Koh Phangan Full Moon Celebration (Final Information 2025)

Are you considering of hitting up the Full Moon Celebration on Koh Phangan? 

Effectively, it’s protected to say that opinions on this infamous occasion are fairly divided. 

Whereas some folks swear by it as the final word celebration expertise, it’s not for everybody. 

Having been there myself a number of occasions, I can say that the celebration is a wild and unforgettable night time out, but it surely additionally comes with its downsides. 

On this article, I’ll share my trustworthy insights and ideas so you can also make an knowledgeable choice about whether or not the Full Moon Celebration is best for you. 

From the professionals and cons to all the sensible particulars like the place to remain, learn on to find all the things you should know earlier than diving into this well-known celebration.

So, buckle up and skim on for all the things you should know earlier than diving headfirst into the insanity.

What’s the Full Moon Celebration?

The Full Moon Celebration is a well-liked month-to-month gathering held on the sandy shores of Koh Phangan, Thailand. 

Each full moon, crowds of revelers flock to Haad Rin Seashore for an evening of unforgettable enjoyable. The celebration boasts an brisk and energetic ambiance, that includes mesmerizing fireplace exhibits, fluorescent physique paint, and thumping music that may be heard from miles away. 

All through the night, party-goers bask in buckets of cocktails and dance beneath the celebs till the break of daybreak. 

Nevertheless, it’s price noting that the Full Moon Celebration may be fairly hectic because it will get BUSY. 

As I discussed beforehand, it’s positively not everybody’s cup of tea, nevertheless, if you’re into partying and digital music, attending this legendary celebration, at the very least as soon as is a proper of passage for each backpacker.

✨The 1 Factor We By no means Depart Dwelling With out…✨

Coming from somebody who has been touring the world for the final 8 years AND has been within the hospital 2x, journey insurance coverage is one thing everybody NEEDS to get. Get a quote under!

Historical past of Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Celebration

The humorous factor is, nobody actually is aware of when the complete moon events in Koh Phangan began. 

Some say that it both began as a small group of beachgoers celebrating the complete moon or as a intelligent advertising ploy by native Thais to draw vacationers to the island. 

The celebration’s rise to fame started within the late Eighties or early Nineties, and it shortly grew in reputation amongst vacationers searching for a singular and thrilling nightlife expertise. 

Through the years, the Full Moon Celebration has undergone a number of transformations, together with adjustments to the music genres and performers, in addition to the scale and scale of the occasion. 

Regardless of these adjustments, the Full Moon Celebration stays a well-liked and iconic occasion on Koh Phangan, drawing hundreds of partygoers every month to Haad Rin Seashore.

Through the pandemic, the complete moon events have been canceled for nearly two years in a row, however now they’re again with a vengeance. Because it’s grown in measurement and recognition, native residents have complained in regards to the noise that the celebration produces, but the present nonetheless goes on.

The place is the Full Moon Celebration Held?

Haad Rin Seashore on the southern coast of Koh Phangan is the place the Full Moon Celebration involves life every month. 

To get there, guests can both take a ship or a street route. Boats run from Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and the mainland to Thong Sala pier, the place a taxi or songthaew will transport them to Haad Rin. Even should you’re within the neighboring islands, there are sometimes excursions that may present you transport there and again so you possibly can take part within the revelry. 

Alternatively, you may as well go for a direct taxi or songthaew out of your lodging in Koh Phangan to Haad Rin. Should you go down this route, we advocate arranging transportation going again to your resort forward of time.

To profit from the celebration, staying in Haad Rin or close by areas is right since getting transportation after the celebration may be difficult. 

Lodging choices are plentiful, starting from economical hostels to high-end resorts. Reserving forward of time is beneficial since rooms are likely to refill shortly in the course of the Full Moon Celebration.

Afterward, on this full moon celebration information, I’ll share just a few of our high suggestions on the place to remain. 

Psst…Need in on a Secret? 🤫

We have scoured the web for the perfect ALL-AROUND journey shoe and Tropicfeel wins by far. We have taken ours by means of rivers, jungles, and cities and so they’re nonetheless alive and kickin’. Verify them out under.

Full Moon Events 2025-2026 Dates

To be sure to get to plan your journey accordingly, right here is the schedule for the complete moon events in Koh Phangan for 2025-2026.

Please observe that the Full Moon Celebration dates are topic to alter in the event that they coincide with a Buddhist vacation. 

There are 4 spiritual holy days that happen on a full moon day, and consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited all through the nation throughout these events. 

