Bottle Beach is undoubtedly one of Koh Phangan’s most beautiful beaches. It’s not the easiest to find either, which makes it even more special.
Getting to Bottle Beach can be an adventure on its own, especially if you travel by motorbike. Google Maps hasn’t quite figured this out yet, either, so you’ll want to go with someone who’s been before – or follow this guide.
Note: This method of getting to Bottle Beach requires dirt roads and hiking on steep, uneven paths. Make sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate footwear.
For the Bottle Beach Viewpoint Hike, follow this guide.
Want to explore Koh Phangan’s hidden beaches? We’ve written a complete guide to Koh Phangan’s best beaches you cannot miss. Read Full Guide
Ways to Get to Bottle Beach at a Glance
There’s no proper road to Bottle Beach (Haad Khuad), so you’ve got three main options – plus a resort 4×4 if you’re staying the night.
| Option | From | Time | Cost (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longtail taxi boat | Chaloklum | 15–20 min | 150–200 Baht ($4–6) per person, each way | The easy way |
| Motorbike + walk | East side, via the Thong Nai Pan road | ~30 min ride + steep walk | Fuel only | Confident riders |
| Jungle hike | Road end past Haad Khom | 1–1.5 hours | Free | Hikers |
| Resort 4×4 | Thong Sala or Haad Rin piers | Varies | About 300 Baht ($9) per person, each way (Bottle Beach 1) – ask your resort | Overnight guests, rough seas |
Getting to Bottle Beach by Taxi Boat
The simplest way in is the longtail taxi boat from Chaloklum, the fishing village on the north coast. Head to the beach by the pier and look for the “Taxi Boat” sign. The ride along the coast takes about 15–20 minutes.
Boats run roughly hourly from around 8am and usually wait until there are about four passengers, so solo travelers may have to hang around for a bit. There’s no official tariff – recent guides say 150 Baht ($4) per person each way is usual, some boatmen ask 200 Baht ($6), and groups can sometimes get it cheaper. Pay in cash.
Agree a pick-up time with your boatman before you leave, and don’t miss the last boat back, which is usually around 5pm (earlier if the weather turns).
Vegan food nearby: Grab breakfast in Chaloklum before you go – see our Chaloklum picks, including Foods and Roots (closed Thursdays).
Getting to Bottle Beach by Motorbike
If you have a motorbike and you’re down for a beautiful drive and a little trek, this option is for you.
As Bottle Beach is located on the eastern side of Koh Phangan you’ll likely have about a 30-minute drive ahead of you depending on where you’re setting off from.
You won’t see road signs for Bottle Beach as the local name is Haad Khuad, but follow signs for Thong Nai Pan for the first half of the journey.
If you’re leaving from Haad Rin, you’ll travel north towards Thong Sala. You’ll need to turn right at the road that leads to the Half Moon Party (unsure of official road name). There is a 7-Eleven on the corner here.
If leaving from Thong Sala you’ll travel south down Baan Tai road and turn left at the Half Moon Party road.
Once you’re on this road you’re going to follow it for a while. Make sure to really take in the scenery here. There’s a lot of steep hills and some spectacular jungle views.
If you want a little beach stop on the way you can detour to Sadet Beach, which is a right turn at one of the roundabouts about midway. Look for signs. However, as this is part of the national park, you will have to pay a small fee.
Now for the tricky part. After about 30 minutes or so, you’ll be approaching Thong Nai Pan on a decline, but you’ll need to take a left before you get there. This turn is unmarked and, despite knowing where it is, I sometimes miss it.
Once on this track follow the road until the road turns to a dirt track. Keep going until you can turn left at the sign for “Haad Khuad Resort”.
Follow that dirt track down even further. Be careful on this road, especially if it’s been raining. You’ll find even more impressive views here.
Right before it gets a little too steep for comfort, there’s an area to leave your motorbike. Park up, take everything you need and walk the rest of the way.
