Welcome to Thailand’s Full Moon Party, where the beaches are packed, the buckets are filled with bad ideas, and your dance moves are only slightly less questionable than your life choices! Held on the picturesque island of Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand, this monthly bash transforms the beach into a vibrant playground for party animals and fireshow lovers alike. Around 10,000 to 30,000 wanderlust travelers join the festivities each month, but what can you really expect from the party? We’ll lay out exactly what you can expect when going to the Full Moon Party, how to prepare, how to stay safe, what time to go, and much more in this ultimate guide to Thailand’s Full Moon Party!
Brief History of Thailand’s Full Moon Party
As with any good party, the details are a bit fuzzy the next day—or in this case, still fuzzy 30-something years later. The reality is, no one really knows when or who set up the first Full Moon Party, but it was around 1987 or 1988. The rumor is that it was a young lad’s birthday, so a group of travelers decided to host a beach party for him with 30 to 50 other travelers at Paradise Bungalows on Haad Rin Beach. The party was so epic that the travelers decided to host it again the next month at the same spot. Month after month, without fail, the party continued, with more people arriving as the word spread. The movie The Beach, starring a young Leonardo DiCaprio, saw travelers flocking to Koh Phangan in the early 2000s, turning this incredible beach party into a worldwide party destination!
How to Get to Koh Phangan
Since Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport, the only way to reach the island is by ferry. However, you should know that almost every Full Moon Party attendee follows the same itinerary, meaning ferries from the nearby islands of Koh Tao and Koh Samui get booked up quickly, so book your transportation at least a week in advance. For all your travel booking needs in Thailand, we recommend using 12Go.Asia.
For those arriving from Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi, your fastest but most expensive option is to fly to Koh Samui Airport. From here, it’s a 20- to 60-minute ferry ride to Koh Phangan. The second option is to fly to Surat Thani Airport, which is by far the more budget-friendly option. From Surat Thani, travelers can get a speedboat, regular ferry, or night ferry to Koh Phangan. Those coming from Krabi and Phuket can also take a van ride to Surat Thani and then a ferry, while those coming from Bangkok have the option to take a bus or train to Chumphon and then a three-and-a-half-hour ferry to Koh Phangan. Those coming from Koh Tao can take a speed ferry or regular ferry to the island in under two hours.
Where is the Full Moon Party?
The Full Moon Party is hosted on Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin Beach in the southeast of the island. It’s roughly a 20-minute drive from the island’s Baan Tai Pier to Haad Rin Beach. The area is home to a good-sized town filled with plenty of bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops to peruse, along with a couple of excellent hiking trails and viewpoints.
When is the Next Full Moon Party?
The Full Moon Party is almost always hosted on the exact date of the monthly full moon. However, dates will be moved if they coincide with a Buddhist holiday, which tends to land on the 1st and 15th of the month. Below is the official confirmed Full Moon Party schedule for the upcoming 2024-2025 party season.
2024 Full Moon Party Dates
- October 18, 2024 (Friday)
- November 15, 2024 (Friday)
- December 15, 2024 (Sunday)
- December 31, 2024 (Tuesday, New Year’s Party)
2025 Full Moon Party Dates
- January 13, 2025
- February 13, 2025
- March 13, 2025
- April 12, 2025
- May 12, 2025
- June 10, 2025
- July 12, 2025
- August 9, 2025
- September 7, 2025
- October 8, 2025
- November 5, 2025
- December 5, 2025
- December 31, 2025 (New Year’s Party)
What Happens at the Full Moon Party?
The Full Moon Party features an entire night of partying where the music doesn’t stop until literally the break of dawn. Visitors can expect to find fire dancers, plenty of bars selling buckets, neon body painting, flaming jump ropes, flaming limbo sticks, and several stages with DJs playing everything from EDM and drum and bass to hip-hop, reggae, and underground tracks. Oh, and of course, dancing!
When Should You Arrive for the Full Moon Party?
