For a tropical vacation east of the Atlantic, the Thai islands have long held a certain appeal. Visions of long tail boating and elephant sanctuaries loom large. And in the Gulf of Thailand, a number of three islands gave themselves names.

Koh Samui, the largest of the three, is home to famous hotels, busy roads and the only airport in the region. Further north, the smallest island of Koh Tao offers superb diving but limited accommodation options. Between them lies the real Goldilocks of the Thai islands: Koh Phangan.

With all the white sand beaches and limestone archipelagos that Phuket and Phi Phi Islands have made famous, Koh Phangan is much less crowded. Restaurants still cater to Westerners, but you won’t find all-inclusive resorts. It’s easier to navigate than Koh Samui, but it’s only a 30-minute boat ride away, a fraction of the distance from Koh Tao.

And while Koh Phangan’s full moon parties draw tourists to its southern shores, its northern coast has become a destination for a different kind of traveler. Haad Rin beach mayhem has earned the island a spot on the infamous banana pancake tourist trail. But head northwest, and you’ll practically find yourself in yoga studios and vegan bakeries tucked away on a corner of the island, home to healers of all stripes.

Practice yoga on the beach, climb the observation deck to look out over nearby islands, or relax with a sound bath or Ayurvedic massage—Ko Phangan’s natural beauty and wellness-loving community will leave you refreshed and ready to plan your return.