Thailand has long been a popular destination for travelers. From its beautiful scenic vistas to its delicious cuisine, there is plenty to do on a trip to the country. Best of all, Thailand is one of the most affordable vacation destinations to visit in the world.
A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without attending the historic Full Moon Party. Here’s what you should keep in mind before traveling to the country to partake in one of the most infamous beach parties in the world.
Location
During the Full Moon Party, the beaches in the town of Haad Rin are transformed into one of the most vibrant beach raves in all of Southasia, according to travel website Wild and Away. It’s important to note that there are two beaches in Haad Rin, the Nok, or Sunrise Beach, and the Noi, or Sunset Beach.
The Full Moon Party happens at the Sunrise Beach, whereas the Sunset Beach is the much tamer of the two beaches in Haad Rin. In order to get to the beach, you’ll want to take a ferry from Koh Samui. If you aren’t already visiting Koh Samui as part of your travels, you can fly into the city and then take the ferry to Koh Phangan where the Full Moon Party is.
Cost
Although there are a variety of featured beach parties for 1000 Thai Baht (or roughly $35 USD), on the island, if you’re really on a budget you can also attend several free parties that are bound to pop up. You’ll also want to make sure that you budget for alcohol.
There are plenty of bucket sellers throughout the city willing to sell you drinks, but many people bring their own liquor, too. Ultimately, your decision will depend on how much stock you put in methanol poisoning warnings in the area and how budget–conscious you are.
Lodging
Depending on how late you plan on partying, you’ll likely want to stay on the island of Koh Phangan. If you really want to get some sleep, you may want to find lodgings near Sunset Beach, as it will be the quieter of the two options.
However, if you don’t mind the noise and want to continue experiencing some of the energy of the event, staying at the Sunrise Beach is totally feasible, too. Just be sure to make your reservations well in advance as hotels often sell out of rooms close to the event.
Clothing
When the day comes to actually attend the party, expect a wild time. Make sure to wear a bold outfit, as many other party goers will be attending in their own eccentric clothing, too. Even though it’s a beach party, it’s a good idea to wear shoes, or at the very least, flip flops or sandals. This can keep your feet protected when it gets darker and you run the risk of missing a broken glass or bottle buried in the beach.
With close to 30,000 attendees, the Full Moon Party is one of the wildest experiences you can have in Thailand. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, offering the chance to let loose in a crowd of revelers and just dance and drink the night away.
Keep in mind that although the Full Moon Party occurs monthly, you’ll likely want to spend a few days visiting Koh Phangan before or after it’s transformed into an epic, chaotic rave. This will give you the opportunity to check out the Thong Sala Night Market and explore the island’s seven waterfalls!
