The Ultimate Koh Phangan Cafe Guide

Koh Phangan cafe scene has been booming lately. New cafes are opened so fast that it’s hard to keep up with them. But as a coffee lover and someone who has a sweet tooth, I don’t mind at all! So here it is, the new and edited, Ultimate Koh Phangan Cafe Guide for 2019 revealing all the best cafes and some Koh Phangan restaurants too.

In case you need some general info on Koh Phangan, everything can be found in the Ultimate Koh Phangan Guide by yours truly.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. It means that if you book through one of the links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep this blog running and buys me that extra cappuccino to keep me going. I’m super thankful for your support!

 

Haad Yao

Pura Vida

This is a very popular coffee spot in Haad Yao. They have excellent breakfast/brunch alternatives, (detox) juices, shakes but also sandwiches and more filling options. Service is fast and friendly. Their specialty is acai bowls and acai is meant to have amazing health benefits. The portion costs around 250 baht so it is not something you could afford eating too often, though. At least if you live on the island. I was very happy to notice that they used re-usable straws in their drinks here. Well done! I wish more cafes would follow.

 

 

 

Bubba’s Roastery

A cafe opposite to Haad Yao 7/11 from Bubba’s team. A very airy place with lots of natural light and big windows. It’s also far enough from the road so you don’t have to deal with the noise coming from the road.

 

 

I ordered the French toast and boy, was it good! It was served with vanilla mascarpone cream, wine poached pear, raw honey and crushed pistachios (180b). It was NOT sugarfree nor fat-free but, perhaps exactly because of this, it was divine! It certainly was that special brekkie treat that you wouldn’t allow yourself to eat too often. High-quality coffee guaranteed if you need a caffeine fix.

 

 

Haad Chao Phaow

The Art Cafe

This place is pretty much opposite to Samma Karuna but hard to notice if you are driving fast. It is a very cozy and suitable place for yogis indeed since they have many vegetarian and vegan options.

 

I love the interior with comfy and colorful cushions, artwork and dark wood furniture. The bookshelves are also super inviting but it’s a bit frustrating if you can’t borrow them. I completely understand the problems that they’ve had previously but it’s kind of sad when there is so much interesting information but it can’t be put to use 100%. Of course, you can read them there but the literature available is no Barbara Cartland novels and hence, can’t be consumed just like that.

 

They have coffees, tea, smoothies, and fresh juices if you are only slightly peckish. I, then again, was super hungry after my Samma Karuna yoga lesson since it was noon already.  Hence, I opted for a phad thai (100b) and was very pleased with it. You could also choose something lighter, eg. a smoothie bowl, salad or a breakfast set.

 

Joy of Life

Joy of Life is a small cafe in Haad Chao Paow (or is this already Sri Thanu?), next to the Pim’s Boutique Organic Shop. They have a broad selection of fruit juices and shakes but also lunch options, such as salads, spaghetti and salty crepes. There are fresh, daily made homemade cakes (for vegans and non-vegans), in case your sweet tooth is aching.

This place caters both for vegetarians and meat eaters. I got some coconut yogurt to take home with me and 400g cost 100 baht. It was tasty! You can take the plastic cup back to the shop for recycling or re-use it at home.

 

Art in Chai

This small place is very close to Joy of Life, on the other side of the street and, unfortunately, it’s easy to miss if you don’t know the place.

 

 

 

The menu leans more towards drinks,  such as tea, Thai tea & coffee. And as the name says, they have wonderful chai here, spices ground in a mortar, fresh in front of your eyes. You can choose from normal to soy and coconut milk, have it hot old hot (around 80-110 baht), with flavors such as vanilla, or original. I was also tempted to try the hot chai Bailey’s or Iced rum chai (180-240 baht) but this has to wait until the next visit.

Also available cakes (vegan and non-vegan), homemade yogurt (with muesli and fruits) and Thai food. You can also buy various handicrafts from the shop. A wonderful little cafe with character!

