The Ultimate Full Moon Party Koh Phangan Guide

Welcome to my blog, and your ultimate Full moon Party Koh Phangan guide in Thailand! Discover palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant beach parties – including the famous Full Moon Party. With 5+ months on the island exploring every corner, I share insider tips and must-see spots for an unforgettable visit. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or first-timer to this Thai paradise, immerse yourself in the magic of Koh Phangan with everything you need at your fingertips.

Full Moon Party Koh Phangan

Full Moon Party Koh Phangan Guide – Thailand

Guide to Koh Phangan Fullmoon Party 29/04/2024, copangan.com

Welcome, party enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and adventure lovers, to the vibrant world of Koh Phangan! 😀 In this blog post I will delve deep into the heart of the Fullmoon Party, uncovering tips, tricks, and insider secrets to ensure your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to navigate your way to, enjoy to the fullest, and stay safe at the Full Moon Party.

The Full Moon Magic:

Nestled amidst the pristine shores of Koh Phangan, Thailand, lies an event that has become the stuff of legends—the Full Moon Party.

Since its beginnings in the late 1980s (or 1981 or 1982 nobody really knows!) this monthly celebration has captivated the hearts and minds of travelers from around the world, earning its reputation as one of the most iconic parties on the planet!!

It’s thought that a small gathering of backpackers celebrated the beauty of the full moon on Haad Rin Beach and then came back the next year to do it all again! Now the Full Moon Party has evolved into an extravaganza, drawing thousands of tourists to Haad Rin Beach each month, every year. Truth is, I was worried about going to the party alone, with the big crowds and fire ropes, but I ended up meeting friends and making memories worth a lifetime!

What time does the famous Fullmoon Party Start?

Party usually kicks off at 6pm just before the sunset at Haad Rin beach. The Party continues right into the sunrise the next day. (Dont forget to read about the Eden & Bamboo After Party!) Expect large crowds, booming music, and an atmosphere charged with excitement and energy. From fire dancers to glow-in-the-dark body paint, there’s never a dull moment!


Full Moon Party Koh Phangan

How to get to Koh Phangan?

If you’re planning a trip to Koh Phangan, you’ve got a couple of options for getting there. The most convenient and stress-free way is to fly into the nearest airport on the neighboring island of Koh Samui. But here’s a tip: make sure to book your flights in advance because last-minute cheap deals to Koh Samui are hard to come by. I get all my cheap flights on Skyscanner Trust me, it’s worth booking your travel ahead, especially since Koh Samui Airport is often hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world! Picture this: surrounded by majestic mountain silhouettes, the airport boasts an open-plan design that’s entirely outdoors.

You can catch direct flights from both Bangkok and Phuket to Koh Samui, and from there, it’s just a short boat ride from Samui Pier to Koh Phangan. Keep in mind that the last ferry leaves at 17:30, so plan your travels accordingly. If you arrive later in the day, consider spending the night on charming Koh Samui before heading to your ultimate destination, Koh Phangan. (Though, I must admit, Koh Phangan still holds the title of my favorite island!)

Click this link to purchase ferry tickets in advance from a reputable seller.

Many people visiting Koh Phanagan will just attend the fullmoon party and then get the boat back on the same day, but I would reccomend staying on the island for at least 4 nights to take in all of its beauty!


Before You Go:

Get yourself prepared

To make the most of your Full Moon adventure, it’s essential to come prepared.

I’d reccomend the following essentials:

  • Crossbody Sling Bag from amazon. Premium material, water repellent, lightweight, holds all essentials and small enough to comfortably dance the night away! I ended up buying another colour shortly after trying it out!
  • Sunscreen!! IF you plan on partying until sunrise make sure to have some sun protection packed away in your sling. I would reccomend buying your sunscreen before getting to thailand as alot of Thai products have whitening (People say its bleach 0 0 ). My absolute favorite suncream of all time is Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Factor 30. Its none greasy, absorbes quickly, but made my skin look ABSOLUELTY amazing. I have to have this at all times! Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3Qn5Jjs
  • Closed Toe shoes or Sandles. (You could find yourself stepping on soemthing nasty).
  • Phone Charger
  • Toilet Tissue

Id highly reccomend bringing along the Crossbody Sling Bag from Amazon. Crafted from premium polyester material, this bag is not only lightweight but also water repellent ensuring your belongings stay safe and dry (Which could be a life saver if you plan on sailing over to any of the after partys). After the fullmoon party I ordered another in a different colour!

Trust me, this bag will be a lifesaver during your Full Moon Party experience, keeping your essentials close at hand and dry while you dance under the moonlit sky.

See full list of Thailand Packing Essentials in link below


Full Moon Party Koh Phangan

Drinks and Food

At the Full Moon Party, you won’t go hungry with food stalls all around. And if you’re thirsty, no worries! You can easily find drinks from vendors, stalls, and bars at every corner. Stick to getting your drinks at the main party spots for safety, but if you wander, make sure it’s a beach vendor, not some hidden alley. Don’t miss out on the classic bucket drinks, a must-do at the party. They’re a mix of local energy drink, a bit of booze, soda, and ice, priced from 250 to 500 Baht (around 7 to 14 USD).”

Dress in your most vibrant attire, adorned with neon paint and glowing accessories, to truly embrace the party spirit


Party tickets

At just 200 Baht (around 6 USD), the party ticket is a steal! You can snag one at the main alleys leading to the beach. Once you’ve got it, you’ll get a wristband to show you’re in. This ticket is your key to all the party spots along the beach. If you’re staying right on the beach and won’t be straying far from the party scene, you might not even need a ticket. Tickets are not on pre sale and can only be purched at the gate in cash.


What to wear

Watch out for your feet! While you might usually stroll around in flip-flops or even go barefoot during your vacation, it’s not the best idea at the Full Moon Party in Thailand. The beach tends to be littered with trash, making it unsafe to walk barefoot. Plus, if you’re only wearing flip-flops, you might end up losing them in the bustling crowd.

At the party, everyone gets decked out in UV paint, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. But be cautious! The paint can easily stain your clothes and even leave marks in your hotel room, especially on towels and sheets. Remember to wash off all the paint before hitting the hay, or you might find yourself facing a fine from the hotel.


Setting the Stage for Adventure

There’s accommodation all over the island, but you’ll want to stay in Haad Rin (where the actual party is) so you can be close to the action. If you want to find cheap accommodation, you’ll need to come here at least four to five days before the party in order to find a cheap (and nice) place to stay. The closer you get to the actual night of the party, the more you’ll need a miracle to find something — at any price range.

I’ll never understand the travelers who just show up the day of or the night before and think they’ll find a place. They never do. I’ve sat at restaurants and watched the same people wander up and down the street many times in fruitless attempts to find something. Read my post about my favorite accomodation for the Fullmoon party for each price point.


Transportation to the party

If you’re looking to catch a ride to the Full Moon Party, group taxis are your best bet. They run along the western coastline, ferrying passengers from Thong Sala to Haad Rin. While you can usually flag them down on the streets, it’s a good idea to book ahead on party day for peace of mind. Group taxi fares begin at 100/200 Baht (around 3/6 USD) per person.

Full Moon Party Koh Phangan

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Full Moon Party Koh Phangan

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