Full Moon Party

Introduction

Full Moon Party

© Cyykky

Started in June of 1987 on an improvised wooden disco close to the beach of Hat Rin the Full Moon Party has only been growing ever since. Its fame grew by word of mouth to the point were over 10,000 people attend this monthly event. Now all the bars along the beach participate in the event staying open all night till sunrise. In recent years the party now seems to start a few days before and continue for a few days after the full moon. For those that need a massive party more then once a month there are now half moon parties and black moon parties.

Opening Hours

The party starts around 9:00am last till long after sunrise every full moon. There are also annual parties on Christmas day and New Years Eve.

2010 Schedule

January 30, February 28, March 30, April 28, May 27, June 26, July 26, August 24, September 23, November 21, December 21.

2011 Schedule

January 19, February 18, March 19, April 17, May 17, June 15, July 15, August 13, September 12, October 11, November 10, December 10.

Cost

full moon party

© simon18

The entrance cost is Free!. A bucket will cost around 180 baht and get cheaper the further you get from the beach. In order to save money it is best to buy the first couple of buckets far from the beach and once the booze take affect just buy the more expensive ones on the beach.

Getting There

After arriving at Hat Rin go straight to the south eastern part of the beach. It is impossible to miss the party.

By Car

Group trucks cruise around Ko Pha Ngan the whole night of the full moon party. As long as you are staying at a beach off the main road jumping in the back of a truck is always an option.

By Boat

For the more remote beaches there are regular boats that go back and forth all night long. Just remember that not all boat drivers are honest. For people staying in Ko Samui many hotels have direct boats from there beach on Ko Samui to the full moon party for 300 to 400 Baht round trip.

Eat

There are plenty of restaurants located off the beach that serve western and Asian foods.

Drink

Full moon party buckets! Koh Phagnan

© meli1984

Buckets, Buckets and more BUCKETS! A bucket is an old school sand pale bucket filled with ice and a cocktail of choice. The most popular kind of bucket is a rum and coke with a Thai red bull poured over it to keep a party goer energized all night long.

Sleep

There are plenty of sleeping options in Hat Rin and around Ko Pha Ngan. Remember that lodging tends to fill up right before the full moon party so it is better to show up a few days before the party in order to get a room. Sleeping on the beach is always an option.

Warnings

With lots of booze and drugs around it is easy to get into a lot of trouble. Remember that the Thai government comes out in full force for full moon parties now, looking for a good drug bust. They have even been known to set up cages on the beach to lock up drug offenders. It is best not to bring any illegal drugs to the beach at all.