As previously mentioned, many travelers have the same itinerary when in the Gulf of Thailand, especially since Koh Phangan is located between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. As someone who lives on the neighboring island of Koh Tao, I’d estimate that roughly 70% of Full Moon partygoers first visit Koh Tao or Koh Samui for a few days, then continue to the third island after the party. Without fail, I’ve seen the same scenario over and over again, where travelers planning to attend the Full Moon Party expect to book their ferry tickets the day of or the day before the party. This approach usually leads to them missing the party or paying for an expensive taxi boat, as the ferries are booked. You may be able to get away with this during the low season, but definitely not in high season. This is why we really stress booking your ferry tickets in advance to and from Koh Phangan.
If you’re on a tight schedule, arriving the day before and leaving the day after is the way to go. This is how most travelers plan their visit. However, if you can spare the time, there’s a lot to see and do in Koh Phangan. Plus, you might want to schedule a hangover day! We recommend arriving two days before the party and leaving two days after, giving you five days in total to party, recover, and explore the island’s beauty.
What Time Does the Full Moon Party Start?
You may be concerned with arriving fashionably late or too early on the day of the actual party. There are some pretty wild partygoers out there, and you’ll see lots of people starting to drink across the island all day, but the actual party on Haad Rin Beach starts at sunset. While you’ll find crowds heading to the beach around 9 p.m., the peak party time is around 2 a.m.
Where to Stay for the Full Moon Party?
When it comes to accommodation for the Full Moon Party, we’re going to give you the same advice as the ferries—book it early! Trust us, you don’t want to be stuck in an undesirable hostel or a hotel 45 minutes away on the other side of the island. As I pull up Booking.com right now, I see 97% of hotels are already booked out for the dates of the Full Moon Party five months from now, so plan to book as soon as possible, especially during the high season. Location is key, but so are soundproof walls and a clean spot to rest your head! Below are our top picks for the best places to stay for the Full Moon Party.
Best Hostels near Thailand’s Full Moon Party
If you want to stay in the heart of the Full Moon Party right near Haad Rin Beach, then consider staying at Eclipse Hostel and Bar. Located 100 meters away from the party, Eclipse offers a variety of air-conditioned private rooms along with mixed and female-only dorm rooms ranging from four to 18 beds in a room. Travelers can play billiards with other guests in the lounge, meet new friends at the on-site bar, or explore the restaurants nearby.
Another excellent hostel to consider in Haad Rin is MBar Hostel. This is the ultimate hostel to stay at for the Full Moon Party as it already sets the mood as a party hostel! Not only does the hostel organize awesome events around the Full Moon Party, like body painting competitions and beer pong tournaments, but they also regularly host parties in their blacklight bar area with live DJs and the works. Other awesome amenities include a video game station, billiards, foosball, laundry facilities, and an on-site restaurant.
Best Hotels near Thailand’s Full Moon Party
Easily one of the best hotels to stay in Haad Rin is Vannee Golden Sands Beachfront Resort, located less than a five-minute drive from the beach. This large modern resort features a massive saltwater pool, an on-site restaurant, a minimart, a fitness center, a spa, complimentary breakfast, and much more. Visitors will find a great selection of air-conditioned rooms ranging from classic doubles to family rooms, along with private villas that boast a private pool.
Another great choice for those who want to sleep away from the ruckus of the Full Moon Party is Yangyai Garden Lodge. This quiet oasis is tucked away on the edge of Baan Tai, behind the popular 54-meter Yang Na Yai Tree. Visitors can opt to stay in a bungalow, standard suite, or book a bed in a four-bed mixed dorm. All of the rooms are air-conditioned and come with a balcony, en suite bathroom, and a fridge.
Is the Full Moon Party Dangerous?
