Koh Phangan Full Moon Party (Ultimate Guide 2023)

Are you pondering of hitting up the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan? 

Well, it’s protected to say that opinions on this infamous occasion are fairly divided. 

While some individuals swear by it as the last word celebration expertise, it’s not for everybody. 

Having been there myself a number of instances, I can say that the celebration is a wild and unforgettable night time out, however it additionally comes with its downsides. 

In this text, I’ll share my trustworthy insights and suggestions so you can also make an knowledgeable determination about whether or not the Full Moon Party is best for you. 

From the professionals and cons to all the sensible particulars like the place to remain, learn on to find every thing that you must know earlier than diving into this well-known celebration.

So, buckle up and skim on for every thing that you must know earlier than diving headfirst into the insanity.

What is the Full Moon Party?

The Full Moon Party is a well-liked month-to-month gathering held on the sandy shores of Koh Phangan, Thailand. 

Every full moon, crowds of revelers flock to Haad Rin Beach for an evening of unforgettable enjoyable. The celebration boasts an brisk and full of life ambiance, that includes mesmerizing fireplace exhibits, fluorescent physique paint, and thumping music that may be heard from miles away. 

Throughout the night, party-goers take pleasure in buckets of cocktails and dance beneath the celebs till the break of daybreak. 

However, it’s value noting that the Full Moon Party may be fairly hectic because it will get BUSY. 

As I discussed beforehand, it’s positively not everybody’s cup of tea, nonetheless, in case you are into partying and digital music, attending this legendary celebration, at the very least as soon as is a proper of passage for each backpacker.

History of Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party

The humorous factor is, nobody actually is aware of when the complete moon events in Koh Phangan began. 

Some say that it both began as a small group of beachgoers celebrating the complete moon or as a intelligent advertising ploy by native Thais to draw vacationers to the island. 

The celebration’s rise to fame started within the late Nineteen Eighties or early Nineteen Nineties, and it rapidly grew in reputation amongst vacationers in search of a novel and thrilling nightlife expertise. 

Over the years, the Full Moon Party has undergone a number of transformations, together with adjustments to the music genres and performers, in addition to the scale and scale of the occasion. 

Despite these adjustments, the Full Moon Party stays a preferred and iconic occasion on Koh Phangan, drawing 1000’s of partygoers every month to Haad Rin Beach.

During the pandemic, the complete moon events had been canceled for nearly two years in a row, however now they’re again with a vengeance. As it’s grown in measurement and recognition, native residents have complained in regards to the noise that the celebration produces, but the present nonetheless goes on.

Where is the Full Moon Party Held?

Haad Rin Beach on the southern coast of Koh Phangan is the place the Full Moon Party involves life every month. 

To get there, guests can both take a ship or a street route. Boats run from Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and the mainland to Thong Sala pier, the place a taxi or songthaew will transport them to Haad Rin. Even if you happen to’re within the neighboring islands, there are sometimes excursions that can present you transport there and again so you possibly can take part within the revelry. 

Alternatively, you may as well go for a direct taxi or songthaew out of your lodging in Koh Phangan to Haad Rin. If you go down this route, we suggest arranging transportation going again to your lodge forward of time.

To take advantage of the celebration, staying in Haad Rin or close by areas is right since getting transportation after the celebration may be difficult. 

Accommodation choices are plentiful, starting from economical hostels to high-end resorts. Booking forward of time is really helpful since rooms are likely to refill rapidly through the Full Moon Party.

Later on, on this full moon celebration information, I’ll share just a few of our high suggestions on the place to remain. 

Full Moon Parties 2023-2024 Dates

To ensure you get to plan your journey accordingly, right here is the schedule for the complete moon events in Koh Phangan for 2023-2024.

Please observe that the Full Moon Party dates are topic to alter in the event that they coincide with a Buddhist vacation. 

There are 4 non secular holy days that happen on a full moon day, and consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited all through the nation throughout these events. 

Out of respect for Buddhist custom and to adjust to native legal guidelines, the celebration committee could postpone the occasion to the next day in these cases. As such, it’s vital to remain knowledgeable and examine for any schedule adjustments or updates to the Full Moon Party dates.

