AO HIN LOR

The south-east of Koh Phangan is dominated by the mountains that occupy virtually the whole region. Apart from the lowlands of Ban Tai and Ban Khaay, the rest of the landscape is formed in rugged granite, with steep hills leading up to lush peaks covered in tropical rainforest. The region's beaches are varied with the long coral fringed beaches of Had Rin Nai, Ao Hin Lor, Ban Tai and Ban Khai and the infamous Had Rin Nok, an idyllic cove and the island's party capital. Inaccessible getaways can be found on the east coast with Had Yao (east), Had Wai Nam, Had Thian (east) and Had Yuan only accessible overland. The steep cliffs break up the coastline and the absence of a coral reef on the east coast allows for swimming in even the lowest tide. The rugged terrain prevents vehicular access to any of these beaches, thus you can walk to them over the mountain path or go by boat from Had Rin.

Had Rin has become one of the global party centres in the world, attracting up to 30,000 people to the Full Moon Party at new years eve and 10,000 on an average Full Moon. The town has grown to accommodate these visitors and Had Rin has a great variety or restaurants, accommodation and nightlife options. There are over twenty clubs, scores of bars and restaurants serving every cuisine under the sun, from Mexican to Indian or whatever else you fancy.

On the west coast, the landscape softens and coral starts to appear, the beaches are long unbroken white sand, populated with well-spaced resorts. The Ban Tai area also has a bit of nightlife, with the infamous Black Moon Party going off two weeks after the Full Moon Party, and the Half Moon parties one week before and after. There are also a few "beer bars" dotted along the main road.

There are numerous attractions, including the temples of Wat Khao Tam and Wat Pho, the biggest tree on the island and a road network that links to most places on Koh Pha Ngan. There is several spa and sauna operations and many cheap restaurants in the villages. Had Rin has a private health clinic run by the respected Bandon International Hospital Group and the west coast is not far from the main hospital just outside Thong Sala. Had Rin has a sub-police station near the main taxi rank and the west is served by Thong Sala's district police station.