Thailand: A coconut palm grows over the sea at Ao Wok Tum, Ko Phangan

Ko Phangan is 15 kilometers (9.5 miles) north of its more famous neighbour 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.

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. The island is part of Surat Thani Province, and is currently administered, together with nearby Ko Tao to the north, as a subdistrict.

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia