Take a Trip to Thailand for the Hat Rin Full Moon Party

It’s a party, the likes of which you may have never attended before. Imagine psychedelic lights, a rocking variety of music, and a guest list that may go up to 30,000 people from across the world. Try and also imagine the venue – a crescent shaped white sandy beach, the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand gently lapping your feet, and a beautiful, swollen full moon hanging from the skies like some giant shiny disco ball. Welcome to one of the world’s greatest parties ever - Hat Rin Full Moon Party, held every month on the full moon night in the beautiful tropical island of Koh Phangan in Thailand.

A Party like No Other

Koh Phangan’s full moon parties are one of the most exciting events this side of the tropics. Those who noticed the beauty of the full moon from Hat Rin, the beautiful crescent-shaped beach in Koh Phangan, couldn’t help but celebrate the occasion as far back as 1985. The parties were initially tame affairs with as few as 20 or 30 people in attendance but as the word spread, more and more people started coming to Thailand in general and Koh Phangan in particular for some scintillating dance and music. Today, however, the attendance has risen to thousands of people who party here through the night on a heady cocktail of music, dance, and cocktails. The party schedule for each month can be found on the internet.

The party usually lasts through the night with the revelers heading back only after sunrise. There are several places (read shacks/bars/restaurants) on the beach to which you as a tourist and party guest can head – all with their own version of unadulterated fun.

Besides Partying

In addition to the dance and the music, there are also several side shows to keep you entertained like firework displays, jugglers and fire eaters, DJs and luscious local seafood. Some places worth a visit include:

- Mellow Mountain, located on the quieter, northern end of the beach. They will keep you well supplied with stuffed cushions, hammocks and booze.

- Tommy’s, which is best known for its unique fluorescent sculptures and amazing trance music.

- Orchid Club, the only “drum and bass club” on the beach belting out hip hop music.

- Cactus Club, which is located bang in the middle of the beach and as such, witnesses a lot of action. They play hip hop, RnB, classics and also some rock music.

- Paradise Bungalows is where the full moon parties actually began which makes it the best place to be in and usually puts up the biggest and the best show.

- The Rock has a great location close to the Gulf and Paradise Bungalows. Expect great music and great party views from here.

How to Get There

Koh Phangan is situated in Thailand’s Surat Thani Province and is located not very far from the beautiful and serene Koh Samui. It is also well connected to other major cities like Bangkok.

By Air:

You can take a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui or Surat Thani and then hire a boat to Koh Phangan.

By Ferry/Catamaran: From Koh Samui to Haad Rin or Thong Sala pier (Koh Phangan) it takes between 20-60 minutes, depending on the speed of the boat/ferry. There are multiple departures on a daily basis and the price varies between THB 250- THB 465 (prices may vary). From Surat Thani to Haad Rin in Koh Phangan it takes approximately 3.5 hours by ferry.

By Bus:

There are direct buses to Koh Phangan from Bangkok.

By Train:

There are no direct trains. Travellers can take the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then take a bus or ferry for their onward journey to Koh Phangan.

Stay or Not to Stay

Many hotels in Koh Phangan have a minimum limit of 3 nights’ stay during the full-moon party period, hence, it is recommended to stay at Koh Samui and travel to Koh Phangan for the party night.

What to Keep in Mind

• Avoid carrying valuables and handbags to the party as they are easily forgotten after a couple of drinks
• Carry a photocopy of your ID proof
• Carry just enough money and split it into different pockets. THB 3000 is more than enough
• Wear sandles, flip flops or shoes as a lot of bottles tend to break on the beach over the course of the party

Planning to party like never before in Thailand? Book flights, packages and hotels only on MakeMyTrip.com!