How about an active hike in the south of Koh Phangan? Hike from Haad Rin to the beautiful Haad Yuan! Halfway, stop at the Haad Rin North viewpoint for stunning views of the jungle and coastline.
In this blog, I’ll share all the essentials for this hike. I’ll cover the route, what to bring, what to expect at Haad Yuan, and how to get back to Haad Rin.
The viewpoint is listed as ‘Haad Rin Viewpoint (North)’ on Google Maps and ‘Haad Yuan Viewpoint’ on Maps.me—same spot, just different names.
What to wear and bring for the Haad Yuan trail?
Learn from my mistakes! Shorts are definitely a no-go. My legs were covered in mosquito bites, even though I used bug spray with 95% DEET. If you’ve got long trousers, definitely wear them.
I didn’t think I’d make it to Haad Yuan, so I didn’t bring a bikini. Out of the group I hiked with, I was the only one who didn’t run straight into the sea when we reached the beach! So, swimwear is a good idea 😉
Most importantly, bring at least 2 litres of water per person! And don’t skip the sunscreen. You’ll be walking through the jungle most of the time, but you might want to stay longer to enjoy the viewpoint or jump into the clear water at Haad Yuan. Plus, you’ll sweat a lot during the hike, so sunscreen is necessary.
Also, bring some cash—there’s no ATM at Haad Yuan. You’ll need about 300 baht for the boat back, and you might want to grab a drink at one of the beach bars.
Finally, just to be safe, I took a power bank for my phone, as the route was saved on it.
Preparation: The Route
The Haad Yuan trail isn’t very well signposted, so it’s highly recommended to download the Maps.me app with the Koh Phangan map. Maps.me clearly shows the trail.
There are sections where you’ll lose signal, so make sure to have the map downloaded beforehand.
In this blog, I’ll explain the route and share pictures so you know what to look out for. There’s one stretch where both I and others went off track, and Maps.me saved us—otherwise, we would’ve ended up far from the viewpoint!
I didn’t spot any animals, but this jungle is home to some (small) snakes, so always watch where you’re stepping.
The trail is about 5 km in total. No need for hiking boots—trainers will do the job.
Starting Point of the Trail
There are a few spots where you can start the Haad Rin – Haad Yuan trail, but the easiest is from this 7-Eleven in Haad Rin.
Stand with your back to the 7-Eleven. Next to the weed shop, you’ll see a street going up to the right. Walk up that street until you spot a small wall with red graffiti telling you to go straight ahead. It might feel like you’re walking through someone’s backyard for a moment, but just keep going!
The starting point of the Haad Rin – Haad Yuan Trail. You walk into the little path here that goes uphill. This is opposite the 7-Eleven.
At the end of the tarmac road, you will see this little wall with red letters. Follow the path.
For a moment here, it feels like you’re in someone’s garden. But you’re fine, just keep going 😉
The blue guide
Throughout most of the route, you’ll spot a blue tube along the path—just follow it! There will be times when you need to scramble a bit or push through sections of dense jungle.
It’s hard to describe the entire route in detail, but I’ll share some photos of the path and the blue tube so you’ll know what to look for. I’ll also explain where many people get lost and which way to go.
TIP: Regularly check Maps.me to make sure you’re on the right track.
One of the last cottages you see before actually entering the jungle.
It doesn’t look like a path, but it is, here you have to clamber up.
See that blue tube on the left? You have to follow that one!
Mind the T-junction
About three-quarters of the way into the hike, you’ll come across a T-junction. It’s easy to miss, and most people (myself included) take the wrong path here. The correct trail is almost hidden, so if you’re not checking regularly, you might end up going the wrong way. This is why it’s really helpful to check Maps.me now and then.
There’s a small path that leads you across a stream via a tiny bridge. The second photo below shows what that spot looks like. Once you cross, you’ll be right near the viewpoint!
If you follow the road, you’ll end up going left here, but that’s not the right way. You need to find the path that leads to a small bridge.
This is the path you need to enter.
You will then come out at this little bridge. You are now almost at the viewpoint!
The Haad Rin North Viewpoint
The viewpoint is hard to miss. There’s a massive rock where you can enjoy an amazing view of the coast. You’ll look out over the jungle, see Haad Yuan beach, and spot the famous ‘Eden bar’. Take a seat and soak in the stunning view for a while!
From here, you have two options: head back down the same route or continue on to Haad Yuan. Both take about 45 minutes to an hour. I highly recommend walking on to Haad Yuan!
You have reached the view point!
What a lovely view!
On to Haad Yuan!
I honestly didn’t expect to make it all the way to Haad Yuan on this hike—I was doing it solo at first. But along the way, I met a French-Swiss couple, and at the viewpoint, a German guy joined us. We got talking and decided to continue the hike together. I’m so glad they convinced me!
The path to Haad Yuan is easy. It’s mostly downhill, with little scrambling, and the trail is pretty clear. Keep Maps.me handy to make sure you’re on the fastest route.
Eventually, you’ll see a sign saying it’s only 900 metres left. At this point, you’ll be on a road used by quads, like in the third photo below. The road can get a bit slippery, so take it easy and don’t rush down.
If you see this, you’re almost there! Follow ‘Haad Yuan’.
A nice view along the way.
The off-road path where 4x4s also drive, you are now almost at Haad Yuan.
Welcome to Haad Yuan
Once you’re down, you’ll walk past some houses and a lot of plastic waste on your way to the beach. You’ll probably arrive pretty sweaty, so it’s the perfect excuse to jump straight into the sea!
Still in the mood for a bit more walking? Head over to Haad Tien beach, which is a bit further along. You’ll also find ‘The Sanctuary’ here, a yoga, wellness, and detox retreat.
If you’re here on a Sunday, there’s a good chance you can grab a drink at Bambu Jungle Lounge. They play great music, and the vibe usually gets people dancing. Guaranteed good atmosphere! On Saturday night, head to Eden Bar for one of the best parties on the island—though we sadly missed it ourselves.
Even if there’s no party, I’d still recommend walking up to the side for a great view of the beach.
Bambu Lounge is located to the left of Haad Yuan beach, just before you reach the famous Eden Bar.
The wooden board walk between Haad Yuan and Bambu Lounge.
The view from Bambu Lounge.
Back to Haad Rin
You’ve got two options to get back from Haad Yuan to Haad Rin: hike back through the jungle for about two hours, or take the boat. The boat costs around 300 baht and leaves when there are enough people—or if you pay a little extra 😉. You can only pay in cash. The boat ride will get you back to Haad Rin beach in just a few minutes.
Enjoy this amazing hike!