Out of respect for Buddhist custom and to adjust to native legal guidelines, the celebration committee could postpone the occasion to the next day in these situations. As such, it’s necessary to remain knowledgeable and test for any schedule adjustments or updates to the Full Moon Celebration dates.

Should you’re planning to attend any of those Full Moon Events, it’s necessary to plan forward and e-book lodging nicely upfront, as rooms are likely to refill shortly throughout these occasions. 

Other than these dates under, yearly, they maintain an enormous New Yr’s Eve celebration on the thirty first, regardless if this falls on a full moon or not. Please make observe that NYE events on Koh Phangan fall into excessive season so e-book forward of time!

Except for these dates under, additionally they have a Half Moon celebration, which they do mid-month.

The half moon celebration is barely smaller than the complete factor however nonetheless fairly insane and epic. One other novelty is the black moon celebration so preserve an eye fixed out for these occasions whenever you’re there.

When is the Finest Time to Attend a Full Moon Celebration?

So, when’s the perfect time to hit up the Full Moon Celebration, you ask? Effectively, it actually is dependent upon what you’re after. 

Should you’re all in regards to the crowds, vitality, and chaos, then peak season from December to February and June to August are the best way to go. Go throughout this time if you wish to guarantee an all night time seaside celebration.

Throughout this time, folks from the opposite Thai islands like Koh Samui even come right here for the night time simply to celebration the night time away as it’s the largest seaside celebration in Asia.

Whereas it’s heaps of enjoyable, simply be able to fork out a bit further for lodging and cope with longer traces for drinks and loos. 

However, should you’re on the lookout for a extra chill vibe and budget-friendly costs, then shoulder season from March to Could or September to November is perhaps extra up your alley. 

Simply needless to say the climate generally is a issue, because the wet season begins from October to December. From March to Could, anticipate it to be highly regarded and humid. 

The place are the Full Moon Events Held?

So long as you’re within the neighborhood of Haad Rin seaside, it’s unattainable to not discover the place to go as your entire seaside is one large celebration. Nevertheless, listed below are a few locations which might be well-known:

Drop In Bar, situated on the dawn facet of the seaside, is a good place to begin the night time with reasonably priced drinks and fireplace exhibits. 

For a vibrant ambiance, head to Cactus Bar on the sundown facet, which has a rooftop seating space with gorgeous views of the seaside.

Zoom Bar, in the midst of Haad Rin, is a enjoyable spot to get pleasure from cocktails and a mixture of Thai and EDM music, whereas the Yard Membership on the primary street is open all night time with a pool and totally different genres of music. 

Through the Full Moon Celebration, Haad Rin can also be referred to as the complete moon celebration seaside as a result of your entire place is crammed with quite a few bars, golf equipment, and avenue distributors, so that you’ll haven’t any hassle discovering a spot to celebration. 

There are often 11 phases alongside the seaside and every stage blasts a unique music style. Some locations play good music whereas others are likely to veer towards enjoying business hits.

Primarily based on my expertise, most hostels will even throw some form of pre-full moon celebration earlier than heading out to the numerous beachside bars.

What to Put on Through the Full Moon Celebration

The Full Moon Celebration is all about letting unfastened and having enjoyable, and the costume code is mainly…something you need! 

Snug and informal clothes is the norm because the celebration takes place on the seaside. Go for light-weight garments that you simply don’t thoughts getting a bit soiled or moist, like t-shirts, shorts, and sandals. For a full run down on what to deliver, try our Thailand packing listing.

Whereas it’s tempting to go barefoot, there may be trash and even damaged bottles alongside the seaside so I actually advocate carrying some form of footwear.

That being stated, many party-goers want to face out within the crowd by carrying neon or fluorescent clothes. 

Don’t fear should you don’t have any flashy garments or celebration equipment, as distributors promote quite a lot of objects just a few days earlier than the occasion. 

Should you’re trying so as to add a bit splash of coloration, getting neon face or physique paint is quite common, and there are many distributors in and round Haad Rin to get this completed. 

No matter what you put on, simply be sure to’re snug, weather-appropriate, and able to have a great time.

I personally advocate taking a small bum bag with you or a telephone case that goes round your neck. The events can get extremely busy so be sure to preserve all of your belongings with you always.

What Time Does the Full Moon Celebration Begin and Finish

The Full Moon Celebration is a night-long celebration that usually begins at nightfall and continues into the early hours of the morning. The celebration often kicks off between 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm native time, and issues begin winding down round dawn, which is between 6:00 am and seven:00 am.

