INSIDE ASIA’S WILDEST PARTY: A SURVIVAL GUIDE TO THE FULL MOON PARTY

“The craziest party in Asia” that was how I first heard about the “Full Moon Party” from a Japanese friend of mine around ten years ago. I never imagined that one day I would find myself near the small Thai island where this wild celebration takes place, right during the full moon. So we seized the opportunity to experience Asia’s legendary excesses firsthand.

The full moon party.

This wild party takes place on the nearby island of Koh Phangan and attracts people from all over the world. To get there, you can take a ferry (cheaper and safer) or a private boat (more adventurous and flexible with timing). The latter is often the only option after 8 p.m. You can either stay overnight on Koh Phangan or return the next morning. I recommend staying overnight: you’ll definitely appreciate a few hours of sleep, and after the boat ride (we arrived completely soaked), a shower is essential before the party.

Once you arrive at the harbour Haad Rin, you’ll need to buy an entry bracelet (around €15). Then the party begins: fluorescent body paint, fire shows, buckets of alcohol, and music of every kind along the beach until the sunrise.

Party tatoos.

• Buckets filled with alcoholic drinks are pretty cheap, but they’ll taste like dish soap, so I’d recommend trying some alternatives too.

• Fluorescent tattoos can be quite expensive, but they look amazing in photos, make sure to negotiate the price, especially if you’re in a group.

• The music on the beach is extremely loud, but you can move from one DJ booth to another and you’ll find dance music for every taste.

• The fire shows are true spectacles, and the performers are incredibly skilled. Of course, don’t try getting close to the flames, what looks like an easy stunt actually requires years of training.

All in all, if you happen to be in the area during a full moon night, I definitely recommend this experience… although once in a lifetime is probably more than enough!

HONEST TIP: Attention to SCAMS! The next morning, besides the hangover, be careful: hundreds of tourists will be trying to get back to Koh Samui. Check ferry schedules online (they are reliable) and don’t fall for scams. Some operators may claim tickets are sold out and try to charge you hundreds of euros for private boats. Don’t trust them and just walk further along the pier. There you’ll find the official ferry terminal where tickets are available at normal prices.