Full Moon Thailand – Guide to Koh Phangan Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island in Thailand is one of the most famous beach parties in the world. Every month tens of thousands of partygoers gather in Koh Phangan to party from sunset to sunrise under the full moon on the sands of Haad Rin Beach. The Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is an experience not to be missed by every party lover visiting Thailand. Explore the ultimate guide to the Full Moon Party in Thailand with party location, ticket price, accommodation, transport, and other details.

What is the Full Moon Party Koh Phangan?

The first Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan in the late 80s was originally just a one-time beach party when a group of backpackers gathered at Paradise Bungalows on Haad Rin Nok beach to dance in the light of the full moon. Due to its great success, it was repeated regularly at the same place, and the others also started to join the party.

The party attracts thousands of people to have fun on Haad Rin Beach until the morning, where they are enthusiastic with fire shows, different kinds of music, a wide choice of alcohol, and more.

Where is the Full Moon Party in Thailand?

Full Moon Party Thailand is held on Koh Phangan Island's one-kilometer-long Haad Rin Beach, also known as Sunrise Beach. This beach is located on the east side of the southernmost part of Koh Phangan Island in the Gulf of Thailand. The Full Moon Party location is about a 30-minute drive from the main port of Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier). Haad Rin Beach itself is surrounded by palm trees, fine sand, and crystal-clear waters.

How much for the Full Moon Party ticket?

Koh Phangan's Full Moon Party should be free of charge by Thai law for everyone, but it is not like that anymore. In fact, foreigners are prevented from accessing the areas of the party unless they pay for it. At the moment, the Full Moon Party ticket price charged as the entrance fee to get to the area is 200 THB per person. This money is used by the management for cleanliness, security, and so on. After buying an entrance ticket at the gate, you will be given a colorful rubber band as an entry sign.

What to expect at the Full Moon Party in Thailand?

On the full moon day, everything starts when the sun is completely set. Around the party area at Haad Rin, there are many vendors setting up their stalls from the parking area to the streets leading to the party entrance.

You should get yourself a neon outfit with the words Full Moon Party Koh Phangan, or a hat glowing in the dark and other Full Moon Party knick-knacks. Make-up or painting of the craziest figures and images on your face and body that shine at night is a must.

When it is late at night, literally from 22:00 to midnight, everything gets more alive. The beach is filled with people from various countries. Along the long and wide sand of the beach, several stages are built; there are a few chairs, especially in front of certain bars or clubs. There are DJs who play music of all genres, from reggae, R&B, rock, and house to EDM, which is undoubtedly the most popular. And as usual in Thailand, there are no rules when it comes to volume, so the music is overlapping with each other.

As the night progresses, the beach turns into a dancing crowd with liquor. You can dance everywhere. You will see fire dancing, neon signs, black lights, flashing lights, and fire shows. The atmosphere at the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is fun, as everyone comes here for an unforgettable time.

The party lasts until morning. The peak of the party is, of course, midnight to early morning.

Drinks at Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan

Everywhere you can find alcohol, snacks, and bottles of water at double prices. Uniquely, they don't sell drinks per bottle but per bucket. The alcohol is filled in small buckets that cost from 200 to 500 THB, depending on the type of drink. One bucket usually consists of at least two types of drinks. This small bucket functions as a cup for mixing drinks that is easy to carry around during the party. Beer in shops on the beach is 60-80 THB.

Full Moon Party Fire Shows

Fire shows are perhaps the best-known image of the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan. You will see fires and fire dancing everywhere during the party. Tourists are often invited to participate in jumping over a flaming rope.

When is the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan?

As the name suggests, the events of the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan are held at full moon time, unless they coincide with a Buddhist holiday or important election day. Sometimes the actual party can be celebrated days before or after the full moon. The exact date of the party can always be confirmed before planning a trip.

The upcoming Full Moon Party events in Thailand.

Thailand Full Moon Party in October 2025

Details: By THAIest Team; Updated: 20 July 2025

October 8, 2025 (Wednesday)

🛌 Book your hotel near Full Moon Party

🚤 Choose to travel by ferry or speedboat

Thailand Full Moon Party in November 2025

Details: By THAIest Team; Updated: 20 July 2025

November 5, 2025 (Wednesday)

🛌 Book your hotel near Full Moon Party

🚤 Choose to travel by ferry or speedboat

For a full list of Koh Phangan Full Moon Party dates in 2025 and 2026, explore the Full Moon Party Schedule.

Party Schedule

Where to stay during the Full Moon Party?

Thousands of people come to the island during these days, so you can't expect that accommodation on Koh Phangan will be easily available prior to and during the Full Moon Party. The whole island often gets completely full. Also, hotel prices increase 3 times or even more. You have the best chance to find a good place to stay if you arrive a few days in advance. Nearly all Koh Phangan accommodations also require a minimum stay of 3 to 4 nights during Full Moon Week.

If you want to have the party location a short distance away, you will certainly have to choose to stay in the Haad Rin area. There are numerous options around the beach at different price ranges. Some of the best-rated accommodations near the Full Moon Party:

Affordable Hostel: So Good Haad Rin

Mid-range Hotel: Palita Lodge

Luxury Resort: Phangan Bayshore

BOOK NOW! As they often fill up well in advance during party days.

To get the best deal on accommodation, make sure to compare hotel deals on Booking.com with often better special offers on Agoda.