Upwards of 30,000 people attend the Full Moon Party every month, and with a large number of people like that, there are bound to be a few bad apples. A majority of people I’ve spoken to had an excellent time and felt completely safe partying, but there are always a few awful stories that circulate. The reality is that the party is as safe as any other club or party in Thailand, but there is a seedy underside of drug dealing and rival drug dealers that is present. It’s up to you to make responsible decisions that don’t make you a target or put you in harm’s way, which we will expand upon further below.
There have been stories of travelers getting caught in a fight between rival dealers and getting severely injured or buying bunk drugs and confronting the dealers, resulting in a fight. Please be smart and do not buy or use drugs at the Full Moon Party. Not only is it extremely illegal and can land you in a Thai jail with a lifetime sentence, but you could also be putting yourself in a very dangerous situation by associating with local gangs and dealers.
The best safety tips we can give to those attending the Full Moon Party are to not get too drunk and to not attend alone. Solo travelers can link up with groups on the island or from their hostel and attend.
What’s the Half Moon Festival?
The Half Moon Festival is a monthly party hosted on Koh Phangan that’s similar to the Full Moon Party. However, the Half Moon Festival is held in the jungle in Baan Tai and sees far fewer numbers in attendance. The Half Moon Festival is arguably better than the Full Moon Party, depending on who you talk to, and it’s been around for over 20 years. While a ticket is more pricey, the festival lasts two days with the first day kicking off the festivities with an all-day beach and pool party at Harmony Beach Club. On day two, festival goers will head to the Magical Forest for an all-night party in the jungle featuring three stages, plenty of buckets, and body paint.
I personally have never been, but many travelers and friends reported a more intimate setting where it’s not as easy to lose your friends, better music, and a better overall atmosphere. So if you’re someone on the edge about going to the Full Moon Party due to concerns of safety or anxiety over massive crowds, the Half Moon Festival may be more up your alley! Tickets are available for one or two days and can only be purchased in advance online.
Dos and Don’ts for Thailand’s Full Moon Party
When it comes to having a memorable time at the Full Moon Party, remember that not all good stories have to end with a hospital visit. Below are our tips for making the most of the Full Moon Party without injury, robbery, jail, or worse!
Dos
Do Purchase Travel Insurance
If something happens to you at the Full Moon Party, you’ll want to be covered. Something as trivial as tripping over a pothole while drunk could land you in the hospital with thousands of dollars in medical bills. We imagine you’d much rather bring home a souvenir than debt, so make the sensible decision and ensure you purchase travel insurance before coming to Thailand. SafetyWing offers coverage for as little as $10 a week, making it a no-brainer for savvy travelers. You can request a non-binding quote below:
Do Travel in Groups
“No man left behind” should be your motto for the Full Moon Party, especially with groups of women. Always ensure you have a buddy with you so you won’t be targeted by those bad apples we mentioned earlier. It’s also a good idea to have a check-in buddy, meaning someone who checks if you make it back to your bed the next day or ensures you’re safe and accounted for. You could also share your location with this person (I do this with my best friend).
Do Arrive Well-Rested and Hydrated
To make the most of the Full Moon Party, you’ll want to arrive energized, which means getting a good night’s sleep and arriving hydrated and ready to sweat. Take it easy the day before and avoid too much sun so you don’t show up to the party fried, both physically and mentally.
Do Book Accommodation and Ferries in Advance
I know we’ve mentioned this already, but we really need to stress how important booking in advance is. With almost 30,000 people flooding the island at the same time each month, it’s a no-brainer. We recommend Booking.com for hotels, Hostelworld for hostel stays, and 12Go.Asia for transit. There are also plenty of Airbnbs available on the island.
Do Take a Taxi to and From the Party
Please, do not drive to and from the Full Moon Party! There are thousands of partygoers with varying levels of drunkenness, and even if you think you’re sober enough to drive, others might not be. It only takes one mistake to cause a deadly accident, and you don’t want to face drunk-driving charges in Thailand. Instead, take a taxi with your group or gather others staying nearby and share a taxi. Pro tip: Negotiate with taxis early; otherwise, you’ll end up waiting in the back of a taxi until it’s full. Another reason it’s good to go with a group!
