KOH PHANGAN HAS CHANGED A LOT SINCE THE 1990s, WHEN I FIRST VISITED. Mellow Mountain is the place to relax.

East of Haad Rin, on the southern coast of the island, is the kiteboarding area.

For a thorough review of the trip between Bangkok and the islands by Lomprayah bus and catarmaran, read here.

PLACES TO STAY

Ba Kai Bay Huts: .
About 200 Baht per night.

Haad Gruad Resort and Spa: Ao Haad Salad. Website: website here Tropical bungalows from 300 Baht per night.

See Chaloklum Bay Fishing Village, on the north-east coast.

"With the availability of broadband internet and an ever improving communications infrastructure, Chaloklum has become home to a growing community of writers, artists and others who work from home using the internet to keep in touch - See more at: http://www.chaloklumbayphangan.com/category/accommodation-2/#sthash.sDhQScWK.dpuf"

PLACES TO EAT
Eat Russian food at the Zhaba Jazz Bar.

Tribe Beach Club and Restaurant: On Haad Rin.

Hangover cure at World's End By Night.

PLACES TO SMOKE & DRINK
Amsterdam Bar: .

High Tide Bar : .
On the north-east coast.

PARTIES
See Phanganist for a list of current events.