Haad Yao (Long Beach)
A long, gently curving west-coast beach with swimmable water and a good spread of resorts, bars and restaurants.
- Category
- Beaches
- Entrance fee
- Free
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best time
- Dry season roughly Feb-Sept; excellent for sunset
- Time needed
- Half day
About Haad Yao (Long Beach)
Haad Yao, or Long Beach, is the dependable all-rounder of the west coast. It's a long, gentle curve of clean sand with reliable swimming and a decent spread of resorts, bars and places to eat, so you can settle in for a half-day without having to plan much.
Don't come expecting secluded and wild. This is one of the more developed beaches on the island, which is exactly why it works if you want food and drinks within reach rather than a deserted cove. The trade-off is you'll share it with other people.
Solid choice, especially for sunset. Not a hidden gem, but a good, easy beach day.
Highlights
- Long, gently curving stretch of clean sand
- Reliable, swimmable water
- Good spread of resorts, bars and restaurants
- Excellent west-facing sunsets
Tips
- Come in the dry season for the best conditions
- Stick around for sunset over the Gulf
- Easy 20-minute scooter or taxi ride from Thong Sala
- Expect company; it's developed, not secluded
How to get there
~11 km northwest of Thong Sala on the west coast; scooter or taxi ~20 min