Full Moon Party
The Legendary Full Moon Party on the idyllic island Koh Phangan in Thailand is an event that attracts young people from all over the world. This celebration of music, dance and friendship under the bright full moon is known for its unforgettable atmosphere and energy.
The origins of the Full Moon Party date back to the late 80s when a small group of backpackers hit the beach of Haad Rin organized a party to celebrate the beauty of the full moon. Over time, this intimate get-together grew into a large-scale event that now attracts thousands of visitors.
The popularity of the Full Moon Party is due to the unique combination of music, dance, art and the breathtaking scenery of Koh Phangan. Visitors enjoy a variety of music genres such as techno, house, reggae and more played by local and international DJs. In addition, there are spectacular fire shows, light installations and other visual effects that enchant the partygoers.
Full Moon Party Haad Rin
The Full Moon Party attracts between 10.000 and 30.000 visitors per month, depending on the season and other factors. Although originally known as an 'underground' event for backpackers, the party is now a major tourist attraction, contributing significantly to Koh Phangan's local economy.
Haad Rin Beach (Full Moon Party Beach)
What to expect?
The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan has become a world-famous event, but its original venue remains the crescent-shaped bay of Haad Rin Beach on the southernmost tip of Phangan Island in Thailand. More than 12 powerful sound systems monthly turn the 800-meter beach into perhaps the most popular open-air club in the world, with a lively festival atmosphere, great music and huge amounts of alcohol.
Due to the cost of cleaning up the rubbish, the local community has introduced a 100 baht entrance fee to the beach on the evening of the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party to be allowed to enter.
The closer you get to the beach, the music gets heavier with more underground dance tracks and heavier bass. It's tradition at the Full Moon Party to cover yourself in neon body paint, with plenty of UV strip lighting around it, making swinging bodies twinkle and glow in the dark.
Vasit Buasamui / Shutterstock.com
At the Full Moon Party in Thailand, your drink is not a “cup”, but a “bucket”! This type of drink is called “Thai buckets” because it is served in a colorful bucket. The drink usually consists of a bottle of liquor (such as vodka, whiskey or local sugarcane rum), a bottle of Red Bull, a bottle of soda and some ice, and occasionally a mixer to dilute the alcohol slightly. You might call it a "wild beach cocktail". Anyway, the bartenders will give you some straws with your buckets so you can share your drinks with your friends. The price for a bucket is about 200 to 300 baht and you can buy them almost everywhere.
A flaming skipping rope is also extremely popular during the Full Moon Party and people line up for a chance to prove their mettle. This tradition takes place around 21:00 PM in front of Drop In Bar on Haad Rin Beach. The game lasts about an hour and you can watch it from a distance in a large crowd or even join in, but watch out for burns.
The Full Moon Party starts shortly after sunset, but it is strongly recommended to enter a little later. If you want to party all night long, wait at least until about 21 p.m. when most of the partygoers show up. The highlight of the party takes place around 00:22 PM, with people dancing, glow sticks, fire shows, and glow-in-the-dark body paint.
If you need a break from the hectic environment, head to a restaurant located just a few steps from the beach. There are special areas for drunk people that are supervised by the police to ensure their safety.
(Editorial credit: PinntoSlothbear/Shutterstock.com)
Agenda Full moon Party 2023, 2024 and 2025
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Friday January 6 | Thursday January 26 | Wednesday 14 January |
| Sunday 5 February | Friday, February 24 | Thursday, February 12 |
| Tuesday, March 7 | Monday, March 25 | Friday, March 14 |
| Friday 5 April | Wednesday 24 April | Sunday April 13 |
| Saturday 4 in May | Thursday, May 23 | Monday 12 May |
| Sunday 4 June | Saturday 22 June | Wednesday 11 June |
| Sunday 2 July | Sunday 21 July | Thursday July 10 |
| Tuesday 3 and Tuesday 31 August | Tuesday 20 August | Saturday, August 9 |
| Friday September 29 | Wednesday September 18 | Sunday September 7 |
| Monday October 30 | Thursday, October 17 | Tuesday 7 October |
| Monday, November 27 | Saturday, November 16 | Wednesday November 5 |
| Wednesday December 27 | Sunday 15 December | Friday December 27 |
| December 31, 2023 (New Year's Eve) | December 31, 2024 (New Year's Eve) | December 31, 2025 (New Year's Eve) |
Disclaimer: Dates can change; always inquire on the spot about the final date.
