Thailand Guide
Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast
Hat Yao
The long, gently curved, fine-sand beach of HAT YAO, on Ko Pha Ngan's west coast, is gradually and justifiably becoming busier and more popular, with several stand-alone bars and restaurants, diving outfits, supermarkets, a bank currency-exchange booth, ATMs and jeep and bike rental.
Among a nonstop line of bungalows here, a good budget bet is Ibiza (077 349121, www.ibizaphangan.com; B600-1400), a lively, central spot in a spacious garden with airy bungalows that run the full gamut, whether you're happy with a fan and cold water by the beach or want air-con and hot water. There's also internet access and an ATM, and they can arrange boat trips to Hat Salad, Mae Hat and Bottle Beach (B600 per person, including snorkels). On a broad, grassy bank behind the north end of the beach, English-run Shiralea has recently set up shop (080 719 9256, www.shiralea.com; B600-900). Spacious, very attractive thatched bungalows here come with hot water and fans. Hat Yao's nicest upmarket spot is Long Bay Resort, with a long stretch of beach and spacious gardens towards the north end of the bay (077 349057–9, www.longbay-resort.com; B900-5000, including breakfast). Choose between small but smart bungalows and a range of large cottages, all with air-con and hot water. There's an attractive swimming pool, kayaks to rent and pricy internet access.