Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FULL MOON FUN
No one knows exactly when or how these crazy parties started - many believe they began in 1987 or 1988 as
someone's 'going away party', but none of that is relevant now. Today, thousands of bodies converge monthly
on the kerosene-soaked sands of Sunrise Beach for an epic trance-a-thon. Crowds can reach an outrageous
40,000 partiers during high season, while the low season still sees a respectable 5000 pilgrims.
If you can't make your trip coincide with a full moon but still want to cover yourself in fluorescent paint, fear
not - enterprising locals have organised a slew of other reasons to get sloshed. There are Black Moon Parties (at
Ban Khai), Half Moon Parties (at Ban Tai) and Moon-set Parties (at Hat Chaophao) just to name a few.
Some critics claim the party is starting to lose its carefree flavour, especially after increasing violence and the
fact that the island's government now charges a 100B entrance fee to partygoers (the money goes towards
needed beach cleaning and security). Despite changes, the night of the full moon is still the ultimate partying ex-
perience, as long as one follows the unofficial Ten Commandments of Full Moon fun:
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Thou shalt arrive in Hat Rin at least three days early to nail down accommodation during the pre-full moon
rush of backpackers.
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Thou shalt double-check the party dates as sometimes they coincide with Buddhist holidays and are resched-
uled.
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Thou shalt secure all valuables, especially when staying in budget bungalows.
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Thou shalt savour some delicious fried fare in Chicken Corner before the revelry begins.
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Thou shalt wear protective shoes during the sandy celebration, unless thou wants a tetanus shot.
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Thou shalt cover thyself with swirling patterns of neon body paint.
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Thou shalt visit Mellow Mountain or the Rock for killer views of the heathens below.
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Thou shalt not sample the drug buffet, nor shalt thou swim in the ocean under the influence of alcohol.
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Thou shalt stay in a group of two or more people, especially if thou art a woman, and especially when return-
ing home at the end of the evening.
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Thou shalt party until the sun comes up and have a great time.
Ban Khai to Ban Tai
The waters at Ban Tai tend to be shallow and opaque, especially during low season, but
lodging options are well-priced compared to other parts of the island, and you're not too
far from Hat Rin. Like Ban Tai, Ban Khai's beaches aren't the most stunning, but the ac-
commodation is cheap and there are beautiful views of Ang Thong Marine National Park
in the distance.
These beaches are where many of the moon-but-not-full-moon parties happen so even
if your resort seems quiet, there's probably some boozed-up action nearby.
Boom's Cafe Bungalows
BUNGALOW
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