 

Interesting read: The Best Beaches of Koh Phangan (A Detailed Guide by a Local)

 

Sri Thanu

Sri Thanu is known for its excellent yoga schools. Many of them are listed in this post about the Best Koh Phangan Yoga Retreats. Moreover, they make super healthy and delish food here:

Cookies

Cookies is a Sri Thanu classic. It is situated in the hustle and bustle of Sri Thanu and makes a great place for people watching. They have different cakes and delicacies available and the coffee here is really good. Vegans can choose from different plant-based milks, which nowadays is possible in many cafes around the island.

 

LEkshop Organic

This is more of a small shop for organic products, I think, but they do have a few tables for sitting down as well. On top of the obvious – coffee that is, they have an extensive tea menu. And because it’s an organic shop, the delicacies are obviously leaning towards the healthier side, such as no white sugar or flour used but, instead, they use natural sweeteners and make raw cakes. You get the idea! Cakes are delicious and you can get a healthy and tasty breakfast here.

 

One Yoga Cafe

This cafe has all the typical yogic needs, such as cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, exciting salads, veggie burgers/burritos etc. If you are craving something sweet with your cappuccino, there are also various raw chocolates and some desserts available. This cafe is close to the road but the vine leaves make the veranda quite cozy. There are also smaller tables if you prefer to sit on a cushion Thai style.

 

Mimi’s Cafe

I have heard a lot good about this little coffee shop that sits in between One Yoga Cafe and Karma Cafe. Unfortunately, its opening hours aren’t very convenient for me so haven’t visited it yet. Open 8-13.

 

Karma Cafe

This cozy cafe has amazing raw cakes and desserts. The Snickers raw cake is just divine! They also have tasty meals, such as salads, wraps, and spaghetti that are suitable for vegans and raw food freaks.

It’s a shame that I’ve never had the chance to sample them because I always go for raw cakes. Haha, I’m a sucker when it comes to everything sweet, chocolatey and peanutbuttery.

 

Over the Moon

Over the Moon has fantastic cakes and delicacies made on the spot. I really enjoyed their vegan black sesame nice cream (vegan ice-cream), 80 baht. Beautiful! I bought some matcha green tea white chocolate cookies to take home with, 180 baht. They were ok.

You can sit downstairs or upstairs. The view to the coconut tree forest is soothing and relaxing and I like the general quiet ambiance. Closed on Tuesdays.

 

 

 

Hing Kong

Bake Sense

Bake Sense is run by a jovial Thai guy, Gai. The place is situated right on the mangrove beach and it’s nice looking outside and getting a breeze from the sea. Inside it can get a bit hot, though, especially if you are planning on working with your laptop. Coffee is 100% Thai Arabica beans and Gai roasts it himself. There is also tea, fruit juices and smoothies available.

You’d be able to mix and match yourself a nice breakfast or lunch from the menu which consists of the typical breakfast items, such as toasts, eggs, croissants and fruits. Moreover, there are some specials on the list as well, such as Croque Monsieur, avocado or duck sandwiches. The menu leans more towards salty dishes but there are some sweets, such as cakes and muffins available as well.

 

 

 

Aroma Corner

This Italian cafe sits in the row with L’Alcove and Romazo Tropicale. The actual cafe is on the inland side but you can also sit at the tables right on the beach. What a beautiful place to enjoy your breakfast (that’s how I enjoyed mine anyway, after a yoga lesson. The croissant was definitely very crispy and tasty and gave me some energy.

The menu is not super extensive but should have something for everyone: stuffed bread (with or without meat), salads, daily specials, drinks (also beer and house wine) and a few items on the breakfast menu.

 

 

Middle Road, Maduewan

Coffman

The original Coffman is a tiny cafe shop at Big C  but this new one is so much better. You can sit outside in the patio or if you prefer aircon, stay inside. Coffee prices are very reasonable (hot cappuccino 40b). They have some sweet pastries and cakes but the emphasis is more on the drinks. Different breakfast sets available and a couple of savory dishes. If you fancy ice-cream, you could also try one of their generous ice-cream portions.

