been installed for added security, along with extra police on duty and the introduction of Tourist Police on the island.
A safe sleeping area is provided for party goers on the beach
Beach sporting activities are now held every month to provide alternatives to the party atmosphere
Designated swimming areas have been marked out with ropes and buoys to highlight safe areas to swim
Three wheeled bikes (ATVs) have been banned in Haad Rin to protect pedestrian safety
Regular maintenance on the road in and out of Haad Rin

All of these steps are just the beginning and the Haad Rin Business Association plans to invest more time and money into improving the experience that tourists to Haad Rin have. So for those of you who haven’t been to Haad Rin for a while, now is the time to reacquaint yourself!

Countdown to New Years Eve in Haad Rin

Haad Rin is again hosting a range of exciting activities to entertain its guests while they await the countdown to the New Year! These events, which are sponsored by the Haad Rin Business Association, include the following:

26th December – Green Cross Beach Cleanup

27th – 30th December – Beach Soccer Tournament

27th – 30th December – Beach Volleyball Tournament

30th December – Miss Haad Rin Bikini Contest

30th December – NYE warm up party

31st December – Countdown Party 2011/2012

There will be great prizes available and lots of fun to be had for participants and spectators too!
- Sights & activities
- History & culture
- Scenery & environment
- Eat & drink
- Traveller's scene
- Romance
- Value for money
- I'll be back (or not)
By Haadrinba (dabbler)
Written on 31st October, 2011 after a visit to Haad Rin in October, 2011

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