Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ko Pha Ngan
Off of the Gulf of Thailand in the east, Ko Pha Ngan has become the international destin-
ation for the craziest beach party in southeast Asia. Famous for its Full Moon Party the is-
land attracts 10 to 30 thousand party goers every month to attend the moon-lit extravaganza.
There are other parties at different times of the month in Haad Rin at the half-moon, black
jungle and more if you are unable to make it to the famed full moon. Outside of Haad Rin
there are great beaches all around the island with plenty that are less touristy and developed
if you are looking to escape the neon paints and drunken revelry.
Thong Sala is the island's main port and that is where most ferries land from nearby Ko
Samui and Ko Tao ("ko" means island in Thai). If you are coming for the full moon it is
best to book the ferry ahead of time especially if you are going during the high season from
December to March and July to August. Many accommodation options in and near Haad
Rin require you to book for 5 nights around the full moon so you will have plenty of time to
enjoy the festivities. There are many places you can stay around the island though so check
out nearby beaches for a quieter and cheaper place to lay your head like Chalok Lam and
Bottle Beach in the north. If you want to stay near the action but be able to go to sleep before
the sun rises the day after the party, check out accommodation on the east side of Haad Rin.
Once you arrive in Haad Rin and have locked away your valuables in the hotel safe, grab
your cash and find a bucket. This mix of red bull, whiskey, coke and ice in a bucket which
is guaranteed to get you buzzed very quick so don't have too many buckets or you won't last
to see the sunrise. They cost anywhere from 150 baht to 400 baht depending on where you
buy them and the quality of the alcohol inside.
During the party there are a range of venues to check out with different music and vibes,
from psy-trance at Zoom to Reggae House. The biggest place is Paradise which puts on the
largest show with the top DJs spinning tracks until the sun rises.
Since it is a crazy party of international fame, here are a few recommendations on how best
to enjoy the celebrations safely:
● Wear shoes and keep them on all night so you don't cut your feet on broken glass
● Stay out of the ocean as drownings do happen
● Hydrate
