The ground vibrating, chaotic noise and confusion, bodies writhing, fire everywhere...
A geological disaster? The apocalypse? Not quite; perhaps even crazier, this scene describes the monthly Koh Phangan Full Moon Party!
What is the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party?
Perhaps one of the largest and most notorious parties on the planet, the monthly Full Moon Party on the island of Koh Phangan, Thailand, ranks top for hedonistic insanity. Up to 30,000 party goers -- some wearing nothing more than body paint -- hit the beach in Haad Rin to share sweat with people from all over the world. The party peaks at sunrise and eventually tapers off in the afternoon, leaving a scene of carnage behind on the beach.
Some travelers call the Full Moon Party scene cliché, while others claim the party has turned too commercial since its meager origins in 1985. Regardless, experiencing one of Thailand's Full Moon Parties in all of their chaotic, unruly, primal glory is considered a rite of passage in Southeast Asia.
- Read about other great parties in Southeast Asia.
Tips for Attending the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party
- Full Moon Party dates are adjusted around Buddhist holidays; do not just assume that the party is on the night of the actual full moon.
- Unless you arrive days in advance, finding accommodation during the busy season is nearly impossible. Not surprisingly, accommodation prices triple in time for the Full Moon Party. Many people opt to stay on Koh Samui, then take a ferry to the party.
- Haad Rin on Koh Phangan is in a perpetual state of party no matter the moon phase. Perhaps the only quiet night on the beach is the one following the Full Moon Party.
- Find accommodation away from Sunrise Beach if you wish to get a quiet night of sleep.
Staying Safe at the Full Moon Party
Although the Full Moon Party is generally good natured, putting tens of thousands of intoxicated people into one place always comes with some less-than-pleasant situations. Every year Koh Phangan's Full Moon Party sadly claims a few lives; date rape cases increase and theft becomes rampant. Fortunately, staying out of trouble is easy with a little common sense.
- Do not take anything to the party that you wish to return home with. This rule applies to money, cameras, sunglasses, and flip-flops.
- Before leaving your bungalow or guest house, secure your valuables at reception. Theft is common during the Full Moon Party because very few people remain at home.
- Although seemingly everywhere, drugs are still illegal in Thailand. The police have cracked down on Full Moon Parties; plain-clothed police patrol the party. Read more about Southeast Asia's tough drug laws.
- Stay out of the water! Most of the deaths that have occurred during Full Moon Parties are due to drowning. The full moon brings a strong current; people cannot hear calls for help above the party noise.
- The drink of choice at Full Moon Parties is the famous Thai bucket; sharing is common. Keep an eye on your drink as date rape drugs are not uncommon.
Read more staying safe in Southeast Asia.
Getting to the Full Moon Party
The Full Moon Party takes place on the island of Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand. Transportation can be booked in packages, or you can make your own way to the island.
Begin by taking an overnight bus or train from Bangkok to the town of Surat Thani. Once in Surat Thani, you can book a four-hour ferry to the island. On the island, numerous drivers will be waiting for the arrival of the ferry. Catch a ride to Haad Rin -- where most people will be going -- a peninsula on the southern tip of the island.
Most of the party action and accommodation is centered around Haad Rin Nok or “Sunrise Beach.” Haad Rin is narrow enough to walk between the two beaches.
Other Places in Koh Phangan
Although most people barely recover enough to explore the rest of the island, Koh Phangan is actually a large, beautiful island with plenty of private beaches. The north of the island is covered with private bays accessible only by boat or rough jungle trails.
- Read about other beaches in Koh Phangan.
When to Go
Haad Rin is in a perpetual state of party; no need to wait until the official Full Moon Party! All phases of the moon are celebrated and every night in between.
The Koh Phangan Full Moon Party maxes out during Thailand's busy season between November and April. The party hits a peak attendance for New Year's Eve.
Sometimes the actual Full Moon Party is a day before or after the full moon.