(Editorial credit: OlegD / Shutterstock.com)
Security Risks Full Moon Party Thailand
- Alcohol and drug use: Excessive alcohol and drug use are unfortunately common problems during the Full Moon Party. This behavior can lead to dangerous situations, such as fights, accidents and even overdoses. To stay safe, drink in moderation and avoid using illegal drugs.
- Hearing damage: Be sure to bring earplugs. In Thailand there are few rules, at least there are rules, but no one follows them, that certainly applies to sound. The sound is so intense that without protection you certainly have a chance of permanent hearing damage.
- Theft: Keep an eye on your belongings, pickpockets are sometimes active.
- Accidents and injuries: The combination of large crowds, alcohol and a lack of supervision can unfortunately lead to accidents and injuries during the Full Moon Party. Some common incidents include injuries from shards of glass in the sand, burns from fire shows, and diving accidents while swimming in the dark. Wear sturdy shoes, keep a safe distance from fire shows and do not swim in unfamiliar waters to avoid accidents.
- Environmental damage: The huge influx of visitors during the Full Moon Party can also have a negative impact on the environment. Garbage, plastic and other pollutants are often left on the beach, leading to damage to the ecosystem and marine life. As a responsible traveler, it is important to dispose of your waste and take care of the environment.
Tips for a safe Full Moon Party
- Stay with your friends: Make sure to stay with your friends at all times to ensure each other's safety.
- Watch your drink: Keep an eye on your drink and do not accept drinks from strangers to minimize the risk of drug or alcohol poisoning.
- Bring a first aid kit: A small first aid kit with plasters, disinfectant and painkillers can be useful for minor accidents.
- Be careful with fire: Although fire shows are spectacular, it is important to keep a safe distance and not to participate in dangerous activities such as jumping rope with a burning rope.
(Editorial credit: woraatep suppavas / Shutterstock.com)
Traveling to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan: Transport, accommodations and useful tips
If you are planning to attend the famous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, it is important to be well prepared in terms of transportation and accommodation. In this article, we share practical tips and information to make your journey to this legendary party smooth and stress-free.
Transfer to Koh Phangan
The first step in your journey to the Full Moon Party is reaching the island of Koh Phangan. Here are some options for getting there:
- Fly and ferry: The most common way to travel to Koh Phangan is to fly to Koh Samui or Surat Thani airport. From these airports you can take a ferry to the island. Be sure to check ferry times and plan your connections to avoid delays.
- Train and bus: Another option is to take a train or bus to Surat Thani followed by a ferry to Koh Phangan. This route may be cheaper, but take into account the longer travel time.
Accommodations on Koh Phangan
It is important to book your accommodation well in advance as demand is high around the time of the Full Moon Party. Consider these tips when choosing where to stay:
- Location: Choose a location close to the party, like Haad Rin, or in a quieter area like Thong Nai Pan if you're looking to relax outside of the party.
- Budget: Koh Phangan offers a wide range of accommodations from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Compare prices and facilities to make the best choice for your budget.
- Reviews: Read reviews from previous guests to get a good idea of the quality and atmosphere of the accommodation.
Handy tips for the Full Moon Party
- Ferry reservations: Book your ferry tickets in advance to ensure a place and connections with your flight or train.
- Getting Around the Island: Use local taxis (songthaews) or rent a motorbike to get around during your stay on Koh Phangan.
- Health and safety: Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated and use alcohol carefully to avoid health problems.
- Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances.
(Editorial credit: OlegD / Shutterstock.com)
After the Full Moon party and onward travel
After the Full Moon Party, there are several ways to get off the island of Koh Phangan. The most common options are the ferry and speedboat. Please note that it is very busy and it may take a long time to get back. Here are some tips to make your trip go smoothly:
- Ferry: There are several ferry services connecting Koh Phangan to nearby islands such as Koh Samui and Koh Tao, as well as the mainland at Surat Thani. Well-known ferry companies are Lomprayah, Seatran and Raja Ferry. Be sure to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as demand is high and ferries can get full.
- Speedboat: If you want a faster and more flexible option, you can take a speedboat to go from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui, Koh Tao or the mainland. This is usually more expensive than the ferry, but it can be useful if you are short on time or want to avoid the crowds.
- Public transport: Once off the island, you can use public transportation such as buses, minivans or trains to travel to other destinations in Thailand.
- Flights: If you plan to travel further in Thailand or to another destination, you can fly from Koh Samui International Airport or Surat Thani Airport. Keep in mind that you will need to travel to one of these airports first, usually by ferry and then by bus or taxi.
Be sure to plan your trip in advance and book your transportation ahead of time, especially during peak season or just after the Full Moon Party when demand for transportation is high.