Once a month, on the night of the full moon, Koh Phangan, Thailand, draws thousands of backpackers and tourists to the world-renowned Koh Phangan Full Moon Party. On this night, Haad Rin Beach turns into one massive festival, full of dancing and drinking. The clubs remain open throughout the night, pumping music along the beach while boasting bright lights and hosting various fire shows. The dress code is bold, with many partygoers opting for bright body paint, neon clothing, and outrageous accessories. Having experienced the August 2023 Full Moon Party myself, I can attest that it exceeded my expectations If you are backpacking or visiting Southeast Asia, definitely put Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party on your list.
Because the night is large and chaotic, it can be hard to navigate and understand how to maximize your time and money. Here is what you actually need to know about the party.
History of the Full Moon Party
Allegedly, the Full Moon parties began in the late 1980s to early 1990s by a group of backpackers who gathered to celebrate the full moon. These parties quickly gained traction, and since then, thousands of tourists have arrived on the shores of Koh Phangan for a night of celebration. Now, much of the island revolves around these Full Moon parties. Throughout the month, Koh Phangan hosts other parties, including the Half Moon Party and Waterfall Party.
Why should you attend the Full Moon Party?
Don’t write off the Full Moon Party as just another big party. It’s a unique experience where you can dance to diverse music genres, connect with people from all corners of the globe, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere under the moonlight. It truly is a night worth experiencing at least once. At this party, everyone attends. I saw multiple families with young children, couples, and large friend groups—everyone comes out to celebrate the full moon.
Getting to Koh Phangan
Luckily, there are several ways to get to the island easily. If you are coming from Bangkok, you can take a plane, bus, or minivan. Either way, you will need to take some sort of boat to Koh Phangan. If you choose to fly, you will land at the nearby island, Koh Samui. This should cost around 2,000 baht (~60 USD) and take about an hour. From there, you’ll board either a ferry or a speedboat to reach Koh Phangan, with the ferry taking approximately 45 minutes and costing around 250 baht.
Those who opt for a bus can get a 2-in-1 bus and ferry ticket that will take you from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. I booked my bus and ferry ticket through Lamprayah; this costs about 1,350 baht (~40 USD). The bus ride itself is around 7 hours long, followed by a nearly 3-hour ferry ride. You can book your ticket with Lomprayah here.
Preparing for the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party
Participation in the Full Moon Party is relatively straightforward, but preparation is key. Here’s some advice:
Accommodations
I strongly recommend booking your accommodations well in advance, preferably at least a month ahead. During my August visit, every hotel listed on Agoda was fully booked. As soon as your Koh Phangan plans are confirmed, reserve a hotel room. If possible, aim for lodging in Haad Rin for the utmost convenience. My hotel was a mere 15-minute drive from the party, necessitating a group taxi and additional expense. While not overly challenging, having the ability to walk back would have been more convenient.
Attire
A big part of the Full Moon Party is UV Body Paint. Partygoers opt to decorate and coat their bodies in fluorescent paint. This paint does not wash off clothes. Although I was careful with my own paint, I was constantly bumping into other partygoers, where the paint would transfer onto my skin and clothes. Luckily, I had an old swimsuit that I was ready to throw away. I wore this outfit, and the paint-stained swimsuit went straight into the trash at the end of the night. If throwing away your clothes isn’t possible, there are many places on Koh Phangan where you can buy a cover-up or a new outfit.
Shoe-wear is up to you. You will be walking on sand all night, so I opted for sandals with straps. I saw many people walking barefoot, but I would not recommend this due to the numerous glass bottles that are dumped on the beach. Sneakers are a great option as well, as you will be doing a lot of walking and dancing.
*Note: Many hotels on Koh Phangan have a policy against body paint. If you get paint on their sheets or towels, you will be charged. Be very careful.
Bring Sufficient Cash
There are a lot of places to spend money at the Full Moon Party. I highly recommend bringing Thai cash, as most (if any) of the vendors will not take cards. Upon arriving, there is a 200 baht entrance fee, which goes to cleaning up the beach and security. Once you enter, you can buy various neon accessories, including tank tops, headbands, and wings. There are also countless artists who will paint your bodies with a plethora of designs, for a costly price. Body paint and accessories can easily cost over a thousand baht.
Drinks and food are plentiful at the Full Moon Party. You will always be in sight of a stand selling buckets of alcohol or chicken wraps. Buckets can run between 250-500 baht, and food prices are higher than usual. Definitely plan on bringing extra cash in case of extra expenses.
Concerned about staying on a budget? Read my budget guide to Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party here.
What to Expect
Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party is a marathon, not a sprint. Prepare to be there for at least 6 hours. I showed up early, at 7 PM. This gave me adequate time to eat dinner at a nearby restaurant, paint my body, and learn the layout of the beach. For those who want to get a full experience, I recommend showing up early, before the big crowds, so you have time to find the best spots and vendors before it gets too packed.
As the night unfolds, you’ll find yourself immersed in an electrifying ambiance. The music, echoing through the beachside clubs, spans an array of genres, from pulsating EDM to groovy reggae and everything in between. There’s truly something for everyone’s musical palate- you can spend the whole night bouncing from club to club along the coast. Throughout the night, you will meet many travelers from all over the globe.
The Koh Phangan Full Moon Party isn’t just a night out; it lasts until the break of dawn. As the sun inches above the horizon, you can join partygoers on the shore and watch the sunrise over the ocean, ending a truly unforgettable night.
Staying hydrated is essential, as the tropical climate and dancing can be deceptively exhausting. Numerous vendors offer a variety of drinks and food to keep your energy up. You’ll always be within sight of a stand selling buckets of alcohol or tasty snacks, so replenishing your energy won’t be a problem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, attending the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is an adventure like no other. It’s a night of revelry, music, and connection under the enchanting glow of the full moon. So, as you plan your journey to Koh Phangan, remember to book accommodations in advance, prepare your vibrant attire, and bring enough cash to fully savor this unique experience. Once you step onto the shores of Haad Rin Beach, you’ll understand why this event has become a must-visit for travelers from all corners of the globe. Don’t miss your chance to dance the night away and celebrate the full moon in style!