Koh Phangan
Full Moon Parties
The Full Moon Parties at Haad Rin, on the island of Koh Phangan, have become legendary, particularly amongst backpackers from the UK, who consistently return to British shores rating the celebration as one of the highlights of their trip to Thailand.
It seems fitting that an event nowadays frequented by students from across the world was initially founded by students. Back in 1985, a makeshift disco and guitar session attracted a modest group of around 30 revellers, all of whom noticed that the moon at Ko Phangan cast beautiful shadows upon the white sandy beaches. They wished for nothing more than to dance the night away in the mystifying shadows of the palm trees and, befitting the almost mystical beauty of the natural settings, for the first few years of its existence the Full Moon Party was something of a secret kept well away from the glare of the growing tourist industry in Thailand.
The popularity of the event increased through word-of-mouth and the rise of cheap hotels, which, although not comparable to up-market hotels in London or Paris, aren't at all like the cockroach-infested backpacker haunts you may imagine. Now, up to 30,000 revellers descend on the beach every full moon to dance from dusk until dawn underneath the pale yellow moonlight. The atmosphere is simply electric as the setting of the sun kicks off the party, with the latest trance, Goa, R&B, drum and bass, dance, house and reggae tunes blasting out throughout the long night from the fifteen major sound systems scattered across the beach.
Adding to the famous carnival atmosphere is the wide range of performances and acts which take place along the beach. Fire-eaters, jugglers and stilt-walkers are regulars, whilst fireworks are often launched into the sky, painting the heavens with a rich tapestry of colour which can only be matched by the proceedings on the beach.
There are no inhibitions here and certainly no boundaries; just plenty of fun, alcohol and masses of UV light which bounces off the revellers as they dance across the sand with abandon. The bars are open all night for those who wish to catch their breath, with stands selling Western and traditional Thai food for those who have worked up an appetite.
Visitors to the beach can also buy a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from any number of vendors and then kick back and relax at one of the small tables which are spread across the beach. Here, revellers can catch up with old friends and make new ones from all over the world. For those who prefer to relax, or cool off after an evening pounding the dance floor, there is nothing better than a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
With its combination of relaxation and hedonism, some believe that a Full Moon Party is as close to paradise on Earth as you can get. There is something for everyone here, from the non-stop party animal to the discerning tourist who enjoys watching the sun rise over pristine beaches and crystal-clear water.
Basically, Full Moon Parties are fun. You’ll want to be there if you can. So you may have two main questions remaining now.
Q: When exactly are these Full Moon Parties held?
A: For those who aren’t familiar with the Lunar Calendar, Full Moon Parties in Thailand happen once a month, with extra parties occurring for events such as Christmas and New Year.
The expected dates for future Koh Phanghan Full Moon Parties for 2010 and 2011 are:
Sunday 21st November 2010
Tuesday 21st December 2010
Saturday 25th December 2010
Friday 31st December 2010
Wednesday 19th January 2011
Saturday 19th February 2011
Saturday 19th March 2011
Monday 18th April 2011
Tuesday 17th May 2011
Wednesday 15th June 2011
Friday 15th July 2011
Saturday 13th August 2011
Monday 12th September 2011
Tuesday 11th October 2011
Thursday 10th November 2011
Saturday 10th December 2011
Sunday 25th December 2011
Saturday 31th December 2011
Q: How do I get to Koh Phanghan?
A: The easiest way to reach the island from Bangkok is to purchase an all-in-one ticket direct from Bangkok, which will cover the price for both the bus and the ferry. This costs around 650 Baht per person but will take all night to complete.
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