They say no trip to Thailand is complete without attending the full moon party, especially the one that happens on Koh Phangan Island. But why is that so? What is so sensational about the Koh Phangan full moon night that makes it a must-attend event? What happens there and why should you know all about it if you’re planning to take a trip to Thailand anytime soon? Read on.
All about the Full Moon Party in Thailand
What is a Full Moon Party
One of the best full moon nights every month is witnessed in the Koh Phangan part of the country. The concept of a full moon party in Thailand emerged when a group of tourists realized that a night as beautiful as the full moon on Koh Phangan should be celebrated and they gathered together to celebrate the night. Since then, the Koh Phangan full moon party in Thailand has been a rage, attended every month by over 20,000 tourists from all over the world.
While no one appears to be sure about it, legends say that it was between 1986 and 1988 that the concept of partying in Thailand on a full moon night started. What began as a small house party on Koh Phangan’s magnificent beach, where the full moon looks the most beautiful, is today the most anticipated party in Thailand every month. Back then, a small group of tourists celebrated it with guitar, music, beer and possibly some weed. Today, the scale is grander than ever and the party is no less than a rage.
When does the Full Moon Party Happen
The Full Moon Party takes place every month throughout the year on the island of Ko Phangan. In 2025, the full moon party dates are January 14, February 12, March 14, April 13, May 12, June 11, July 10, August 9, September 7, October 7, November 5, December 27, and December 31.
What Happens at the Full Moon Party
The full moon party, especially at Koh Phangan, is a lot of fun. There are drinks, dance, entertainment shows, and glow-in- the-dark colors that tourists literally paint all their bodies with. You can find some drunk, overjoyed couples in compromising positions as well. The best part about the party is that even though it’s a euphoric group of nearly 30,000 drunk people in one place, there are hardly any incident ever reported of fights and scuffles. Although overly commercialized, the full moon parties are a lot of fun with an elated gathering of fun-loving people free of life’s worries.
When Does the Party Start
The full moon party generally starts at dusk and goes on the whole night with people dancing, singing, drinking, and enjoying themselves in no specific order until the moon is hidden in the light of the sun.
What Can Go Wrong at a Full Moon Party
- Bucket drinks: For the full moon beach party, alcohol is sold in buckets, literally. It is filled with ice, an energy drink (Thailand’s own local version of Red Bull), a soda can, straws, and a 300-ml bottle of local liquor that can hit you instantly (but then that’s the whole point of drinking, isn’t it?). It’s quite easy to overdo it, so in case you want to save some sense, it’s important not to overdo it.
- The Burning Rope stunts: Partying hard is one thing; partying senselessly is another. Doing stunts while on a high is common at such parties, and the result is mostly seen the next day with some regretful tourists wearing bandages on their bruises and burns while packing their bags to return. So, to ensure that a night party does not spoil your much-anticipated trip, stay away from the burning rope, walking on the shattered glass, and other such stunts.
- Thefts of cash and valuables: Well, it all starts when you lose your sane self. There may be high-end phones, great cameras, and too much cash in your pockets. But while you are dancing your way, forgetting the worries of the world, there may be some notorious ones looking for an opportunity to steal from you. Remember it doesn’t happen to people who enjoy themselves responsibly. Enjoying within limits will rock your night and ensure you don’t have regrets the next day.
Tips to Enjoy a Great Full Moon Party
- Don’t carry more cash than you can afford to lose. Keep your credit cards and important things at your hotel and only bring enough money to buy drinks and snacks.
- Take your stock of drinks with you. A drink that will cost you 100Baht on the beach on a full moon party night will only cost you 30Baht a little further away from the party location.
- Don’t do drugs, no matter how tempting it may look and even though it comes cheap. Not only will it make you oblivious to the dangers around you, but there are also undercover police officers roaming around. If caught consuming, you’ll have to spend the rest of your trip either in jail or have to leave after paying a hefty fine.
- Drink Responsibly. Remember, you are responsible for your safety. Enjoying and drinking aren’t bad, but overdoing anything has adverse side effects.
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Held at the most happening Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan, a full moon party can be an exciting and memorable experience if you party responsibly. After all, there’s a reason why, every month, over 20,000 party lovers gather at the beach to celebrate.
