By Jordan Ebor
Koh Phangan in Thailand is one of the islands that many people love to visit. It is known mostly for its Full Moon Party, which takes place every month. I have been to this awesome event a couple of times. Although it is on every month, most people visit this place in large numbers between December and March. The majority of people come to Koh Phangan to celebrate or relax because of the great beaches and the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party.

My first time to visit Koh Phangan was in December 2008.  This was around Christmas and it was a full moon. I saw marvellous scenes that made me love the place. My friend Chrissie and I whilst we were there went to Haad Rin beach for the Full Moon Party, where we danced from sunset until dawn on the beach.  Whilst at Haad Rin beach for the Full Moon Party I enjoyed a variety of food and drinks. I had a chance to taste the Thai meals for the first time. They were indeed mouth-watering! I enjoyed beer while my friend Chrissie drank cocktails.  

The main drink at the Full Moon Party comes in a bucket, who knows what the hell is in it, Chrissie and I didn’t try it. We bought some charcoals at the local supermarket that we used to light a fire that kept us warm along the beach. You can also participate in a fire rope jumping which was really exciting to try, but I suggest only do it when you are sober.

I have never found getting accommodation an issue on Koh Phangan, since the place has several hotels, hostels and resorts right near the beach. We always stay at Seaview Sunrise Resort located at the far end of Haad Rin Beach. Although there are enough resorts and hotels for accommodation, sometimes it is best to make your booking in advance because of the high number of people visiting for the Full Moon Party.

For those who wish to get to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party it is easy enough to reach. You cannot fly to Koh Phangan though as there is no airport on the island. Everybody arrives by ferry either from Surat Thani on the mainland or from the neighbouring island, Koh Samui. If you fly, you have to go to Koh Samui first then connect to Koh Phangan by ferry. You can also catch a train or bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then connect to Koh Phangan by ferry. There are also tour groups available that have tours to the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party.

Thailand’s famous Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan became world famous after the Leonardo De Caprio, The Beach, and I have to admit that you really have to see it to understand what it is like.  So make sure that the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is on your to-do list when you next visit Thailand.

by FOMO Boy
If you want to experience one of the best all-night beach parties, the Full Moon Party in the beach town of Haad Rin on the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand is the place to go.

The Full Moon Party has become part of the itinerary of many travellers to Asia. Seen by many as the ultimate party experience, the Full Moon Party was also featured in the movie The Beach with Leonardo Di Caprio and attracts some 20,000-30,000 partygoers each full moon.

Paradise Bungalows is the name of the original location of the Full Moon Party and these days there will often be an international DJ playing on the night of the Full Moon Party. So how did this all start I hear you ask? Well back in 1985 some tourists organised a party to celebrate the majestic full moon that was going to light up the night sky. News of the event quickly spread and the small party grew to become the Full Moon Party we know today.

Early in the morning before each full moon in Koh Phangan there is great expectation for the nights festivities as everyone is waiting for night to arrive and the Full Moon Party to begin.

The Full Moon Party commences around sunset, when the moon appears in the skies over Haad Rin and party goers come out of their hotels and head to the beach.

Restaurants and packed bars all along the beach play all kinds of music to suit all tastes and serve up plenty of not only traditional Thai food, but also American, Italian, or French cuisine.

Once the full moon rises high in the sky, the Full Moon Party reaches fever pitch. Most people spend the evening dancing under the full moon lit sky, but there are also numerous street performers to marvel at right near the beachfront. Here you will find entertainers like jugglers and fire-stick throwers. If you're up for it you can even try throwing the fire sticks yourself.

If you feel courageous enough you can have a go at the famous fire skipping rope. Yep you heard right - the skipping rope is on fire! If you want to participate in this famous game, then you need to head to the Drop-In club. Even if you don't feel like trying it yourself, this is a must see part of the Full Moon Party.

One of the items that the Full Moon Party is famous for is the main drink called the "bucket". The "bucket" drink consists of some sort of whiskey, sugarcane rum, vodka and Red Bull. This "bucket" comes with a few straws so you can share the drink amongst your friends.