 

 

Seed to Feed

Seed to Feed is one of the most unique Koh Phangan restaurants as they grow their own salads and some veggies. The place is situated at the Middle Road area so it’s not too far from Thong Sala, nor Sri Thanu.

Smoothies here are wonderful, though a bit costly (around 150 baht), Thai food and sandwiches are tasty, nevertheless, this place definitely has the best salads on the island.  They outdo many of the popular salad bars back home, I’d say. Which is no surprise considering the ingredients are grown on the spot. If you are a local, though, the prices might be a bit too high to enjoy a salad or sandwich more than once a week (255-355 baht).

 

Julien’s Bakery & Cafe

This place has wonderful, on the premises made classic, continental produce, such as croissants, pastries, and bread. They have different kinds of breakfast options to choose from and salty dishes, such as pizza. You can also buy their products at selected shops around the island.

 

 

The interior is very basic and in that sense, I preferred sitting outside. You can watch people driving and rushing towards Chaloklum. The police station is almost next door so I wouldn’t drive too fast, though. Then again, it’s Koh Phangan. At least wear your helmet, ok?!

Phangan Homemade Ice-cream

This place is more of an ice-cream/lunch joint but I wanted to include it nevertheless. It is wonderful to have an ice-cream factory here that uses local products. They have interesting flavors, such as sweet potato and taro but also classical ones, such as coconut.

This place is very popular with local Thais, especially on the weekends.  Coffee is a bit cheaper compared to many cafes around the island but perhaps it won’t be the best espresso you have ever tasted. It will do the job, though. Small ice-cream tubs are around 40-50 baht and if you want to have a bigger tub to take away, the prices are around 150-200 baht. Definitely, a place to visit, even though it’s a bit out of the way and hidden from the main road.

 

 

 

Phangan Coffee

This place is just too cute to be missed. They have used various decor, some more and some less kitschy, paintings, different kinds of furniture and so on to give this cafe a homely vibe. The menu is quite extensive and everything looked fresh and homemade. Various hot and cold drinks available, sweet bakery products but also filling sandwiches if you are hungry. What’s more, it’s also only a couple of minutes from Thong Sala.

 

 

Thong Sala

Baancake Phangan

Sometimes it’s nice to support the local Thai cafes. In addition, they are usually cheaper compared to many of the farang owned ones. This one is next to the service station, alongside the road which takes you to Chaloklum. They have reasonably priced coffees, though I have to say that it’s not perhaps as of high quality as many of its counterparts in the more posh cafes.

Also available are delicious waffles, toasts, and desserts with different toppings. You can also order birthday cakes here that come in various shapes, flavors and sizes, prices starting from 650 baht.

 

 

K & K Coffee

Another small Thai joint called K & K Coffee is opposite to Doppio, in the indoor marketplace. They don’t have a huge variety of products but it’s cheaper than the other well-established cafes around the area and it makes a good spot for people watching. Hot coffees start from 45 baht and ice coffees are 60 baht. Also available other drinks, such as Thai tea, lassis, and fruit shakes.

 

 

Doppio

I love the interiors of this place. It’s just beautiful. A bit like from a Scandinavian interior magazine. It’s actually one of my favorite Koh Phangan cafes. Coffee is very good as well and they have salty and sweet stuff to satisfy your appetite. It’s also suitable for digital nomads who need to work with their laptops.

 

 

Dots

On the opposite side to Doppio, we have Dots which has a very light and airy ambiance. They have traditional cakes and crispy croissants but also treats for vegans, such as overnight oats (which were in my opinion delicious). This is also a hub for location independent people who need to work with their laptops. They recently got an extension so more people can fit in!