Keep in mind that you can’t expect to get a normal sleep if you stay close to Haad Rin Beach. The Koh Phangan Full Moon Party will keep you awake until dawn. There are many alternatives where you can stay on the island. Outside of the famous party scene, Koh Phangan is not very busy and definitely worth a stay.

Many people also choose to stay nearby in Koh Samui or Koh Tao and then come to party. Sometimes accommodations on the neighboring islands also fill up a few days before the party.

For more tips on choosing the accommodation for the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan, explore the Full Moon Party Hotels.

Party Hotels

How to get to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan?

There is no airport on the island of Koh Phangan, so everyone looking for how to get to the Full Moon Party Thailand finally arrives by boat. The nearest airport is on Koh Samui Island, which is only 45 minutes away. Koh Phangan is also not far from the airport in Surat Thani on the mainland of Thailand. Several ferry companies operate ferries that depart from the mainland, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao to Koh Phangan daily.

To travel to the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party from Koh Samui Island, you can choose from several ferry and speedboat options.

If you are staying in Koh Samui during the Full Moon Party, it is possible to participate in the party and then go back by ferry in the morning. Make sure to book a ticket in advance for a return journey, as otherwise you might have to wait several hours before you can return by ferry. You can check the current ferry schedule and book tickets to reach Koh Phangan by ferry here: Ferry Koh Samui - Koh Phangan.

Another option is to take one of the speedboats that hop all night long to get you to Koh Phangan. Many speedboat operators organize special boat trips with speedboats leaving at sunset and returning to Koh Samui at dawn. During the Full Moon Party, you can also purchase a combined ticket for a speedboat and a minibus that picks you up and returns you to your accommodation in Koh Samui. You can have a stress-free journey from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan and attend the famous Full Moon Party by booking this Full Moon Party Speedboat Transfer.

For more tips on how to get to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan from different areas of Thailand, explore the Full Moon Party Transportation.

Party Transport

Full Moon Party Safety & Security

To ensure your security during the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party, get familiar with the safety information below.

Is the Full Moon Party safe?

The Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is not at all dangerous. Although the atmosphere is relaxed and fights and aggression are rare, theft is something to be aware of. There are also tragic events, as some people are injured in firework accidents. Swimming drunk in the sea is also not a good plan, as people regularly drown. Drinking is okay, but you should know the limit. Local medical clinics are overflowing during the party with those who are suffering from something or drinking too much.

Drugs at the Full Moon Party

Unfortunately, this party has many times been associated with drugs, so it means that drugs are available if you wish. However, we strongly advise not to risk dealing with drugs in Thailand, except for the weed that has been legalized recently. Other drugs are strictly forbidden, and there are severe penalties for those who buy, sell, or use drugs. There are many uniformed and plainclothes police officers looking for offenders. You can also find policemen who try to sell drugs during the party to see if you fall into the trap. If you find that someone wants to sell you, definitely stay away.

Safety tips during the Full Moon Party

We recommend keeping your valuables in a safe place where they can be locked up. Even in hotels, theft can happen. There are pickpockets just like in any other major festival or tourist area. Take cash only when you go to the overcrowded party. You can leave your room key at the reception. The less you take with you to the party, the better.

Wear a pair of proper sandals or shoes to avoid stepping on a broken bottle, glass, or burning cigarette butts that are buried in the sand.

Always pay close attention to your drink, and do not let anyone put anything in your drink.

It is important to stay hydrated with enough water, not just alcohol.

Do not accept food and drinks from strangers.

Most people use the sea as their bathroom, so don't go there to swim at night.

Agree on meeting points in advance in case you lose with your friends or group.

For any problem with law enforcement, call the Tourist Police at 1155.

For more tips on how to enjoy the Full Moon Party in Thailand safely, explore the Full Moon Party frequently asked questions.

Party FAQ

Alternative parties in Koh Phangan

It's no wonder that Koh Phangan is nicknamed Party Island. If you can't come during the full moon, don't worry, as Koh Phangan is a famous party island with many parties and events organized here. In practice, in any period of the month you go, if you stay at least 3 days, you will find a party. Of course, in order to fully have this experience, you need to be in Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party.

In addition to the Full Moon Party, these are the best-known parties in Koh Phangan:

Half Moon Festival: Half Moon Festival is the second biggest open-air party on Koh Phangan. It is held one week before and after the Full Moon Party. The main event of the festival takes place not on the beach but deep in the rainforest of Koh Phangan.

Jungle Experience: It is known for its carnival atmosphere that is usually held one day before the Full Moon Party.

Waterfall Party: Party in a place in the jungle where there used to be a waterfall. Every 2 days before and after the Full Moon Party.

Other activities on Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is a large island on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, halfway between the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Even if the Full Moon Party is the biggest reason for tourists to come here, there is also plenty to see and do on the rest of the island. On Koh Phangan, you will find many places where you can dive and snorkel. After the party, you can have a good relax on some of the best Koh Phangan beaches. The island also has several temples and national parks.

THAIest Team is the author of this guide. We are the team of Thailand local travel experts and foreign travel enthusiasts who created THAIest—a travel guide dedicated to discovering the best of Thailand travel & Thai food. Being frequent travelers, we share our experience of creating the best trips around Thailand since 2017, including our firsthand experience of attending the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan on more than 10 occasions.