Find out dates for 2012 parties here.
- When a full moon rises, Haad Lin Beach transforms into the world’s biggest party.
People often say that strange and peculiar events take place during a full moon. This is definitely the case for the sleepy resort island of Koh Pha Ngan, located near the neighbouring tourist hub of Koh Samui in the south of Thailand. When a full moon graces the night skies, the island transforms into a magnet for partygoers from around the world who make their way to the picturesque setting of Haad Rin Beach. Up to 20,000 revellers descend upon the island during the event, all for a fantastic night of partying that is an experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Situated within close reach of the resort island of Koh Samui, travellers can make their way to the island a number of ways. The easiest, but most expensive way is to fly to Koh Samui or Surat Thani and then take a speed boat to the island. Travellers on a budget can get to the island in 24 hours for less than 1000 baht by taking a government run bus to Surat Thani followed by a three-hour boat ride to Koh Pha Ngan. When it comes to finding a cheap place to stay, travellers should book accommodation in advance, as many of the Haad Lin’s best digs fill up quickly, and we don’t recommend sleeping on the beach!
- Haad Lin Beach provides a perfect tropical setting, when there isn’t a full moon.
At any other time of the year, Haad Lin Beach provides a quiet and peaceful setting for anyone with intending to chill in the sun at a destination that could very well be a carbon copy of paradise. The transformation from postcard-perfect imagery to the focal point of the world’s party scene is mind boggling. Small, open-air bars line the streets, while thousands of people crowd the beach where some of the best DJ’s in the world weave their magic on the turntables, adding to the incredible vibe of the night.
- The Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan can sometimes attract tens-of-thousands of people.
Partygoers who are in need of some liquid refreshments can try the rather disgusting-tasting, but incredibly potent concoction known as Jungle Juice. Served in a 1-litre bucket, Jungle Juice is made up of a bit of this, a bit of that, and of course, several bottle of ‘Kratengdaeng’, the super-strong original version of what we know as Red Bull. On the night of the party, revellers need only walk about five paces to find a place that sells the drink, which costs less than 500 baht and is so strong that it will really knock your socks off, so be prepared! Don’t say that I didn’t warn you! The night ends at approximately sunrise, when the beach reverts back to a sleepy Thai-seaside village, except for drunkies sleeping on the beach and piles of rubbish.
- Bucket ‘o everything: This concoction is sure to lead to the worst hangover in history and little recollection of the big night. But sure, it’ll be fun before all that bad stuff starts.
Warning!
Koh Pha Ngan’s Full-Moon Party attracts partygoers from all around the world, who, inevitably, intend to let their hair down and have a good time. Now, I don’t mean to sound like your mother, but the laws of common sense apply before a night of partying. While many people appear to be high on something, never ever take, buy or carry drugs to the full-moon party. Plain-clothed police are on the lookout for those using drugs, and will promptly haul your butt to the police station where you will receive the choice of a large “on the spot fine” or a long stay in the ‘Bangkok Hilton’.
- Don’t let your night end up like this. Be extra careful, and don’t do anything illegal.
Stay safe!
By using common sense and partying with friends, revellers will surely have a great time on the island. After the party is finished and the hangover has subsided, there are plenty of other cheap thrills to amuse those who head to Koh Pha Ngan for the infamous full-moon party.
