Ko Pha-ngan accommodation from AU$40

The charm of the island is that the development is still years behind its closest neighbour Koh Samui. Of course the main beach of Haad Rin is full of tourists during the party nights, but during the rest of the month the local bars, clubs and restaurants offer a nice atmosphere and friendly faces, which goes hand-in-hand with the fact that every night on Haad Rin is a party night.

While you are here, rent a scooter and go explore the undeveloped beaches. Most only have a handful of bungalows scattered throughout once you are outside of the main city centre. If you are looking upscale, Tong Naipan is home to the island’s most luxurious resort, while the beaches of Haad Salad and Haad Khuat offer cheaper meals and accommodation with many long-stay backpackers becoming more and more local.

On the water, adventure seekers can try wakeboarding, kitesurfing or get their dive certificate; otherwise it’s an easy slide into debauchery with a night on a booze cruise. After a day on the water enjoy the rainforest from the back of an elephant, or race your friends on ATVs through dirt tracks in the jungle. Yoga and meditation retreats offer a calm serenity on the island, as you de-stress and unwind on your vacation. There’s seafood and great Thai restaurants everywhere to be found, you’ll not go hungry on this island paradise!

Koh Phangan’s reputation as the party island doesn’t do it justice. There’s much more to see and enjoy, so find a spot on one of the more secluded beaches and book a perfect Koh Phangan hotel. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how awesome this tropical paradise really is.