Koh Phangan is a small island found in the Gulf of Thailand, just a short distance from both Koh Tao and Koh Samui. It is most famous for its full moon parties on Hat Rin which see thousands of people descend on its shores every month for an all night-long beach party.

The only way to reach the island is by boat, from either Koh Tao or Samui, with the journey taking just 30 minutes from Samui. The island is a lot less frenetic than Samui, with quieter beaches and a much more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those who want to escape it all. The beaches line some of the country’s warmest and clearest water, ensuring excellent conditions for both diving and snorkelling.

The island is largely undeveloped, especially in relation to Koh Samui as it has no airport and very few paved roads. These factors, along with the secluded beaches, add to its charm and appeal.

Accommodation on the island is improving annually, with some new and luxurious resorts being built. There are a number of beachside bungalows available, along with a number of guesthouses and apartments. If you are travelling here for the full moon party, it is highly advisable to book your accommodation well in advance.

Popular places to stay on the island include Had Rin, Thong Sala and Bottle Beach. There are many restaurants to choose from offering local and international food, and there are also many beachside bars and restaurants offering fresh seafood and cocktails on the beach.

The Chinese Temple is popular with those looking for a spot of cultural activity, while the spa at Wat Pho is perfect for relaxation. Water sports are popular and plentiful, while in need of some time out, lying back and soaking up the sun is a great way to spend a day.

Although Koh Pha Ngan is considered a backpacker party island populated with five dollar a night guesthouse rooms, this is all changing. A number of luxury developments are taking advantage of this unspoilt island that has escaped the rampant commercialisation of nearby Samui. Haad Rin is perhaps a little too densely developed and lively to be a suitable location for upmarket hotel rooms, but there are plenty of other lovely beaches and bays, such as Haad Salad and Tong Nai Pan. Here you will find some comfortable and good value options with privacy and a peaceful unpretentious environment.

There is not much evidence about early life on Koh Phangan, but a Bronze drum belonging to the Dongson culture and dating back to 500 BC was found on Ko Samui in 1977. This proved that there were settlements of people on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and their surrounding islets over 2,000 years ago.

There are conflicting views on the first settlers on Koh Phangan, although the majority of historians believe that the first people who migrated to the island were Muslim sea gypsies (Pigmy, Semung and Proto-Malay) who travelled by boat from the Malay Peninsula. Today, however, there are very few Muslims who live on the island.

The name Phangan comes from the word 'Ngan', meaning 'sand bar'. Until as late as 1940, there were no roads or vehicles on the island and its inhabitants lived simple lives with virtually no contact with the outside world. People got around either by foot or by boat, following the coastline. Tourism was unheard of because there was simply no convenient means of getting to the island.

Phangan carried on this way for years and it was not until neighbouring Koh Samui started to develop that it started attracting attention. It was as late as 1988 that the first tourists first stepped onto the undiscovered paradise, and although the island has seen a steady increase in tourism since then, many of the island’s charms remain untouched. Today, Phangan is famed for its monthly full moon parties, attracting people from all over the world to its shores for all-night fun on the beach.

Koh Phangan experiences a very pleasant climate year-round with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 34°C. There are three distinct seasons: warm season (February through May); rainy season (end of September through November) and the cool season (October until January). The months of June to September are a mix of hot sun and rain showers.

Despite the name, rainy season is often made up of light refreshing showers followed by the return of the sun; rarely does it rain for long periods of time, but it can remain overcast for most of the day. The rain offers relief from the tropical humid weather, especially during July and August, when temperatures have been known to exceed 38°C. Luckily, the island experiences a pleasant sea breeze from the Gulf, which often helps to minimise humidity levels.

The best months to visit the island are between December and June, as you will experience very little rain. The cool season is often a popular time as there is still guaranteed sunshine, but temperatures aren’t so high and there is a welcomed drop in temperature in the evenings.