Legend has it that on the night of the full moon, during the mid-1980s, a group of backpackers held a birthday party on the beach along with locals. They had such an excellent time that they continued each month. Word got out, and swiftly more people came to the beautiful island of Koh Phangan each month.
It was like a little house party on the beach at first. Many hippies and backpackers play instruments, smoke, and drink some drinks. But that shifted as word circulated and more individuals turned up.
The video above captures the complete Full Moon Party experience. It starts with the arrival at Thong Sala pier, followed by the lively hostel life, engaging in pre-party festivities. It also includes scenes from the night before the events, culminating in the exhilarating atmosphere of the Full Moon Party itself. This visual journey offers a glimpse into the event's energetic and festive spirit, showcasing its evolution from a small beach gathering to a renowned global celebration.
The 1990s brought with it the rave culture and electronic music. In addition, travel agencies in Bangkok began to promote the Full Moon Party, encouraging many who hadn't heard about it yet to go check it out. By 2000, this party was on the travel charts, and hordes of young people flocked to Koh Phangan Full Moon Party, which has continued to grow. Now thousands of people come every month.
A giant festival-like gathering featuring a lot of drinking, dancing, music, party people, and fun is now the legendary Koh Phangan Full Moon Party. Each venue and bar has its sound system, so you can hear new music playing loudly on the sand every few steps. It is an epic party scene to behold.
The beach is lined with individuals selling beer and alcohol buckets (water and soft drinks), food stalls with Thai food and western food, performances with fire artists, and tiny stands selling neon face paint. You'll find tourists falling out on the beach by the night's end, the odd pair who have found love (or lust), and missing flip-flops littering the beach, searching for new owners. (Pick a couple up if you lost yours because there can be sharp objects on the beach, so walking barefoot is not recommended)
To get to Koh Phangan, you'll probably need to fly and then take a ferry. Most people outside of Thailand will need to fly to Bangkok first. Next, they'll fly to Koh Samui - the nearest island with an airport - or to Surat Thani on the mainland. Once you're at Koh Samui or Surat Thani, the last part of the trip is by ferry or speedboat to Koh Phangan. These boat rides give you a sneak peek of Thailand's beautiful seas. It's a good idea to book all your travel ahead of time to make sure everything goes smoothly. You can read our Ferry Guide for Koh Phangan for more information on booking a ferry. For more information on the airports involved, you can read our Surat Thani International Airport Guide and our Koh Samui International Airport Guide.
Flights to Bangkok
Bangkok -> Surat Thani
Bangkok -> Koh Samui
You can also take a bus or a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The bus or train trip is about 14 hours while the flight is only an 80-minute flight. Of course, a bus ticket is the cheapest. The train is nice, though, especially if you get a sleeper ticket - it's a bed, and you sleep the whole journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani overnight. (Bonus: you save one night on accommodation expenses). There are combo train, bus and ferry tickets available at travel agencies.
There's a reason Haad Rin Beach became the venue for this famous party. It's beautiful. In this video, we show you how the beach transforms from the daytime into the night of the party. However, there are excellent pre-parties to the Full Moon Party, too, if you want to show up a little later. Most hotels, resorts, and hostels host them to get you pumped and ready for the actual party. When it's party time, cheap taxis are waiting to transport you safely to Haad Rin - DO NOT drink and drive.
Haad Rin Beach is the best spot on the island to see the full moon in all its glory. The positioning of the beach is the best place, probably in the whole of Thailand, where the moon is enormous and shines brightly when complete. Another reason the original backpackers and islanders chose this place is to celebrate. You should also add the Full Moon Party to your bucket list if you haven't already!
There are great places to stay around the island - from a party hostel to a luxury hotel - Koh Phangan has it all. If you want to be near the action, you should stay in Haad Rin; however, most of the more excellent Hostels are now in Baan Tai. Other gorgeous locations across the island include Mae Haad, Haad Yao, Thong Nai Pan, Haad Yuan, Haad Salad, Haad Thien, Sri Thanu etc. Thong Sala, where the ferry company or speed boat drops you off at Thong Sala Pier (if you're coming from Donsak Pier or nearby islands like Ko Samui and Koh Tao), has many excellent resorts. Sri Thanu is ideal if you love yoga.
