Thong Nai Pan Yai is the larger of the two beaches in the Thong Nai Pan bay area in the north of Koh Phangan Island. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty that once seemed cut off from the rest of the world by a bumpy and unpaved road from the main port of Thongsala. This has, however, changed. The road has improved and the beaches of Thong Nai Pan have seen a massive amount of money been spent on upgrading the resorts and building luxury hotels. Thanks to the promotion of the 3 luxury hotels in the area Thong Nai Pan is now firmly on the map as a paradise beach holiday destination for wealthy tourists.
There are a few independent operations that have resisted the general rush to put in swimming pools and air-conditioning. One of these bungalow operations is Longtail Beach Resort. It is tucked into the southern corner of the beach, next to the also excellent Dolphin Bungalows.
Longtail Beach Resort is partly foreign owned and they have done a great job providing quality bungalows on the beach for reasonable prices. There are 6 types of bungalow to choose from. The two most expensive beachfront bungalows have hot water and 2 beds and so they are good choices for families. These bungalows cost $26 a night in the high season. There are also cheaper bungalows set in a well maintained garden (some with sea views and some without). These have cold water showers. The cheaper bungalows cost between $13 and $20 in the high season per night.
None of the bungalows have air-con and most of them are made in the traditional Koh Phangan style of wood on stilts.
The attached restaurant serves a good selection of Thai and Western food. They also have barbeques and vegan and vegetarian food.
Finally, Longtail Beach Resort has free wifi throughout the resort. This is a welcome development as most other places on the beach charge for using worn out computers linked to the net.
If you want to go to a great beach in Thailand but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for the experience then a good option is Longtail Beach Resort.