A First-Timer’s Guide to Thailand’s Full Moon Party Last Updated: June 19, 2023

Hey there, my fellow adventurers! Get ready for the ultimate event that should never, ever be missed—yes, I’m talking about the one and only, the grandest of them all, the Full Moon Party! 

This bad boy ranks right at the top of every traveler’s bucket list and for a darn good reason!

While I was in Phuket this wild idea struck me.

I had to experience the legendary Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, no matter what.

Without a second thought, I embarked on a spontaneous adventure to reach there. Let me tell you, getting there was a wild ride!

Jumping on ferries and buses, I made my way from Phuket to the party island itself. It was a mix of nerves and excitement as I got closer to the land of non-stop revelry.

Back in the 1980s, a bunch of tourists stumbled upon the magic of full moon nights on Koh Phangan. Since the 70s, this island has been a magnet for free-spirited travelers, especially the hippie backpacker crew. 

The word spread like wildfire, and before you knew it, the secret was out. Now, the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is on everyone’s must-do list, attracting huge crowds.

Today, Thousands of people gather for this unforgettable night of music, dancing, and uninhibited fun from around the globe. With renowned DJs and live bands pulsating through the beach, the party cultivates an electric atmosphere. Adding fire performances, neon paint, and body art adds a touch of excitement and creates a surreal vibe.

Trust me, you gotta experience this party at least once in your lifetime. It’s an adventure that will leave you with stories to tell for years to come.

The best areas to stay in Koh Phangan for Full Moon Party are Haad Rin Beach, Rin Nai Beach, and Haad Baan Tai Beach, with Haad Rin Beach being the top choice.

I ended up booking my stay last minute so I couldn’t stay in the recommended areas BUT what I booked was straight out of a dream. It was a beautiful property 15 minutes away from the Full Moon Party location. It is called Mikasa Beach House. Here is the link for it.

For entry, you will need a party ticket. It’ll cost you 200 Baht, which is roughly 6 USD. You can grab it from the bustling alleys that lead to the beach. Once you’ve got your ticket, they’ll slap a snazzy wristband on you as proof of entry. This ticket grants you access to all the happening party spots along the beach. Just a heads up, you can’t buy tickets in advance right now, unless you opt for a tour package that comes with the ticket.

Now, let’s talk about booking accommodations. If you plan on joining the Full Moon Party, here’s a piece of advice: book your stay well in advance! These dates are in high demand, and you don’t want to end up with nowhere to crash. 

But let’s get real for a moment. While the Full Moon Party is all about fun and celebration, we can’t ignore the fact that a few party poopers try to spoil the fun with their scams. 

Watch out for these scams at the Full Moon Party:

1.  Be cautious of vendors overcharging or serving watered-down drinks.

2. Avoid involvement with drugs as undercover police actively target buyers.

3. Purchase tickets from official sources to avoid counterfeit or overpriced tickets.

4. Keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas to prevent theft.

5. Negotiate prices beforehand and ensure drivers use meters to avoid being overcharged.

Stay vigilant and use your common sense to have a safe and enjoyable experience at the Full Moon Party.

Now that we have covered the scams, let me share some quick tips to ensure your safety! A night of partying can make the beach a treacherous place.

1. Wear closed shoes to avoid glass and sharp objects.

2. Carry only essentials, hide valuables, and bring a passport copy.

3. Thailand has strict drug laws; avoid buying drugs.

4. Curvy roads and police controls, consider taking a taxi.

5. Have a plan and stay together in the crowd.

6. The sea can be unsanitary; resist the temptation.

7. Buy closed bottles from reliable vendors, and stay hydrated.

8. Garbage can be present; beach clean-up happens in the morning.

9. Don’t attempt fire stunts; accidents occur frequently.

The Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan is definitely an irresistible event in every traveler’s life. So, mark those dates on your calendar, plan ahead, and get ready to lose yourself in a night you’ll never forget.