If you’re planning to attend any of those Full Moon Parties, it’s vital to plan forward and e book lodging nicely prematurely, as rooms are likely to refill rapidly throughout these occasions. 

Apart from these dates beneath, yearly, they maintain an enormous New Year’s Eve celebration on the thirty first, regardless if this falls on a full moon or not. Please make observe that NYE events on Koh Phangan fall into excessive season so e book forward of time!

Aside from these dates beneath, additionally they have a Half Moon celebration, which they do mid-month.

The half moon celebration is barely smaller than the complete factor however nonetheless fairly insane and epic. Another novelty is the black moon celebration so preserve a watch out for these occasions while you’re there.

When is the Best Time to Attend a Full Moon Party?

So, when’s the very best time to hit up the Full Moon Party, you ask? Well, it actually is determined by what you’re after. 

If you’re all in regards to the crowds, power, and chaos, then peak season from December to February and June to August are the best way to go. Go throughout this time if you wish to guarantee an all night time seaside celebration.

During this time, individuals from the opposite Thai islands like Koh Samui even come right here for the night time simply to celebration the night time away as it’s the largest seaside celebration in Asia.

While it’s heaps of enjoyable, simply be able to fork out slightly additional for lodging and cope with longer traces for drinks and loos. 

But, if you happen to’re in search of a extra chill vibe and budget-friendly costs, then shoulder season from March to May or September to November is perhaps extra up your alley. 

Just remember that the climate is usually a issue, because the wet season begins from October to December. From March to May, count on it to be highly regarded and humid. 

Where are the Full Moon Parties Held?

As lengthy as you’re within the neighborhood of Haad Rin seaside, it’s not possible to not discover the place to go as all the seaside is one large celebration. However, listed below are a few locations which are well-known:

Drop In Bar, positioned on the dawn facet of the seaside, is a good place to begin the night time with reasonably priced drinks and fireplace exhibits. 

For a vibrant ambiance, head to Cactus Bar on the sundown facet, which has a rooftop seating space with beautiful views of the seaside.

Zoom Bar, in the midst of Haad Rin, is a enjoyable spot to take pleasure in cocktails and a mixture of Thai and EDM music, whereas the Backyard Club on the primary street is open all night time with a pool and totally different genres of music. 

During the Full Moon Party, Haad Rin can be referred to as the complete moon celebration seaside as a result of all the place is stuffed with quite a few bars, golf equipment, and avenue distributors, so that you’ll haven’t any bother discovering a spot to celebration. 

There are normally 11 levels alongside the seaside and every stage blasts a special music style. Some locations play good music whereas others are likely to veer towards enjoying business hits.

Based on my expertise, most hostels can even throw some form of pre-full moon celebration earlier than heading out to the various beachside bars.

What to Wear During the Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party is all about letting free and having enjoyable, and the costume code is mainly…something you need! 

Comfortable and informal clothes is the norm because the celebration takes place on the seaside. Opt for light-weight garments that you simply don’t thoughts getting slightly soiled or moist, like t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. For a full run down on what to carry, take a look at our Thailand packing checklist.

While it’s tempting to go barefoot, there may be trash and even damaged bottles alongside the seaside so I actually suggest sporting some form of footwear.

That being stated, many party-goers want to face out within the crowd by sporting neon or fluorescent clothes. 

Don’t fear if you happen to don’t have any flashy garments or celebration equipment, as distributors promote a wide range of gadgets just a few days earlier than the occasion. 

If you’re trying so as to add slightly splash of colour, getting neon face or physique paint is quite common, and there are many distributors in and round Haad Rin to get this accomplished. 

Regardless of what you put on, simply ensure you’re comfy, weather-appropriate, and able to have a great time.

I personally suggest taking a small bum bag with you or a cellphone case that goes round your neck. The events can get extremely busy so ensure you preserve all of your belongings with you always.

What Time Does the Full Moon Party Start and End

The Full Moon Party is a night-long celebration that sometimes begins at nightfall and continues into the early hours of the morning. The celebration normally kicks off between 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm native time, and issues begin winding down round dawn, which is between 6:00 am and seven:00 am.

However, relying on the power of the gang and the ambiance, the celebration can go on for longer. 

