When you tell people you’ve been to Koh Phangan, the first thing they want to know about is how the Full Moon party was – truth is, we didn’t go. We hadn’t done too much research into the island, but because we’re not really into painting ourselves with highlighter and drinking cocktails out of buckets these days (oh, there would have been a time we were right into that), we chose to stay at Salad Beach. Here’s how we got there, where we stayed and why we didn’t need to leave Salad Bean, Koh Phangan.
How we got to Koh Phangan
Our first island stop had been Koh Samui, but we bought a multi-stop ticket from Surat Thani, which we just picked up again. Getting to the hotel from the ferry terminal wasn’t quite as simple given you’re relying on the local taxi mafia.
After attempting to negotiate but failing miserably (standard prices apparently), we jumped in the back of one of the trucks (taxis) that then took us to our accommodation. I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t the most comfortable of rides and the rain came down like I hadn’t seen in a while, so we did get a little damp. Maybe you could arrange a transfer with your hotel, so you don’t go through the same hassle?
Where we stayed
Thankfully where we stayed was a darn sight better than the taxi ride, as we’d manage to land ourselves a sweet spot at Cookies Salad Resort. Our room, pictured below was nicely decorated and that hammock!
Even though we were travelling in the rainy season and there were a few dumps of rain each day, we made the most of the gorgeous beach, the pool and the kayaks, which you must, must take for a paddle to the next bays, either side of Salad beach. The swing is to the bay to the left, the delightful sandpit is to the right.
Where we ate
Given the size of Salad Beach and the fact that it’s a bit of a mission to go anywhere else (or maybe we just didn’t try), we either ate at the hotel which was fine, or grabbed dinner at Salad Hut. We ate dinner twice there. Those pineapple fritters. Next level.
While it was only a couple of days that we spent here, we liked the place and only wish that we’d added Koh Tao on to the list. Next time. If you do get to go to Koh Samui though, here’s our rundown on that island and the food.