How do I get to the Full Moon Party?

From Koh Samui, take a high-speed ferry (approximately 30 minutes) from Big Buddha Pier or Maenam Pier directly to Haad Rin. From Surat Thani on the mainland, take a ferry to Koh Phangan's main pier (Thong Sala) and then a songthaew or taxi south to Haad Rin. Boats run late into the night and there are return boats from around 3am onwards.

What is the entry fee for the Full Moon Party?

There is no single ticketed entry. The beach is open-access but you pay for drinks at the individual beach bars and stalls. Budget 500–1,500 THB for drinks depending on how much you consume. Buckets (cocktail buckets with a mixer and a bottle of spirit) cost around 250–350 THB each.

Is the Full Moon Party safe?

The main risks are theft, drink spiking (never leave your drink unattended), motorbike accidents on the way back, and injuries from broken glass on the beach. The event has improved significantly in terms of safety infrastructure over the years, with more police presence. Use the official boat transfers back to Koh Samui rather than unlicensed taxis, and never ride a motorbike after drinking.

Full Moon Party

Monthly on the full moon — every month of the yearHaad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province

At a Glance

Dates

Monthly on the full moon — every month of the year

Location

Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani Province

The Full Moon Party is one of the world's most famous beach parties, drawing 10,000 to 30,000 revellers each month to the southern tip of Koh Phangan. Starting at sunset and running until well past dawn, the event takes over the entire stretch of Haad Rin Nok beach with dozens of competing sound stages, fire shows, bucket cocktails, and neon body paint — a hedonistic, music-driven spectacle that has defined backpacker culture in Southeast Asia since the late 1980s.

Beyond the main party, the Full Moon Party has spawned Half Moon Parties, Jungle Parties, and Shiva Moon parties that run in the weeks around the main event, making Koh Phangan a near-constant party destination for a certain type of traveller. The island also has a quieter side — serene beaches, waterfalls, yoga retreats, and the beautiful Ang Thong Marine National Park are all close by — making it possible to combine a party visit with more relaxed island time.

Highlights

30,000-person beach party stretching the entire length of Haad Rin Nok with multiple music stages
Fire shows, fire skipping ropes, and fire dancers throughout the night
Neon and UV paint stations, fancy dress, and bucket cocktail bars
Related events: Half Moon Festival (twice monthly) and Jungle Experience parties

Practical Tips

Wear shoes — the beach is littered with broken glass by the early hours; flip-flops are inadequate.
Keep your valuables to an absolute minimum; pickpocketing and theft are common in the crowds.
Travel insurance note: many policies exclude injuries sustained while intoxicated — read the fine print.

Best Destinations

Koh Phangan

The Full Moon Party is island-specific; Haad Rin is the venue and the rest of the island offers recovery options.

Koh Samui

Many visitors base themselves on Koh Samui and take the boat to Koh Phangan for the party, returning the same night.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao also celebrates Full Moon with smaller parties and is convenient for those island-hopping in the Gulf of Thailand.

Frequently Asked Questions

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