Arguably the biggest and wildest party in Southeast Asia, the full moon beach parties on the beach of Koh Phangan in Thailand attract people from all over the world to partake in the festivities and dance till the sunrise. Following the ease of Covid-19 restrictions, the shores of Haad Rin are now open to tourists, inviting you back to the iconic beach parties. If you're wondering what it is like to travel to Thailand right now, read here to learn more about Thailand's requirements.
What happens at a Full Moon Party?
Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party remains a critical part of Thai party culture. It allegedly started out as a small party in the 80s, and now has exploded into one of the top parties with massive crowds staying up dancing and drinking the night away. The night begins when a full moon appears over Haad Rin beach. Local businesses - restaurants and bars- and the organisers will line small tables along the beach and thousands of traditional Thai lanterns are lit to commemorate the start of the event. Start your night at Haad Rin, where you get the authentic taste of Full Moon mayhem. Other stretches of beach in Koh Phangan will also be filled with music all night long. The party will also spill all over the island - onto the neighbouring Rin Nai beach across the bay, where you can expect lots of dancing as well.
While there isn’t a theme for the event, partygoers usually turn up with face paint, glow sticks, luminescent clothing, or any costumes you wish to put on. Throughout the evening, expect DJs spinning at different stages and areas, catering to all music tastes - trance, reggae, EDM. There are also beach traders selling notorious buckets of cheap alcohol and cocktails, and food vendors selling street food if you’re in need of a bite. Expect dancers, jugglers and other games like limbo and fire rope jumping tournaments at the event. So dance away with no inhibitions, and well into the early hours.
Full Moon Party Dates
Partygoers will be happy that the full moon parties are back in full swing this year. The dates for the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party in 2022 are as follows:
- Monday, 16 May 2022
- Tuesday, 14 June 2022
- Friday, 15 July 2022
- Saturday, 13 August 2022
- Saturday, 10 September
- Tuesday, 11 October
- Tuesday, 8 November
- Thursday, 8 December
If you can’t make any of these dates, there are also the less famous Half Moon, Quarter Moon, and Black Moon parties that take place in between these dates. Also, it is important to note that some of Thailand’s religious festivals may fall on the same date. If that happens, the party committee will postpone the event by a day but tourists in Koh Phangan and business owners will be informed weeks before the event.
How much is the Full Moon Party?
Everyone has to pay a 100 baht entry fee to get the Full Moon Party wristband. Tour companies also offer Full Moon Party packages, which include your entry, transportation etc. Hotels and hostels also offer reliable Full Moon Party packages. They may also have their own organised transport service for guests.
Where to stay for the Full Moon Party?
If you’re looking to stay in Koh Phangan, look for accommodation that’s nearer to Haad Rin. This will place you in the middle of the action and save on taxi rides. However, if you wish to stay somewhere that’s slightly removed from the music and crowds, here are some places to consider.
House of Sanskara- This stylish backpacker accommodation exudes rustic vibes, has spacious rooms and an in-house restaurant, bar and lounge. Sanskara too has great Full Moon party packages. Opt for the beach bungalows, a favourite among tourists.
Echo Beach Hostel - Located in the vibrant area of Ban Tai, Echo Beach Hostel is a 15-minute walk drive from Haad Rin, and they also offer free transfers to Full Moon parties for guests.
Phangan Bayshore Resort Koh Phangan - Situated on Haad Rin Nok, the resort has its own private beachfront where guests can play beach volleyball during the day and join the party scenes at night. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee at the beachfront restaurant to get through those hangover mornings.
To survive the Full Moon Party it is important to follow these tips. Stay organised – this includes booking your taxi in advance (way in advance!), and having enough cash for entry and drinks. Stick to your friends because it can be easy to get lost in the crowd. Keep your belongings safe while you’re having fun and make sure to check out the whole strip of Haad Rin to find the best music, dance floors, and DJs for the full party experience!
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