Haad Khuad or, Bottle Beach is a beach on the northern portion of Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand. Named Bottle Beach for its protected cove and due to the shape of the cove which can be seen from the rock, which actually resembles the shape of a 'bottle'. It's known for quiet isolation on an island known mostly for its riotous Full Moon Party.
The beach is most easily reached by boat from the northern end of the island, though this is not possible in bad weather. There is also a poorly marked mountain trail leading to the beach and primitive road which the owners of the beach's guest houses will drive you down if the boats are not running.
Bottle Beach has developed from a little known traveller hide-away. Many years ago a group of European backpackers wanted a place to spend a long-term on the island. They asked around if anyone knew of a place they could 'be'. A thai family rented them some simple A frame huts on the beach and they would walk around totally naked. One man would leave Chaloklaam in the morning with 5 kg of ice and would walk the trail along the headland to get to the beach and arrive with no more than 2kg of ice for the Farang to enjoy a chilled drink. It has grown into a very popular backpacker beach with a lively party scene. Once a beach of only a few reasorts the ful length has now been used.The beach is beautiful and the accommodation, although a little overpriced, is good.
The long sweeping white sand beach is, quite simply, lovely, particularly in early morning and late afternoon when the bulk of the daytrippers have left. Sleek white sand that squeaks up through the toes and pristine waters to escape the heat draw a steady trade of repeat visitors, a predominantly younger crowd than those you'll encounter on the western beaches of Ko Pha Ngan.
Though there are still only four resorts on Bottle Beach, more and more visitors are crowding into them each year. The beach is losing the bohemian, chilled-out mood that it once had, but it's still a beautiful spot. Nevertheless, even if you don't plan on staying at Bottle Beach, do try to visit on a daytrip, you'll come back next time to stay here.
People who spend time on Bottle Beach generally have very similar attitudes and beliefs. Good friends canbe made and love found.