A pontoon bridge off the coast of Ko Pha Ngan Island, Thailand

A pontoon bridge off the coast of Ko Pha Ngan Island, Thailand

In the Gulf of Thailand lies a stunningly beautiful island that’s not been long on the tourist radar. Where once Ko Pha Ngan saw the occasional intrepid backpacker reach its shores, over the past few decades the backpackers have been eclipsed by tourists drawn to the famous—some say infamous—Full Moon Party, a monthly music fest attracting tens of thousands to one part of the island. Recent efforts to downplay Ko Pha Ngan’s rowdy reputation are beginning to pay off, and the island is expanding its more family-friendly and luxe resort amenities. A new airport, and police crackdowns on unruly behavior, are also helping shift the island’s vibe from ‘party plenty’ to ‘peaceful posh.’