Nevertheless, relying on the vitality of the gang and the ambiance, the celebration can go on for longer. 

It’s necessary to tempo your self and prioritize your security, because the Full Moon Celebration generally is a marathon of dancing, ingesting, and revelry. 

There shall be loads of locations to purchase meals, drinks, and snacks that can assist you final your entire night time.

What to Count on When Attending Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Events

Should you’re heading to Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Celebration, right here’s what you possibly can anticipate. 

First up, there are the drinks – celebration buckets are the go-to drink of the night time, and so they are available in seaside buckets loaded up with alcohol and vitality drinks. 

The buckets are often made up of a Thai model of purple bull and are combined together with your alcohol of selection (rum or vodka are common picks!). The buckets can price between 300 to 500 Baht (that’s about 8 to 14 US {dollars}). You’ll additionally discover beer and cocktails if buckets aren’t your factor.

The Full Moon Celebration is without doubt one of the wildest events on the planet, and it attracts large crowds – wherever from 20,000 to 40,000 folks relying on whenever you go. 

You may anticipate the ambiance to be pumped up with music blasting from all instructions, folks dancing like loopy, and the vitality to be electrical all night time lengthy.

However, with so many individuals in a single place, it will possibly get a bit messy. So, when the solar rises and also you see the seaside lined in garbage, don’t be shocked. That is one a part of the complete moon events that’s actually unhappy.

 Locals volunteer their time to scrub up the seaside the subsequent day, so do your half and be sure to eliminate your trash correctly.

With all that stated, be ready to have an unforgettable night time partying beneath the complete moon. Simply bear in mind to remain protected, look out in your pals, and have a blast.

Security Suggestions for the Full Moon Celebration

The Full Moon Celebration on Koh Phangan may be loopy and unforgettable, but it surely’s important to prioritize your security and well-being whereas having enjoyable. Listed here are some ideas for a protected and pleasing Full Moon Celebration:

Preserve your wits about you: With hundreds of individuals partying, it’s essential to remain alert and conscious of your environment. Be careful for damaged glass, and uneven terrain, and preserve a detailed eye in your belongings.

I like to recommend you allow all valuables at residence. Depart your room key with the receptionist at your resort to keep away from shedding it.

Tempo your self with the drinks: Booze is aplenty on the Full Moon Celebration, but it surely’s very important to know your limits and keep hydrated. Don’t go overboard and take breaks when wanted.

Additionally, don’t settle for drinks from strangers!

Stick together with your squad: With the crowds and loud music, it’s straightforward to get separated out of your buddies. Arrange a gathering level and test in with one another incessantly. Keep away from strolling alone at night time and be careful for strangers.

Respect the island: The Full Moon Celebration can go away behind a multitude if not approached with respect. Be conscious of your actions, keep away from littering or harming the seaside, and eliminate your trash within the correct bins.

Keep Away from Medication: Though weed is now authorized in Thailand, you is perhaps tempted to take one thing tougher. Be warned there are cops throughout Haad Rin on the look out for medicine or unruly conduct.

Should you do determine to take any edibles or smoke something, be sure to know what you’re having forward of time. There are many smoke outlets which have correct descriptions of the pressure or edible that they’re promoting you.

Fireplace is sizzling: Fireplace dancing and exhibits are an enormous a part of the Full Moon Celebration, but it surely’s essential to watch out with fire-related objects. Though it appears thrilling, I don’t advocate leaping on the fireplace rope.

Leaping the fireplace rope may be harmful, and it’s necessary to solely try it whenever you’re sober. Sadly, many party-goers have ended up with burn marks on their our bodies on account of accidents attributable to alcohol consumption or different party-goers attempting to affix in whereas drunk!

The Cons of the Full Moon Celebration

Whereas the Full Moon Celebration generally is a enjoyable time, it’s necessary to acknowledge the much less glamorous facet of this common occasion. 

With such a big crowd in attendance, there’s a important quantity of waste generated, together with plastic cups, bottles, and straws that find yourself littering the seaside and sea. Damaged glass can also be a typical sight on the seaside, which may be harmful for party-goers with out sneakers.

Sadly, alcohol can generally deliver out the worst in folks, resulting in unruly and even unsafe conduct. It’s not unusual to see folks handed out on the seaside or in different public areas, and this may make them susceptible to potential hurt.

To benefit from the Full Moon Celebration whereas staying protected, it’s necessary to pay attention to your environment and conscious of your actions. 

