The full moon party at Koh Phangan, is legendary as thousands of revelers from all over the globe make their way to this iconic party which takes place on the Haad Rin Beach every month of the year.
This is the party that draws up to 30,000 people on a full moon night has been around for the last 25 years here in Koh Phangan in Southeast Thailand.
This is the party that draws up to 30,000 people on a full moon night has been around for the last 25 years here in Koh Phangan in Southeast Thailand.
As for me this party has long been on my checklist, finally on October 19, 2013 I managed to check it off.
I received an invite from the Tourism Authority of Thailand for a media familiarization trip to Koh Samui in conjunction with the full moon party.
Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan
Having the opportunity to make the pilgrimage to this isle of indulgence, I just could not see myself turning down the offer to attend the world’s best beach party so I replied with a big Yes!
Since the airport at Koh Phangan is still under construction which is due to be completed in 2015, we had to fly into Koh Samui. These two islands are apart from one another by a mere 30 minute high speed catamaran ride.
Revelers attending the full moon party stay either in Koh Phangan or in Koh Samui. However if you stay in Samui, it would be rather tiring to travel back early hours of the morning after the party.
So, staying in Koh Phangan would be a better option. As for myself, I had the pleasure of putting up a night at a lovely resort, Maehaad Bay located in Koh Phangan itself.
Back to the Full Moon Party, along the streets there are makeshifts stalls where you can get your body painted with various designs that are luminous.
Other than that, you would come across shops all the way selling the symbolic full moon t-shirt where almost everyone at the party wears.
Finally being able to attend the party, I had to get one for myself; it would just kill the spirit of the full moon party if I did not.
Other than that, it is highly suggested to take a decent meal before indulging yourself in the party and since it’s a long night, pacing your drink will also do you good.
 |
| Drinks sold along the beach during the Full Moon Party |
Once in there, the sands of Haad Rin is filled with make-do stalls selling buckets which is exactly the kind of plastic pails young kids carry to the beach, fill to the brim with vodka, whiskey, rum, coca- cola or anything liquid that makes one lose control of their faculties. A bucket would cost approximately 350 Baht or RM 35 or $US10.
The beach bars along Haad Rin boasting floor-to-ceiling speaker’s blasts out ear-shattering electronica until the early hours. Name it R&B to trance to house music; they have it all blaring from the huge sound speakers.
Partiers get to select the genre they like, if they are unhappy about the choice of music, all it takes is a mere 10 foot steps to the next bar with a different music.
You would also come across fire dancer putting up thrilling shows for partiers. It’s just a massive beach party, so thrilling and exciting.
At this party you will meet hippies from all over the globe, be it European or Asian. Not only that, wild and weird people as well having the time of their life. Some people lay by the shore to chat or star gaze. At this party, it’s like you could do anything you like, just about anything.
Safety precautions are also taken in to make sure accidents of any sort do not occur. There are police as well as nurses stationed along the beach to watch over partiers.
The Full Moon Party is an event that should be on everyone’s checklist, it’s a whole different level of indulgence.
I plan to make another trip soon for the full moon party again what can I say, I just can’t have enough of it. This party is one of those things you should do before you depart this life.
This article and the photographs is done by Nivashia Vignes, who is a freelancer for Malaysia Asia and she attended this full moon party at Koh Phangan under Thailand Tourism.