Koh Phangan, Thailand

Koh Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand's Surat Thani Province, home to roughly 14,000 residents across 125 square kilometers. Visited by Thai kings since King Chulalongkorn inscribed his royal initials at Than Sadet Waterfall in 1888, the terrain remains dominated by granite hills and tropical forest. Haad Rin beach on the southern tip developed into an international gathering place for monthly Full Moon celebrations. Than Sadet-Ko Pha-ngan National Park protects inland waterfalls, wildlife habitats, and quiet northern bays like Haad Bottle. Visitors hike to the summit of Khao Ra at 627 meters, dive fringing coral reefs, and relax along coconut-lined beaches.