You should book online beforehand to find a cheap (and agreeable) place to stay. The closer you leave finding accommodation for the night of the party, the more complicated and more expensive it will become. If you do not pre-book and turn up on the island on the day of the party, likely, you won't find any suitable accommodation as everything gets fully booked, even more, luxurious hotels. Read more on which area to stay in, depending on your budget and about the Best Hostels on Koh Phangan !
The Aquavana Haad Rin Resort offers a prime location just a short walk from Haad Rin Nok Beach and nearby Haad Rin Pier, with easy access to Haad Yuan Beach and Haad Rin Nai Beach. This beachfront property provides guests with stunning garden views, complimentary wireless internet, concierge services, and the convenience of on-site dining and room service. Guests can start their day with a local cuisine breakfast, enjoy the comfort of 22 uniquely decorated rooms equipped with modern amenities like minibars, LED TVs, and private balconies, along with ensuite bathrooms boasting complimentary toiletries. Additionally, the resort features practical amenities including dry cleaning services, a safe deposit box at the front desk, and complimentary self-parking, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free stay.
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Skymoon Resort, situated near the beach, offers a perfect blend of leisure and convenience, within walking distance to Haad Leela Beach and Haad Rin Nok Beach, and a short distance from Thong Sala Pier and Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach. This beach hotel elevates the guest experience with an array of amenities including an outdoor pool, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, tour assistance, picnic area, and a free shuttle service to the beach. Dining options cater to every taste, featuring an on-site restaurant, room service, a bar/lounge, a beach bar, and a poolside bar, with buffet breakfasts available at an additional cost. Practical amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and complimentary self-parking, ensuring convenience throughout your stay. Guests can indulge in the luxury of 32 uniquely decorated rooms equipped with private plunge pools, Smart TVs, private patios, and complimentary internet access, all designed to provide comfort and a memorable stay.
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Delight Resort in Ko Pha-ngan offers a serene retreat near the beach, conveniently located just a minute's walk from Haad Rin Nok Beach and close to Haad Rin Pier, with easy access to Thong Sala Pier and Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach. This welcoming hotel provides guests with an outdoor pool, a terrace and garden for relaxation, alongside complimentary wireless internet and tour assistance to enhance your stay. Guests can enjoy local cuisine breakfasts each morning for a fee. Delight Resort ensures guest convenience with services like dry cleaning, luggage storage, and laundry facilities, and even offers motorcycle parking. The accommodation features 42 air-conditioned guestrooms, all equipped with free Wi-Fi to keep you connected, and bathrooms fitted with showers and bidets, promising a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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The Phangan Island View Hotel offers convenience and relaxation a short drive away from Raja Ferry Port and Thong Sala Pier, with Haad Rin Nok and Haad Rin Nai Beaches also within reach. This hotel provides an array of amenities, including an outdoor pool, a terrace and garden for enjoying the scenery, complimentary wireless Internet, and tour assistance to enhance your exploration of the island. Dining options cater to diverse tastes with Phangan Island View restaurant offering Thai cuisine, alongside a coffee shop/cafe and room service for private dining. Guests can unwind at the bar/lounge or poolside bar. Practical facilities include limo/town car service, complimentary newspapers, and multilingual staff, with the convenience of a ferry terminal shuttle available for a surcharge and free self-parking. The hotel houses 44 air-conditioned rooms with Select Comfort beds, premium bedding, private balconies, refrigerators, LCD televisions with cable programming, and complimentary Internet access, ensuring a comfortable stay with modern conveniences and luxurious touches.
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Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L'Occitane, a luxurious 5-star resort in Ko Pha-ngan, positions guests directly on the beach, a short stroll from Ao Plaay Laem and Wok Tum Beach, with Nai Wok and Hin Kong Beaches also nearby. This resort offers an indulgent experience with a spa that provides massages, body treatments, and facials, along with complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge, and wedding services. An area shuttle is available for exploring surrounding destinations. Dining options include La Plage Restaurant, which has a bar/lounge, and room service for private meals, complemented by a poolside bar. Buffet breakfasts are served daily for a fee. Amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, laundry facilities, and a library, with the convenience of a complimentary ferry terminal shuttle and free self-parking. The 33 individually decorated guestrooms feature minibars, LCD TVs with cable, designer toiletries, and hair dryers, ensuring a comfortable stay with premium amenities and daily housekeeping.
