Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island is the most famous beach party in Thailand. It is known worldwide and every month tens of thousands of partygoers gather in Koh Phangan to party from sunset to sunrise under the full moon on Haad Rin's beach. Find the ultimate guide to Full Moon Party Koh Phangan with location, ticket price and other details.
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is an experience not to be missed by every party lover visiting Thailand.
What is Full Moon Party Koh Phangan?
The first Full Moon Party Koh Phangan in the late 80's was originally just a one-time beach party when a group of backpackers gathered at Paradise Bungalows on Haad Rin Nok beach to dance in the light of the full moon. Due to its great success, it was repeated regularly at the same place and the others also started to join the party. Full Moon Party became more and more popular for young people from all over the world and it boomed in 2000, after being mentioned in the film "The Beach".
This madness party attracts thousands of people to have fun on Haad Rin Beach until the morning, where they are enthusiastic with fire shows, different kinds of music, wide choice of alcohol and more. Most tourists coming to party at Full Moon Party Koh Phangan are from Europe (Spain, Germany, France etc.) with lesser presence of tourists from Southeast Asia.
When is Full Moon Party Koh Phangan?
As the name suggests, the events of Full Moon Party Koh Phangan are held at full moon time, unless it coincides with a Buddhist holiday or important election day. Sometimes the actual party can be celebrated days before or after the full moon. The exact date of the party can always be confirmed before planning a trip.
Find the schedule of Koh Phangan Full Moon Party here: Full Moon Party Schedule.
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Location
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is held on a one-kilometer-long Haad Rin Beach, also called Sunrise Beach. This beach is located on the east side of the southernmost part of Koh Phangan island in the Gulf of Thailand (on the same side as Koh Samui and Koh Tao). Koh Phangan Full Moon Party location is about 30 minutes' drive from the main port of the island (Thong Sala Pier). Haad Rin Beach itself is surrounded by palm trees, fine sand and crystal-clear waters. When the party approaches, the area begins to fill up with street vendors and locals.
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Ticket Price
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party should be free of charge by Thai law for everyone, but it is not like that anymore. In fact, foreigners are prevented from accessing the areas of the party unless they pay for it. At the moment, Full Moon Party ticket price charged as the entrance fee to get to the area is 200 THB per person. This money is used by the management for cleanliness, security and so on. After buying an entrance ticket at the gate, you will be given a colorful rubber band as an entry sign.
You can try to pass without paying but know that it is a rather impractical option in recent years. You still have to buy your drinks and food, of course more expensive at a party area.
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Experience
On the full moon day, everything starts when the sun is completely set. Around the party area at Haad Rin, there are many vendors setting up their stalls from the parking area to the streets leading to the party entrance.
You should get yourself a neon outfit with the words Full Moon Party Koh Phangan, or a hat glowing in the dark and other Full Moon Party knick-knacks. Make-up or painting of the craziest figures and images on your face and body that shine at night is a must. Prices vary according to the size. The smallest is 100 THB and the big ones are around 500 THB.
When it is late night, literally from 22:00 - midnight, everything gets more alive. The beach is filled with people from various countries. Along the long and wide sand of the beach several stages are built, there are few chairs, especially in front of certain bars or clubs. There are DJs who play music of all genres from electronic music, reggae music, R&B, Rock, HOUSE to EDM, which undoubtedly the most popular. And as usual in Thailand, there are no rules when it comes to volume so the music is overlapping with each other. As the night progressed, the beach turns into a dancing crowd with liquor. You can dance everywhere. You will see fire dance, neon signs, black lights, flashing lights, fire shows. The atmosphere at Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is fun as everyone come here for an unforgettable time. You can do whatever crazy you want, as if there was no tomorrow. The party lasts until morning and even continues until the afternoon again. The peak of the party is of course midnight to early morning.
Drinks at Full Moon Party Koh Phangan
Everywhere you can find alcohol, snacks and bottles of water at double prices. Uniquely, they don't sell drinks per bottle but per bucket. The alcohol is filled in small buckets that cost from 200-500 THB, depending on the type of drinks. One bucket usually consists of at least two types of drinks. This small bucket functions as a cup for mixing drinks that is easy to carry around during the party. Beer in shops on the beach is 60-80 THB.
