Everything about the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan 2024

Every month, under the starry sky of Koh Phangan, Haad Rin Beach is transformed into a charming spectacle during the Full Moon Party. Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, this picturesque island is transformed into a scene of magical nights dedicated to the full moon. Each celebration attracts approximately more than 20,000 participants, prompting the question: what makes this celebration so special and attracts such an impressive number of participants worldwide? How do you participate in this unique event? All the answers will be revealed in this article, accompanied by essential practical information.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 06-04-2024

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1. Full Moon Party, magical nights in Koh Phangan

The Full Moon Festival takes place every month on Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan, a beautiful island in the Gulf of Thailand, located about 500 km from Bangkok. The party takes place during the night of the full moon, which is where its name, Full Moon Party, comes from.

According to various sources, this festivity emerged in the 1980s, initiated by a group of people throwing a party on the beach on a full moon night. The enthusiasm generated that evening inspired many others to join the event, turning this celebration into a recurring event on full moon nights. Since then, this seaside party has grown in size, becoming livelier and attracting an increasing number of participants until today.

The Full Moon Party is a renowned entertainment festival not only in Thailand but also globally. Every year, thousands of international tourists converge here to take part in this exceptional event.

The Full Moon Party invites you to relax in a breathtaking festive atmosphere on one of the most beautiful Thai beaches. Under the bright glow of the full moon, vibrate to the intoxicating rhythm of music, sparkling neon lights, and captivating artistic performances.

2. When is the Full Moon Party in 2024?

Koh Phangan’s Full Moon party takes place every month, you can adjust the time according to your preferences:

Full moon celebrations in Thailand take place every month, according to the lunar calendar. However, it is important to note that some dates may be delayed by a day or two. These adjustments generally occur when the full moon coincides with a national holiday. These modifications are communicated in advance by the Full Moon Party organizing committee. 

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3. How does the Full Moon Party take place?

• Pre-festival atmosphere

The Full Moon Party, depending on the month, wakes up at 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. to set the night ablaze until 6 a.m. the following morning. As the festival approaches, the island of Koh Phangan is adorned with its most beautiful festive finery, with lively decorations that enchant restaurants, bars, and every street corner.

At every corner, stands or bars place chairs along the beach, waiting for visitors thirsty for the joyful atmosphere, ready to enjoy a beer...

Under the soft glow of traditional Thai lanterns, the island lights up, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. 

• Obtaining the ticket

To dive into the atmosphere of the Full Moon Party, get a ticket that costs around 200 baht. Once you have the ticket, you will be given a bracelet, giving you access to Haad Rin beach all night. Note that tickets are only available at the door, no prior reservation is possible.

• Celebration on Haad Rin Beach

On the day of the full moon festival, the main beach of Haad Rin becomes very lively and festive. The music begins with different styles played by famous DJs. Melodies blend with impressive light shows, creating a captivating experience for everyone. Each person gets carried away, unable to resist the urge to dance. This contributes to the general joy which lasts all night full of promise.

• Signature activities

Among the highlights of the Full Moon Party, the fire shows stand out as the most emblematic, adding a magical dimension to this nighttime celebration.

On the busy beach, a 10-meter-long rope is impregnated with gasoline or oil and then lit until complete combustion. Then two people stand high, each holding one end of the rope, spinning it. Participants then take turns jumping the rope, forming groups of 4 to 5 people. The objective is to jump as long as possible. If a jump is missed or if the rope gets caught in an arm or leg, the group concerned must exit, making way for another group.

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Although this game is attractive, it carries risks, and many people have suffered burns to their bodies or clothing. It is therefore essential to be very careful during this game.

At the same time, various fun and unique activities flourish on the sand, ranging from campfires to impromptu singing and dancing sessions,...

• Makeup or body decoration

For creative minds, body painting booths offer the opportunity to transform your body into a living canvas. Fluorescent colors and artistic designs add a unique touch to your appearance before joining the party. A simpler decoration alternative is to buy neon and bright jewelry.

