If there’s one party that every backpacker and young traveler talks about, it’s the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan. What started as a small gathering of friends on a Thai beach in the 1980s has now grown into one of the world’s biggest monthly festivals, attracting thousands of people from across the globe.
What is the Full Moon Party?
Held every month on the night of the full moon, the party takes place on Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan. The beach transforms into a giant open-air nightclub with music, neon lights, fire shows, and dancing that goes on until sunrise.
Each month, 10,000–30,000 people gather for this wild celebration, making it the ultimate mix of global cultures, music, and freedom.
🎶 What to Expect
- Multiple music zones – From EDM and techno to reggae and hip-hop, every part of the beach plays a different vibe.
- UV body paint & neon lights – The party is famous for its glowing paint and trippy visuals.
- Fire dancers & jugglers – Watch performers show off breathtaking stunts with flaming ropes and hoops.
- Buckets of drinks – Instead of cocktails in glasses, you’ll find iconic “Thai buckets”—a mix of alcohol and mixers served in small plastic buckets.
- All-night dancing – The music and energy don’t stop until the sun rises over the Gulf of Thailand.
🗓️ When Does It Happen?
The Full Moon Party happens once every month, on the night of the full moon. There are also Half Moon Parties and Black Moon Parties, but the Full Moon is the biggest and most legendary.
Tip: Dates shift every month—so check the lunar calendar before planning your trip.
💰 Budgeting for the Party
Koh Phangan is backpacker-friendly, but you’ll need to plan for accommodation since rooms sell out quickly.
- Entry fee: Around 200 THB (₹500)
- Hostel beds near Haad Rin: ₹800–₹1,200 per night
- Food & street snacks: ₹150–₹300 per meal
- Buckets (drinks): ₹300–₹600 each
👉 Overall, you can enjoy the party and stay for ₹3,500–₹4,000 per night including stay, food, and drinks.
🛶 How to Get There
- Closest airport: Koh Samui
- From Koh Samui: Take a ferry to Koh Phangan (30–45 mins)
- From mainland Thailand: Ferries leave from Surat Thani and Chumphon
⚡ Tips for First-Timers
✅ Book your stay at least a month in advance.
✅ Carry minimal valuables—pickpocketing can happen in the crowd.
✅ Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don’t mind ruining with paint/sand.
✅ Stay hydrated (it gets hot dancing all night).
✅ Explore the island before/after the party—Koh Phangan has waterfalls, yoga retreats, and quiet beaches too.
🌴 Final Word
The Full Moon Party isn’t just a party—it’s a rite of passage for travelers in Southeast Asia. Imagine thousands of people from every corner of the world, dancing together under a glowing full moon, waves crashing at your feet—it’s a memory you’ll carry forever.
And now that Thailand is visa-free for Indians in 2025, there’s no excuse not to tick this one off your bucket list with Qaarwaan.