Every month, up to 20,000 young ravers descend on the beach of Haad Rin on Koh Pha-Ngan, kick off their shoes and dance in the sand until the following day, a life changing holiday in Thailand.

Although tranquil and secluded, Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi on Koh PhaNgan, Thailand has several attractive places to stay, including two hotels catering to grown-up "flashpackers" and some simple bungalows at US$15 a night.

Some people that are paying US$430 a night for a deluxe hotel room might be surprised to find that they're sharing their beach with a bunch of backpackers.

But look on the bright side: the presence of budget travelers means that Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi beach retains a genuinely bohemian vibe.

It also means you can stroll into the adjoining village, where you can eat for US$3 a head and get a traditional Thai massage for US$7.

Thanks to its difficult topography and infrequent ferry service, Ko Pha-Ngan island in Thailand has so far escaped the mass development that has afflicted Koh Samui.

Many local Thai people still go fishing every day or tend to small rubber plantations.

The best way to explore Koh Pha-Ngan is from the sea, by speedboat if you're staying at Rasananda, or if you're on a budget, by hopping on one of the local Thai long-tail boats.

Most tourists arriving at the port town of Thong Sala head either east to Haad Rin beach or west along the main road to one of a string of busy, backpacker-friendly beaches.

The tropical rainforest on Koh Pha-Ngan island is also unspoilt. From Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi it is possible to hike to waterfalls through the dense jungle, ticking off rare species of giant orchids. Keep your eyes peeled and you may also see deer, wild boars and giant monitor lizards.