Thailands Full Moon Party – Inside Guide

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Legend has it that at some point in the late 80’s a bunch of backpackers held a birthday party on Ko Phangan on the night of the full moon, they had such a great time that they started doing it once a month, word got out and the Full Moon Party was born. Today, the Full Moon Party is a festival-like party with a lot of drinking, dancing, drugs and sex.

Depending on the party, you can openly buy joints (200 Bhat), mushroom shakes (500 Bhat) and MDMA capsules (800 Bhat). The quality of the drugs varies greatly; I have had shakes that have left me tripping for upwards of 8 hours and others that have done nothing; shop around. The weed is almost always great and is surprisingly good value, the MDMA is good but expensive. You can sometimes get LSD for around 300 Bhat. The beach is filled with stalls selling drinks and UV paint.

Everywhere you look fire dancers are putting on shows and people are dancing like crazy. The party is massively commercialized but it is incredibly good fun. It is held once a month on the night of the full moon, this website has dates. In my opinion, the Full Moon Party, although incredible fun, is these days just too crowded – 40,000 people is pretty manic – and so you may be better off going to one of the other ‘Moon Parties’ that are frequently held on Ko Phangan.

There are half moon, quarter moon and black moon parties held regularly so no matter when you turn up you can be guaranteed a great time. For a really incredible, once in a lifetime, experience; check out the Eden Garden Party, Koh Phangan. It is far better than any moon party.

Where is it?

The party is held on Haad Rin beach on Koh Phangan. The cheapest way to get here (assuming you are coming from Bangkok) is to catch an overnight bus to Surat Thani and then take a ferry to Koh Phangan. A lot of companies can sell you a ticket which will include both the bus and the ferry, this will start at around 600 Baht. You could also fly to Surat Thani but that is not the broke backpacker way! When you get off the ferry at Koh Phangan a taxi to Haad Rin should cost around 100 Baht, make sure to haggle.

If you’re hoping to make the most of Koh Phangan’s legendary nightlife, you’ll need to find yourself a good base. Whether you’re looking for a party hostel to warm up in, or just a quiet space to sleep off a heavy night (try sleeping at the party itself), there is accommodation in Koh Phangan for everybody. 

Note that accommodation across the island books up around full moon parties. Booking well in advance is highly recommended.

Best Hostel in Koh Phangan: Baan Kai Hostel

This is our favourite hostel in Koh Phangan. It is centrally located in Baan Kai and makes for an excellent base for exploring the island. This property has three different styles of rooms with air conditioning and balconies. There’s also free wifi, lockers, a TV area, and a kitchen.

Head over to our comprehensive guide to the best hostels in Koh Phangan before starting your backpacking adventure!

Best Airbnb in Koh Phangan: Beach resort bungalow

When travelling somewhere for the first time, local knowledge can be a lifesaver. This is why we chose this Airbnb for you. You’ll have a private bungalow in a resort (but nothing too fancy), where you can connect with other travellers, exchange experiences and helpful tips while relaxing at the beach. The host has been living on the island for a long time, so his recommendations are the best.

Best Hotel in Koh Phangan: Pingchan Koh Phangan Beachfront Resort

This beachfront resort is our number one pick for the best hotel in Koh Phangan. It is located in idyllic Thong Nai Pan and boasts a stunning pool, free wifi, and is just steps from the beach. It has 23 air-conditioned rooms that are comfortable, spacious and perfect for families.

• Cash: Never take more than you can afford to lose. I normally take around 500 – 1000 Baht for a BIG night out partying in Thailand.
• Go to a different party: During the Full Moon Party room rates triple, I strongly recommend going at a different point in the month and instead, going to one of the smaller, but still super fun, parties that are on pretty much all the time.
• Stay in a dorm: Even during peak season, a dorm room will probably only cost around 300 Baht.
• Arrive early: If you are set on going to the Full Moon Party itself then you must arrive at least a couple of days beforehand to secure somewhere to stay. The Coral Beach Bungalows near Haad Rin have a pool and are cheap.
• Do not book accommodation online: I never book online – if you do you can be roped into a minimum stay period of ten days.
• Shop local: Buy your beer at the 7-11 or buy your drinks some distance away from the main party. A beer that costs 100 Baht on the beach will cost 30 at the 7-11.

• Drugs: There are a lot of drugs floating around the party scene in Thailand, if you get caught you can bribe your way out of trouble but it will probably cost at least $1000. Undercover police often try to sell drugs so be careful.
• Fire: Fire may be pretty but it bloody hurts. Loads of people get burnt skipping flaming jump ropes or throwing poi around, don’t be one of them.
• Valuables: Theft is a big problem, leave the camera and passport in your room. Just take some money and your clothes.
• Water: You will be drinking a lot so try to make sure that you drink plenty of water as well, it will help with the hangover!
• Buckets: Thai buckets (a bucket filled with cocktail) are bloody deadly, they normally contain red bull which in Thailand has a speed like substance in it; try not to drink too many of them and separate each bucket with plenty of water.
• Wear shoes: By the end of the night there will be plenty of broken glass around, wear your flip flops.
• Stay out of the sea: I am a bloody good swimmer and I tend to avoid swimming at beach parties not just because of the risk of drowning but because many drunken revellers will use the sea as a toilet.

And remember to check out travel insurance before you go. We use World Nomads and are sure you will love them too.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Check out this post for some tips on what to pack for a trip to Thailand.

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