All You Need to Know Before Attending Thailand’s Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan

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Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by sydabroad

Looking to visit Thailand’s iconic full moon party in Koh Phangan? Then keep reading! 

Visiting Koh Phangan for the Full Moon party should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. It’s the most insane beach event with lots of liquor and dancing until sunrise. 

It takes place every month on or near the time of the full moon. Because it’s such an insane party, you’ll need to be prepared. In this post, I’m going to share everything you need to know before going to Thailand for Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party. 

I studied abroad in Thailand during the spring of 2020 and I was lucky enough to experience Full Moon Koh Phangan in February of 2020…right before the pandemic. This beach party was so much fun, absolutely exhausting, and crazy all at the same time. I’m giving you a full rundown of what to expect. Let’s get into the guide!

Looking for more Thailand guides?

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This post is all about the full moon party in Koh Phangan.

What is The Full Moon Party? 

The Full Moon party is an all-night event that takes place on Koh Phangan island in Thailand. The Full Moon party happens once a month on the night (or the night before or after) the full moon. 

The party originated in 1985 and 10,000 to 30,000 people from all over the world attend this event. The goal is to stay until sunrise, partying all night long. 

Some will say that this party is dangerous and not worth it, however, my friends and I had an absolute blast! It can be unsafe if you don’t understand the do’s and don’ts. 

Where is The Full Moon Party & Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Dates 

Thailand’s full moon Koh Phangan party is located on Haad Rin Beach on Koh Phangan island. These are held once a month and there are also half-moon parties here. The full moon parties take place on the date of the full moon. Sometimes they are on the day before or after.

How to Get to Koh Phangan Island (Full Moon Koh Phangan) 

From Bangkok 

From Bangkok, you can fly from BKK or DMK airport to Surat Thani and then take a 1.5-hour bus or taxi to the pier. Once you arrive at the pier in Surat Thani, you will buy a ferry ticket to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan. The ferry ride will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. 

Alternatively, you can take an overnight bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani. This is what I did and it was certainly the experience, to say the least. Would I do it again? No. but was it a great story? Yes. 

The bus tickets cost about $12 each way making it very affordable. Perfect if you are a budget traveler. 

From Koh Samui 

To get to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui, you can take the ferry from Mae Nam Pier to Thong Sala Pier. This takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on which ferry service you book. 

From Koh Tao

From Koh Tao, you can either take a van and a ferry or a ferry. The distance between islands is about 28 miles (44 kilometers) and will take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours via ferry depending on which operator you book with. 

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Hostel Packing List

From Phuket 

From Phuket, you can fly or take a bus and a ferry. If you choose to fly, you’ll fly from Phuket Airport to Surat Thani then head to the pier, and board your ferry to Koh Phangan. 

Alternatively, if you choose not to fly you can take a bus from Phuket to Surat Thani. 

Pro-tip: Look ahead of time here on Omio to book train, bus, flight, and ferry tickets in advance.

Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan 

Best Hostels in Koh Phangan 

Do not stay on a neighboring island if you are visiting for the full moon party. Stay on Koh Phangan. It’s too much of a hassle trying to get back to another island late at night or early in the morning after the party. 

Here are some of the best hostels in Koh Phangan. 

• Echo Beach Hostel: This is where I stayed. I was right on the beach, very affordable, they had great food and offered free rides to Haad Rin beach for the party. Book Echo Beach Hostel Here
• Baan Kai Hostel
• Na-Tub Hostel

Find a place to stay at Hostel World or Booking.com. 

How Much to Budget for The Full Moon Koh Phangan Party 

Aside from transportation getting to the full moon party, I’d budget about $150 to $200 for the weekend. You can make the weekend as cheap or expensive as you want. 

The party itself costs 100 baht to enter (3 USD), this fee goes towards cleaning up the beach after the party. As for accommodation, I spent $9 per night staying at a hostel. When it comes to food, you can eat at nicer restaurants on the beach that will be pricier or eat delicious street food and save money. 

