Full Moon Party Koh Phangan: Thailand’s largest beach party

The story about the emergence of the world famous Fullmoon party on Haad Rin Nok beach: At that time, in the middle of the 80's, some backpackers on the beach in Haad Rin came together to celebrate in the glow of the full moon, which is usually very impressive over the beach. It is also often reported that the first full moon party was actually a birthday party.

The magical atmosphere at the southernmost beach on Koh Phangan spoke fast and more and more travelers came on Full moon to Hatrin. The south of the island was not yet accessible via by car or bike at that time and even when the first paths were paved to Haad Rin, the “road” was for a long time only for the adventurous. Presumably, the difficult accessibility of the Full Moon Party beach contributed to the myth and eventually a mass phenomenon emerged …

On this page you can find all the information about the party.

Click here for the dates for 2019 & 2020

Book Haad Rin Hostel

Book arrival

Even though the Full Moon Party peaked in the mid-to-late nineties, in 2019 there’re still 8000–30,000 tourists at the event every month Koh Phangan to experience at least once this event of superlatives.

Of course, the masses of visitors have also changed the nature of the event. Today, the Full Moon Party is a mass event with mostly mainstream electronic music.

There are over 10 professional music systems which are operated at Full Moon by local and international DJ’s. The party starts in the late afternoon of the full moon evening and lasts until the morning hours of the following day.

How to find Full Moon Party accommodation

During the Full Moon Party many resorts and bungalows on Koh Phangan require a Minimum stay of three to five days.

In addition, the Nightly rates are usually many times higher than the rest of the month.

As long as you do not want to live in Haad Rin directly, you should look for accommodation on other beaches. Taxis and taxi boats travel all night, making reaching the party as well as the way back no problem.

Is it safe to visit the Fullmoon Party?

In general, the Full Moon Party in Thailand is no more dangerous than other mass events, If you follow our tips, you do not need to worry:

1. On every Full Moon Party people are injured by cuts due to broken glass in the sand. Shoes (and not flip-flops) are the best prevention!
2. Watch your valuables! Passport, EC or credit cards, cameras, etc. should ideally be in the safe of your bungalow!
3. If possible, move in a group. Make sure you do not lose your friends. The chances to find them again at the party are very low! Especially as a woman you should not go home alone from the Full Moon Party.
4. Please do not anger the local population! If for some reason you have thrown a Thai against you, leave the party!
5. Make sure you drink enough (non-alcoholic) liquid!
6. Drugs of any kind are illegal in Thailand!
   The penalties are high and you end up in jail quite fast! There are undercover police at the Full Moon Party, pretending to sell you intoxicants.
7. Take a taxi to the party. The costs are low and the road from / to Haad Rin is very dangerous.
8. Watch the tide! Objects left on the beach could be flushed into the sea.
9. Beware of Bargirls and Ladyboys who later demand money from you! (There are also rumors of raids).
10. Beware of local alcohol brands! Many “bucket” sellers give you local alcohol , which has a higher alcohol content than you expect. In combination with the humid climate, this can have fatal consequences. Make sure that you do not drink too much. The Cactus Bar and all major resorts in the center of the beach serve brand name liquor. (This means that the bottles contain what is stated on the label).

Where is the original Full Moon Party held?

Hatrin, or more precisely Haad Rin Nok is the most famous beach on Koh Phangan. It is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches, with soft white sand and surrounded by impressive mountains and rocks. Haad Rin is relatively crowded all year round and is therefore fully geared to tourists. In addition to restaurants, bars and clubs can also be driven jetski and beach volleyball. Continue reading…

Originally published at my-kohphangan.com on July 5, 2017.