Haad Salad

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Haad Salad Beach in Koh Phangan

'Haad' means 'beach' in Thai and 'salad' means 'pirate' in the local dialect. Haad Salad was once a remote beach favoured by pirates. In the 1990s its beautiful white sand beach and dunes were treasured by backpackers and those wishing to stay long term on the island. Now the backpackers share Haad Salad with the tourists. In the hills around Haad Salad are a number of private residences.

Haad Salad is in the north-west of Koh Phangan and is reached by good roads from Thong Sala. It is well placed: nearby is Wangsai Waterfall and Koh Ma Marine Park. As you enter the beach there is a small village with a good selection of shops, internet cafes, bar and restaurants. Near the entrance to the beach is the famous Haad Salad Reggae Bar. Reggae suits the easy, laid back vibe of Haad Salad.

Haad Salad has a coral reef 150 meters out that is great for snorkelling and diving. Because of the coral reef, swimming is best on Haad Salad during the higher tides from November to April. Hiring a kayak is a great way to explore the bay.

Haad Salad is a favorite snorkeling spot in Koh Phangan. It has brain and table corals with numerous fish to spot including Angel fish, Butterfly fish, Parrot fish and Damsel fish. It is also great for shallow diving.

Haad Salad has a good range of accommodation. The cheapest accommodation in Koh Phangan is found at Haad Salad. The bungalows at Sea Smile Resort and Sea Salad Resort are among the cheapest in the r24.org booking system for Koh Phangan ($12 a night). At the other end of the spectrum, Salad Buri Resort offers stylish interiors and private Jacuzzis or plunge pools and Green Papaya Resort has private pool villas.

. All prices are inclusive of tax.

(Updated January 2012)

Starting under 1,000 Thai Baht

Starting between 1,000 and 2,000 Thai Baht

Starting over 2,000 Thai Baht