 

The Sweet Cafe

This is a traditional, German bakery and cafe in Thong Sala, near the port and it’s got delicious products. They have an extensive breakfast menu and you will have trouble trying to decide what you want. Smoothies, juices, and pastries are also available and some classic dishes, such as spaghetti. If you are sick of the cheap wheat toast they sell in all of the 7/11:s and other shops in Thailand, you can buy some darker and tastier bread here to take home with.

 

 

A’s Famous Diner And Deli

I was wondering whether or not to include this in cafes because it’s a diner. Oh well, what the heck! Here it comes!

They’ve got all day breakfast, the traditional ones, as well as some more interesting portions, such as smoked salmon omelet and breakfast burrito. I ate chocolate chip pancakes while my friend opted for considerably healthier options, the fruit salad, and Power up which is a healthy shake (95b).

Ice-cream shakes (95b), salads, burgers, and sandwiches also available (around 200b and over).  Coffees started from 55b (americano and espresso) to 95b (latte and iced caramel cappuccino).

 

Thai Ice-cream Cafe Opposite to Phantip Food Market

I don’t know the name, guys! I’m sorry! This tiny place has got quite an extensive ice-cream menu and prices are reasonable.  Small portions were around 40b, bigger ones, such as banana split around 100b. Available also many Thai favorite drinks, such as ice coffee, Thai tea, Italian soda etc.

 

 

Nira’s

A classic continental bakery/cafe in Thong Sala. Niras’ is also one of the oldest cafes on the island. The menu here has something for everyone. They have a good selection of cakes, pies, and pastries to choose from.  Both sweet and savoury. Some products are suitable for vegans. You can also find Thai and Western food here if you are feeling more hungry. If you don’t fancy a piece of cake for dessert, you could try vegan ice-cream or sorbet.

If you miss proper bread, they have rolls, loaves of bread and baguette on sale to take you home with. Moreover, you can also support local producers because they sell different products coming from Koh Phangan, mainly food and snack.

The Canteen

Is situated close to the pier as well, pretty much next to Nira’s and it offers a nice sea view. They have a very versatile menu offering breakfast sets, smoothies, healthy dishes but also Thai and Western food.  Therefore, I would’ve probably classified this more of a lunch restaurant/cafeteria but many locals insisted on adding it to the list so they must be doing something right! The restaurant caters for both meat eaters and vegetarians/vegans. I had a super smoothie here earlier which was good but haven’t eaten anything yet.

 

The Fat Cat

This one is situated at the Chinese Walking Street. It’s run by a sweet Portuguese couple who love cats very much. This is a lovely spot for breakfast, you can get pancakes and smoothies in addition to the usual brekkie sets. You could also come for lunch and eat something more filling, such as bagels or hamburgers. Homemade ice-cream also available. This place is not super big so it can get busy during the high season. Come on time to ensure you are getting that delicious breakfast!

 

Satimi

Satimi is more of an ice-cream bar, nevertheless, you can sip a cup of coffee here and furthermore, they have some cakes available if ice-cream is not your thing. I’d suggest trying their wonderful ice-cream and sorbet flavours, though. They keep changing the selection so you always have a good reason to keep coming back.

 

 

Indy Coffee

A combined cafe/lunch restaurant which has waffles as their specialty. You can even have the waffles with salty breakfast staples, such as beans, eggs, and sausages or go for the more traditional, sweeter version. I haven’t actually eaten here yet nor have heard any comments. Anyone?

 

Daily Sweet Cafe

Almost next door to Indy Cafe. The owner, Kung, is a sweet lady who is running the bakery/ cafe. The interior is light and a little bit kitschy, with cute memorabilia, like small Hello Kitty decorations.  If you think it might be too much you can also sit outside on the nice patio and watch people passing by.

 

 

Here they have beautiful cakes, brownies, and macarons that you can also order for your birthday party. I had a piece of Kung’s banana chocolate chip cake and I have to say, it was lovely and moist. Tasted homemade. There are various breakfast items, such as granola, pancakes, and musli on the menu. The cappuccino was of good quality and you can also drink tea, smoothies or juices.

