Fodor's Expert Review Haad Kuat

With a quarter mile of fine white sand, this isolated beach on the island's north coast is a sunbather's paradise. The vibe is decidedly young and funky, and there are several places to grab a decent meal. Get here by longtail boat from Chaloklum pier (B250 per person) or Thong Nai Pan. Another option is to hike the track that starts at the end of the paved road at Haad Khom. The route over the mountain takes around 90 minutes and is one of the island's best activities. Haad Kuat might be more difficult to reach than other beaches, but it's one of Koh Phangan's best and definitely worth the effort. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: solitude, swimming, walking.