What Even Is This Crazy Party?
Picture this: 10,000+ people from all over the world, gathered on a tropical beach under a full moon, dancing until sunrise to everything from techno to reggae across multiple stages. That’s the Full Moon Party in a nutshell, but trust me, it’s so much more than that.
The party happens every month during the full moon on Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan, and it’s basically become a rite of passage for backpackers doing the Southeast Asia circuit. What started as a small gathering of travelers in the ’80s has blown up into one of the biggest beach parties in the world.
Getting There: The Journey to Paradise
First things first – you’ve got to actually make it to Koh Phangan. Most backpackers fly into either Bangkok or Koh Samui and then make their way to the island. One way is to go from Bangkok and took the overnight train to Surat Thani (about 800 baht), then caught the ferry to Koh Phangan (about 400 baht). Alternatively, there are plenty of buses. Pro tip: book your ferry or train tickets in advance during high season or full moon dates – they fill up fast! See our Guide to Koh Pha Ngan for more info on transport and accomodation.
The journey’s actually part of the fun. You’ll meet tons of other travelers heading to the party, and there’s this awesome buzz of excitement, especially on the ferry. Everyone’s comparing hostel bookings and sharing stories they’ve heard about previous parties.
Where to Stay: Book Early or Cry Later
Listen up, because this is crucial – book your accommodation WAY in advance. I’m talking at least a month before, especially in peak season (December-March). More on accommodation here.
Here’s the deal with accommodation options:
Haad Rin (Party Central)
- Pros: You can stumble back to your bed when you’re done partying
- Cons: Expensive during full moon, super noisy, minimum 3-5 night stays usually required
- Cost: Accommodation from 800-1500 baht per night during full moon
Baan Tai/Baan Kai (The Sweet Spot)
- Pros: Cheaper, quieter, still easy to get to the party
- Cons: Need transport to/from the party
- Cost: Accommodation from 400-800 baht per night
Other Areas
- Pros: Much cheaper, more chill vibe
- Cons: Longer journey to the party
- Cost: Accommodation from 300-600 baht per night
Pre-Party Prep: The Essential Guide
Okay, here’s what you absolutely need for an epic Full Moon Party experience:
The Must-Haves:
- Secure footwear (seriously, flip-flops won’t cut it – there’s broken glass on the beach)
- Cash (most places don’t take cards, and ATMs often run out of money)
- Copy of your passport (don’t bring the real thing)
- Phone in a waterproof case
- Small bag/fanny pack (keep it close to avoid theft)
The Fun Stuff:
- Neon/white clothing (it glows under the UV lights)
- Face/body paint (available everywhere for 100-200 baht)
- Bucket money! (More on that below)
The Pre-Game: Setting the Mood
Most people start the night around 9-10 PM, but the real party doesn’t kick off until midnight. We hit up some pre-parties at our hostel and nearby bars in Baan Tai before heading to Haad Rin around 11 PM.
Pro tip: Don’t start too early! The party goes until at least 7 AM, and you want to have enough energy to see the sunrise. Trust me, it’s magical.
The Main Event: What to Expect
Getting In
Entry fee is usually around 100-200 baht (prices can vary). You’ll get a wristband and maybe a free neon paint mark. The entrance can be chaotic, but just go with the flow.
The Setup
Haad Rin beach transforms into a massive party venue with:
- Multiple sound systems playing different music (techno, drum & bass, reggae, commercial)
- Food stands everywhere
- Tons of bars selling buckets
- Fire shows
- Paint stations
The Famous Buckets
Thai buckets are legendary, and they’re the drink of choice at the Full Moon Party. They’re literally small beach buckets filled with:
- Your choice of spirit (usually Thai whiskey or vodka)
- Mixer (Red Bull, Coke, etc.)
- Ice
- A bunch of straws to share
Price: 200-500 baht depending on what you get. Word of caution: these are STRONG. Pace yourself!
The Vibe
The energy is absolutely insane. You’ve got fire dancers doing their thing, people painted head to toe in neon, music pumping from every direction, and this amazing mix of cultures all partying together. It’s like nothing else I’ve experienced.
Staying Safe: The Real Talk
Look, I want you to have an amazing time, but let’s talk safety because things can get messy:
Do:
- Stay with your group
- Watch your drink being poured
- Keep your valuables in your hostel safe
- Wear closed-toe shoes
- Stay hydrated (drink water!)
