Everything about the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan 2026
Every month, under the starry sky of Koh Phangan, Thailand, Haad Rin Beach transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle during the world-famous Full Moon Party. Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, this picturesque island hosts magical nights dedicated to the full moon, attracting over 20,000 partygoers from around the globe each time. What makes this celebration so special, and how can you join in on the fun in 2025? Discover all the answers, essential practical information, and tips for experiencing this unique event in this comprehensive guide!
Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)
Updated on Apr 01, 2026
4 comments
At 35 years old, Preetika is an enthusiastic explorer deeply connected to Thailand, Laos and Cambodia's rich heritage. As a Bangkoker, her local insights and experiences imbue authenticity into her narratives. She discovers solace within the pages of a book as much as amidst Southern Asian vibrant landscapes and bustling street markets. With an ardent passion for travel and a profound affection for literature, Preetika effortlessly integrates her personal adventures into captivating stories, providing a perspective uniquely rooted in local experience.
When: Held on full moon nights; 2026 dates are fixed even during Buddhist holidays
Worth it if you like festivals, raves, and big crowds; otherwise, skip
How to get there: Fly to Koh Samui → ferry to Koh Phangan, or travel via Surat Thani → ferry
Entry fee: ~200 THB, tickets sold at the entrance only (cash)
Note: Daytime alcohol sales may be restricted on religious holidays
What is Full Moon Party? Why Koh Phangan Became a Party Paradise
The Full Moon Party is a monthly beach celebration held on Haad Rin Beach on the island of Koh Phangan, located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 500 km from Bangkok. It takes place on the night of the full moon, which is where the name comes from.
Koh Phangan became a global party hotspot largely by accident. The first Full Moon Party was organized in 1988 by Paradise Bungalows as a small thank-you gathering for around 25 travelers. What started as a simple beach party quickly spread through word-of-mouth, growing into one of the world’s most famous nightlife events.
The Full Moon Festival takes place every month on Haad Rin beach in Koh Phangan
Beginning as a tiny beach party in the early 1990s, Koh Phangan's Full Moon Party grew into a globally recognized celebration. Today, the vibrant environment, music, and memorable full moon nights by the sea attract hundreds of tourists each month.
More than 20,000 participants converge here to participate in this event
Preetika's Note: In Thailand, Buddhist holidays like Makha Bucha and Visakha Bucha are strictly observed.
As of 2026, Full Moon Party dates remain fixed even if they fall on these holidays. However, alcohol sales in shops (e.g. 7-Eleven) may still be restricted during the day.
Note: No real “VIP” or skip-the-line tickets exist, so only buy at official entrances.
3. How does the Full Moon Party take place?
Pre-festival atmosphere
Depending on the month, Koh Phangan's Full Moon Party begins at 3 or 6 p.m. and continues till morning. The island changes as the big night draws closer: streets, bars, and beaches come alive with color, music, and vitality.
Drinks are served at beachside kiosks, and the lively, tropical atmosphere created by lanterns and lights keeps the celebration going all night.
The appearance of restaurants, bars, and every street corner
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 Thailand Full Moon Party, Haad Rin Beach comes alive with festivity. Music in various styles, played by famous DJs, fills the air, blending with impressive light shows to create a captivating experience.
The infectious energy compels everyone to dance, contributing to an atmosphere of joy that lasts all night long.
Koh Phangan Full Moon with interesting activities
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.
The primary music genres at the Full Moon Party include electronic music such as house, trance, techno, and psy-trance. However, some resorts offer a variety of other music styles to cater to diverse tastes.
Some of the resorts specialize in different music styles.
Thẻ tour 4893
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.
Makeup or body decoration
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.
Cocktail shacks dot the beach
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
Travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani by train or bus
Train duration: 11–15 hours
Recommended: night train (around 7 PM → 8 AM arrival) for comfort
From Surat Thani, go to Donsak Port
⛴️ Ferry to Koh Phangan
Depart from Donsak Port (or Koh Samui)
Options: speedboats or express ferries
Reliable and widely available
Numerous speedboats and express boats to Koh Phangan
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.
Thẻ tour 9953, 7737, 4889
5. How to Get Around the Island's Biggest Bash
Scooters (Most Popular Option)
Scooters are the go-to choice for most travelers.