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Phangan Beach Resort, located in Ko Pha-ngan, offers a waterfront retreat within a quick drive from Hard Road and Tong Sala Beach, with close proximity to Thong Sala Pier and Haad Rin Nok Beach. This beach hotel invites guests to enjoy a day on its private beach or relax in one of the two outdoor swimming pools, along with complimentary wireless internet, concierge services, and wedding services to enhance your stay. Dine at the hotel's beachfront restaurant with a garden view, grab a coffee at the café, or enjoy a drink at one of the bars - bar/lounge, beach bar, or poolside bar. English breakfasts are available for a fee. With amenities like dry cleaning/laundry services, multilingual staff, luggage storage, and complimentary self-parking, the hotel ensures a convenient and comfortable stay. The 30 guestrooms are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, making it easy for guests to stay connected and relaxed during their beachfront holiday.
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Situated directly on the pristine Baan Tai Beach, Echo Beach Hostel offers budget-friendly accommodations with a vibrant social atmosphere. Guests can choose from a variety of air-conditioned dormitories and private rooms, some featuring en-suite bathrooms and private balconies.
The hostel's communal areas include a cozy indoor lounge and an outdoor beachfront space equipped with hammocks, bean bags, and a beach swing, providing ample opportunities to connect with fellow travelers. An on-site restaurant serves both Western and Thai cuisine, complemented by a bar that hosts daily happy hours and lively pre-parties with international DJs.
Echo Beach Hostel is renowned for its energetic events, especially during the Full Moon Party week, attracting guests from various accommodations. To enhance the experience, the hostel offers exclusive party tickets that include complimentary taxi services to the events.
Beyond the festivities, guests can partake in morning yoga sessions, beach volleyball, and utilize the free pool table. The hostel's prime location provides stunning views of Koh Samui and breathtaking sunsets, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and social engagement.
Given the high demand during peak party seasons, it's advisable to book accommodations in advance to secure a spot at this popular beachfront hostel.
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Na-Tub Hostel stands out as a unique accommodation option, built entirely from shipping containers. Located on the main road in Ban Tai, it offers easy access to taxis and provides a perfect spot to observe the lively surroundings from its serene garden and pool area. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning.
Visitors praise the hostel for its cleanliness, modern design, and friendly staff. The unique container construction gives it a contemporary flair, while communal areas foster a social and welcoming atmosphere.
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Phangan Arena is a unique accommodation option that also functions as a sports complex! While it includes the must-have swimming pool you’d expect on a tropical island, it goes beyond with facilities such as football courts, volleyball nets, tennis courts, and an outdoor gym equipped with machines and free weights. There’s plenty more to explore, making it easy to stay active and meet new friends through games and group activities. The hostel excels at fostering connections with its sports events and excellent communal spaces.
The atmosphere at Phangan Arena is young, energetic, and full of fun! Guests can enjoy the active lifestyle by day and an exciting nightlife by evening. Famous for its beer pong tournaments, the hostel offers free drinks to the winners, making every evening a lively event.
With 250 beds available, Phangan Arena ensures a highly social and interactive experience for its guests. The variety of accommodations makes it suitable for travelers looking to connect with others and make new friends.
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Click here to view the complete list of hostels on Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party.
There are a few speed boat services from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan and Back during the Full Moon party night. The transfer is a boat combo ticket and includes a pickup from your hotel by air-conditioned minivan, a transfer to the pier, a speedboat to Koh Phangan and back, and a transfer back to your hotel on Koh Samui. However, the boat ticket for a private charter like that is costly, and most people take Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries Co., Ltd or Raja Ferry. It will be packed if you go anywhere from two days before to the day of the party.
Travel to the Full Moon Party with a convenient and flexible round-trip speed boat service from Samui. This service includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and offers return transfers to Koh Samui at various late-night times, such as 1 am, 2 am, or 3 am, after the party concludes. This arrangement ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable experience at the Full Moon Party. For further details, visit the Viator webpage about the Full Moon Party by Speed boat from Samui.
