Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan: Madness Under the Moon
If you’ve ever dreamed of a wild, crazy, unforgettable night on a tropical island – with music until dawn, glowing neon, and everyone dancing barefoot on the sand – the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan is exactly that. It’s not just a beach party – it’s a true legend, a cult event that draws tens of thousands of partygoers from all over the world to Koh Phangan every month. Let’s dive into the Full Moon Party and find out if there are similar parties in Phuket.
How it all began
The massive party has been taking place every full moon on Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan, for several decades. It all started back in 1985, when a group of hippies and backpackers held a small jam session by a bonfire on the beach. Since then, the event has grown into a huge festival, attracting up to 30,000 people in a single night!
The Full Moon Party kicks off at the moment of the full moon and lasts until sunrise. Entry costs only 200 THB, but the experience is priceless!
The beach features multiple stages and DJ spots, each with its own style: EDM, trance, house, reggae, techno, drum & bass, even pop and 2000s hits. Everyone can find their own vibe. But music isn’t the most important thing at the Full Moon Party. What truly matters is the atmosphere of limitless freedom!
Attributes and rituals of the Full Moon Party
Neon. Here, it’s tradition to make yourself glow in the dark – everyone does fluorescent body art: faces, arms, backs, legs – the more, the better. The entire beach turns into a living, glowing canvas!
Fire shows. Local jugglers put on dazzling performances with fireballs, torches, and ropes. Brave (or not entirely sober) tourists even try jumping over flaming skipping ropes.
Burning wishes. An important tradition that brings hope and a touch of magic. Partygoers write their wishes on paper and burn them in the fire. It’s believed that if the paper burns completely, the wish is guaranteed to come true.
Alcohol buckets. Another iconic attribute of the Full Moon Party – buckets filled with the recipe for a great night (and a rough morning). A bottle of local rum or vodka, a can of Red Bull, some cola or juice – a powerful mix that keeps the party going all night long.
Dress code. It’s simple: the brighter, the better! Neon tank tops, shorts, and bodysuits are everywhere. Shoes are optional – many people party barefoot, though it can sometimes be unsafe because of broken glass in the sand. The main rule is comfort and freedom!
Entertainment. At this party, you’ll find plenty of game zones – you can play bowling or darts, and there are always tournaments and competitions in beach sports. There’s even an area with board games, poker, and mafia. Adrenaline seekers can try the rides. In short – no one will get bored.
Useful tips and precautions
Although the Full Moon Party takes place every month, the number of people wanting to attend is huge. So:
- Arrive early – 1–2 days in advance, since accommodation on Koh Phangan sells out instantly before the party.
- Keep valuables close – a waist bag is best, and keep a careful eye on your iPhone.
- Don’t swim in the sea at night – it can be dangerous.
- Don’t accept “something to try” from strangers – this isn’t about being boring, it’s just basic safety. Marijuana is sold legally at the party, and you’ll find everything you need to have fun (but we’re against drugs!).
Full Moon Party alternatives in Phuket
Phuket also has parties in a similar spirit – more local, smaller in scale, and aimed more at tourists than at “festival veterans.”
- The Full Moon Party at Paradise Beach is the closest equivalent. It takes place at Paradise Beach, about 10 minutes from Patong, and is also held every month on the full moon. In concept, it’s not much different from Koh Phangan’s party, but naturally, it draws far fewer people, the entrance fee is higher, and there’s none of that wild madness and “anarchy” – after all, Phuket is a much more touristy and “family-friendly” destination.
If it doesn’t matter to you whether it’s a club party or a beach party – welcome to this or any other club on Bangla Road. This Phuket street turns into one big rave every night. And parties similar to the Full Moon Party are held here too – not only during the full moon. Keep an eye on our weekly Phuket Event Schedule, where we publish announcements of the hottest events. You can find the clubs in our Nightlife section.
- Yacht parties. Format: rave on a yacht + swimming + cocktails + sunset and sunrise at sea. Usually, these party yachts depart from Patong, Chalong, or Kamala. Very often they organize “Full Moon at Sea” parties – with DJs, costumes, and neon paint. Participation costs more, usually from 2,000–3,000 THB, but the vibe is much more luxurious.
- A Phuket alternative to Koh Phangan is Loh Dalum – the heart of Phi Phi’s nightlife. By day, the bay looks calm: turquoise water, white sand, boats, and tourists swimming. But as soon as the sun goes down, it all transforms into a massive open-air beach party. Fire shows light up the sand, music blasts from the bars, and dozens of travelers dance right by the sea.
How to get to Koh Phangan from Phuket
If you want to experience the legendary “mad night under the moon,” it’s worth going to Koh Phangan at least once. Getting there from Phuket is actually quite easy. There are two main options:
1. Flight Phuket – Samui. Travel time is about 1 hour. Then take a ferry from Samui to Phangan. Travel time ranges from 20 minutes (by speedboat) to 1 hour.
2. Bus + ferry. You can take a bus from Phuket to the mainland – to Surat Thani. Buses depart from Phuket’s main bus terminal, with a travel time of 5–6 hours. From there, take the Surat Thani – Phangan ferry, departing from Donsak Pier. Ferry time: 2–2.5 hours.
A trip to the Full Moon Party is a true cultural and emotional experience. The unique atmosphere, music for every taste, neon, fire shows and fireworks, international crowd, and a holiday from the rules – everything is there to make you feel real freedom.
Read more about other Holidays, festivals, and major events in Phuket in our article.
