The Full Moon Party, held on Koh Pha-Ngan, is a legendary event that draws between 5,000 and 30,000 people to the beach every month for a night of non-stop partying. Known for its neon body paint, pulsing music, and famous buckets of alcohol, the Full Moon Party is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to make the most of this unique event, covering key aspects such as:
- How to Get There
- UV Body Paint
- What to Bring and Wear
- Drinks and Food
- Fees
- Party Safety Tips
- Bonus: What is the Half Moon Festival?
1
How to Get There
The Full Moon Party takes place exclusively on Haad Rin Beach on the island of Koh Pha-Ngan, located in the Gulf of Thailand. Here are the best ways to get there:
Ferry: Most travelers arrive by ferry from Koh Samui or Surat Thani. Ferries run frequently, but book in advance during busy times. Once you arrive on Koh Pha-Ngan, taxis and songthaews (shared trucks) can take you to Haad Rin.
Walking: If you’re staying in Haad Rin, you may be close enough to walk to the event, which is convenient and eliminates transportation hassles.
Scooter: Renting a scooter on Koh Pha-Ngan is easy, but remember you can’t drink if you plan to drive afterward. Parking near the party can also be a challenge, so plan accordingly.
Taxi: Group taxis are the safest and most convenient option for getting to the party. Taxis run from Thong Sala to Haad Rin regularly, but booking in advance is a good idea, especially on the night of the Full Moon Party.
Pro Tip: If you’re coming from other islands, check ferry schedules ahead of time and allow extra time for delays, especially during peak season.
2
UV Body Paint
Neon UV body paint is an iconic part of the Full Moon Party experience. You’ll see partygoers covered head-to-toe in glowing designs. Some hostels offer free UV paint for guests, but if yours doesn’t, local vendors will sell it on the day of the event. Prices can be high, so it’s a good idea to buy your paint in advance or bring some with you from home.
You can also find local artists on-site who will paint intricate designs on your body for a fee.
Pro Tip: If you want to avoid paying inflated prices at the event, consider buying UV body paint before your trip or early in your stay.
3
What to Bring and Wear
With thousands of people at the Full Moon Party, keeping your belongings safe is essential. Only bring the basics:
- Your phone
- Cash (no cards)
- A copy of your passport
- A fanny pack or secure crossbody bag is the best way to keep everything safe and within reach.
For clothing, wear something colorful and fun to match the party’s vibrant atmosphere. Neon colors and body paint are highly encouraged. However, closed-toe shoes are a must to avoid stepping on broken glass or other debris on the beach.
Pro Tip: Leave valuables behind, and only bring what you absolutely need. It’s best to travel light to avoid the risk of theft or losing important items in the crowd.
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4
Drinks and Food
Food and drinks are everywhere at the Full Moon Party, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own. Street food vendors line the streets leading to the beach, offering everything from grilled meats to Thai classics like pad thai and mango sticky rice.
As for drinks, Thailand’s famous buckets of alcohol are a party staple. These buckets, filled with spirits and mixers, cost between 250 and 500 Baht. However, the closer you are to the beach, the higher the prices, so pre-drinking or buying drinks further from the event can save you money.
Pro Tip: Stay hydrated throughout the night and avoid leaving your drink unattended to ensure your safety.
5
Fees
As of 2023-2024, the entrance fee for the Full Moon Party is 200 Baht. You can buy your ticket at the event in the main alleys leading to the beach. Although tickets aren’t available for purchase in advance, don’t worry—the event never sells out, so you’ll be able to get in without a problem.
Pro Tip: Bring exact change for your ticket and any small purchases to avoid overpaying.
6
Party Safety Tips
While the Full Moon Party is all about having fun, it’s important to keep safety in mind:
- Stay hydrated : Thailand is hot, even at night, so drink plenty of water throughout the event.
- Be mindful of your drinks : Never leave your drink unattended, and be cautious with pre-made buckets of alcohol.
- Stick with a group : It’s easy to get lost in the crowd, so stick with friends or a group and set a meeting point in case you get separated.
- Keep your wits about you : Avoid excessive drinking or drug use, as this can lead to dangerous situations.
- Respect local laws : Drug laws in Thailand are strict, and penalties are severe. Always party responsibly.
Sustainability and Responsible Partying
Unfortunately, the Full Moon Party can result in a lot of litter on the beach. If you’re attending, be mindful of the environment by properly disposing of your trash and using refillable water bottles instead of single-use plastic. Some organizers and local volunteers offer beach clean-ups the day after the event—consider joining to give back and help keep the island beautiful.
7
Bonus: What is the Half Moon Festival?
If you’re not traveling during a full moon or if the idea of thousands of people packed onto a beach sounds overwhelming, the Half Moon Festival might be the perfect alternative. This festival takes place in the jungle and features top DJs, fire shows, and dancers, creating an electric atmosphere with a more controlled crowd.
While the Half Moon Festival is more expensive, with tickets starting at 640 Baht (up to 23,200 Baht for a VIP bundle), it offers a safer and less chaotic experience. You’ll still find body paint, food, and drinks, but the crowd is smaller and the venue is more intimate.
If you’re looking for a unique party experience that’s still wild but a bit more relaxed, the Half Moon Festival is an excellent option.
Conclusion
The Full Moon Party in Koh Pha-Ngan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers, blending music, UV paint, and non-stop beach dancing under the light of the full moon. Whether you’re drawn to the legendary buckets of booze, the vibrant neon atmosphere, or the sheer energy of the crowd, this event is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Remember to stay safe, be responsible, and enjoy everything the Full Moon Party has to offer. And if you’re looking for something slightly different, don’t miss the Half Moon Festival for a more controlled but equally exciting adventure.
What’s Next?
Now that you know everything about the Full Moon Party, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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