Koh Phangan is Thailand’s fifth biggest island. It is located in the south part of the Gulf of Thailand. For many years Koh Phangan remained an island that was mostly visited by backpackers and those looking for no-frills bungalows on the beach at bargain prices. In the late 1990s the island became famous for its huge beach party, the Full Moon Party. Now in the second decade of the 21st Century Koh Phangan is slowly re-defining itself as a location for high paying tourists looking for luxury hotels.

Leading the way is the area of Thong Nai Pan in the north east of Koh Phangan. It is a double bay blessed with the best beaches on the island. Originally, the smaller beach, Thong Nai Pan Noi had one hotel perched on the headland between the beaches called Panviman Resort and Spa. In the past few years Santhiya Resort and Spa and Rasananda have also been built on Thong Nai Pan Noi.

Santhiya is a big sprawling resort set on the hill at the northern end of the beach. It offers private villas and cottages, some of which have private pools with spectacular views. There are 3 restaurants, a fitness center and a library with internet facilities. The Resort is designed in the northern lanna architectural style. Santhiya has already established itself as a firm favorite with honeymooners and families. The great advantage of Santhiya and all the hotels in Koh Phangan is that the nature is unspoiled and the beaches are pristine.

Rasananda is very different to either Panviman or Santhiya. It has more of a contemporary feel. It occupies a large share of the beachfront of Thong Nai Pan Noi and has a number of stylish 2 storey villas each with their own sala and plunge pool. Rasananda Resort offers luxury just meters from the white sand.

The communal pool at Rasananda features a swim up bar and around the pool is al fresco dining. The restaurant at Rasananda has a large selection of wines and champagnes. Rasananda also has its own spa set in a beautiful and peaceful garden.

Whereas the beaches of Chaweng and Lamai in Koh Samui are over-crowded and next to noisy and seedy towns Koh Phangan and Thong Nai Pan in particular offers perfect relaxation and luxury without a clutter of commercialism.