- Know your limits
Don’t:
- Swim while drunk (seriously, people have died)
- Accept drinks from strangers
- Bring valuable items
- Try the fire jump rope (unless you want to end up in the hospital)
- Take drugs (with the exception of weed, they’re illegal in Thailand, and penalties are severe)
The Morning After: Survival Guide
The sunrise is epic, and watching it with thousands of other party-goers is a moment you’ll never forget. But then comes the aftermath…
Recovery Tips:
- Grab breakfast at one of the many beach restaurants
- Hit up a massage place (best hangover cure)
- Find a quiet beach to chill on
- Get some coconut water in you
- Sleep (but not on the beach!)
Beyond the Party: Making the Most of Koh Phangan
Here’s the thing – Koh Phangan is actually a gorgeous island with so much more to offer than just the Full Moon Party. If you can, stay a few extra days to explore:
Must-Do Activities:
- Sunset at Amsterdam Bar
- Snorkeling at Koh Ma
- Waterfall hikes (Than Sadet is amazing)
- Yoga classes in Sri Thanu
- Beach hopping around the island
The Damage: Budget Breakdown
For those wondering about costs, here’s a rough breakdown of what I spent:
- Transport (Bangkok to Koh Phangan return): 2,400 baht
- Accommodation (4 nights): 2,400 baht (be prepared for more however as prices can rocket)
- Party entrance: 200 baht
- Drinks/food at party: 1,500 baht, it depends how much of a drinker you are.
- Other meals/activities: 2,000 baht
- Total: Around 8,500 baht (≈ $250 USD)
When to Go: Timing Your Trip
The party happens every full moon, but some months are definitely better than others:
Best Times:
- December to April (dry season)
- New Year’s Eve (biggest party of the year)
- February (perfect weather)
Avoid:
- October/November (rainy season)
- Thai holidays (prices skyrocket)
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you are young (or young at heart) and into your partying, 100% yes. Look, the Full Moon Party gets a lot of mixed reviews. Some people say it’s too commercial now, too crazy, too whatever. But here’s my take – it’s what you make of it. Go with good people, stay safe, and embrace the madness, and you’ll have one of the most memorable nights of your backpacking adventure.
Just remember: the best stories come from the unexpected moments. Maybe it’s sharing a bucket with Swedish twins, joining an impromptu dance-off with some Aussies, or just watching the sunrise over the crowd that made it through the night.
Quick Tips for First-Timers
- Book accommodation early (seriously, I can’t stress this enough)
- Arrive on the island at least a day before to get your bearings
- Don’t bring anything valuable to the beach
- Make friends at your hostel to go with
- Pace yourself with the buckets
- Get to Haad Rin early if you want to find your friends later
- Set a meeting point in case you get separated
- Keep enough money for a taxi back
- Take lots of photos (but maybe not too many…)
- Stay for a few days after to explore the island
Packing List: The Essentials
For the Party:
- Closed-toe shoes
- Money belt or secure bag
- Phone in waterproof case
- White/neon clothing
- Portable charger
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic first aid stuff
For the Island:
- Swimwear
- Sun protection
- Mosquito repellent
- Casual clothes
- Beach stuff
The Full Moon Party is more than just a party – it’s a bucket list experience that brings together travelers from all over the world for one epic night of music, dancing, and memories that’ll last a lifetime. Sure, it’s chaotic and crazy, but that’s part of its charm.
Whether you’re a seasoned raver or just looking to tick off a backpacker bucket list item, the Full Moon Party delivers an unforgettable experience. Just remember to stay safe, look out for your mates, and embrace the madness!
Safe travels, and see you on the beach! 🌕✌️
Dates for the Full Moon party 24/25
31 December 2024 (Tuesday)
2025
13 January 2025 (Monday)
13 February 2025 (Thursday)
13 March 2025 (Thursday)
12 April 2025 (Saturday)
12 May 2025 (Monday)
10 June 2025 (Tuesday)
12 July 2025 (Saturday)
9 August 2025 (Saturday)
7 September 2025 (Sunday)
8 October 2025 (Wednesday)
5 November 2025 (Wednesday)
5 December 2025 (Friday)
31 December 2025 (Wednesday)