Do Stock Up on Beer at 7-Eleven
If you’re a traveler on a budget, head to 7-Eleven to buy beer and drinks as it’s cheaper than the beach bar. There are two 7-Elevens within a five-minute walk of the beach.
Do Wear Shoes or Water Shoes
You may think, “It’s a beach party, so no shoes are needed,” but that’s far from true. After the first few hours, the beach gets littered with trash, buckets, broken glass, and cigarette butts. You don’t want to cut your foot or slip on something, so we recommend sneakers or water shoes. Flip-flops aren’t great as they don’t provide a lot of protection, and let’s be honest, after the first few drinks you’ll be tempted to kick them off and show the dance floor what you’re made of.
Do Be Aware of the Buckets
I’ve dubbed Thailand’s alcohol buckets as “Bad Idea Buckets” because every bad night my friends had in Thailand started with one. While they’re a budget-backpacker’s best friend, it’s harder to control how drunk you get, and they’re an easy target for someone to spike your drink. I had a friend who felt like she was coming down from a drug high after just three buckets, and a local woman told us the buckets are often sprayed with rat poison to keep animals away. They’re cleaned for the next party, but not always thoroughly.
If you don’t want to give up the 32-ounce buckets because it’s just too good of a deal, consider bringing a 32-ounce travel mug with a neck holder. That way, you can still order a bucket, but you won’t have to carry it, and it’s harder for someone to spike your drink. It also keeps your drink cooler longer. Stanley mugs with carrying cases are a good option, as they have space for your phone and money. Those who aren’t bringing Stanley travel mugs (or similar) should consider ordering this stainless-steel travel mug and carrying case and having it delivered to their accommodation on the island.
Don’ts
Don’t Go Swimming
Since the party takes place on the beach, many attendees like to jump in the ocean after sweating it out on the dancefloor. While it might sound fun, don’t do it unless you’re sober. Alcohol and the ocean are a bad mix, and there have been tragic drownings at the Full Moon Party.
Don’t Jump the Flaming Rope or Participate in the Flaming Limbo
We’ve all heard, “Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” right? At the Full Moon Party, there’s a flaming rope and a flaming limbo stick challenge. Even sober, the chances of getting burned or injured are high. Watch others if you want, but keep yourself out of the trauma unit.
Don’t Do Hard Drugs
As we’ve already mentioned, doing hard drugs in Thailand is extremely risky. Not only could you face a life sentence, but you also risk buying fake drugs at crazy prices. It’s not worth the danger or the money.
Don’t Go Alone
We’re not saying solo travelers can’t attend the party, but it’s best not to go alone. The buddy system exists for a reason—you’ll be much safer if you go with a group from your hostel or friends you’ve met around the island. They can help you in tricky situations, make sure you get home safely, and be great company throughout the night!
Don’t Carry a Lot of Cash
Theft is common at the Full Moon Party, so don’t carry a lot of cash or your passport. If you think you’ll bring someone back to your room, hide your valuables. A friend of mine woke up after the party to find his companion and $700 missing from his wallet.
FAQ About Thailand’s Full Moon Party
Do I need a ticket for the Full Moon Party?
Yes, you’ll need to purchase a wristband. As of 2024, it’s 200 baht ($6).
Can I order a Grab to/from the Full Moon Party?
No, Grab and other ridesharing services are not available on Koh Phangan.
How many days is the Full Moon Party?
The party lasts one night, starting at sunset and continuing until sunrise the next day.
How much are drinks?
Buckets cost between 250 and 500 baht depending on the alcohol, and beer costs 100 to 120 baht, depending on size and brand.
The Full Moon Party is a whirlwind of joy and freedom, where strangers become friends, and the night stretches into unforgettable memories. As long as you’re smart and safe, you’ll have one of the most epic party nights of your life!
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