Ko Pha Ngan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in Surat Thani province, world-famous for the Full Moon Party held on Haad Rin beach every month — a beach rave that draws up to 30,000 people. Away from the party scene, the island has beautiful near-deserted beaches on the north and west coasts (Thong Nai Pan, Mae Haad, Haad Khuat/Bottle Beach), excellent snorkelling and diving around Sail Rock, and an interior of forested hills and waterfalls that rewards those who venture inland. Ko Pha Ngan is reached by ferry from Surat Thani or Don Sak pier (about 2.5 hours), Ko Samui (45 minutes), or Ko Tao (1.5 hours). There is no airport on the island; the nearest gateway airports are Surat Thani (URT) and Ko Samui (USM).