Panviman Resort Koh Phangan

Panviman Resort Koh Phangan – A superb resort between Between the beaches of Nai Pan Noi and Nai Pan Yai

The beautiful Panviman Resort opened back in 1987 and has been around for several decades now. In July 2022, 35 years later, we were guests there and still this resort in the northeast of the island does not disappoint. The resort still looked good for its age. Of course, there are signs of use here and there and certain elements are in need of renovation. Remember that Covid-19 played a part in this too. It all takes a bit longer now for a resort like Panviman Koh Phangan to be fully renovated again. They are now also on the right track with the renovation of the resort. Panviman has some amazing restaurants and the spa is superb. In our opinion, this resort is definitely one to stay at if you want to have a quiet and relaxed time on koh Phangan.

Where on Koh Phangan is Panviman Resort located?

The Panviman Resort was built in the 80s on a headland in the east of Koh Phangan. The resort is surrounded by lush nature and because of its location on a high cliff, you overlook the two very pretty beaches of Thong Nai Pan. In terms of location, Panviman Koh Phangan is one of the most beautiful resorts on the island. A perfect accommodation for families, couples and nature lovers. From several points on the property, one overlooks the large Thong Nai Pan Yai with the smaller Thong Nai Pan Noi on the other side. 

Panviman is located in a quieter part of Koh Phangan. Totally different from Haad Rin, known from its Full Moon Parties or Thong Sala, the island’s ‘capital’. To get to Thong Sala’s pier, you’re half an hour away by taxi or scooter. There is still plenty to do around Panviman, as fortunately there are two nice little villages just around the corner. The larger Nai Pan (Yai) even has a 7-Eleven and plenty of nice bars, restaurants and shops. To get to Nai Pan Yai you still have to walk quite a long way, assuming half an hour minimum. By scooter or car, you can get there in less than ten minutes.

The smaller beach, Nai Pan Noi, is much closer, a five-minute walk from Panviman Resort. This is also a great place to eat and have a drink. We once ate delicious Mexican food at a cute little place called Hacienda Happy Days. Say hello to the friendly owner from us! Of course, you can also have a delicious meal at Stone Beach Restaurant, Panviman’s high quality restaurant right on Nai Pan Noi beach. 

Welcome in paradise alike!

Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the resort’s gatekeeper, who arranged an electric buggy to take us up the hill. The quick two-minute ride offered stunning views and passed beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s no wonder Panviman is a favorite for honeymooners—and for us, pre-honeymooners!

just before we wanted to go for a walk around the resort grounds, Christoph, the resort’s general manager, stood in front of us.  You will soon get married and as a wedding gift from us at Panviman we arranged a candlelight dinner on the beach” he said smiling “Is 6:00 p.m. tomorrow for you okay?”. A bit overwhelmed we nodded yes, thanked him and walked out of the resort lobby all happy!

The playful Panviman grounds

Our backpacks were already at our pool villa, allowing us to explore the expansive Panviman grounds first. We strolled past the spa and infinity pool, noticing the playful layout of platforms and steps throughout the area, making it enjoyable to wander.

The tropical gardens featured name tags on many trees and plants, providing a fun way to learn about Thailand’s flora and fauna.

Our amazing pool villa, number 112

Just a short walk from the resort lobby, we arrived at our stunning Pool Villa. Opening the gate revealed a private garden with a pool and jacuzzi, creating a luxurious paradise. A quick stroll along the stone path led us to our charming cottage, where the impressive private pool and round whirlpool awaited. We stepped up to the terrace, excited to enter our perfect Panviman Pool Villa. Upon entering, we immediately saw that our spacious double bed was romantically made up with flowers, swans made from towels and a letter with a sweet text on it for my future wife. The wonderful manager of Panviman had notified my (Riel) request (Thanks Christoph!). 

We spent much of our stay at the Panviman Resort on Koh Phangan relaxing outside on our terrace and in our garden with a private pool and jacuzzi.

Infinity Pool at Panviman Resort

Even with our own pool villa, we enjoyed the stunning infinity pool at Panviman Resort. Surrounded by plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas, it offers breathtaking views of the sea and Thong Nai Pan Yai beach. There’s also a separate jacuzzi for relaxation.

The pool area features beautiful terraces and water features, enhancing the serene atmosphere. The nearby Pool Deck restaurant serves delicious snacks and drinks, providing a relaxing shaded seating area. It’s a blissful spot that makes you want to return!

Panviman Spa

One of our favorite massage experiences was at Panviman Resort’s spa. We enjoyed a wonderful hour-long Thai massage from two professional therapists in a stunning cliffside room with breathtaking sea views.

To reach the spa, we strolled along a playful path of large stones, enhancing the resort’s charm. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a towel and tea before discussing our massage preferences with the therapists.

We chose peppermint and lemongrass oils, which smelled delightful. The massage flew by, leaving us feeling rejuvenated and ready to explore more of the resort. If you visit, don’t miss the chance to indulge in a Thai massage at this beautiful spa!

Tours and Transfers

The Panviman team can arrange a variety of exciting tours for you, both on land and sea. They also help organize transportation to Koh Tao or Koh Samui. With their own speedboat, they can whisk you to Koh Samui in just 35 minutes from the resort’s pier. For pick-up options, simply inquire at the lobby or via email. Enjoy hassle-free adventures during your stay!

Good Eats and Drinks

Dining at Panviman Resort is a delightful experience. Breakfast at the Pan Sea Restaurant features a fantastic buffet with both Western and Thai options, including fresh egg dishes, yogurt with granola, and top-notch coffee. The stunning views and colorful tropical birds make mornings a true treat.

After a relaxing time by the infinity pool, we enjoyed a light lunch at the Pool Deck Bar, where we savored crispy truffle fries and pad see ew while sipping refreshing cocktails.

For dinner, Stone Beach Restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with beautiful beach views. Guests can indulge in a mix of Western and Asian dishes, including grilled specialties and classic Thai meals like pad thai. Fire shows on the beach add a magical touch to the evening.

Whether you’re enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Panviman Resort promises delicious flavors and memorable moments!

Private Candlelight Dinner: A Unique Experience

On our second day at Panviman, we enjoyed a relaxing day at our private pool villa after exploring Koh Phangan. While floating in our hammock, we noticed a beautifully set table being prepared on the beach by the staff of Stone Beach Restaurant. Jokingly, we mentioned that it must be for us, and to our surprise, it was!

As we approached the table, we felt a mix of excitement and shyness. The romantic setup, complete with lights and a candle, created an enchanting atmosphere with the sound of the waves in the background. The chef from southern Thailand introduced himself and shared details about our special surprise dinner.

It was an unforgettable evening—a perfect way to unwind and celebrate our time at Panviman Resort!

The gym

The gym, all the way downstairs and near the entrance, is a bit dated. There are plenty of machines, but they are not the latest high-tech devices of today. Despite that, there is enough variety and you can still work out just fine on it. What probably didn’t help either was the lack of clarity regarding lights and fans. We turned each of the many possible switches on and off to test which worked best. Perhaps there could be a little more explanation of this or a small chart showing which switch is for what could be put up. 

Apart from a gym, it also has a ping-pong table and guests can rent kayaks there. Great for exploring the sea and paddling to the main beach.