Due to its longstanding popularity, the beach has developed to accommodate both budget and high end tourist markets making it a vibrant and busy beach in high season (December to March). Virtually all the resorts have good restaurants which means that Haad Yao has a great selection to choose from. Check out the Hideaway Bakery for fresh breads and cakes! For night time for can hang out in the snooker hall or at the variety of beachfront bars including the infamous two-storey Eagle Pub built into the rocks at the southern end of the beach is a cool nightspot with a steakhouse and DJs playing tunes to suit every mood. There are also many more bars and restaurants to visit down the coast and the nearby Hin Kong Club is one of the islands biggest and best clubs on the island.

If you're looking for things to do and see around Haad Yao, the west coast of Koh Phangan has something for everyone. The rich coral reef that surrounds the south and west coast of the island is a haven for marine life and the stretch that runs from Ao Chao Phao up to Koh Ma is considered the best on Koh Phangan, making the region a hotspot for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts alike. Nearby Koh Ma is a small island just off the north-west coast of Koh Phangan with a sandbar that links the two islands and is the only National Marine Park within Phangan's waters. Here it possible to spot turtles, harmless reef sharks and swim amongst shoals of colorful tropical fish.

The region is fairly mountainous away from the coast, and there are a number of mountain trails and walks to follow; and with the large concentration of beaches in the west, it is possible to beach hop up and down the coastline. Wang Sai waterfall is within easy reach and Laem Son is a popular freshwater lake, shaded by tall pine trees with giant rope swings!