This incredible event is held every month and is something you must do once in your life.
The Full Moon Party really is legendary, and despite being paused during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is back in full swing again.
Check latest dates for 2024 and start getting ready for the wildest time of your life!
2024
- 25th January 2024 (Thursday)
- 25th February 2024 (Sunday)
- 24th March 2024 (Sunday)
- 23rd April 2024 (Tuesday)
- 23rd May 2024 (Thursday)
- 21st June 2024 (Friday)
- 22nd July 2024 (Monday)
- 19th August 2024 (Monday)
- 17th September 2024 (Tuesday)
- 18th October 2024 (Friday)
- 15th November 2024 (Friday)
- 15th December 2024 (Sunday)
- 31st December 2024 (Tuesday) (New Years Eve)
Location
Haad Rin, Koh Phangan, Thailand.
History
Full Moon Festivals have been taking place throughout the world for decades, usually on exotic beach location.
One of the first full moon parties was in Goa, India with trance, wild beach parties and much more. Other places like Zanzibar and Barbados hold full moon parties but these are not on the scale of the one in Thailand.
The famous Thailand full moon party now takes place on the spectacular island of Koh Phangan every full moon.
The first Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan was completely makeshift, in a wooden night club not far from the beach in 1985 with around 25-30 travellers. The Full Moon Party gained prominence rapidly through word of mouth, and the event now attracts around 20,000-30,000 people every month.
It really is one of the best parties and festivals that you must do once in your life, and an essential place to visit in south east Asia.
Tips & What to Know Before You Go
If you have never attending the Full Moon Party before you are in for a treat. Maybe you've parties in Europe or North America at popular party destinations like Ibiza and Miami, well nothing will prepare you for how amazing and unique the Thailand Full Moon Party is.
The Thailand Full Moon Party is regarded by many as the "ultimate party experience" and party animals return to Koh Phangan year after year to enjoy the wildest party on the planet.
Aim to arrive a few days earlier than the official start day. Get ahead of the mayhem and experience the build up.
The present event has become an essential part of the itinerary of many travellers to south east Asia. It’s characterized by music, dancing, fire dancing and drinking buckets of alcohol.
Drug use is prevelant but you need to know police enforcement is strict so be cautious. Same with drinking, the buckets are strong so pace yourself. To stay safe always try to be around people you know, watch your drinks and don't drink too much.
How to Get to The Full Moon Party / Koh Phangan
If you are looking to book a trip to Thailand, search flights on Skyscanner - this is our top recommended flight comparison website to help you find the cheapest fares.
There is no airport on Koh Phangan but you can book a flight to Bangkok or Phuket and then make your way to the island via boat or ferry.
From Bangkok you can travel via bus/train then ferry, or catch a ferry from Phuket or the other islands in southern Thailand.
You can book transport online or on arrival with a local travel operator. Getting to the Full Moon Party isn’t that difficult, there are lots of local travel agents throughout Thailand or you can book online in-advance.
Best Place to Stay for the Full Moon Party
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Koh Phangan close to the Full Moon Party search for accommodation that’s near to Haad Rin. This will save you having to worry about taxis and transport.
Accommodation, hotels, hostels and beach huts do get filled up well in-advance so you’ll need to book early. You might also want to arrive earlier and spend time exploring the island, there are lots of activites, waterfalls and the beaches are beautiful.
The Black Sheep Inn with beachfront accommodation located in Haad Rin is highly recommended. This hostel is very popular with travellers looking enjoy the Full Moon Party. The hostel organise social events and group Full Moon trips - a great way to meet new people and enjoy the time of your life.
If you aren’t really interested in an all night party and looking to experience the ful moon but having a more relaxing experience, you might be best staying outside of Haad Rin, there are lots of areas nearby which are much less rowdy, and also cheaper.
Search all accommodation Booking.com which has the cheapest prices for hotels, hostels and apartments.
Full Moon Party Tours
Several international tour companies offer Thailand tours which if you book the right dates you can include the full moon party in the itinerary.
If you are travelling solo or just want to experience the Full Moon Party with new friends whilst seeing the highlights of the island/Thailand check out our guide to the best full moon party tours. There are some amazing party trips, and longer trips taking in more of Thailand and south east Asia.
Benefits of booking a tour rather than going by yourself is meeting new people, getting taken to the best locations, having accommodation sorted and also having a lot of fun!
Plan Your Trip
For more advice for how to maximise your experience, view top tips how to survive the full moon party. There are also lots of other things to do in this spectacular country, one popular option is applying for volunteer programs in Thailand where you can help elephants and other great causes.