• Culinary pleasures and refreshments

Cocktail shacks dot the beach, offering attendees a variety of exotic drinks to enjoy. The festivities wouldn't be complete without the tradition of beer buckets. Participants engage in this interesting practice, sipping on a variety of drinks mixed by crafty vendors, creating new and exciting flavors. 

Street food stalls are also emerging, offering a tempting array of traditional Thai dishes. Spicy flavors, mouth-watering grills, fresh seafood from Koh Phangan island... all the exotic dishes captivate the taste buds of partygoers.

To optimize your spending, consider bringing previously purchased snacks rather than purchasing them directly during the party.

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4. How to get to the festival?

To join the festival on Haad Rin beach, go to the island of Koh Phangan. Several transport options are available to you depending on your budget:

1. By plane ferry to Koh Phangan: Book flights from Bangkok or other major cities to Samui Airport (USM) on the island of Koh Samui. The flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui takes approximately 65 minutes. Once in Samui, use the ferry service from the docks to reach Koh Phangan, providing a quick and efficient way.
2. By local bus/train - express boats to Koh Phangan: From Bangkok or other major cities, first take a local bus or train to Surat Thani. It is recommended to take the night train for greater comfort. Trains from Bangkok Hua Lamphong Central Station will take you to Surat Thani in 11 to 15 hours, depending on the route. Preferably opt for the train which leaves around 7 p.m. and arrives around 8 a.m. the next morning. From Surat Thani, travel to Donsak Port, the departure point for many speedboats and express boats to Koh Phangan.

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When you arrive in Koh Phangan, to get to your hotel or Haad Rin beach, use a taxi, tuk-tuk, etc. During the Full Moon Party, busy streets can make finding a taxi difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the hotel in advance for assistance in booking a taxi or other transportation to the hotel.

5. What to prepare before participating in the full moon Thailand?

• Transportation

The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, essential during peak season (June-August, December-January), requires advance transportation reservations to ensure availability.

• Accommodation

On the island, you will find various accommodation options. Being near the main beach of Haadrin, where the festival takes place, will make getting around easier. Nearby hotels are convenient if you plan to stay late, although more expensive and noisy due to proximity to the festival and loud noises.

For a festive but more peaceful stay, opt for other sides of the island. Although quieter and more economical, be sure to plan for transportation back to the hotel after the festival.

As a note, getting to Haadrin Beach from anywhere on the island takes no more than 30 minutes, which is convenient. During Full Moon Parties, demand increases, sometimes leading to price increases for various services. Be warned.

• Clothes

This festival has no obligatory clothing requirements, you can dress freely according to your preferences. However, it is recommended that you wear shoes, as the festival can be very crowded, and other people may accidentally step on your feet. Dancing strongly with unprotected feet can be painful, so shoes are recommended to ensure your comfort and mobility.

Festival participants often sport exceptional reflective and sparkling clothing, perfectly suited to full moon nights. If you already have such items, do not hesitate to bring them. Otherwise, you can buy them there.

It is also important to note that many people use pigments or UV paint to decorate their bodies during the festival. These colors can stain your clothes, so make sure you wear something you won't regret if that happens.

• Accessories and personal items

Consider bringing a crossbody bag or a suitable bag to store your phone and wallet, which you can carry in the front for added security. Don't forget to bring sunscreen if you're attending the event in the summer!

Our last words,

The Full Moon Party, lively by the sea with the gentle murmur of the waves of the Gulf of Thailand, completes this unforgettable experience. Come and take part in a great party, have a lot of fun, but don't forget to be responsible for the environment. The many full moon nights leave behind so much trash that volunteers have to work hard to clean it up the next day. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, but always be careful not to litter and ensure your safety by not drinking too much before driving or swimming. 

We wish you a Full Moon Party of fun and safety. It's a unique festival in the world not to be missed if you appreciate festive atmospheres. So, get your tickets ready now. The Full Moon Party promises you the best memories! 

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