The Tropical House — Jungle & Sea Views

A Thai-style house set in a coconut orchard on the hillside above Thong Nai Pan Yai, the laid-back double bay on Koh Phangan's northeast corner — about as far from the Full Moon Party scene as the island gets. From the house you look over the treetops to the ocean with jungle mountains behind; the beach and the village's restaurants and minimarts are down the hill. You will want a scooter: the east side's roads are steep and the ride from the pier takes a good half hour, but that distance is exactly why Thong Nai Pan stays quiet. Days here are simple — swim at Yai or walk over the headland to the even prettier Noi beach, rent a kayak, eat grilled fish. At around $80 a night for a whole house with that view it is one of the better-value sleeps on the island. Expect orchard wildlife noises and bring repellent for dusk.