Sitting on a three hour boat ride from the mainland, Koh Phangan is the last unspoiled island of any major size left in Thailand. Differing from its sister Koh Samui in many ways. Where Koh Samui is brash and built up, Koh Phangan is laid back with a landscape. Large property developers have yet to begin exploiting this tropical paradise, most development is restricted to discrete bungalow resorts.
Koh Phangan is still a popular destination for backpackers and budget travellers, infamous for its Full Moon Party most young travellers see the island as one of the highlights of their trip to Thailand. The party takes place at the southern end of the island in the town of Haad Rin, a hedonistic party town made up of meandering side streets packed with bars, restaurants and gift shops, bungalow resorts to suit every pocket and above all else the stunning Haad Rin Nok beach. At the time of the full moon, Haad Rin is packed full of revellers and advanced booking is recommended if you wish to stay in this part of the island at this time of the month.
Moving north from Haad Rin we next encounter Ban Tai, home to both the Half Moon Party and the Shiva Moon Party both large events themselves. Ban Tai is also where you will find the 'horny mile', a stretch of road almost a mile long that is populated by lady bars on each side. These bars are a lot more laid back than their counterparts in either Bangkok or Pattaya and seem to be a solid favourite with the middle aged tourists who arrive upon Koh Phangan.