Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book Accommodation in Advance?

You can book many of our houses and bungalows in advance, particularly our higher end options. All of our cheaper accommodation, including our dormitory beds, is non-bookable.

How Does Your Non-Bookable Accommodation Work?

You just turn up on the day and see what is available! Please Note: We cannot guarantee availability during Hugh Season.

Do You Have Electricity?

We have 24-hour electricity and all rooms have several plug sockets. You will need to bring an adaptor with you for international appliances and should also check the voltage compatibility.

Do You Have WiFi?

WiFi is available throughout the Sanctuary and grounds, in all rooms, the restaurant and even on the beach. A room allowance is included in your booking, but additional WiFi can be purchased at concierge.

Friday Night Party

There is a Friday night Dance party on Haad Tien bay. This begins around 10pm and ends around 9am on Saturday. Although its not a Sanctuary event, it is an outdoor party in our small bay… and the noise travels! Unfortunately this is outside our control. We supply earplugs in all our rooms. You might consider changing your arrival day if you are due to arrive on a Friday – it doesn’t make for a great first night’s sleep! However – if you like to dance – it’s a fun party to go to, and many of our guests enjoy it while they are here!

Do You Offer Airport Transfers?

We do not offer any transport services – however we can arrange a private speedboat to or from the airport for you. Please see travel directions below.

What is the Weather Like Throughout the Year?

Our HIGH SEASON is mid-December to mid-April (after Songkran). During this time we are extremely busy!

In terms of weather, during this period the waves can be high, and December through January can be somewhat erratic. February and March usually have great weather.

April and May are quieter and very hot. June is one of our quietest periods and still hot, though a little more forgiving. During these months the sea is very calm and flat.

Mid-July to the end of August is another busy season, with great weather and calm seas.

September and October are quiet months, also with great weather and calm seas.

November is monsoon: now the waves pick up again and it’s rainy season.

Every season has its own pleasures!

How Can I Pay?

While at the Sanctuary, you will need CASH  – sorry, we are unable to accept credit cards.  Booking deposit and payment can be made via PayPal (please ask reception)

There are banks and ATMs in Haad Rin, 10 minutes away by taxi boat; we can change most foreign currencies here – we charge a 5% commission for this service.

How Do I Get There?

The most direct way to get Ko Phangan is to fly from Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur to Koh Samui with Bangkok Air. Note that Bangkok Air has a very flexible ‘change your ticket’ policy and they have 20 flights a day to and from the islands.

Thai Airways also flies to Koh Samui so check out their offers too.

By Boat from mainland:

Koh Phangan island is easily accessible by ferry from Surat Thani.

The ferry from Surat Thani arrives on Koh Phangan in Thong Sala town. From Thong Sala, take a taxi truck to Haad Rin town (100THB per person) where you can get a boat taxi from Sunrise beach, a short, 10-minute walk through the town, to Haad Tien, home of the Sanctuary.

From Koh Samui:

The easiest way to get to The Sanctuary, between mid April to late October, is on the Thong Nai Pan ferry boat. This ferry departs from Mae Nam town (not the pier) on Koh Samui every day at 12 noon and brings you directly to The Sanctuary (get off at the second stop: Haad Tien).

Please be aware that if the waves are big this boat does not run.

The Haad Rin Queen ferry runs four times a day from Big Buddha Pier to Haad Rin: 10.30, 13.00, 16.00, 18.30. Big Buddha Pier is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from Samui Airport. The journey from Samui to Haad Rin on Koh Phangan is about 50 minutes.

From Haad Rin Pier, you can take a taxi boat to Haad Tien. The boats will cost approx. 300-400 B and the journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

Also you can walk to Sunrise beach for a more regular service – a 10-minute walk from the pier. From there you can get a taxi boat for 200-300 B per person and the ride takes about 10 minutes.

Please be aware, however, that if you are travelling alone, at night, or the waves are big, the boat drivers may charge you extra. If the waves are very big the boats do not run – in this case, there will be taxi jeeps running, which will cost about the same at the boat and the journey takes approx. 40 minutes – 1 hour.

If you wish to have a private charter speedboat whiz you off to paradise, this can also be organised (6,500 – 7,000THB, depending on weather and time). This brings you directly on to the beach less than an hour after you touch down at Koh Samui airport.