It’s vital to tempo your self and prioritize your security, because the Full Moon Party is usually a marathon of dancing, ingesting, and revelry. 

There can be loads of locations to purchase meals, drinks, and snacks that can assist you final all the night time.

What to Expect When Attending Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Parties

If you’re heading to Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party, right here’s what you possibly can count on. 

First up, there are the drinks – celebration buckets are the go-to drink of the night time, they usually are available seaside buckets loaded up with alcohol and power drinks. 

The buckets are normally made up of a Thai model of pink bull and are combined along with your alcohol of alternative (rum or vodka are in style picks!). The buckets can price between 300 to 500 Baht (that’s about 8 to 14 US {dollars}). You’ll additionally discover beer and cocktails if buckets aren’t your factor.

The Full Moon Party is without doubt one of the wildest events on the planet, and it attracts large crowds – wherever from 20,000 to 40,000 individuals relying on while you go. 

You can count on the ambiance to be pumped up with music blasting from all instructions, individuals dancing like loopy, and the power to be electrical all night time lengthy.

But, with so many individuals in a single place, it may get a bit messy. So, when the solar rises and also you see the seaside coated in garbage, don’t be stunned. This is one a part of the complete moon events that’s actually unhappy.

 Locals volunteer their time to scrub up the seaside the following day, so do your half and ensure you get rid of your trash correctly.

With all that stated, be ready to have an unforgettable night time partying beneath the complete moon. Just keep in mind to remain protected, look out to your pals, and have a blast.

Safety Tips for the Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan may be loopy and unforgettable, however it’s important to prioritize your security and well-being whereas having enjoyable. Here are some suggestions for a protected and gratifying Full Moon Party:

Keep your wits about you: With 1000’s of individuals partying, it’s essential to remain alert and conscious of your environment. Watch out for damaged glass, and uneven terrain, and preserve an in depth eye in your belongings.

I like to recommend you allow all valuables at house. Leave your room key with the receptionist at your lodge to keep away from shedding it.

Pace your self with the drinks: Booze is aplenty on the Full Moon Party, however it’s important to know your limits and keep hydrated. Don’t go overboard and take breaks when wanted.

Also, don’t settle for drinks from strangers!

Stick along with your squad: With the crowds and loud music, it’s straightforward to get separated out of your friends. Set up a gathering level and examine in with one another steadily. Avoid strolling alone at night time and be careful for strangers.

Respect the island: The Full Moon Party can go away behind a multitude if not approached with respect. Be conscious of your actions, keep away from littering or harming the seaside, and get rid of your trash within the correct bins.

Stay Away from Drugs: Although weed is now authorized in Thailand, you is perhaps tempted to take one thing tougher. Be warned there are cops throughout Haad Rin on the look out for medication or unruly habits.

If you do determine to take any edibles or smoke something, ensure you know what you’re having forward of time. There are loads of smoke retailers which have correct descriptions of the pressure or edible that they’re promoting you.

Fire is scorching: Fire dancing and exhibits are an enormous a part of the Full Moon Party, however it’s essential to watch out with fire-related gadgets. Although it seems to be thrilling, I don’t suggest leaping on the fireplace rope.

Jumping the fireplace rope may be harmful, and it’s vital to solely try it while you’re sober. Unfortunately, many party-goers have ended up with burn marks on their our bodies as a result of accidents attributable to alcohol consumption or different party-goers attempting to hitch in whereas drunk!

The Cons of the Full Moon Party

While the Full Moon Party is usually a enjoyable time, it’s vital to acknowledge the much less glamorous facet of this in style occasion. 

With such a big crowd in attendance, there’s a vital quantity of waste generated, together with plastic cups, bottles, and straws that find yourself littering the seaside and sea. Broken glass can be a standard sight on the seaside, which may be harmful for party-goers with out footwear.

Unfortunately, alcohol can typically carry out the worst in individuals, resulting in unruly and even unsafe habits. It’s not unusual to see individuals handed out on the seaside or in different public areas, and this may make them susceptible to potential hurt.

To benefit from the Full Moon Party whereas staying protected, it’s vital to concentrate on your environment and conscious of your actions. 