Full Moon Party Fire Shows
Fire shows are perhaps the best-known image of Full Moon Party Koh Phangan. You will see fires and fire dancing everywhere during the party. Tourists are often invited to participate to jump over a flaming rope. Few people end up injured, sometimes even seriously burnt when it wraps around their legs.
Where to stay during Full Moon Party?
There are plenty of options available if you want to stay in Koh Phangan:
1. Stay near Haad Rin Beach
If you want to have the party location a short distance away, you will certainly have to choose to stay in the Haad Rin area. There are many options around the beach at different price ranges.
Some of the best rated accommodation at Full Moon Party: BOOK NOW! As they often fill up well in advance during party days.
Affordable Hostel: So Good Haad Rin Hostel
Mid-range Hotel: Palita Lodge
Luxury Resort: Skymoon Resort
You can find the best hotels near the Full Moon Party to enjoy a pleasant stay at the best price: Best Hotels near Full Moon Party.
2. Stay in other parts of Koh Phangan
Keep in mind that you can’t expect to get a normal sleep if you stay close to Haad Rin Beach. Koh Phangan Full Moon Party will keep you awake until dawn. There are many alternatives to stay on the island. Outside of this famous party scene, Koh Phangan is not very busy and definitely worth a stay. You can find our tips for choosing the perfect base for your stay in Koh Phangan here: Where to stay in Koh Phangan.
If you want the real comfort on your vacation, take a look at the Best Luxury Hotels in Koh Phangan.
3. Sleeping on the beach
You will see some people lying on the beach because they are too drunk and couldn't find a place to stay overnight. However, it's definitely not recommended and not safe at all.
4. Stay on nearby islands
Many people also choose to stay nearby in Koh Samui or Koh Tao and then come to party. Sometimes accommodations on the neighboring islands are also filled up a few days before the party.
To help you find the perfect accommodation on the neighboring islands, we have prepared a guide on the Best Area to Stay in Koh Tao. You will find our hotel recommendations for individual beaches and bay areas on the island.
The selection of the best rated hotels on Koh Samui island can be found here: Best Koh Samui Hotels.
Full Moon Party Hotel Booking
One important thing to be noted is that you should definitely book your place for Full Moon Party Koh Phangan well in advance. Thousands of people come to the island during these days so you can't expect that accommodation on Koh Phangan will be easily available prior to and during the Full Moon Party. The whole island often gets completely full. Also, hotel prices increase 3 times or even more. You have the best chance to find a good place to stay if you arrive a few days in advance. Nearly all Koh Phangan accommodations also require a minimum stay of 3 to 4 nights during Full Moon Week.
To get the best deal on accommodation, make sure to compare hotel deals on Booking.com with often better special offers on Agoda.
How to go to Full Moon Party Koh Phangan
There is no airport on the island of Koh Phangan, so everyone looking how to go to Full Moon Party Thailand finally arrives by ferry. The nearest airport is on Koh Samui Island, which is only 45 minutes away. Koh Phangan is also not far from the airports in Surat Thani and Chumphon. Several ferries depart from different piers every day and all arrive at Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan.
From Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
To travel to Koh Phangan Full Moon Party from the nearby Koh Samui island, you can choose from several ferry and speedboat options.
By Ferry
If you are staying in Koh Samui during Full Moon Party, it is possible to participate in the party and then go back the same morning. By normal ferry, the trip takes more than an hour. It is advisable to take the last regular ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan at 18:30, and return with the regular ferry which departs to Koh Samui about 07:00. You can check current ferry schedule and buy tickets to reach Koh Phangan by ferry here: Koh Samui - Koh Phangan.
On the return journey, the waiting time for the normal ferry increases enormously. Unless you will have a pre-booked ticket, you might have to wait several hours before you can return by ferry.
For more information on traveling between the islands check Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
By Speedboat
You can take one of speedboats that hop all night long to get you to Koh Phangan in half an hour. You just need to go to the Mae Nam Pier, the Big Buddha Pier or the Na Thon Pier and ask for the speedboat service to the Full Moon Party. Many operators organize a party boat trip that will leave at sunset and return at dawn.
You then pay around 1,000-1,200 THB including a minibus which picks you up and returns you to your accommodation. You can have a stress-free journey from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan and attend the famous Full Moon Party by booking Full Moon Party Ferry Ticket.
