Salad Beach
4.4★ · 978 Google reviews
Tucked into the northwest corner of Koh Phangan, Haad Salad is a compact horseshoe of pale sand backed by coconut palms and low green hills. The headlands at either end wrap around the bay and soften the wind, so the water tends to stay calm and glassy even when more exposed beaches are choppy. It is the kind of cove where you wade in, float, and stay a while rather than fight a current.
The mood is unhurried and low-key. A string of small resorts and beach bungalows line the back of the sand, with a handful of restaurants and a couple of yoga and massage spots a short walk inland, but there is no nightlife circus here. Because it sits on the west coast, the sun drops straight into the sea most evenings, turning the bay gold and pink. Pair an afternoon swim with sundowners and you have most of Haad Salad's appeal in one sitting.
- Sheltered northwest cove — headlands at each end keep the water calm and clear
- Easy sandy entry with shallow areas, good for families and weaker swimmers
- Snorkelling around the rocky points at both ends of the bay
- West-facing, so sunsets drop straight into the sea
- Watch for exposed rocks and sea urchins at low tide