 

Ban Tai/Ban Kai

Only Tasty

Like the name says… It’s only tasty here. This place is not far from Thong Sala and it’s opposite to the First Western Hospital. It is not just a cafe, but also a deli, bakery, and a gourmet food store. You can get beautiful sweet and salty pastries, baguettes, bagels etc from here! Croissants are crispy and full of fat (just like it should be).

If you are missing some quality cheese, French wine or charcuterie, you don’t have to worry anymore. You have found the right place! You can buy them home or design your own cheese and/or cold meat plate. If you wish, you can wash it down with a glass of wine (120b). This place is a little bit more expensive, eg. cappuccino 80b, baguettes 120-200b but then again, you are paying for quality here.

 

 

Southway

This cafe is not far from Only tasty.  It has a modern, perhaps even loftyish interior that I liked. Coffees are averagely priced, such as hot coffee 50 baht and cold 70 baht.  Juices are 80 baht. I had a small piece of their raw cake which was really nice. All day breakfast sets were 180 baht.

They have a lunch menu that consists of the most popular Thai dishes, Italian dishes, and pasta in general, soups and salads, price range being around 120-200 baht.  I asked another patron about the wifi and according to her, it was working good. Perhaps this could be an option for a working space as it is quite peaceful here.

 

 

 

Coffman

A small cafe inside Big C shopping center. Coffees are moderately priced, around 40-50 baht and they have a few cakes available. Also a small selection of other drinks, such as juice, tea, and coconut water.

 

100 Islands Coffee Bar

 

This place has got the best banana pancakes ever! I end up ordering them every time so I haven’t actually gotten to sample other products. They have sweet and salty delicacies available and Thai food.

Coffee is also very good and this cafe is dedicated to offering you high-quality coffee. Mocha comes in various forms, such as Thai style ice-coffee, the usual Italian espresso-based coffees and they even have the trendy siphon-style coffee.

The garden/patio setting is very inviting in my opinion and makes this place a good spot for people watching.

Bubba’s

Bubba’s is one of the most popular cafes on the island, I’d dare to say. For a good reason. The menu is mouthwatering and the owner, Robin, makes sure that the coffee is up to high standards and most of the coffee comes from Northern Thailand. On top of that, they organize coffee tastings here where you can learn more about coffee roasting et cetera.

 

 

Sweet & Salt

A French bakery which makes beautiful and fantastic cakes, tarts, macarons and so on. They have tasty baguettes, breakfast options, and daily specials also. I haven’t actually visited this yet but I really want to try their cakes because they look just fab! A top-quality French bakery says my friend from France!

 

Cafe Sook

Opposite to Sunset Walk. A very clean cafe with nice decor.

 

Bliss Cafe

 

You can find this place when you walk to the farthest corner of Sunset Walk. I really liked the turquoise colors and theme inside but then again, the beach lounge area is also beautiful. A versatile menu that has everything sweet and salty plus some basic Thai dishes on the menu.

 

Luna Cafe

This cafe is situated very close to the ‘original’ Ban Tai 7/11. It is built inside a shipping container but it’s quite cozy inside. They have a cool selection of yummies, both the ‘original’ kind of, sugary and the likes, and healthier versions, such as chia puddings. Also breakfast and different kinds of lunch items on the menu.

 

 

Alfa Cafe

This Fantastic cafe is in the Ban Kai curve, opposite to Pumayana Visual Arts. There is a big patio in a garden setting or if you prefer aircon, you can sit inside. The coffee here is super good and you have plenty of options on how to have it. There are some cakes and croissants to go with your coffee and a few Thai dishes on the menu if you crave a proper lunch. A pot of hot tea is served complimentary. This is what I call good service!

 

 

Chaloklum

The World’s End

A Chaloklum classic run by a nice Swedish lady. The breakfast menu is extensive and mouthwatering, leaning more towards salty snacks and dishes.  Many of the dishes are on the heftier side so you could easily have a proper lunch here. I’ve heard that everything is good and I don’t doubt this statement at all: I chose to eat Eggs Benedict with spinach. I was supposed to leave a bit on my plate but oooops, I ate it all.

