Have you heard the legendary tales of Thailand’s infamous Full Moon Party? Whether planning a trip to catch all the fun or curious about what is involved, this beginner’s guide is for you. The vast party takes place on a stretch of beach on the island of Koh Pha Ngan (Koh Phangan) in Thailand. Almost every month on the night of the full moon (sometimes just before or after), thousands of people come from all over the world. World to join the celebrations and dance until dawn. Arguably the most significant and wildest party in Southeast Asia, sometimes with over 30,000 participants, it is no wonder why this party has gained so much popularity.
What is the Full Moon Party?
First, what is the Full Moon Party, and when did it start? So the story goes that sometime in the mid-1980s, a group of backpackers threw a beach party on the night of the full moon. It was reportedly a birthday party, and others say it was just an excellent excuse to party. A party is a party.
Word spread, and year after year, the party got more significant and a little crazier until it reached its infamous status. as a mandatory bucket list for many visiting Thailand. While no longer having the exact humble origins as before, the party is one huge celebratory event, with plenty of drinking, debauchery, and all that entails. Each bar plays different music from its sound system. The beach is packed with liquor vendors, glow-in-the-dark colour booths, and fire dancers.
Getting There
Depending on where you are from, Koh Samui and Koh Tao are the two closest islands to Kho Pha Ngan. Cheap ferries run daily between all the islands. The actual beach party takes place at Haad Rin Beach on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, which is located on the eastern side of southern Thailand.
From Bangkok: The fastest way to Koh Pha Ngan is a short flight to Koh Samui and a ferry to the island. There are also cheap night bus and boat options that you can buy from travel agencies in Bangkok. Note that many travel agencies in Thailand will help you book transport no matter where you are from. You can compare prices and see what best suits your itinerary—Pha Ngan the week before and after the Full Moon Party.
Book in Advance
You can book in advance, which I recommend as I like to have those plans sorted out so I do not have to worry about them. However, I left my bags at a friend’s hotel for this event and stayed out all night! Find out what works best for you! Having experienced it, I would recommend looking for accommodation on another island, taking a ferry to Koh Pha Ngan, partying all night and catching a ferry back the next day. One boisterous night was enough for me, but if you want the previous days’ experience, you can book accommodation (most places have a 4-5-day minimum during a whole moon week).
What to Wear to the Full Moon Party?
The group I was with changed into traditional neon full-moon party attire, complete with fanny packs. We enjoy some drinks in front of the moon and drive to Haad Rin, where the famous beach party takes place. People wear swimsuits underneath their clothes, and the swimsuit is often left at the end of the night. This is not the place to wear the clothes you love and do not want to see ruined or lost. Once you arrive at Haad Rin, you can get dressed and begin the artistic ritual of covering yourself in neon paint.
Do I Need a Ticket to Get In?
Get ready to shine from mustaches to painted vines and crazy designs! In years past, you could walk up and enter, which is probably still valid (I was there in 2011), but I have been told there is a cheap entrance fee of 100 baht (about $3.20) now.
