New Year Full Moon Party - Koh Phangan

Legend has it that on the night of the full moon, during the mid-1980s, a group of backpackers held a birthday party on the beach along with locals. They had such an excellent time that they continued each month. Word got out, and swiftly more people came to the beautiful island of Koh Phangan each month.

It was like a little house party on the beach at first. Many hippies and backpackers played instruments, smoked, and enjoyed drinks. But that shifted as word circulated and more individuals started to attend.

With the 1990s came rave culture and electronic music. Travel agencies in Bangkok began to promote the Full Moon Party, drawing in crowds who hadn't yet heard of it. By 2000, this party became a highlight on travel charts, and hordes of young people flocked to Koh Phangan. Now, as we approach 2025, thousands of people come every month, especially for the New Year's celebration.

Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan

There's a reason Haad Rin Beach became the venue for this famous party. It's beautiful. In this video, we show you how the beach transforms from the daytime into the night of the party. However, there are excellent pre-parties leading up to the Full Moon Party, too, if you want to show up a little later. Most hotels, resorts, and hostels host these pre-parties to get you pumped and ready for the main event. When it's party time, cheap taxis are waiting to transport you safely to Haad Rin - DO NOT drink and drive.

Haad Rin Beach is also the best spot on the island to see the full moon in all its glory. Its position on the island offers the perfect view, probably the best in all of Thailand, where the moon is enormous and shines brightly during its fullest phase. This magical atmosphere adds to the allure of the Full Moon Party. The beach stretches out with soft white sand, fringed by palm trees and crystal-clear waters, creating the perfect backdrop for a night of festivities.

With the Full Moon Party now being a global phenomenon, Haad Rin Beach transforms into a vibrant festival of neon lights, fire shows, and pulsating music every month. The atmosphere is electric, with thousands of partygoers dressed in neon colors, adorned with glow-in-the-dark paint, and dancing under the glow of the full moon. Many people wear flashy outfits, headbands, and face paint, creating a carnival-like vibe that is vibrant and festive. The party continues until dawn, with people dancing on the beach, climbing on elevated platforms, and joining conga lines that wind through the crowd.

Full Moon Party Activities and Attractions

The Full Moon Party is a giant festival-like gathering featuring lots of drinking, dancing, music, and fun. Each venue and bar on the beach has its own sound system, so a wide variety of music plays loudly every few steps. Expect to hear EDM, techno, house, reggae, hip-hop, and more, making it an epic party scene to behold, especially during the New Year's event. Performances by fire dancers, neon body paint stations, and food stalls offering both Thai and Western cuisine are all part of the experience.

The beach is lined with individuals selling beer, alcohol buckets, water, and soft drinks. By the end of the night, you'll find tourists sprawled on the beach, couples who have found love (or lust), and missing flip-flops littering the sand. (If you lost yours, pick a pair up, but be careful, as there can be sharp objects on the beach, so walking barefoot is not recommended).

Fire shows are a significant highlight of the Full Moon Party. Skilled fire dancers perform incredible acts, spinning flaming staffs, poi, and even jumping through fiery hoops. These mesmerizing performances are a must-see and add a magical element to the party atmosphere. The fire dancers are often accompanied by rhythmic drum beats, adding an exhilarating tribal feel to the night.

Beyond the music and fire shows, you'll find plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout the night. Neon paint artists will decorate you with glowing designs, perfect for capturing that iconic Full Moon Party look. Street performers, jugglers, and entertainers roam the beach, adding to the carnival-like environment.

Food stalls line the back of the beach, offering a wide variety of options, from traditional Thai dishes like pad thai and satay skewers to Western comfort foods like burgers and pizzas. With all the dancing and energy expenditure, it's easy to work up an appetite, and these stalls ensure you stay fueled throughout the night.

While the party is generally fun and carefree, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for pickpockets in the crowded areas, and always watch your drink. It's recommended to purchase your drinks directly from the vendors, as they often serve them in sealed buckets with straws, reducing the risk of tampering.

Read here about the History of the Full Moon Party with Manop from the Koh Phangan Tourist Association.

Tips for Enjoying the Full Moon Party

Attending the Full Moon Party is an exhilarating experience, but it's essential to stay safe and be responsible. Here are some tips to make sure you have a great time:

• Wear shoes: Broken glass and other debris often end up on the beach, which could hurt your feet. Wearing sturdy shoes or sandals is recommended.
• Keep hydrated: The tropical heat, combined with alcohol, can lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the night. Many vendors also sell electrolyte drinks, which are great for staying hydrated.
• Stick with friends: The party can get crowded, and it's easy to lose track of people. Make a plan with your friends to stick together or arrange a meeting point in case you get separated. If you have a group, wearing matching neon colors can make it easier to spot each other in the crowd.
• Secure your belongings: Only bring essentials. Leave your passport, credit cards, and valuables at your accommodation. Pickpockets can be an issue in crowded areas. Consider using a money belt or a secure bag with zippers to carry your cash and phone.
• Avoid drugs: Drugs are illegal in Thailand, and the penalties are severe. Stay away from any illegal substances to ensure your safety and avoid trouble with the authorities. The Full Moon Party is already an incredible experience without any substances—enjoy the music, the people, and the atmosphere.
• Watch your drink: Never leave your drink unattended, and avoid accepting drinks from strangers. It’s always safer to buy your drinks directly from vendors, and watch as they prepare it.
• Plan your transport: Arrange your transportation back to your accommodation in advance. Taxis are readily available, but prices can surge late at night. Sharing a taxi with friends can help reduce costs. Avoid riding motorbikes after drinking; it's dangerous and illegal.
• Drink responsibly: Alcohol buckets are popular at the Full Moon Party, but they can be deceptively strong. Pace yourself and know your limits to ensure you can enjoy the entire night without any issues.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the Full Moon Party safely and create unforgettable memories on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan.