Daily rental: 150–250 baht (models like Honda Dream, Yamaha Mio)
Dirt bikes for rough roads: 200–350 baht/day
They’re cheap, flexible, and perfect for exploring the island or getting between Haad Rin and other beaches.
4WD Jeeps (Best for Groups)
Price: 700–1,200 baht/day
Ideal for: steep hills, jungle roads, and group trips
Most rentals don’t include insurance, so make sure to ask before driving off.
Songthaew taxi pricing for your preference
Longtail Boats (Scenic Option)
Longtail boats offer a scenic ride along the coast straight to Haad Rin. It’s a fun alternative, especially during busy party nights when roads get crowded.
Walking (If You’re Nearby)
If you’re staying near Haad Rin, walking is often the easiest option.
5. What to Prepare Before the Party?
5.1 Tips
Protect your feet: Wear closed-toe shoes to avoid broken glass.
Valuables: Bring only cash, ID, and a passport copy. Leave valuables at your accommodation.
Drugs: Avoid drugs at all costs. Thai drug laws are strict and enforced. When caught, you may end up being forced to pay 3.000 USD to the authorities.
Transportation: Take a taxi if you're staying outside Haad Rin. Roads are dangerous, and police checks are frequent.
Buddy system: Stay with friends and have a plan in case you get separated.
Avoid swimming: The sea is not sanitary.
Drinking: Buy only sealed drinks from reputable vendors. Drink water to stay hydrated.
5.2 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.
March Full Moon Party attracts 15,000 to Haad Rin Beach
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.
Haadrin Beach is no more than 30 minutes from anywhere on the island. During Full Moon Parties, expect higher demand and rising prices.
5.3 Clothes
It is recommended that you wear shoes, as the festival can be very crowded, and other people may accidentally step on your feet.
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.
Festival participants often sport exceptional reflective and sparkling clothing
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.
7. What can you do after the Koh Phangan party?
After the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, you have a few options to unwind and recharge:
Half Moon Festival: If you're still in the mood for a party, head to the Half Moon Festival. It's a smaller and more intimate event than the Full Moon Party, with a focus on electronic music. You can buy ticket here: Half Moon Festival website
Blackmoon Cultureis a monthly psychedelic trance party on Koh Phangan, held on moonless nights. Smaller and more intimate than the Full Moon Party, it celebrates the island's natural beauty with all-night music and dancing on the darkened beach.
Inner Walk/Yoga: For those seeking inner peace and relaxation, Inner Walk offers a self-development practice and yoga sessions. This can be a great way to unwind after the party and find balance.
Workshops: Join workshops offered by the Koh Phangan Conscious Communityon Facebook to learn new skills and connect with others.
You can find Chakra Community for many other workshops too!
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!
>>> Every month, everything you need to know about Thailand:
A friend and I are looking to do a full moon party for new years. Which island offers the best full moon party? We’re thinking of going for 6 nights, 3 before and 3 after new years.
Which island would be the best for a full moon party, or perhaps another place?
0Reply
Kampá Tour17 Aug 2024
For an unforgettable Full Moon Party experience, Koh Phangan is the top choice.
You can also hop over to Koh Samui, which is nearby and offers its own range of New Year’s festivities and nightlife!
Where can you purchase the tickets for this party? Or do you just get a hotel on the beach there and you’re automatically admitted?
Also, how much does it cost per person roughly (in USD) ?
0Reply
Kampá Tour17 Aug 2024
Hi Karine, the party ticket costs 200 Baht (approximately 6 USD) and can be purchased in the main alleys leading to the beach area. You'll receive a wristband as proof of purchase, which grants you access to all the party locations along the beach.
If your accommodation is right on the beach and you plan to stay in the party area that night, you might not need to buy a separate ticket.
At the moment, tickets cannot be purchased in advance unless you book a tour package that includes them.
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For an unforgettable Full Moon Party experience, Koh Phangan is the top choice.
You can also hop over to Koh Samui, which is nearby and offers its own range of New Year’s festivities and nightlife!
If you’re looking for a detailed plan, check out our Thailand 2-week itinerary for more!!
Hi Karine, the party ticket costs 200 Baht (approximately 6 USD) and can be purchased in the main alleys leading to the beach area. You'll receive a wristband as proof of purchase, which grants you access to all the party locations along the beach.
If your accommodation is right on the beach and you plan to stay in the party area that night, you might not need to buy a separate ticket.
At the moment, tickets cannot be purchased in advance unless you book a tour package that includes them.