There are three beaches in our area, Had Yuan, Had Tien in the middle, and Had Why Nam .Most visitors just arrive and leave their bags at one of the cafes ,then walk around to see what’s available. The only bungalow that takes reservations is the Sanctuary on Had Tien. Had Why Nam is where the classes are held. If you stay for a month, most bungalows will negotiate a discount of 50 baht less per night.
Had Yuan : the widest beach and most options.The favorites are Bamboo Hut on the rocks on the far right (your back to the sea).Close by and down on the beach are the Big Blue Bungalows.Barcelona on the left.These are all in the 300-600 baht range for a bungalow with private bathroom.If you follow the wooden path along the rocks past Barcelona you will find simple bungalows w/bath for 150-300 baht.These are rustic but do have the best views.
Had Tien: the Sanctuary is the only place in the area that offers reservations (online) as well as A/C .Nice bungalows,higher prices.”Beam” Bungalows on the far right range from 300-600 baht,but keep in mind that there is an all-night party nearby on Fridays.World Nature on the Sanctuary side of the coconut grove also has simple huts. Family Bungalows are well-kept. Avoid LoveLip Bungalows. Had Tien Resort also has bungalows close to Why Nam from 200-300 baht.
Why Nam: this is where class is held. Small, laid-back beach. Bungalows with pretty views range 350-450 baht. To stay here, management requests that you eat at least one meal per day in the restaurant..
To the “shala” once you’ve arrived: from Had Tien,walk over the ridge to Why Nam,the last small beach. Take the steps down, and you will see the yoga terrace on your right. If it’s windy or raining, take the steps down to the beach and look to your left; you will see the other yoga terrace just across from the restaurant.
To Koh Phangan and Had Tien from Bangkok ( by air/ train/ bus)
Air: go online to www.bangkokair.com the flight to Samui is 45 minutes. Fares range from 2000 -3800 baht, depending on the time of day. From the Samui airport,you take a shuttle to Big Buddha Pier,5 minutes away. The ticket is 190 Baht and includes the ferry.Ferries to Had Rin (on Koh Phangan) leave at 10:30 am,1 pm and 4pm. The ferry goes to “sunset beach” on Had Rin. This is where to catch the taxiboats to Had Tien. The boat drivers are usually waiting and you will see the colourful wooden longtail boats to the left. The last boat leaves before sunset, at around 5 pm. 150-200 baht in good weather, 50 baht more when the sea is choppy. If there are waves, then the boats will only go to Had Tien or Had Why Nam.There are also fiberglass motorboats that leave from “sunrise” beach in Had Rin, and these go to Had Yuan (150 baht). Wait if it’s dark or rainy, even if it means staying the night in Had Rin. If it’s a bit rough, we recommend putting your luggage in plastic bags. You can get these at the shop at the pier. The boats drop you off leg-deep on the beach, so don’t wear your fine shoes or clothes for this part of the journey !
Train: there is a 6:30 pm overnight train,clean and comfortable, that leaves from Bangkok’s Hualomphong Station. You can buy a train + ferry ticket package a day in advance(approx.800 baht) from travel agencies on Kao San Rd. You will arrive at 6 am in Surat Thani and catch a connecting bus to the ferry which leaves 8-9 am. You arrive in Tong Sala on Koh Phangan at 12-1 pm. From here, take a “songthaew”/truck to Had Rin. This is a 45 minute ride and 100 baht.Go to “sunset beach”. From here follow the directions to get to Had Tien as written above (in the ‘air’ section)
Bus: there are cheap overnight bus +ferry combo tickets that take you to Tong Sala on KP, but we recommend that you take the train instead. If you do take the bus , keep your valuables with you on the bus and not in the luggage that goes below. Lots of theft. Take the train!
