Full Moon Party in Thailand 2026: A complete guide

What is the Full Moon Party in Thailand?

Imagine a tropical beach taken over by music, lights, and thousands of people dancing barefoot in the sand — that’s the Full Moon Party. Held every month on the night of the full moon, the event takes place on Haad Rin Beach (also known as Sunrise Beach) on the island of Koh Phangan.

The story goes back to the late 1980s, when a small group of backpackers gathered on the beach to celebrate the moonlit night. Over time, that low-key gathering snowballed into an international phenomenon. Today, the Full Moon Party regularly draws up to 30,000 people, with the biggest crowds showing up during peak season.

What actually happens on the beach? Well, you can expect fire dancers, people covered in neon paint, and DJs lined up along the shore playing everything from techno and EDM to reggae and pop. The party runs from early evening until sunrise, when the last dancers finally give in.

Full Moon Party in 2026: Official dates

The Full Moon Party dates are set each year by the Haad Rin Business Association and follow the lunar calendar, so they’re timed around the full moon rather than fixed weekdays. Here’s the current list of 2026 Full Moon Party dates:

🌕 Saturday, 3rd January 2026

🌕 Monday, 2nd February 2026

🌕 Tuesday, 3rd March 2026

🌕 Thursday, 2nd April 2026

🌕 Friday, 1st May 2026

🌕 Sunday, 31st May 2026

🌕 Monday, 29th June 2026

🌕 Wednesday, 29th July 2026

🌕 Friday, 28th August 2026

🌕 Saturday, 26th September 2026

🌕 Monday, 26th October 2026

🌕 Tuesday, 24th November 2026

🌕 Thursday, 24th December 2026

🌕 Thursday, 31st December 2026

These dates were taken from the official Full Moon Party website, but they can sometimes change due to Buddhist holidays, so it’s smart to reconfirm via the official event page before you book flights, ferries, or accommodation.

The best time to go really depends on the kind of experience you’re after. The biggest, most high-energy Full Moon Parties happen from December to February, with New Year’s Eve being the most crowded and intense night of the year — you can expect massive crowds, higher prices, and a full-scale party atmosphere. If you’d prefer a bit more space to dance and slightly calmer conditions, the parties in October and November tend to be noticeably quieter, while still delivering the classic Full Moon experience. But no matter where you land on the calendar, it’s worth planning ahead — accommodation and transport can fill up quickly around those dates.

The location of the Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party takes over Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach) on the southern tip of Koh Phangan, an island in the Gulf of Thailand that sits east of Koh Samui and south of Koh Tao. Haad Rin Nok is the primary beach for the party — a long, wide shoreline of soft sand backed by palm trees and lined with local businesses, bars, and restaurants that come alive as the sun sets.

The layout of the beach makes it ideal for an event of this scale — it’s naturally accessible from nearby streets and walkways, and the gradual slope into the sea gives plenty of room for multiple music zones and performance areas.

Right next to Haad Rin Nok is Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) — smaller and quieter most of the time, but still part of the broader Haad Rin area. The town of Haad Rin itself has grown up around these beaches, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops, and accommodation ranging from budget hostels to beachfront resorts that serve both party‑goers and regular travelers.

How to get to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan

Getting to Koh Phangan is a bit of an adventure — and that’s part of the fun. There’s no airport on the island, so everyone arrives by ferry. Most travelers from the UK kick things off with a flight to Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, which takes around 11-12 hours from London. Airlines like Thai Airways, British Airways, and EVA Air are the usual picks.

From Bangkok, you’ve got a couple of options. The quickest way is to catch a domestic flight to Koh Samui or Surat Thani (about 1.5 hours). Koh Samui is the easiest choice, because the ferry from there to Koh Phangan takes just around 30-45 minutes. Surat Thani is a bit more old-school — you can hop on an overnight train or bus from Bangkok (roughly 10-12 hours) and then take a bus and ferry combo, which takes another 3-4 hours. It’s slower, but cheaper.

Once you reach Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan, the party is now one more ride away. Shared taxis, tuk-tuks, or mini-buses will take you down to Haad Rin Beach in about 30-40 minutes, giving you just enough time to slap on some neon paint and hit the beach as the first beats start to drop.