The path forks and two signs say “Bottle Beach 1” and “Bottle Beach 2”. Both lead to the beach, just at different ends. I usually take Bottle Beach 2.
On a hot day, you’ll be sweating buckets and your legs will get a workout. But the reward at the end. Well, it’s totally worth it.
2026 update: The road to Thong Nai Pan is paved but steep and winding, and the Than Sadet national park fee is 100 Baht ($3) for foreign adults. The dirt track down to Bottle Beach is still rough, steep and badly rutted, and it’s signposted against motorbikes near the bottom – recent guides say the last stretch is a job for a 4×4, not a rental scooter. Park up in the area above and walk down. Don’t attempt it after rain, and remember most rental insurance won’t cover you off the paved road.
Hiking to Bottle Beach from Haad Khom
If you’d rather walk the whole way, ride to the end of the road past Haad Khom (east of Chaloklum) and park there. From the fork in the trail, the jungle route goes right over the headland – about 2 km and 1–1.5 hours, marked with blue and yellow paint and a “Bottle Beach Walk” sign. The coastal route goes straight on and takes longer (around 2–3 hours), but recent guides report it overgrown and slippery in places, so we’d take the jungle route.
There’s no water and no phone signal on the trail. Carry 2–3 liters each, download an offline map and wear proper shoes. Most people hike in and catch the taxi boat back.
Staying Overnight and Resort Transfers
A handful of simple bungalow resorts line the beach, including Bottle Beach 1, Bottle Beach 2 and Haad Khuad Resort, all taking bookings in 2025–2026. Some resorts collect guests by 4×4 truck from the Thong Sala or Haad Rin piers, or when the sea is too rough for boats. Bottle Beach 1’s own site quotes 300 Baht ($9) per person each way from the piers (half price for kids aged 4–12). Ask your resort about the cost when you book.
Getting Back from Bottle Beach
- By boat: Be on the beach in good time for your agreed pick-up, and well before the last boat (around 5pm).
- On foot: Leave plenty of daylight for the walk back – the trails aren’t somewhere you want to be after dark.
- Missed the boat? Ask at one of the resorts about a room or a 4×4 back.
When to Go
The north-east monsoon brings rough seas from about late October to mid-December, and November is usually the worst. Boats are often cancelled then, and ferries to the island can be too. If you’re visiting in those months, hike in, have a backup day, and don’t plan Bottle Beach the day before a flight. February and March are the calmest months for the boat.
What to Bring
- Cash – there’s no ATM at Bottle Beach
- Plenty of water (2–3 liters each if you’re hiking)
- Proper shoes, not flip-flops
- Sunscreen, a hat and mosquito repellent
- Snorkel gear if you have it
Closed or Changed
No boat operator or resort mentioned here is confirmed closed. The longtail boats from Chaloklum are informal (no company or fixed timetable), so prices and times are set on the day.
Bottle Beach FAQs
What’s the easiest way to get to Bottle Beach?
The longtail taxi boat from Chaloklum. It takes about 15–20 minutes and costs around 150–200 Baht ($4–6) per person each way.
Can you ride a scooter to Bottle Beach?
Only part of the way. The last stretch is a steep, rutted dirt track that’s signposted against motorbikes. Park before it gets too steep and walk down, or take the boat.
How long is the hike to Bottle Beach?
About 1–1.5 hours on the jungle trail from the end of the road past Haad Khom.
What time is the last boat back from Bottle Beach?
Usually around 5pm. Agree a pick-up time with your boatman before you leave Chaloklum.
Is there an ATM at Bottle Beach?
No. Bring enough cash for the boat both ways, food and drinks.
Can you see Bottle Beach from above?
Yes – the Bottle Beach viewpoint has the best view on the island. It’s free, and about 30–60 minutes up from the beach. Our Bottle Beach viewpoint hike guide covers both routes up.
How Did You Get to Bottle Beach?
Boat, bike or on foot? Let us know in the comments!
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