For transportation back to your hotel after the Full Moon Party via speed boat from Samui, please specify your preferred return time: 1 AM, 2 AM, 3 AM, 4 AM, or 5 AM. Note that for guests staying in villas on the mountain, pickup will be arranged only at the main road. Be aware that there is an additional charge of THB 500 for pickups from hotels located in Nathon, Huathanon, Talingam, Pangka, and Lipa Noi. For more information, you can visit the Viator website and read about the Full Moon Party by Speed boat from Samui.
You will want to prepare yourself so that you have a fantastic time and don't lose anyone or any belongings, get too drunk or lost and then have a wrong time. Party smart! It's no joke that it's hectic but enjoyable. We want the best time for you, so here are some helpful tips.
Preparing yourself with these points will make sure you have a wonderful experience. We hear many stories of lost passports and wallets, injuries, accidents, dehydration, and the rest, with so many people around, partying and drinking. So take the time to do some little things, and you'll have an evening to remember.
While you are there, take care of one another - other people from your hostel or strangers you may meet - and treat people how you would like to be treated !
The Full Moon Party is a beautiful gift from Koh Phangan, where you can meet happy young people from all over the globe under the stars and a shining moon and dance and party like you may never again. You'll surely make a few (at least) good memories that will stay forever with you.
The cost is 200 Baht per person to get into the Full Moon Party. You pay for it at the entrance to Haad Rin Beach. The money from ticket prices goes to maintenance and beach cleanup!
Tickets for the Full Moon Party can only be purchased at the entrance to the event. It is not possible to buy tickets in advance or online. While this means you don't need to worry about pre-booking, it's a good idea to arrive early, especially during peak travel seasons, as the event can get crowded
The party happens when there is an actual Full Moon unless it falls on a Thai National Holiday or Buddhist Day when it takes place the day after the moon night.
EDM is the primary music played at the Full Moon Party, but there are many locations and bars playing everything you might want to hear from R&B, Hip Hop, Pop, House, Techno, Drum n Bass, and whatever else!
The music starts around 7 pm, but most individuals arrive at midnight. The party continues until around 9 am the next day, so when the roads and the beach are a bit less busy, it is recommended to get there around 1 or 2 am, but you will still have a good 7 hours to party!!
Just take money with you. Try not to take your phone, passport, valuables, or anything costly, or you'd be sad to lose it. If you forget or get too drunk, get a card or something with your hostel or hotel's address so the taxi driver knows where to take you home. Above all, bring happy vibes!
Taxis from all over the island are available; your accommodation may even provide them for a small charge. In addition, the Full Moon Party is only 15 to 30 minutes away from anywhere else on the island.
The Full Moon celebration starts to warm up three nights before the Full Moon. People begin to arrive at Haad Rin beach, setting the stage for what's to come. As each day passes, more folks join in, and the atmosphere gets livelier. There's more music, more dancing, and more laughter. Everyone is getting more excited, looking forward to the main event.
By the time the Full Moon night arrives, the beach is packed with people ready to have the best time. The air buzzes with energy as everyone comes together to enjoy the night. It's the busiest and happiest the beach gets, with everyone sharing in the joy of the moment. The Full Moon shines down on the party, making it a night to remember, filled with fun and friendship.
Besides the Full Moon party, there are loads of other parties happening on Koh Phangan throughout the week of the Full Moon and all month long. These extra parties make the whole experience even better, turning Koh Phangan into one of the top spots for partying in South East Asia. There's always something going on, so the fun never stops. This makes the island a must-visit for anyone looking to have a great time with music, dancing, and meeting new people. It's a non-stop celebration that really shows why Koh Phangan is famous for its parties.
You can find all party and event info at the Koh Phangan parties and events page.
Drop-In is one of the focal points throughout Full Moon, the longest operating bar on Haad Rin beach, beginning over 30 years ago. Evolving with the times and keeping up with the music you like, the cocktails you drink, the partying, and the fun! Drop-In is known for its party environment. They ensure that you and everyone are thoroughly engaged with the night, constantly calling out to the audience, making fun, and playing with DJs pumping out the melodies long into the early hours as the sun rises.
