Full Moon Parties in Koh Phangan

Every month between 10 and 30 thousand revelers swarm to the same beach for the biggest regular all night dance party in the world. Remembered by all, except perhaps those who have participated…, the Full Moon Party hosted on Koh Pha Ngan is a free for all of whiskey, fire, techno and inebriation.

History

People have been dancing underneath full moons as far back as human history. But this all out rave began in 1987 (some argue 1992) with music powered by a car battery, a couple of tourists, Haan Pin beach and what they declared was the most beautiful full moon in the world. What started as a few friends getting together to play music and celebrate the then undiscovered location, the Koh Phangan full moon party soon turned into one of the world’s biggest beach parties. What was once a car battery is now a 12 stage sound system, powered by some of Thailand’s biggest talents. What was once a handful of friends is now a roaring crowd of up to 40,000. But the moon is the same.

Where to stay

There’s a multitude of Koh Samui hotels and Koh Phangan hotels to choose from. Many partygoers opt to stay on Koh Samui because of the ample nightlife, accommodation, from backpacker hostels to luxury beach resorts, amenities and dive opportunities. Transfer by speedboat is easy and cheap between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan full moon party.

Or you can always crash on the beach and wait for the sun to rise. Be aware that music will still be playing at 9 am.

What to do

If you’re not into crowds, wild parties, fire dancing, fire jumping, fire breathing and fire throwing, then the full moon party is probably not for you. For many though, the drug and alcohol fueled night is something like a right of passage for backpackers in Thailand, and it’s likely that you’ll come away with a lot of good stories to tell, and lifelong memories (depending on how hard you party).

So grab the quintessential bucket of whiskey to share with friends (or sometimes strangers), slap on some day-glo paint, wave some glow sticks around, make out with strangers, jump in the ocean and pass out on the beach only to wake up to a beautiful sunrise.

There are also lots of other events happening on Koh Samui besides the full moon party if you’re looking for a more local experience.

When to go:

You guessed it – when there’s a full moon.

In 2012:

8 January 12

7 February 12

8 March 12

6 April 2012

5 May 2012

5 June 2012

3 July 2012

4 August 2012

1 September 2012

30 September 2012

30 October 2012

CHRISTMAS PARTY: December 25th

NEW YEARS COUNTDOWN PARTY: December 31st