Srithanu & the West Coast
The quiet side of Phangan: yoga shalas, vegan cafés and a coastline that faces the sunset.
Srithanu is a small west-coast bay on Koh Phangan, 15 minutes from Thong Sala, known for yoga retreats, sunsets and a laid-back village. It is free and best at sunset. Half a day is enough unless you are on a retreat.
Prices and hours are our current best information, not a published rate. Confirm on the day before you travel.
The quiet side of Phangan: yoga shalas, vegan cafés and a coastline that faces the sunset.
The bay became the centre of Koh Phangan's yoga and wellness scene in the 2000s, when a handful of teachers moved here for the west-facing light and the shallow reef. The village behind the beach is now a strip of cafés, raw-food places and small retreats, and the beach itself stays undeveloped because the land behind it belongs to a few families.
This is why people stay for a month. The water is shallow and calm, the beach is long, and the whole strip runs on smoothie bowls and sunrise yoga rather than bucket bars.
What you’ll actually see
- Sunset over Koh Samui from the southern end of the bay
- The shallow reef at the north end, snorkelable at high tide
- The village cafés, which are the best on the island
- The small fishing boats still moored at the north end
How to visit it well
- The sunset at Zen Beach is a nightly gathering — join it.
- Rent a scooter; the coast road is hilly but short.
- Most cafés close by 9pm.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Swimming at low tide — the reef is ankle-deep for 200 metres
- Expecting a beach resort scene; this is a village with a beach
- Coming for the full moon and finding everything booked
Is it worth it?
Worth a half day, and the best place on Koh Phangan to stay if you are not here for the party. The sunsets are genuinely good and the food is the best on the island. Not a swimming beach at low tide.
Common questions
At high tide yes; at low tide the reef is exposed for 200 metres. Check the tide before you go in.
Yoga and wellness retreats, sunset, and the best café scene on Koh Phangan.
About 15 minutes by songthaew, 7km north along the west coast road.
Yes. There are a few bars but no nightclubs. The party is at Haad Rin, 40 minutes away.
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Last updated: October 2026 · Prices and hours checked by Nattapong Srisuwan