Where to Stay

Koh Phangan offers a wide range of accommodations - from party hostels to luxury hotels. If you want to be close to the action, you should stay in Haad Rin. However, most of the popular hostels are now in Baan Tai, which has become the hub for backpackers and partygoers. Other gorgeous locations across the island include Mae Haad, Haad Yao, Thong Nai Pan, Haad Yuan, Haad Salad, Haad Thien, and Sri Thanu. Thong Sala is ideal for travelers who prefer convenient access to transportation and shops, while Sri Thanu is perfect for those who love yoga and a relaxed atmosphere.

To find affordable accommodation, it's best to book in advance. The closer it gets to the party date, the harder and more expensive it will be to find a place to stay. If you show up on the island on the day of the party without a booking, it's likely you won't find anything suitable, as even luxury hotels get fully booked.

Haad Rin is home to several party hostels that are perfect for those wanting to be at the center of the action. Many hostels have rooftop bars, communal areas, and even pre-party events to help guests meet fellow travelers and start the night on the right foot. Baan Tai, on the other hand, has a mix of chill hostels and lively party spots, making it a great option for those who want some distance from the intensity of Haad Rin but still want easy access.

For travelers seeking a more laid-back experience, the northern parts of the island, like Thong Nai Pan and Haad Yuan, offer serene beaches and boutique resorts. These areas are less crowded and provide a great balance between relaxation and easy access to the Full Moon festivities when needed.

Read more about which area to stay in, depending on your budget. Check out the best hostels on Koh Phangan here.

Arrival at Party Night from Koh Samui

There are several speed boat services from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan during Full Moon party night. These services usually include hotel pickup, speed boat transfer, and return to Koh Samui at various times during the night, such as 1 am, 2 am, or 3 am. This makes it easy for visitors from Koh Samui to join the party and return without needing to find accommodation on Koh Phangan.

Many of the speed boat services provide a seamless experience, picking you up from your hotel in an air-conditioned minivan and taking you to the pier, where you'll board a speedboat directly to Haad Rin. The journey itself can be an adventure, with fellow travelers excited for the night's events, creating a lively and anticipatory atmosphere.

Most people arrive in Koh Phangan by ferry from Koh Samui or from the mainland (Donsak Pier) via Surat Thani. Sometimes, cheap flights are available from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Koh Samui, which saves travel time. Otherwise, travelers can take the train or bus to Surat Thani and then connect by boat to Koh Phangan.

It's important to book your ferry or speed boat tickets in advance, especially during peak times like New Year's Eve, as tickets can sell out quickly. Many online services and travel agencies offer combo tickets that include transportation from your hotel, ferry transfer, and even pickup on Koh Phangan, making the process hassle-free.

For those who prefer a more private experience, there are also private speedboat charters available. These can be costly but are a great option for groups or those who want more flexibility in their schedule. The ride offers stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand, and arriving at the party in style is certainly an unforgettable way to kick off the festivities.

Recommended Speed Boat Services

Full Moon Party by Speed Boat from Samui

Overview

Travel to the Full Moon Party with a convenient and flexible round-trip speed boat service from Samui. This service includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and offers return transfers to Koh Samui at various late-night times, such as 1 am, 2 am, or 3 am, after the party concludes. This arrangement ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable experience at the Full Moon Party. For further details, visit the Viator webpage about the Full Moon Party by Speed boat from Samui.

What's Included

• Transport by speedboat
• Pick-up and drop-off from/to hotels on Koh Samui
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Pickup details

For transportation back to your hotel after the Full Moon Party via speed boat from Samui, please specify your preferred return time: 1 AM, 2 AM, 3 AM, 4 AM, or 5 AM. Note that for guests staying in villas on the mountain, pickup will be arranged only at the main road. Be aware that there is an additional charge of THB 500 for pickups from hotels located in Nathon, Huathanon, Talingam, Pangka, and Lipa Noi. For more information, you can visit the Viator website and read about the Full Moon Party by Speed boat from Samui.

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Full Moon Party Speedboat Round Trip Transfer

Overview

Experience the Full Moon Party from Koh Samui without the need to book expensive accommodations on Koh Phangan. This convenient round-trip transfer is offered by Tour Explore, a highly rated operator in Koh Samui. With this service, you'll be picked up from your hotel, hostel, or villa and taken to the pier. There, you'll board a speedboat for Koh Phangan, arriving at Haad Rin pier, which is within walking distance to the party (note that the party entry ticket is not included).

After enjoying the party, you can return to the pier and catch a speedboat back to Koh Samui, departing approximately every hour. Upon arrival at Samui, a minivan will be ready to take you back to your accommodation. The Full Moon Party is a popular event attended by thousands, so it's advisable to secure your tickets in advance.

What's Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Sea Transfer Speed Boat round trip
• Hotel, Hostel or villa Pickup and Dropoff
• Full moon party ticket
• All other expenses are not mentioned in the program

The Full Moon Party transfer service provides a comprehensive and comfortable travel experience. It includes pickup from your accommodation in an air-conditioned minivan and transfer to the pier. From there, you will board a speedboat to Haad Rin pier on Koh Phangan, conveniently close to the Full Moon Party location. After the party, the service includes a return speedboat trip from Koh Phangan back to Samui. Finally, you will be taken back to your accommodation. This package ensures a smooth and hassle-free journey to and from the Full Moon Party.

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