It's a famous bar on the beach with drinks, food, good laughs, fire shows, fire jump rope, and a limbo competition. It's an excellent location for groups and solo travellers; definitely, visit here after 10 pm; that's when it all seems to kick off.
The original Fullmoon Logo is Carved into a stone at Paradise Bungalows and is one of the foremost venues on the beach. Expect fire skipping ropes, fire shows, wildly variable strength alcoholic buckets, and an EDM party atmosphere.
The Rock Bar and Restaurant Venue are on the rocks with a nice view over the whole Full Moon Party beach.
There are two stages at Tommy's Resort, one playing EDM with great DJs.
Moon House has a lineup of local and international DJs and does the complete moon celebration from 7 pm until late, late, and very late.
This is the only place with Drum and Bass for the Full Moon Party. Great vibes with good tunes, DJs, and MCs bring international acts to Haad Rin Beach and the resident DJs.
The second stage here plays the original Phangan electronic music of Trance. Again, an excellent location for the Trance family to enjoy!
And! If you want to keep partying, go to Eden Garden Party. There will be boats in the water, right on the Fullmoon Party beach, ready to take people to this secret after party on Haad Yuan Beach - this is one of Koh Phangan's beach parties you DO NOT want to miss. Boat tickets cost around 300 THB per person each way.
Need some help with recovering after the party? Read more here and remember to discover the rest of the island after the party, as Koh Phangan is much more than just the Full Moon Party island. There are beautiful beaches everywhere! Virtually anyone who spends more time on the island than only a few days is shocked by its stunning appearance. It would be crazy not to invest a little time and take at least a drive around and see what else is on offer.
* Please be advised that all event dates are subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. We recommend verifying the latest information before making any plans. The website cannot be held responsible for any alterations or cancellations of events. Your understanding and flexibility are greatly appreciated.
Many people come to Koh Phangan ahead of the Full Moon Party and fail to make the most of their time here. There's so much to do! If you have some free time before the party, we have some ideas:
Recommended tours and attractions during the full moon party week
Set out on an unforgettable full-day speedboat adventure from Koh Phangan to Mu Koh Angthong National Park, a stunning archipelago of 42 islands. This tour, guided by a local expert, offers a perfect blend of activities and relaxation. Begin your day with a light breakfast before exploring the marine park’s diverse islands. Snorkel at the base of towering limestone cliffs, paddle a kayak along the scenic coastline of Mae Koh Island, and hike to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Emerald Lagoon.
Enjoy a buffet-style Thai lunch on a picturesque beach, followed by ample time to unwind or engage in beach activities. The tour package includes all necessary equipment, hotel round-trip transfers, drinking water, fresh fruits, and more, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience amidst the natural beauty of Mu Koh Angthong.
Discover the marine wonders of the Gulf of Thailand on a full-day snorkeling adventure from Koh Phangan to the stunning islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. Travel by speedboat for a fast and efficient journey, giving you more time to explore vibrant coral reefs, swim in crystal-clear waters, and relax on pristine beaches.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off on Koh Phangan, along with all necessary snorkeling equipment for a hassle-free experience. Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch on the private island of Koh Nang Yuan, adding a touch of local flavor to your day. This comprehensive excursion offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
Set off on a unique overnight journey to Ang Thong Marine Park from Koh Phangan, starting with a boat ride to the park’s headquarters on Ko Wua Talap. This island offers a range of options, including bungalows for accommodation, kayak rentals for exploring the coastline, and a visitor center for more information.
Discover the park’s hidden treasures as you snorkel in colorful coral gardens, paddle through serene lagoons, and take in the breathtaking views of limestone cliffs and rock formations. This group-oriented trip not only showcases the park’s natural beauty but also provides an opportunity to meet and connect with fellow adventurers.
With accommodation and meals excluded, you have the flexibility to choose your own lodging and dining options to suit your preferences. The tour includes snorkeling gear and provides breakfast and lunch, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive experience in one of Thailand’s most stunning marine parks.
After the party, you can feel free to do any of those. But many people find that they could use some relaxation and recovery. For some inspiration on what to do to feel better after a long night of partying, check out the following articles:
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