The Ultimate Thailand Full Moon Party Guide

The now infamous Full Moon Party in Thailand, once a gathering of travellers on a remote, underdeveloped island, has since exploded into what most people know today. One of the most infamous and best parties in the world. For some, it is merely an extra to their visit to Thailand. For others, it is the only reason for their visit to Thailand.

A night of partying on a beach, drinking and dancing on the beach until you drop, surrounded by hundreds of others. What’s not to love? If you are heading to a Full Moon Party, here is my guide on what, how, when and what to expect when you get there.

What Is It?

Well, it does exactly what it says on the tin. It is a party organised on the lunar cycle to take place when the moon is full. But this is no ordinary party in a club or a bar with overpriced drinks. No, this party takes place outside, on a beach. Started originally in the 80’s when we started to see the rise of dance music. They would all gather to drink, dance and have a good time under the light of a full moon.

Before long the word had spread far and wide. There were these awesome parties in a tropical paradise, and they soon became the place to go if you really wanted to experience an original outdoor rave. They became the stuff of legends. Although there have since been others, half moon parties, black moon parties (really?) none of them can compete with the original Full Moon Party when it comes to having a night you will never forget.

Where Is It?

Make your way to over to Surat Thani province, but move on from the mainland and go straight to the island of Koh Phangan, on Haad Rin beach. It is a typical Thai island in that it has stunning, soft white sand and crystal clear blue seas, surrounded by thick green rainforest covering much of the inland island. It’s these beautiful surroundings that help to make the Full Moon Party what it is. If you want to explore the island while you are there you might what to rent a scooter, it is bigger than your typical Thai island.

How Do I Get There?

As it is an island, the only way to arrive is by boat of one sort or another. From Koh Samui, there are several ferries a day from its various piers, with prices usually around 200/300 baht per ticket. If you are arriving from further afield, there are plenty of bus and boat packages that will bring you to Koh Phangan, though be aware that long bus journeys in Thailand are not always the most comfortable or quite what you expect. The closest airport to Koh Phangan is the one on Koh Samui island. There are also options in Surat Thani and Chumphon airports, but they are a little further to travel from.

Do I Need A Ticket?

Are you kidding me?? The best thing about The Full Moon Party is that it is free to everyone that can get there. Of course, they could easily sell tickets and hundreds of people would happily pay for it. You don’t need a ticket. There is an entrance fee of 100 baht, but compare that to the entrance fee and cost of going to a club in Bangkok or Phuket for instance and, well, it’s a deal, it’s a steal, it’s the part of the century.

So What Should I Expect From A Full Moon Party?

Fun, fun and a little bit more fun. Too obvious an answer? Well, the music can be eclectic at times. With House, EDM and electronic music types being the most popular, don’t be too surprised to hear rock, pop and even reggae being played on certain parts of the beach. Visually you are not likely to find anything to rival it.

Partygoers caked in fluorescent paint glow in the moonlight. Waves breaking on the shore while fire shows are being displayed all along the beach captivating the eyes, especially after a few (drinks). While you are there try out ‘the bucket’, by far one of the most popular drinks and made up of whatever spirits seems right to the bartender at the time. Enjoy!

What About Accommodation?

Of course, you can always try to party all night and sleep on the beach when you finally drop, and I am sure you would not be the only one. There are, however, plenty of places to choose from for a good nights/days rest before you start all over again. Accommodation on the island is widely varied. You can pay a few hundred for a bed in a run-down hostel with many other travellers, or you could stay in 5* luxury for thousands.

You could choose to stay in one of the many air-conditioned bungalows that are more than adequate for a few nights. Here at bidroom you could book the fabulous Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas which blend effortless luxury with breathtaking surroundings. Stay at this beach hideaway and enjoy contemporary Thai hospitality and barefoot indulgence. You can view and book through bidroom here