If you are planning a quiet laid back holiday,no hustle and bustle, at a place of beauty and tranquility then Koh Phangan is the place.
There are no high rise buildings (cement walls),there are beautiful beaches, miles and miles of coconut plantations cosy little restaurants with delicious food (also not spicy,
when you order just say no "prik")
The people are very friendly and helpful.
It is quite a contrast with the touristic Koh Samui.
The island's surface is about 191 square kilometers.
If you are tired of the beach,the small roads, trails, and mountain tracks twist and wind their way through the splendours and vistas of the largely untouched landscape – and the beautiful waterfalls. In the mountains there are trails and walks to follow.
You can also have a guide to take you for a longer trek perhaps to the top of the island.
You can get around on a motor bike which you can rent anywhere, it is the best way to see the nice spots on the island.
Some parts of the roads are very bad though,lots of pot holes and gravel and especially dogs crossing.
The island is quite mountainous so there are lots of hairpin curves and quite steep so you have to be careful.
On mountainous roads which can be very treacherous after a couple days of rain ( in November December) very muddy and deep rutted tracks, it is better to take a taxi our a four wheel drive jeep,which is not expensive, you can always make a deal before you make the trip .
To get to Koh Phangan you must not be in a hurry, after a flight to Bangkok or Singapore, you have to take a flight to Koh Samui,and then the ferry boat to Koh Phangan,about an hour's ride.
From Bangkok you can also go by train or bus to Surathani and then the ferry.
I suggest you make an overnight stop on Koh Samui,there are lots of nice little hotels along the beach,wake up in the morning to the sound of the waves that is a nice beginning of your holiday.
Make sure you book a taxi for the next day to take you to the ferry,it is one price,taxi and boat. about €10.00's, you can do this at the reception desk of your hotel.
It can be very busy at the ferries.
All this is worth it. I think so.