The Full Moon Party is a large beach party on Haad Rin, at the south-eastern tip of Koh Phangan. It began as a small gathering and is now a monthly event attended by thousands of travellers, with music, bars, fire shows and food stalls along the beach. This guide gives a factual overview: when it happens, how to plan, what the risks are and how to reduce them. It does not promote the party, and it is perfectly reasonable to skip it. For the rest of the island, see the Koh Phangan hub.
What the party is
The main event takes place on Haad Rin Nok, the east-facing beach, and spills into the village behind it. Multiple sound systems play different music styles. Bars sell drinks in buckets, and street stalls sell food, face paint and glow accessories. Crowds usually build late evening and stay until morning. The atmosphere and crowd size change from month to month. There are also smaller, separate events on other dates, such as half-moon and black-moon parties, which are run by different organisers.
Alcohol is a large part of the experience, and most of the incidents reported in the media involve alcohol, drugs, injuries or theft.
Dates and rules
The main party is tied to the lunar calendar, but organisers sometimes move it for Buddhist holy days or other reasons. In Thailand, alcohol sales can be restricted on certain religious days, and local rules or hours can change from year to year. Check the date and any local restrictions close to your travel, via your accommodation, the local Tourist Police or the Tourism Authority of Thailand. As of 2026, there is typically an entry fee, which has varied in the past, so confirm locally.
Local regulations on alcohol, glassware, beach use and noise can change. Follow staff and police instructions on the night.
Planning your visit
Getting there
Koh Phangan is reached by boat from Koh Samui, Koh Tao or the mainland. Samui is the closest gateway for fast arrival. See the ferry guide for the network and the Koh Samui hub for flights and trains from Bangkok. Boats around the party date are busy, and some last boats leave before the party ends, so check your return plans.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Haad Rin sells out early around the full moon, and minimum-stay rules and price increases are common. Options include:
| Choice | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Haad Rin | Walk to the party and back | Loud, expensive on party dates, crowded |
| Thong Sala | Town amenities, ATMs, clinics | 30-40 min from Haad Rin; need transport home |
| Quieter beaches (Haad Salad, Chaloklum) | Calm, good sleep | Need a taxi or boat; late taxis can be scarce or costly |
| Staying on Samui | Wider choice | Requires boat transfers; may not run late |
Plan how you will get back to your bed before you go, and confirm that your transport runs late. As of 2026, prices are approximate and vary: expect rooms to cost noticeably more than normal on party dates.
Budget for entry, drinks, transport home and a higher room rate. A rough guide for one night is a few thousand baht for a backpacker, more if you stay in Haad Rin. Check current figures locally, since these change.
What to bring
- Passport copy and your accommodation address on your phone
- Small amount of cash, a card, and a phone kept in a waterproof pouch
- Closed shoes or sandals with grip, because broken glass and sharp debris are common on the beach
- Water bottle and any regular medication
- Phone charger or power bank
Leave valuables, large bags and your passport in your room.
Safety and harm reduction
Many problems at the party are predictable. The following are general, widely repeated precautions.
Alcohol
- Know what you are drinking. Buckets and mixed drinks can be much stronger than a normal serve.
- Pace yourself, drink water and eat before going out.
- Do not accept drinks from strangers, and keep your drink in sight. Drink spiking is a recognised risk in busy venues.
- Do not swim at night after drinking. Drownings and near-misses are reported at party beaches.
Drugs
Drugs are illegal in Thailand, and penalties can be severe, including heavy fines and prison. Police operate in party areas, including plain-clothes officers. Substances sold on the beach can be of unknown strength or contain other drugs, which carries a real health risk. The simplest way to avoid trouble is not to use them. If someone is unwell, get help immediately rather than waiting.
If a friend is unresponsive, vomiting repeatedly, having seizures or struggling to breathe, call 1669 (medical emergency) at once. Do not leave them alone and do not worry about getting into trouble.
Injuries
- Fire skipping ropes and fire shows have caused burns and other injuries. Stay out of ropes and keep a distance from fire performers.
- Cuts from broken glass are common. Wear shoes.
- Do not ride a scooter after drinking. Road injuries are among the most common tourist injuries on the island, and your insurance may not pay if you ride unlicensed or intoxicated.
Theft and personal safety
- Bags left on the sand are a common target for theft. Travel light and keep your phone secure.
- Go with friends, agree a meeting point, and check on each other.
- Women travelling alone should take extra care with drinks and transport, and let someone know their plans.
- If you are a victim of theft or assault, contact the Tourist Police on 1155 or the police on 191, and your embassy if needed. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists foreign missions.
Insurance
Check that your travel insurance covers medical care, evacuation and any activities you plan. Some policies exclude injuries when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read the policy wording.
Alternatives if the party is not for you
You can enjoy Phangan without the party. Quieter options include beaches like Haad Yao and Thong Nai Pan, waterfalls, yoga studios and boat trips. Consider visiting outside party dates, when Haad Rin is calmer. If you prefer diving, Koh Tao is a short boat ride away, and Koh Samui offers more resort-style options.
FAQ
When is the Full Moon Party?
It is held around each full moon, with some dates shifted for holidays or local reasons. Confirm the date locally before you book.
Is the Full Moon Party safe?
Many people attend without incident, but alcohol, drugs, theft and injuries are real risks. Follow the harm-reduction steps above, stay with friends and keep your belongings to a minimum.
How much does it cost?
Costs include entry (check the current fee), drinks, transport and accommodation, which often rises on party dates. Prices vary, so check locally.
Can I go as a day trip from Samui?
It is possible by boat, but the return boats may stop before the party ends. Plan your return carefully, or book a room.
Are drugs tolerated at the party?
No. Drugs are illegal in Thailand, and penalties can be severe, including for foreigners.
Official sources and further reading
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