From Koh Samui you can also take this all-inclusive Full Moon Party Transfer and party like never before on Koh Phangan's legendary Full Moon Festival. Get picked up from your hotel and taken directly to the beach for the ultimate beach party night.
Going to Koh Phangan from other locations
If you want to get an overview of all travel options for getting to Koh Phangan from your location in Thailand, use this search form.
The best travel options for getting from Bangkok to Koh Phangan are detailed here: How to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan.
How to go to Haad Rin
Once on the island, you will see many drivers waiting to take you to Haad Rin or Full Moon Party Beach for 100 THB per person. When you want to come back, whatever time, you can ride the songthaew (taxi), many of which hang outside.
Full Moon Party Safety & Security
To ensure your security during Koh Phangan Full Moon Party, get familiar with the safety information below.
Is Full Moon Party safe?
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is not at all dangerous but, of course, that is up to you. Although the atmosphere is relaxed and fights and aggression are rare, theft is something to be aware of. There are also tragic events as some people are injured in firework accidents. Swimming drunk at the sea is also not such a good plan, as people regularly drown. Drinking is okay, but you should know the limit. Local medical clinics are overflown during the party with those who are suffering from something or drinking too much.
Drugs at Full Moon Party
Unfortunately, this party has many times been associated with drugs so it means that drugs are available if you wish. However, we strongly advice not to risk dealing with drugs in Thailand, except for the weed that has been legalized recently. It is strictly forbidden and there are severe penalties for those who buy, sell or use drugs. There are many uniformed and plainclothes police officers looking for offenders. You can also find policemen who try to sell drugs during the party to see if you fall into the trap. If you find that someone wants to sell you, definitely stay away.
Safety tips during Full Moon Party
We recommend to keep your valuables in a safe place where they can be locked up. Even in hotels, theft can happen. There are pickpockets just like in any other major festival or tourist area. Take cash only when you go to the overcrowded party. You can leave your room key at the reception. The less you take with yourself to the party, the better.
Wear a pair of proper sandals or shoes to avoid stepping on a broken bottle, glass or burning cigarette butts that are buried in the sand.
Always pay close attention to your drink and not let anyone put anything in your drink.
It is important to stay hydrated with enough water, not just alcohol.
Do not accept food and drinks from strangers.
Most people use the sea as their bathroom, so don't go there to swim at night.
For any problem with law enforcement, call the Tourist Police on 1155.
Agree on meeting points in advance in case you lose with your friends or group.
Other alternative parties in Koh Phangan
It's no wonder that Koh Phangan is nicknamed Party Island. If you can't come during Full Moon, don't worry, as Koh Phangan is a famous party island with many parties and events organized here. In practice, in any period of the month you go, if you stay at least 3 days, you will find a party. Of course, in order to fully have this experience, you need to be here for Full Moon Party Koh Phangan.
In addition to the Full Moon Party, these are the best-known parties in Koh Phangan:
Half Moon Festival: Half Moon Festival is the second biggest open-air party on Koh Phangan. It is held one week before and after the Full Moon Party. The main event of the festival takes place not on the beach, but deep in the rainforest of Koh Phangan.
Black Moon Culture: The perfect party held at Mac's Bay resort right on the sandy Baan Tai beach, on the night when the moon is at its smallest.
Jungle Experience: It is known for its carnival atmosphere that is held 10 days before and one day before the Full Moon Party.
Waterfall Party: Party in a place in the jungle where there used to be a waterfall. Every 2 days before and after the Full Moon Party.
Other activities on Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is a large island on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, half way between the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Even if Full Moon Party is the biggest reason for tourists to come here, there is also plenty to see and do on the rest of the island. On Koh Phangan you will find many places where you can dive and snorkel. After the party, you can have a good relax on some of the best Koh Phangan beaches. The island also has several temples and national parks.
You will find that Koh Phangan is surprisingly relaxed and can even be quiet with plenty of beautiful beaches. In this guide, find the best things to do in Koh Phangan for an unforgettable holiday.
Discover another side of Koh Phangan with the island’s travel experiences:
Guide to Ang Thong National Marine Park
Most beautiful temples on Koh Phangan
For more activities in and around Koh Phangan check the selection of Koh Phangan Things to Do.