 

 

Suncafe

A relative newcomer in Chaloklum, run by a friendly Italian couple. They have breakfast items and sets available but also more filling dishes for lunch, such as Italian paninis, focaccia, salads, and detox juices. Many places charge over 100b for a glass of juice so I found Suncafe’s prices very reasonable, just 70 baht. A few of the dishes have a little bit of meat in them, but most of them were suitable for vegetarians and some suitable for vegans as well.

 

The North Coast Bakery

 

This place is a bakery but you can get a nice breakfast here as well, sandwiches, salads, croissants, and pastries. The ambiance is very plain but then again, it’s a bakery so it’s understandable.

Filtered coffee is a bargain, only 35 baht whereas special coffees are quite pricey, eg. latte 70 baht. I bought a loaf of rye bread to take home with me, 100 baht. Well, it’s quite light compared to the rye bread we have back home in Finland, but still very tasty. Glutenfree bread also available and other local products.

 

Haad Rin

Harbour

A new and cozy place near the pier which makes it a convenient place for waiting if you are going to take the Haad Rin Queen ferry to Koh Samui. Coffees are 50-60 baht and ice-coffees 70 baht. The usual brekkie options are available. Furthermore, they have some Thai dishes, priced around 70-100 baht.

 

 

Goyogo

This place serves delicious frozen yogurt and gelato with different toppings, waffles, cakes, and crepes. Obviously coffee as well.

On the menu, it says frozen yogurt is 200b/portion but when the lady started preparing my order she said to me that I need to tell her to stop when I think there’s enough froyo in a cup. I wasn’t really sure what was going on but told her to stop randomly and after that, she weighed the portion and it cost 210 baht. That’s quite expensive, in my opinion.

Most coffees were also 100 baht, crepes and waffles 250b. So, this place is a bit pricey but I have to say, the frozen yogurt is soooo good!  You can have it inside where the is air-con or choose to sit outside where there are 2 tables.

 

Thong Nai Pan Noi

 

 

In the Mix

Buri Rasa has an amazing cafe in the lovely piazza next to the beach and it’s one of my favorite Koh Phangan cafes! They have delicious cake and pies. The selection varies so ask what’s on the menu when you visit. When I visited them they had, for instance, chocolate cake, coconut pie, muffins, and banana cake.

It is a pretty good value for money, their special, a piece of cake plus a hot coffee 140 baht. The coffee menu is also nice, though a bit pricey. Prices start from 75b (espresso) and frappes are 125b. With coffee, you get 2 small biscuits on the side, which is a pleasant surprise. Hot and cold tea also available.

Their specialty is soft-serve ice-cream and sundae cups. Plain sundae is 40b and with toppings, it’s 60-70b. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try out the sundaes because I opted for chocolate cake (as you do). Next time I will definitely try out the ice-cream!

 

 

The aftermath of the Koh Phangan Cafe Guide

Pheeeew, now that was hard work! Going through all these coffee shops and restaurants on Koh Phangan and sampling the produce. Amazingly, I haven’t gained any weight (thank heavens for that).  A lot of these cafes offer lunch or dinner as well, so sometimes the distinction is a bit arbitrary, whether or not a place is a lunch restaurant or a coffee shop. Anyhow, I’ve tried to stick to places that I’d classify as cafes rather than restaurants. 

 

If you think you’ve been munching a bit too much, why not go hiking on Koh Phangan! After the sweaty part, relax in one of the Koh Phangan saunas. I can wholeheartedly recommend both activities. Good for your body and for your soul <3

Have you got a place to stay already? Check out the reviews, rates and availability of Koh Phangan hotels here. Alternatively, why not visit Koh Samui! Here is a useful list to help you decide the Best Place to Stay in Koh Samui.

 

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