Thailand, the Land of Smiles, is known for its gorgeous islands, breathtaking beaches, beautiful temples, splendid landscapes, and vibrant cities. However, one of the main reasons that young people, especially backpackers, visit Thailand is to be a part of its Full Moon Party. Held every full moon day at Thailand’s Kho Phangan Island, it is known as the best beach party in Thailand and also one of the wildest parties in Southeast Asia. If you are planning a trip to Thailand any time in the future, here is everything you need to know about the full moon party in Thailand.
History of Full Moon Party
The full moon beach party happens at the Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan Island. While there is no consensus on the year it started, it is believed that the Full Moon Party begun somewhere in the 1980s when a group of backpackers threw a party on the most beautiful Thailand beaches on a full moon night. What started a small party of a few friends has grown into a magnanimous scale and is attended by 5000 to 30,000 people. Although the full moon beach party is no longer as its humble origins, the concept of the party remains the same. This beach party is hosted on full moon day of every month, unless the full moon day falls on the same day as a public holiday. In this case, the party would be held a day or two before or after the full moon. It is important to check the right date before you reach the place.
How to Reach
To reach Koh Phangan Island, you can first take a flight to Kho Samui or Koh Tao Islands, which are the closest islands to Koh Phangan. From there, you can take a ferry to Koh Phangan. There are several train, boats, and ferry combinations that you can book to reach Koh Phangan Island on time for the full moon beach party.
Where to Stay
If you are on the island just to attend the beach party, it would best to look for a hotel, hostel or bungalow at Haad Rin, where the party happens. However, if you choose to stay here, it would be best to arrive early, at least a few days before the party, as it would be difficult to find accommodation closer to the party. You can also choose an accommodation somewhere else in Kho Phangan. The island is home to many beautiful beaches, where you can stay during your holiday and visit Haad Rin for the party. This would be cheaper than staying at Haad Rin. Many people stay at the nearby islands and take a ferry to Koh Phangan just for the party.
What to Wear
While there is no dress code for this beach party, it would be better not to wear your best clothes. To make the most of the full moon party, you can get the full moon party clothing, which includes bright colored t-shirts and mini-skirts. Moreover, as it is a beach party, it would be best to wear your swim suits underneath. You would see that most people are in their swimwear by the time the party comes to end.
What to Expect at Full Moon Party
The full moon party at Haad Rin is one of the most happening parties that you would have attended. Several things happen here at once, and you would get to have a wonderful time here. You would have to pay an entry fee of 100 baht. Each of the bars on Haad Rin offer drinks and each of them has a DJ that would play anything from pop to drum’n’bass. You can walk around the place to know what agrees to your taste.
You would also find several bars and vendors selling drink buckets, which is nothing other than little sand buckets filled with alcoholic drinks and cocktails. It is best to buy a few and share them with a group of people.
Apart from music and drinks, you would also find fire dancers entertaining people with some amazing tricks. You can also get your body painted with unique designs of bright fluorescent colors from paint artists. This is one of the most popular things to do at the full moon party.
The party begins right from afternoon and peaks at midnight. However, it does not even end at the wee hours of the morning. On the other hand, people continue to party right till afternoon, the next day. Take the experience up a notch by dining and partying at the best rooftop bars in Bangkok.
Important Things to Remember
While there is no doubt that you would have a fun time at the full moon party in Thailand, there are some things that you should remember to ensure that it remains a memorable night for you.
- Although it may make sense to be barefoot at a beach party, it would be best wear flipflops to ensure that you do not get cut yourself with glass bottles that people leave on the beach.
- Do not do drugs on the beach. Taking drugs is illegal in Thailand and if you are caught you would have to spend time in jail or pay a hefty fine.
- Do not swim, especially if you are drunk. Swimming on the beach has caused lot of hazardous incidents during the full moon party.
- You would find the chance to jump a fire-lit skipping rope. However, it is best to skip it as several get injured or burnt trying these stunts.
- Do not carry any valuable with you at the party due to the risk of getting robbed. Just carry your room key and some cash to buy drinks at the party.
- If you are buying bucket drinks, keep an eye on them to ensure that they are not tampered with.
The full moon party in Thailand has everything that makes for a great beach party. It is something that you should experience at least once in your lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Get your Thailand visa and visit Kho Phangan to be a part of the ultimate beach party. You can also do a dozen of things other than partying in Pattaya, Bangkok, and different cities of Thailand.