Koh Phangan is a large island off the east coast of Surat Thani province in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Phangan is located about 100 km off shore and about 15 km north of Koh Samui. Most well known for its monthly full moon party, Koh Phangan features some of the most spectacular beaches in Thailand, most of which are still only moderately developed, providing visitors with easy access to either a wild beach party or a relaxing and quiet beach holiday. While Koh Phangan was once the exclusive domain of backpackers who wished to escape the more commercially developed Koh Samui, there are now resorts that cater to all travelers, from honeymooners to families with children. That said, there are still many resorts that embody the hippie spirit of Koh Phangan’s “founders” and draw numerous budget backpackers looking to get away from it all, study meditation or yoga, or engage in other holistic, Ayurvedic or health oriented programs.