Bucket List / Experience Goals
Go To The Full Moon Party
Still to do
Thousands of people, a beach full of sound systems and neon paint, dancing until the sun comes up over the sea.
The adventure
As darkness falls, Haad Rin beach starts to transform. Bars along the sand crank up competing sound systems, vendors sell neon paint and buckets of cocktails, and thousands of people from around the world arrive covered in glowing swirls and slogans. The full moon rises over the bay as the party builds.
By midnight, the whole beach is one long dance floor, each section pumping out a different sound, from trance and techno to drum and bass and reggae. Fire dancers spin flaming poles, people try their luck at fire limbo, and the sea glows in the light of the moon. The party goes on through the night, and as the sky starts to lighten, people collapse onto the sand to watch the sun rise over the Gulf of Thailand.
Why it’s epic
- The party began in the late 1980s as a small gathering of travellers and now draws thousands every month.
- Haad Rin's crescent beach turns into a mile of competing sound systems and dance floors.
- Fire shows, UV body paint and buckets of cocktails are part of the party ritual.
- Koh Phangan is also known for quieter beaches, yoga retreats and jungle waterfalls when the party's over.
What it is
The Full Moon Party on Haad Rin beach attracts thousands each month.
How to do it
Stay on Koh Phangan and walk to the beach.
Top tip
Watch your belongings and drinks.
Need to know
- The party is usually held on or near the full moon, but dates can move around Buddhist holidays, so check before booking.
- Most visitors fly to Koh Samui and take the short ferry to Koh Phangan; accommodation books up and gets pricier around the party.
- Drugs are illegal in Thailand with severe penalties, drinks can be spiked, and fire games cause serious burns, so stay alert.
Plan this trip
- Rough cost
- £750 to £2,000 per person, including flights from the UK
- Time needed
- 1 night
- Best time to go
- Around each full moon
- Fly into
- USM airport
The party itself is cheap; the long-haul flight to Thailand is the biggest cost.
Make it happen
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Why it’s on my list
The Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party that originated in Hat Rin on the island of Ko Pha-ngan, Thailand on the night of, before or after every full moon.
The first Full Moon Party was improvised at a Paradise Bungalows on the beach in 1988, for giving thanks to about 20–30 travellers. The parties gained fame through word of mouth, and the event now draws a crowd of about 5,000–30,000 every full moon evening.
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