Pro-tip: Buy your alcohol at 7-Eleven to save money. Alcohol adds up, this is what my friends and I spent most of our money on. 

What to Wear Full Moon Party Koh Phangan 

When you are looking for a full moon party outfit, think comfy, neon, and something you don’t mind getting paint on or throwing away. You can buy something ahead of time or find full-moon party outfits on the island. 

I wore a bikini top, neon shorts, sneakers, and a belt bag. I suggest wearing shoes even though the party is on the beach to avoid stepping on glass or anything else that shouldn’t be on the beach. 

You also need to wear paint! Many hostels offer face painting for a small fee. You can also get painted once you get to the party but it will be more expensive. 

Shop for The Full Moon Party Below

What to Bring to The Full Moon Party  

• Phone: Some people suggest not to bring your phone, however, I needed to keep track of my friends just in case we lost each other. Keep it close to you to avoid losing it or getting it stolen. 
• Cash: Bring just enough for drinks and food. Leave your credit card at the hostel. 
• Wristband: You’ll need your wristband to enter the party. 
• Disposable camera: I suggest bringing one to capture all the fun! I ended up having such a good time I forgot to pull my camera out of my belt bag.
• Bug spray: Bug spray is a must anywhere in Thailand.

Pro-tip: I suggest purchasing an eSIM for affordable cellular data while traveling. Check out the Airalo app here.

What to Leave at Your Hostel 

• Wallet: don’t bring your full wallet, only cash. 
• Passport: This is the last thing you want to lose at the full moon party. 
• Nice cameras: Don’t risk getting your high-end camera stolen, bring a disposable one and use your phone for photos. 

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Full Moon Party Koh Phangan Tips

Wear a belt bag: Bring a belt bag and wear it across your chest to keep your things close. You don’t want to get anything stolen. I love this one from Amazon. 

VIP access: Getting VIP access to the full moon party is so worth it. You get free bathrooms and have the option to party in bars above the beach so you aren’t in the sand the entire time. VIP only costs about $10 to $15. 

Entrance fee: The entrance fee is 100 baht (3 USD) and is used for cleaning the beach.  You have to pay a small fee to use the restroom if you don’t have a VIP ticket. That being said avoid getting in the ocean at all – it’s gross because people will use it as a toilet. 

Avoid fire: Avoid jumping the fire. I saw so many people get burned.  

Arrive late: The later you arrive the better. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I arrived right before midnight. 

Buckets on the beach: Be careful with the drink buckets on the beach. It’s said that they are known to have ~ a lot~ of alcohol and potentially other things in them. 

7-Eleven: Buy your drinks from 7-Eleven to save money.  

Paint: Get your face painted before the party. It’s more pricey if you wait to get painted on Haad Rin Beach.

Don’t do drugs: Drugs are illegal in Thailand, don’t do drugs at the full moon party. There will be undercover cops ready to catch people. They’ll likely arrest you and then demand money for you to get out of it. 

Wear sneakers and avoid the water: You won’t be in the water anyway because it’s gross that people use it as a toilet. Also, drunk people drop glasses so you want to avoid stepping on any of this. 

Card from your accommodation: Pick up a business card from your hotel or hostel. This way you have their number and address in case of an emergency. 

Copy of your passport: It’s smart to have a copy of your passport just in case. I didn’t do this, but it won’t hurt.  

Safety Tips – Full Moon Party Koh Phangan

• Be careful with your drink  
• Make sure you know what’s in your drink bucket if you get one
• Stay on Koh Phangan, do not try to stay on another island  
• Wear shoes to avoid glass
• Stay away from the flames  
• Stay close to your friends 
• Wear a belt bag to keep your things close

Thailand’s full moon party Koh Phangan is certainly worth experiencing at least once in your life. It was one of the craziest parties I’ve ever been to and was a highlight of my time living in Thailand. If you have any questions about the full moon party in Thailand in general, comment below or DM me on Instagram @sydabroad_. 

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