Party or Relax, its up to you - Koh Phangan - General Tips & Advice Reviews

This island was one of my favorites on my travels through S.E. Asia. The main reason for this is that it has something for everyone. If you like to party the Hat-Rin side of the island is your place. If you just want to chill out... anything west of Ban-Tai is cool. The island is mainly known for the Full Moon Party... this is a huge rave type party that happens once a month(though the partying at hat-rin happens every night).... it is pretty intense, starting at around 11 or 12 and going all night long(and through the next day if you go to the after party)...If you are here for a short visit, I would suggest staying somewhere in ban-tai... you are not in the heat of things, but pretty damn close. If you are making an extended trip like I did, I would suggest getting a motorbike and staying in Wok Tum... My favorite bungalows there would have to be Cookie's. They have an awesome restaurant on the beach, and the ambiance of the resort is just awesome. For day excursions, I would suggest visiting Ma-Haad beach and chalaklom Bay... they are cool places to hang out, go snorkeling, grab some lunch, etc... If you would like to make an overnight excursion, check out thong nai pan... either by taxi or water taxi, as the road is too treacherous to navigate on the little motorbikes they rent on the island. Another cool little day trip would be to Wat Po in Ban Tai. It is a temple with an herbal steam room that is free(though I suggest you leave a donation to keep the place running)... it is pretty serene, and after the steam room, you definitely feel rejuvenated. As for eating, the majority of my time eating was spent in Thong Sala(for dinner at least) at the market... it is very inexpensive, and there is a wide variety of food to choose from. For those with a non-thai taste, I would recomend the pizza at casablanca in Hat-Rin, the Ice Cream at Phagnan Place(its across the way from the football fields by the police station), and the pizza from the gelato place in thongsala(if its ever open... i caught it open like 2 times in a month)...There is also an awesome falafel place by the gas station in thongsala definitely worth checking out... also the doughnuts in thong sala are pretty damn good... they are close to one of the shirt shops, about 100 meters from the town center(towards ban-tai).... For the sunset, You have to go to Amsterdam Bar in Wok Tum... They have the most amazing sunset on the island, and if you are willing to splurge, they also have some amazing bungalows on the hill(1500 baht a night)... the atmosphere is also very relaxed if you get my drift... Anyhow I am at work right now, and killing a little bit of bordem, but I must get back to working, so that is my island review. If you have any questions, let me know and I will answer them as I see fit(some secrets are kept for myself)