Haad Yao Beach

Haad Yao — its Thai name means "Long Beach," and the description fits — is one of the broadest, most easygoing arcs of sand on Koh Phangan's west coast. The bay runs for more than a kilometre of fine white sand backed by coconut palms, with a sandy seabed that stays shallow and gentle well out from shore. Through the calm high-season months it is one of the more reliably swimmable beaches on the island, and a fringing coral reef sits offshore for those who want to snorkel beyond the shallows.

Unlike the island's harder-to-reach coves, Haad Yao is well developed without feeling overrun: beachfront restaurants, casual bars, coffee roasters and a string of resorts line the shore and climb the headlands at either end. Because the beach faces due west, every clear evening delivers a sunset straight out over the Gulf — best enjoyed with your toes in the sand and a drink from one of the beach cafes.

• Over a kilometre of fine white sand, hence the name 'Long Beach'
• One of the most reliably swimmable west-coast beaches in high season, with a soft sandy seabed
• Fringing coral reef offshore — snorkel out for parrotfish, fusiliers and rays
• Faces due west for open-sea sunsets every clear evening
• Easy road access with beachfront cafes, bars and resorts right on the sand