As a natural paradise island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan is often seen as a getaway retreat, where one may go relaxing on the many quiet deserted beaches including the beautiful Chaloklam Bay, Ban Tai, Ban Khai, Haad Yao, Haad Salad, Haad Son and the Mae Haad beaches.

There are many activities in which to participate including snorkelling and learning to dive at the distinctive island of Koh Ma, trekking in the footsteps of Thai Royalty at Than Sadet National Park steeped in history and culture, or seeking adventure in the nearby Ang Thong Marine Park composed of over 40 islands endowed with pristine beaches, natural caves and the tranquil Tha Laem Nai.

Koh Phangan has over 250 resorts to choose from, ranging from the budget beach hut without private toilet to luxury air-conditioned accommodation with private swimming pool. The island now boasts a number of exclusive five-star resorts, competing on some level with Koh Samui for the high-end travellers.

It's the simple beach life which continues to attract visitors each year along with the island's reputation for full moon parties and a hedonistic approach to life. The backpackers, budget tourists and ageing hippies are beginning to give way to families and more mainstream tourists as all the beaches become more developed. The full moon party consists of tens of thousands in high season - all on the beach. Revellers from all over the world still flock to the world's biggest beach party every month. The music from the multiple sound systems is made up mostly of electronic styles such as trance, house, techno and drum & bass and a predominantly youthful crowd dance until dawn on party nights.

It has been reported that western tourists have been victims of unprovoked assaults by gangs on a number of occasions, particularly around the time of the full moon parties late at night in the vicinity of bars in Haad Rin. It is worth noting that it is best not to get involved in arguments or even heated discusion with Thai's as the outcome can be somewhat unpredictable, often with the foreigner coming off much worse.

Other events such as the Half Moon Party and Black Moon Party also attract large crowds. Despite the special titles the events on the beach are identical every single night. However, it is still possible to visit the island and avoid the parties altogether, with dozens of quiet, secluded resorts and beach huts dotted all over the island for a variety of prices. Many of the more costly resorts offer such facilities as daily yoga, yoga teachers' training, meditation, a variety of healing, healthy & natural therapies, spa massage & pampering services and herbal steam rooms.

Other activities available on the island include scuba diving with a number of companies offering very reasonably priced training courses and excursions, snorkelling, especially off the Mae Haad sandbar in the north west, wakeboarding, archery, fishing, walks in the national park or simply relaxing in the company of other farangs or the friendly locals.