Koh Phangan Parties Guide
Everything an Israeli traveler needs before flying out for the Full Moon Party and the rest of Koh Phangan's nightlife - verified dates, how to get there, where to stay, and how to stay safe.
What Is the Full Moon Party?
The Full Moon Party is a monthly all-night beach party on Haad Rin beach, Koh Phangan's southern tip, timed to the night of the full moon. Sound systems line the sand, bars sell drinks straight onto the beach, and body-paint stalls do steady business from sunset until the crowd finally thins out near sunrise.
It has grown from a small beach gathering in the 1980s into one of the best-known party nights in Southeast Asia, pulling a mostly 20s-and-30s international crowd. For the full rundown of what to expect on the night itself - music, the beach layout, crowd size - read our complete Full Moon Party guide.
Who It's For
It suits groups of friends and solo travelers on the backpacker/flashpacker trail who want one legendary night out as part of a longer Thailand trip. If you're after a quiet beach holiday, this specific night is not it - but the rest of the island, outside the party dates, is calm and easy to enjoy.
Many travelers combine a Full Moon Party date with a few extra days on the island before or after, plus a stop on Koh Samui on the way in or out.
Upcoming Full Moon Party Dates
We only publish dates we could verify from more than one source. All times are local (Thailand, UTC+7) and mark the start of the party on the beach, which runs through the night.
| Date | Venue |
|---|---|
| 27 Oct 2026, 20:00 Moved from October 26 to avoid overlapping with Ok Phansa (the end of Buddhist Lent). | Haad Rin Beach (Sunrise Beach) |
| 24 Nov 2026, 20:00 Falls on the same night as Loy Krathong, so the island is busier than usual that week. | Haad Rin Beach (Sunrise Beach) |
| 24 Dec 2026, 20:00 | Haad Rin Beach (Sunrise Beach) |
| 31 Dec 2026, 20:00 New Year's Eve edition - the single busiest date of the year on the island. | Haad Rin Beach (Sunrise Beach) |
Getting to Koh Phangan
There's no airport on Koh Phangan, so you arrive by sea. The two common routes are flying into Koh Samui and taking a short ferry across, or flying into Surat Thani on the mainland and connecting via the Donsak ferry pier. Either way, boats land at Thong Sala, Koh Phangan's main pier on the island's west side.
From Thong Sala pier it's roughly a 20-25 minute taxi or songthaew ride across the island to Haad Rin, where the party happens. On party nights traffic and taxi prices both spike, so build in extra time if you're arriving the same day.
Haad Rin Layout
Haad Rin sits on a narrow peninsula with two beaches facing opposite directions: Sunrise Beach on the east, where the Full Moon Party happens, and the quieter Sunset Beach on the west. The village in between is packed with guesthouses, bars, convenience stores and tattoo and piercing shops that do brisk business before a party night.
On the party night itself, the village and the road down to the beach get extremely crowded - plan to walk, not drive, once you're close.
Where to Stay
Haad Rin
Walking distance to the party, which is the main draw - and the main downside. Rooms fill up and get more expensive around party dates, and the village is loud for a few days before and after.
Ban Tai
A calmer beach a short ride north of Haad Rin - a good middle ground if you want quiet nights with an easy trip in on the party date.
Thong Sala
The island's main town, near the pier - practical if you want easy access to ferries, the weekend night market and everyday errands, with a longer ride to Haad Rin on the party night.
Not sure which area fits your plans? Tell us your dates and style on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose.
Safety Tips
A party this size, on a beach, at night, comes with real risks. None of this should scare you off - just plan around it.
- "Buckets" - the shared mixed drinks sold on the beach - are strong and inconsistent. Pace yourself and know what you're drinking.
- Drink spiking happens at big party events worldwide. Watch your drink being made, don't accept open drinks from strangers, and stay with your group.
- Motorbike accidents are one of the most common ways travelers get hurt in Thailand, and the risk rises sharply at night after drinking. Consider a taxi or songthaew instead of riding yourself on a party night.
- Expect police checkpoints checking for drugs around the island on party nights - possession penalties in Thailand are serious, so don't take the risk.
- The glow-in-the-dark body paint sold at the party can irritate sensitive skin - do a small patch test first if you're not sure, and wash it off as soon as you can afterward.
What to Bring
- A small waterproof bag or pouch for your phone, cash and ID - the beach gets wet and crowded.
- Closed, comfortable shoes you don't mind getting ruined - broken glass on the sand is a known hazard.
- Only the cash you plan to spend that night, kept somewhere secure on your body.
- A portable charger - you'll want your phone working if your group splits up.
- A plan with your group for where to meet if you get separated, agreed before you head out.
Other Party Nights on Koh Phangan
The Full Moon Party isn't the only recurring night on the island. The Half Moon Festival moves to a jungle amphitheater setting with a different sound and production than the beach party, and the Jungle Experience parties lean into a similar jungle-rave atmosphere. Both have loyal followings among travelers who've already done Full Moon and want a different vibe.
We deliberately don't publish dates for these two - the schedule shifts and we can't verify it with the same confidence as the Full Moon Party dates above. Read more about Half Moon and Jungle Experience or message us on WhatsApp and we'll tell you what's scheduled for this month.
Koh Phangan or Phuket?
If you're deciding between a Koh Phangan trip and a Phuket trip for your nightlife-focused dates, the short version is: Phangan centers around one legendary beach party plus laid-back island time in between, while Phuket is a bigger, denser scene with clubs, beach clubs and boat parties running most nights of the week. Some groups do both, flying through Samui.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan?
Where exactly does the Full Moon Party happen?
How do I get to Koh Phangan?
Is the Full Moon Party safe?
What are Half Moon Festival and Jungle Experience?
Should I stay in Haad Rin or somewhere quieter?
Is Koh Phangan or Phuket better for a party trip?
Can Travel With Julz help plan a Koh Phangan trip around party dates?
Planning a Koh Phangan Trip?
Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we'll help you plan around the party schedule.
