Ko Phangan is 15 km (9.5 miles) north of Ko Samui; and; at 168 sq km (65 sq miles) about two-thirds of its size. The island has the same tropical combination of white; sandy beaches; accessible coral reefs and rugged; jungled interior.

Once the haunt of budget travelers escaping from more expensive Ko Samui; it is today slowly moving more upmarket. Still; the island remains much less developed for international tourism than Ko Samui; due in part to its isolation and in part to its poor infrastructural system. The roads; in particular; remain poor; with many places along the coast only accessible by sea or by pickup truck or motorbike along badly maintained trails. Pictures From Asia Pictures From Asia