Bottle Beach Koh Phangan -
The Best Beach in Thailand?
The best view in Thailand? Bottle Beach Koh Phangan is up there with one of the best beaches in Thailand.
The secret is out, Bottle Beach Thailand, a remote cove of white sand and crystal blue water. We can see why Bottle Beach is not popular with tourists because it is a pain to get too, potentially dangerous, and long.
But trust us it is worth the extra effort to be rewarded with one of the best views in Thailand. Are you up for taking a risk for a great reward?
Where is Bottle Beach?
Bottle beach is located on the island of Koh Phangan in Southern Thailand. You’ve probably heard of Koh Phangan, hosting the biggest beach party in the world, The Full Moon Party.
Aside from the islands party reputation, Koh Phangan has some of the best beaches, relaxed island vibes, restaurants, jungle, and waterfalls. Koh Phangan has it all, that’s why it’s our favourite place in Thailand (we lived here for several months!)
Bottle Beach is located in the most northern part of Koh Phangan in the area known as Chaloklum.
How to get to Bottle Beach?
From Chaloklum: By Boat and Hiking
From Chaloklum you can take a boat taxi right to the beach. To get to Chaloklum from Thong Sala, drive past the police station and follow the Chaloklum Road for 20 minutes until you arrive in Chaloklum.
From here you can take the boat taxi from Chaloklum to Bottle Beach. The boast costs around 150 Baht per person each way.
Alternatively Drive to Haad Khom Beach in Chaloklum and from here you can either get a boat taxi or you can hike to the beach. We wouldn’t recommend hiking from here, we have done this journey and it wasn’t fun. It takes around 2 hours and was very hot and we definitely didn’t bring enough water. If you get there early enough and the weather is cool then you can try the hike. But we wouldn’t recommend this route.
From Bottle Beach Viewpoint:
Hike from Bottle Beach Viewpoint. This is the way we would go to Bottle Beach. First stopping at the viewpoint.
Drive to Bottle Beach Viewpoint, this isn’t advised for new or inexperienced bike riders as the road isn’t maintained and consists of steep gravel and dirt paths. Do not attempt in wet weather!
Once you get to the sign for the walk to the viewpoint park your scooter and start the hike towards the viewpoint. Halfway through the climb you will see a fork in the path. 1 way to Bottle Beach and the other to Bottle Beach Viewpoint. We would recommend visiting the viewpoint first!
From the viewpoint you can see the beach down in the distance. It looks miles away and so far down but trust us it isn’t that bad!
Take the sign track down to Bottle Beach the route isn’t well marked and is a steep dusty trail through the trees and down the mountain.
Top Tip *
You will need to wear comfortable shoes with grip and also take lots of water in a backpack. You will need your hands to hold on to trees and climb over logs and rocks. The hike is adventurous, but not for the fainthearted or unfit. This route takes about 1 hour to get down and will take you right to the beach!
We were greeted by some friendly street dogs on the hike down who accompanied us and showed us the way. Apparently they live at the beach!
Just remember once you’ve hiked down you need to hike back up!
Bottle Beach - What to expect
Expect tranquillity, clear water, white sand, and quiet, peaceful solitude.
Beach isn’t well known by tourists and the efforts made to get to it turn some travellers away. That is why Bottle Beach is one of our favourite beaches, sometimes you can have the whole place to yourself!
The beach itself although tricky to get to, is most rewarding when you arrive.
When we arrived at the bottom of the trail with our canine companions we were led to the restaurants and bar right on the beach and rewarded ourselves with a coconut each. We were starving by this point and spent our first hour there enjoying delicious pad Thai and playing some pool and drinking Singha at the beach bar and restaurant.
With our tummies full and our hydration restored we set off down the beach to find a good spot for the afternoon. We were met with unlimited options. The beach was empty. We set up camp on two free sun loungers and spent the afternoon basking in the sun, swimming in the welcoming blue water and digging into our books.
If you are looking for a place to unwind and get away from the crowds this is the place.
Bottle Beach is home to 3 restaurants and a few bungalows belonging to Bottle Beach 1 and Bottle Beach 2 resort – yes you can even stay the night here!
Bottle Beach Viewpoint
If you’re planning your trip to Bottle Beach, the reason we recommend hiking down from the top is so that you also get to see Bottle Beach Viewpoint.
If you take the boat or hike from Chaloklum you don’t get to see this unless you hike up for the beach. Which we don’t recommend.
The view from the top is one of the best in Thailand. The viewpoint isn’t recognised as a tourist attraction therefore isn’t maintained or regulated by anyone.
The Rock a is a sharp, steep verge of the mountain. Once you get to the end of the trail you will need to climb up and through the rocks to the opening of the viewpoint. It is up to you how far out you want to walk based on how comfortable you are with heights and how much risk you want to take!
Take extra caution as the viewpoint is very steep and has cliff edges either side.
To Conclude...
So, should you visit Bottle Beach?
Definitely.
The extra time and effort it takes to get there is definitely worth the reward. If you want to know more about Koh Phangan read our Koh Phangan Ultimate Guide for the best beaches, places to eat, stay and party all over the island.
We lived in Koh Phangan for seven months and know all the best spots on the island!
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Where to stay in Koh Phangan
Why not stay right on bottle beach for the night? And experience the beach all to yourself, take a sunrise dip in the ocean. Bottle Beach Resort has the best location at one of the best beaches son the island!
Luxurious accommodation in a private villa, what more could you want? Full villa with bedroom, living space, kitchen with all facilities and onsite parking all to yourself! Attention to detail and a homely luxury charm uplifts the interior of this stunning villa. Just 10 minutes drive from the popular area of Thong Sala, a perfect location minutes away from all of the best spots on the island.
Somewhere stunning really does just that, offering laid back luxury, the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Just a stones throw away from not one but two beaches, Luxury Seas and Sunset Villas offer first class luxury at an affordable price. Fancy a whole private villa to yourself? With 5 luxury bedrooms why not treat you and your friends to a luxury get away for a fraction of the cost. We stayed here for 2 nights with a group of friends for a birthday and it was one of the best nights we have ever had. The location and accommodation is stunning.
4 Star Hotel in Koh Phangan. Stunning, private rooms and bungalows with terrace, garden, pool and on site restaurant and bar. Amaya is quiet and secluded, offering luxury private bungalows in a jungle garden theme.
Boasting stunning private beach bungalows just a few steps from the ocean! All rooms are equipped with Air conditioning and private bathroom. Located in Baan Tai just minutes away from the pier and centre of Thong Sala.
3 star accommodation, a good option for budget accommodation. Located in Baan Tai just 5 minutes for the centre of Thongs Sala, great affordability for location! All rooms fit with tv, air conditioning and private bathroom.
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Maisie, Nikita… thank you for sharing your insider tips about Koh Phangan. The way you described the remote cove with its white sand and crystal blue water has me yearning for a visit. I’m excited to read more about your adventures and discover the best spots on the island. Keep up the great work!
Best,
Yordan from Travel Inspiration Magazine
Hi Yordan, Koh Phangan really is so much more than a party island but not many people stick around to explore. Thank you so much for reaching out, it’s been so nice to connect with you.
Thanks again, Maisie and Nikita
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