Consuming responsibly is vital, as is avoiding strolling alone at night time and protecting an eye fixed out for strangers. Correctly disposing of your trash and leaving the seaside as clear as potential can also be essential in making certain that this celebration stays pleasing for everybody.

Find out how to Get to the Full Moon Celebration

Attending to the Full Moon Celebration generally is a little bit of an journey, relying on the place you’re staying. Listed here are some ideas for attending to the celebration:

From Koh Phangan:

Fortunate you – you’re already on the island! Attending to the Full Moon Celebration is fairly straightforward should you’re staying on Koh Phangan. Simply hop in a taxi or a shared Songthaew (a sort of pick-up truck) to Haad Rin.

You may often flag one down on the primary street or ask your resort to rearrange a trip for you. I DO NOT advocate you drive a scooter as there shall be many drunk drivers alongside the roads. 

It’s higher to be protected and to pay a bit further! There’s additionally restricted parking in the course of the full moon events so it’s finest to rearrange your personal transportation forward of time.

From Koh Samui:

Should you’re staying on Koh Samui, you’ll have to take a ferry to Koh Phangan after which seize a trip to Haad Rin. Ferries run incessantly all through the day, and the journey takes about 20-Half-hour. When you’re in Koh Phangan, you’ll find a taxi or Songthaew to take you to the celebration.

As talked about, there is perhaps some organized transport that may take you there within the night and again the day after.  Should you’re coming from Phuket, try our information on the way to get from Phuket to Koh Phangan.

From Bangkok:

Should you’re coming from Bangkok, there are just a few choices for attending to the Full Moon Celebration. You may take a flight to Koh Samui after which a ferry to Koh Phangan, or you possibly can go for an in a single day bus or practice to Surat Thani after which take a ferry to the island. 

When you’re in Koh Phangan, you possibly can seize a trip to the celebration. Take a look at 12go for uptodate ferry costs and schedules.

Regardless of the way you get there, make sure you give your self loads of time and plan forward.

The place to Keep Through the Full Moon Celebration

Discovering a spot to remain in the course of the Full Moon Celebration generally is a problem, so it’s necessary to plan forward. Listed here are some ideas for lodging on the island:

Needless to say costs for lodging can triple within the days main as much as the celebration. It’s finest to e-book early to keep away from inflated costs.

Lodges and hostels close to Haad Rin seaside can refill quick in the course of the peak interval across the Full Moon Celebration. Costs in Haad Rin may also enhance threefold throughout this time, and plenty of inns require minimal bookings of 3-5 nights.

Lodging on Haad Rin Seashore:

If you wish to be near the motion, there are many lodging instantly on Haad Rin Seashore. Some common choices embrace:

• Paradise Bungalows: This spot is alleged to be the place the Full Moon Celebration began, and you’ll even discover a stone devoted to the unique celebration right here.
• Home of Sanskara: This quieter possibility nonetheless presents an important view of the celebration.
• Tommy Resort: An reasonably priced resort with seaside entry and a pool.
• Phangan Bayshore Resort: A extra upscale possibility with a non-public seaside and facilities like a spa and out of doors pool.
• Na-Tub Hostel: This budget-friendly possibility is situated proper in the midst of all the things.

Lodging Inside Strolling Distance to Haad Rin Seashore

Should you’re on the lookout for a spot to remain inside strolling distance of the Full Moon Celebration, there are many choices close to Haad Rin Seashore. Contemplate these suggestions for a cushty and handy keep:

• Sarikantang Resort & Spa: This 4-star resort is only a quick 5-minute stroll from Haad Rin Seashore and presents a calming escape from the celebration scene. 
• Sundown Seashore Villas: This resort is only a 15-minute stroll from Haad Rin Seashore and presents a spread of lodging together with rooms and villas. 
• Sea Breeze Resort: This resort is just a brief 10-minute stroll from Haad Rin Seashore and options snug rooms and bungalows. 

All in all, the Full Moon Celebration in Koh Phangan is an epic expertise that’s positively price including to your journey bucket listing. 

You’ll get to celebration beneath the celebs with a various group of individuals from everywhere in the world, sipping on scrumptious full moon buckets and dancing the night time away on the seaside. 

Should you’re not a fan of huge events, I like to recommend avoiding Haad Rin seaside throughout this time because it actually will get busy and packed. However, should you’re up for a wild and unforgettable night time, I hope this text gave you plenty of helpful ideas and data that can assist you celebration it up!

FAQ on the Full Moon Celebration in Koh Phangan

Take a look at these articles for extra Thailand guides:

Impressed? Pin it!