Backpackers travelling through Thailand have plenty to include on their itinerary: historical and cultural sites to see, eclectic cuisine to discover, natural beauty and jungle regions to trek, but number one on the list has to be the infamous Full Moon Party. Based along the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin Nok in Koh Phangen, the world-renown dance festival attracts anywhere from 40,000 people a month from all corners of the globe each with the same aim; to have the wildest and best time of their lives. Featuring electronic music, colourful makeup and people of all ages, shapes and sizes, it’s truly one of a kind.
If you’re stopping at Koh Phangen and fancy a piece of the action, then get ready for the night of your life. Preparations begin days before as locals and tourists begin to trickle on to its shores. People travel across from the neighbouring Ko Samui and Koh Tao and from other parts of the island to join the fun. Like any dedicated party-goers, people start to get the drinks in early, although the actual part kicks off at dusk when the round yellow moon appears over the beautiful white sandy beach.
In the blink of an eye, the beach descends into madness. Hordes of paint-covered party animals dance the night away as household DJs do their thing on the decks, pumping a bit of something for everyone including trance, techno, drum and bass, dance and reggae. Locals sell a variety of alcoholic drinks along the beach, so there are regular checkpoints for you to refuel as the night goes on. When you reach the point of no return, you can pass out on the sandy beach in the warm surf of the Gulf of Thailand, utter bliss. You haven’t seen anything until you experience the Full Moon Party, one of the biggest and best beach bashes in the world.
