Koh Phangan Island is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. If you enjoy dancing on the sand until the early morning, you'll have an amazing vacation here. The main party beaches on Koh Phangan are Ban Tai and Haad Rin. You can find information about themed parties almost every day on the island through websites and posters.
Popular Koh Phangan Parties
Full Moon Party
The Full Moon Party is the biggest event on Koh Phangan. It has been held on the full moon night at Haad Rin Beach since 1985 and attracts around 30,000 tourists during the peak season.
Music fills all the bars on the beach and some nearby establishments. Each dance floor features a different style of music, allowing you to choose your favorite beats, whether it's R&B, house, psy-trance, reggae, or ska.
Alcohol is typically sold in small, colorful buckets. The highlight of the party is a spectacular fireworks show.
If you plan to attend this massive party, it's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, as hotel and guesthouse rates tend to skyrocket as the date approaches.
Basic Information
- Start Time: The Full Moon Party starts at 9 p.m. and lasts until dawn.
- Access Ticket: Entrance to the Full Moon Party costs 100 Thai Baht (TNV). Upon payment, you receive a wristband that grants access to any dance floor on Haad Rin Beach. Be careful not to lose it, as you may need to pay the entrance fee again.
- Schedule: Check the latest schedule at www.phangan.info since the party's dates change each month in alignment with the full moon.
Half Moon Festival
Another mega-popular party, the Half Moon Festival, is held a week after the Full Moon Party in the jungle near Tong Sala, the capital of Koh Phangan. The festival features three dance floors, bars, food courts, and light and fire shows for guests.
Directions to Half Moon Festival: Drive to Ban Tai, and then take the road that's perpendicular to the shoreline. There are plenty of signposts to guide you, so you're unlikely to get lost.
Basic Information
- Admission Cost: Admission to the Half Moon Festival starts from 500 Thai Baht (THB), which includes a cocktail and a CD.
- Alcohol Prices: Expect higher alcohol prices than in stores, with beer starting at 80 THB and hard liquor at 120 THB.
- Transportation: Motorcycle cabs are available at the entrance and can provide rides to the nearest ATM if you run out of money.
Black Moon Culture
The Black Moon Culture Party takes place 14 days after the Full Moon Party. During the peak season, this event often features big-name DJs, making it a great choice for trance and techno lovers.
Basic Information
- Location: The Black Moon Culture Party is held on Ban Tai Beach, by Mac's Bay Resort.
- Admission Cost: Admission starts from THB 600 and includes cocktails in the price.
Jungle Experience
The Jungle Experience party is held twice a month, ten days before the Full Moon Party and one day before it. The venue for this event is in the jungle across from the Half Moon Festival.
A whole garden has been created here with fluorescent decorations, bars, and a huge dance floor. The Jungle Experience features electronica, trance, and house music.
Basic Information
- Event Time: The Jungle Experience starts at 20:00 and continues until 08:00 in the morning.
- Admission Cost: Admission starts from THB 300 and includes two cocktails.
- Alcohol Prices: Alcohol prices start from 200 THB.
Sramonara Waterfall Party
The Sramonara Waterfall Party takes place three days before the Full Moon Party near Sramonara Waterfall, in the southeastern part of the island. There's a natural pool of spring water at this location.
Basic Information
- Admission Cost: Admission is free from 21:00 to 22:00, after which you will need to pay 300 Thai Baht (THB).
- Ticket Price Includes:The ticket price includes 2 cocktails.
Shiva Moon Party
The Shiva Moon Party takes place right next door to Ban Tai almost every week. This party is ideal for techno and house music fans. Bonfires lit on the venue's borders add to its authentic atmosphere.
Pool Party
There's a pool party and beach party at the Coral Bungalows hotel, next to Haad Rin Nai.
Basic Information
-
- Prices: Alcohol costs the same as in stores.
MOON SET Party
The MOON SET Party is held a day or two before the Full Moon Party at Pirate's Bar on Chao Phao Beach. The music style on the dance floor is house and progressive.
Reggae Party
The Reggae Party takes place on Haad Salad beach at Reggae Bar and features live reggae concerts.
Safety in Koh Phangan
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Koh Phangan while staying safe by following these simple rules:
- Avoid Carrying Large Sums of Money: Keep your documents and credit card hidden away in your purse or under your clothes to protect against pickpocket thieves.
- Avoid Buying Drugs: Never purchase drugs on the dance floor, as it is illegal to sell opiates in Thailand, and law enforcement is strict about this.
- Use Small Amounts of Cash: Take only the amount of money you plan to spend, preferably in small denominations.
- Verify Alcohol Purchases: If buying alcohol, ensure it's opened in front of you. While tourists may not be searched upon entry, it's best to be cautious.
- Secure Your Camera or Phone: When filming or taking photos, hold your camera or phone tightly and never leave them unattended.
- Choose Comfortable Clothing and Shoes: Wear comfortable attire and footwear for the parties, and consider leaving bulky bags at your hotel.
Koh Phangan is known as the nightlife, entertainment, and party capital of Thailand. Enjoy unforgettable parties amidst the natural beauty of the island while staying safe.
