Koh Phangan 1-day itinerary

Start early with a longtail boat or motorbike ride to Thong Nai Pan Noi on the northeast coast — one of Koh Phangan's most beautiful bays with powdery white sand framed by jungle-covered headlands. The water is calm and crystal clear in the morning, perfect for snorkelling around the rocky outcrops at either end of the bay. Rent a mask and fins from a beachside shop for 150 baht and spot parrotfish, clownfish, and sea urchins in the shallows. Grab a fresh coconut from one of the beach vendors and settle into the relaxed island pace.

Head inland to Than Sadet National Park, a series of cascading waterfalls set deep in the island's jungle interior. The main falls tumble over granite boulders inscribed with the royal monograms of Thai kings who visited over the past century — this is considered one of Thailand's most sacred waterfall sites. Follow the marked trail upstream through dense tropical forest for about 45 minutes, passing several swimming pools carved into the rock. The water is refreshingly cool after the heat of the coast and the canopy provides welcome shade.

Make your way to Haad Rin at the southern tip of the island — the epicentre of Koh Phangan's famous party scene and home to the legendary Full Moon Party. Even on non-party nights the beach bars along Haad Rin Nok pump out music with fire shows and neon body paint. Watch the sunset from the western side of the peninsula at Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) where the sky turns orange over the Gulf of Thailand. Cross back to the main strip for cheap pad thai from the street stalls and buckets of Thai whisky and Red Bull from the beach bars.