The infamous island of Koh Phangan, Thailand is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and zen wellness retreats. It is a magical island filled with activities, parties, and stunning tropical views. One of the best ways to add to the magic is to catch the sunset at one of the many viewpoints scattered around the island. Watch as different colors light up the horizon and the sun disappears into the water. Here are some of the very best sunsets spots in Koh Phangan that you shouldn’t miss.
Amsterdam Bar
Amsterdam Bar is one of the most popular sunset spots in Koh Phangan. It is a steep ascent to the top, but it is well worth the climb. Situated on a hill and facing west, Amsterdam Bar offers guests an unobstructed view of the horizon. This multilevel bar offers a chill vibe, ambient music, and a selection of food and drinks. It is an optimal place to watch the colors in the sky change as the sun goes down. You can choose to do so on a comfortable floor cushion, full seat and table, or from the large pool accessible to all customers.
Amsterdam gets busy during sunset hours, so if you are looking for a lively environment and to be surrounded by other traveling sunset lovers, this is the place to go. Be sure to come early to snag your preferred seats before the crowd arrives. Don´t forget to bring cash as there is a fee of 100 baht to enter.
Tip: If you are hesitant to drive the steep hill or wanting to avoid the cluster of bikes parked at the bar, there is a small area about halfway up the hill on the left where you can park and then walk just a few minutes to the bar.
Top Rock Bar
Located just a few minutes from Amsterdam on the northwest coast is another bar and viewpoint called Top Rock. It is a smaller, quirkier bar with a more laid back atmosphere and a similar view. Park on either side of the road and follow the lights made from old blenders up the windy steps to reach the top. At the top, you will be met by the friendly staff and a beautiful view overlooking two smaller islands and the vast ocean below.
If you have climbed up the stairs here, it means you have earned yourself a cold drink! Take a seat in the bean bags or at one of the small wooden tables and choose from their selection of beers, cocktails, or non alcoholic drinks. An ice cold Chang or a mojito really hits the spot here. If you´ve also worked up an appetite, Top Rock has a selection of Thai and Western foods to snack on.
Tip: The stairs may seem daunting, but it is just a two minute climb. Power through and you will be rewarded with a stunning view and one of the most chill atmospheres on the island. As the owner said to me the first time up, “nothing good comes easy.”
Zen Beach (Grasshopper Beach Bar)
Grasshopper Beach Bar is a social scene located right on Zen Beach. While the sunset here is great, the real reason people come is for the community that gathers each day as the sky turns into a canvas of bright colors and the sun disappears into the horizon. The beach comes alive with people during sunset hours and attracts lots of free spirits, travelers, and expats. You can find groups of people passing the time doing acro yoga, kicking around a ball, or dancing to the the music of the weekly drum circle–or DJ on other nights. The bar itself sets plastic chairs out in the sand and a DJ booth in the center playing music that travels down the beach on both directions.
Grasshopper Beach Bar helps unite the crowd of people along the beach making it feel as though you are all there together as friends. It offers everything from cocktails and beers to smoothies and fresh coconuts. They have a fruit platter to snack on as well but not full meals, so make sure to plan dinner nearby for before or after sunset.
Tip: The people that are drawn to Zen Beach are friendly and open, if there is an activity you want to try or conversation you want to join, simply ask and you´ll likely be welcomed with open arms.
Apichada View Point
Apichada viewpoint is just a short drive inland from Thong Sala and Baan Tai and an easy drive by scooter or taxi. It is a spacious bar and restaurant with a sweeping, panoramic view the full bay and Koh Samui in the distance. It feels very tropical as the you look over the countless lush, green palm trees between you and the ocean. The elevated view gives you a unique view of the sunset each evening.
Apichada is a peaceful atmosphere with relaxing music and lots of lay out, lounge cushions and patio furniture to rest on. Most of the bar restaurant is covered, so it is a good place to come during the day as well if you want a break from the sun. You can enjoy the view from the shade with a coffee or fruit shake during the day or cocktails and beer in the evening. Don´t forget to try out their Thai food entrees or western snacks while looking at the island from above.
Tip: Bring your camera! You will want to take pictures of the view and yourself with it.
Secret Mountain Viewpoint
Nestled at the top of a mountain you´ll find Secret Mountain Viewpoint. While it is no longer much of a secret, it is still one of the most underrated viewpoints on the island and has a quieter environment than many of the other viewpoints. You enter onto an open, sprawling platform with bean bags and chairs. Walk to the other side of the platform and go down the stairs for more seating below or a dip in the pool. If you arrive when less people are around, you may be able to get the raised platform on the other side of the pool all to yourself so you can enjoy the view with a little bit of privacy.
Secret Mountain Viewpoint allows you to observe more of the island´s rolling hills and swaying palm trees before your eyes meet the ocean. The restaurant serves a variety of Thai food, pizzas, and desserts as well as cocktails, beer, and fruit juices. If you come in the late afternoon, you could easy spend half a day here enjoying the pool and the view here and staying until the sun goes down.
420 Club Phangan
As the name suggests, 420 Club is a great place to come chill. Once you see the street style graffiti art, you´ll know you´re in the right place. The seating is positioned just right for people to view different angles of the 180 degree panorama of the water and island below. From the bean bags on the lifted platform you can clearly see the Mae Haad Beach sandbar and Koh Ma island. Or there is a smaller platform with a few seats facing the other direction from Mae Haad overlooking the waves crash into a rocky alcove.
Pick your favorite seats and indulge in some refreshing drinks–fruit smoothies, mocktails, and cocktails–and some tasty Thai cuisine or western food while relaxing here.
Tip: Getting to this bar can be a little confusing as Google Maps isn´t entirely accurate. The very last turn, Google Maps will tell you to go left when you should stay right. If you come to a dead end road with a small graffittied wall along it, you´ve gone the wrong way–unless you want to go on a short hike through the jungle to get there. Go back down and go the other way to find and drive through the empty graffittied car park to get to a more accessible entrance.
Mae Haad Tree House Bar and Restaurant
Near by 420 Club Phangan is the quaint Mae Haad Tree House Bar and Restaurant. It is a cozy, quieter option but there is no shortage of ways to entertain yourself here. The restaurant and bar is situated in a hill and built around a handful of trees scattered throughout the restaurant. Also overlooking Mae Haad Beach, you can sink into a bean bag and take in the amazing view while listening to nice music.
The Tree House also offers a free pool to swim in, pool table to use, and a small library. The creative craft cocktails here and innovative bar food add to its appeal and make it a fun place to come and hang out for a few hours.
Tip: Make it a full day of exploring by visiting Mae Haad Beach or Wangsai Waterfall near by before coming up to the Tree House to relax.
Sunset Views and Colorful Hues
Koh Phangan is a beautiful island every time of day, but sunsets on the island are truly phenomenal. Catching a few of them while you´re here is a must do activity. Whether you are looking for social bars, romantic sunset sports, hidden gems, they are all here if you are willing to explore. We´d recommend you check out at least a few of the best sunset spots in Koh Phangan from this list. Once you go to the first one, you´ll likely want to see more.
After you catch the sunset at one of these incredible locations, relax a few more hours and then head to one of the best parties on the island at OXA Beach Party. Buy your tickets here.