Haad Son – Srithanu Hub

One of the hidden gems on the dining scene of the west coast of Koh Phangan is Koh Raham. It is a restaurant perched on a small rocky outcrop to the right hand side of Haad Son Beach. It claims to be the true taste of beach dining. Rather, this restaurant explores the possibilities of how a restaurant can interact with the ocean in new and dynamic ways.

The name is a little confusing. Anyone who has spent some time in Thailand will know that ‘koh’ means island. ‘Raham’ in Thai means frenzied, frenetic, foolhardy, dare devilish. It would be overstating to say this restaurant is frenetic or foolhardy. It is in fact a very chilled spot. It is next to a beach called ‘secret beach’ that has only one resort – Haad Son Resort – so it is never bustling with folk. However, there is the slightly daredevil option of climbing down some steps from the restaurant to the sea. The water is full of fish. They aren’t exactly in a frenzy although when people throw food in the water they swim with more vigour.

There is a sense of romance and adventure to this restaurant. To get to Koh Raham you drive to the parking area near the reception of Haad Son Resort. Then you walk down stairs to the restaurant. You walk through the shady entrance to the restaurant, past the bar to a wide concrete patio perched on a rocky outcrop. Suddenly you experience great views of the ocean and the beach. Explore further and you find steps leading down to the water. As you can see from the video above, plenty of people come for a swim. It is a chance to snorkel and see some fish in the water rather than on your plate!

Compared to the views and the location the food and drink is a bit disappointing at Koh Raham. The menu is usual mix of strandard Thai dishes, seafood and Western favourites such as burger and fries. Some of the seafood is caught locally but some items such as the prawns are not.

They serve the usual range of cold drinks – juice, beer, cocktails etc. The prices are a bit higher since there is no competition on Secret Beach. Take it or leave it.

There are the usual breakfast items on offer – bacon, eggs, muesli. Again nothing special. The service is quite good. As you can see from the Trip Advisor snippet below the restaurant is generally rated as good. Nobody is going nuts about the food. It is the location that gives you a taste of what beach dining could be about; not the cuisine.

Trip Advisor

Location

Haad Son used to be a relatively obscure beach with just the one place to stay called Haad Son Resort. Now there is another accommodation options at Haad Son – it is called Secret Beach Bungalows. The re-branding, it seems, has caught on, and ironically when Haad Son beach was simply called ‘Haad Son’ it was a secret to which most visitors to Koh Phangan were not privy. Now it is called ‘Secret Beach’, the beach has had more internet exposure and is definitely not a secret anymore for tourists.

The entrance to Haad Son Resort is located up a steep hill. It is not a convenient location for those who prefer not to rent a moped. The resort has had a major make-over in the last few years and the rooms and facilities are much improved. The reception is at the top of the hill. As you walk down the hill you encounter the swimming pool, accommodation and finally the restaurant and bar on the beach.

There are a few beach bungalows but most of the accommodation is up the hill. Until recently Haad Son Resort claimed the beach as their own. That is no longer the case as there is now Secret Beach Bungalows on Haad Son Beach.

There are 2 ways to get to Secret Beach. You can either walk through Haad Son Resort from the main road. There is also a small track to the south. It is signposted on the road between Haad Yao (to the north) and Haad Chao Phao (to the south).

The beach has fine white sand. Like the other beaches on the west coast the sea seems to disappear during low tide. The best months for swimming are September to March. While the shallow water is good for children and paddling, those looking for a decent swim might be disappointed.

The beach is fringed by palms. Haad Son Resort on the hill is the defining landmark. Despite the new popularity of Haad Son now that it has become ‘Secret Beach’ it is not a particularly crowded beach. There is the occasional wedding on the beach, normally organised by Haad Son Resort.

If you are staying on the west coast of Koh Phangan and looking for a new beach to check out, then Haad Son is a good bet.

Haad Son Resort

Haad Son Resort is a medium sized resort occupying a hill overlooking Haad Son Beach. It has 57 rooms for rent. All the rooms have air-con and hot water bathroom. All rooms also have a mini bar. More expensive rooms also feature flat screen TV, extra living space and colourful interior design. The Executive Penthouse Suite includes a private pool. The Deluxe Beachfront Villa is on the sand.

Prices for the Standard Garden Villa start at 1,140 Thai Bahti n the low season. The Executive Penthouse Suite starts at 4,320 Thai Baht a night

The resort features a swimming pool with impressive sea views. On the beach is a restaurant and bar. They serve a range of Thai and Western dishes. The restaurant prices are a bit higher than usual, as the resort banks on having a ‘captive audience’.

The restaurant features a larger thatched area, a decking walk out to a viewing promontory and a diving spot. The restaurant is called Koh Raham. Why? I know not.

Wifi is available for free in public areas. The accommodation is spread over a hill and out of wifi range.

Secret Beach Bungalows

Secret Beach Bungalows is located at the southern end of Haad Son beach. It is a beachfront resort and guests don’t have to make it up and down a big hill. The track out from the beach here is just 400 metres from the northern Haad Chao Phao Resorts. The feeling is of much less isolation; not stuck up a hill, but tucked away in a hidden corner, not far from the action.

There is a collection of beach bungalows. They are fairly big and lovingly maintained.

The Beachfront Bungalow has fan and cold water shower. Prices start at 800 Thai Baht. The Superior Beachfront Bungalow has air-con and fridge. Prices start at 1,000 Thai Baht a night. The Beach House features fully equipped kitchen, air-con, private outdoor dining area, hot water shower and safety box. Prices for the Beach House start at 1,600 Thai Baht.

Secret Beach Bungalows has a beachfront restaurant that serves Italian food. They also do burgers. The prices are average for the area. It is a funky little restaurant, and the notion that it is on a secret beach clearly creates a sense of occasion when wining and dining.

Conclusion

Secret Beach is Haad Son. It is a beach that has opened up now another resort other than Haad Son Resort has started using the beach. Both Haad Son Resort and Secret Beach Bungalows are good places to stay. The former is for those who like a big resort with swimming pool and large menu. The latter is for backpackers looking for a cool new destination.