Drinking responsibly is essential, as is avoiding strolling alone at night time and holding a watch out for strangers. Properly disposing of your trash and leaving the seaside as clear as potential can be essential in making certain that this celebration stays gratifying for everybody.

How to Get to the Full Moon Party

Getting to the Full Moon Party is usually a little bit of an journey, relying on the place you’re staying. Here are some suggestions for attending to the celebration:

From Koh Phangan:

Lucky you – you’re already on the island! Getting to the Full Moon Party is fairly straightforward if you happen to’re staying on Koh Phangan. Just hop in a taxi or a shared Songthaew (a type of pick-up truck) to Haad Rin.

You can normally flag one down on the primary street or ask your lodge to rearrange a trip for you. I DO NOT suggest you drive a scooter as there can be many drunk drivers alongside the roads. 

It’s higher to be protected and to pay slightly additional! There can be restricted parking through the full moon events so it’s greatest to rearrange your personal transportation forward of time.

From Koh Samui:

If you’re staying on Koh Samui, you’ll have to take a ferry to Koh Phangan after which seize a trip to Haad Rin. Ferries run steadily all through the day, and the journey takes about 20-Half-hour. Once you’re in Koh Phangan, you will discover a taxi or Songthaew to take you to the celebration.

As talked about, there is perhaps some organized transport that may take you there within the night and again the day after. 

From Bangkok:

If you’re coming from Bangkok, there are just a few choices for attending to the Full Moon Party. You can take a flight to Koh Samui after which a ferry to Koh Phangan, or you possibly can go for an in a single day bus or prepare to Surat Thani after which take a ferry to the island. 

Once you’re in Koh Phangan, you possibly can seize a trip to the celebration. Check out 12go for uptodate ferry costs and schedules.

No matter the way you get there, make sure you give your self loads of time and plan forward.

Where to Stay During the Full Moon Party

Finding a spot to remain through the Full Moon Party is usually a problem, so it’s vital to plan forward. Here are some suggestions for lodging on the island:

Keep in thoughts that costs for lodging can triple within the days main as much as the celebration. It’s greatest to e book early to keep away from inflated costs.

Hotels and hostels close to Haad Rin seaside can refill quick through the peak interval across the Full Moon Party. Prices in Haad Rin may improve threefold throughout this time, and plenty of motels require minimal bookings of 3-5 nights.

Accommodations on Haad Rin Beach:

If you wish to be near the motion, there are many lodging immediately on Haad Rin Beach. Some in style choices embrace:

• Paradise Bungalows: This spot is alleged to be the place the Full Moon Party began, and you’ll even discover a stone devoted to the unique celebration right here.
• House of Sanskara: This quieter possibility nonetheless affords an awesome view of the celebration.
• Tommy Resort: An reasonably priced resort with seaside entry and a pool.
• Phangan Bayshore Resort: A extra upscale possibility with a personal seaside and facilities like a spa and out of doors pool.
• Na-Tub Hostel: This budget-friendly possibility is positioned proper in the midst of every thing.

Accommodations Within Walking Distance to Haad Rin Beach

If you’re in search of a spot to remain inside strolling distance of the Full Moon Party, there are many choices close to Haad Rin Beach. Consider these suggestions for a snug and handy keep:

• Sarikantang Resort & Spa: This 4-star resort is only a quick 5-minute stroll from Haad Rin Beach and affords a calming escape from the celebration scene. 
• Sunset Beach Villas: This lodge is only a 15-minute stroll from Haad Rin Beach and affords a variety of lodging together with rooms and villas. 
• Sea Breeze Resort: This lodge is barely a brief 10-minute stroll from Haad Rin Beach and options comfy rooms and bungalows. 

All in all, the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan is an epic expertise that’s positively value including to your journey bucket checklist. 

You’ll get to celebration beneath the celebs with a various group of individuals from everywhere in the world, sipping on scrumptious full moon buckets and dancing the night time away on the seaside. 

If you’re not a fan of huge events, I like to recommend avoiding Haad Rin seaside throughout this time because it actually will get busy and packed. On the opposite hand, if you happen to’re up for a wild and unforgettable night time, I hope this text gave you numerous helpful suggestions and data that can assist you celebration it up!

FAQ on the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan

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