What to expect at the Full Moon Party

If you’re imagining a calm night under the stars, you’ll be very disappointed. The Full Moon Party is an all-night beach rave, so you have to expect loud music, huge crowds, and neon paint everywhere. It’s chaotic, eclectic, and definitely unforgettable.

The music and atmosphere

The soundtrack of the night is one of the main attractions. Along the 800-metre stretch of Haad Rin Beach, you’ll find 12+ powerful sound systems, each blasting its own genre. One area might be focused on EDM and house, while another pumps hip-hop, reggae, or drum and bass. The variety means you can wander the beach and experience completely different musical worlds in a single night.

The party officially kicks off around sunset (7 PM), with the energy building through the evening and peaking between 10 PM and 2 AM, before gradually tapering off as the sun rises around 6-7 AM. The party is intense, immersive, and not for the faint-hearted — but that’s exactly why people keep coming back.

Fire shows and entertainment

If the music is the heartbeat of the Full Moon Party, the fire shows are its soul. Around 9 PM, Haad Rin transforms into a pyrotechnic playground. Professional performers spin fire poi and backflip through flaming hoops, creating a mesmerizing amber glow that reflects off the ocean. It’s a high-octane display of raw talent that perfectly captures the island’s wild, "anything goes" energy.

The bars often bring out fire limbo and flaming jump ropes for the boldest travelers, too. It’s a massive crowd-pleaser, but it’s strictly participate-at-your-own-risk territory. Since fire and famous Thai whiskey buckets can be a tricky mix, it’s smart to check your balance — and your outfit’s flammability — before jumping in.

The famous bucket drinks

You’ll see colorful sandcastle “buckets” everywhere at the Full Moon Party — they’ve become part of the event’s visual identity. Typically filled with a mix of Thai energy drink (similar to Red Bull), cola, local whiskey or vodka, and ice, they usually cost around THB250-500 (GBP5-10), depending on the ingredients and strength.

While they’re often shared between friends, it’s important to remember that the combination of caffeine and alcohol can be deceptively strong. The energy drink may mask how intoxicated you’re actually feeling, which can lead to drinking more than you intended. If you choose to try one, pace yourself, drink water regularly, and don’t feel pressured to finish or refill it. Enjoying the atmosphere is what makes the night memorable — not how much you drink.

Neon paint and UV lights

The sea of glowing bodies under the UV lights is easily the most iconic sight of the Full Moon Party. Thousands of partygoers cover themselves in fluorescent neon paint, turning the shoreline into a massive, moving canvas. It’s a visual that makes the beach feel like a different planet once the music starts pumping and the blacklights hit the sand.

You can find DIY paint tables scattered along the beach if you want to save your money and get creative with your own designs. For a more polished look, professional body artists offer intricate full-arm sleeves or glowing patterns for around THB200-400 (GBP5-10). Many groups even bring their own tubes of paint to share, which adds to the playful, communal vibe of the night. By the time the party hits its peak, the entire crowd becomes a pulsing, neon masterpiece that’s unlike anything else in the world.

Meals at the party

You won’t go hungry at the Full Moon Party! Along the beach and in the streets leading down to Haad Rin, numerous food stalls and street vendors serve up a constantly changing mix of Thai favorites and quick bites throughout the night. You’ll find grilled chicken skewers, corn on the cob, slices of pizza, pad thai, fresh seafood, curries, tropical fruit shakes, and coconut water, all priced roughly THB50-200 per meal (around GBP1-4).

A few tips — if you’re in the mood for a slightly more substantial meal before the party starts, many restaurants and cafés in Haad Rin serve up Thai and international dishes earlier in the evening, often for comparable prices to the stalls.

And because the party gets busy, it’s smart to carry small cash denominations, as most vendors on the beach are cash‑only and food/ drinks can be slightly pricier than on other parts of the island during regular nights.

Accommodation in Koh Phangan during the Full Moon Party

If you’re planning to hit the Full Moon Party, booking accommodation well in advance is a must. Hotels and hostels on Koh Phangan fill up fast around party dates, and many properties even require a minimum 3-night stay during peak season. Planning ahead ensures you won’t be scrambling for a place at the last minute — which can be very stressful when the party’s calling.

The most convenient option is to stay right in Haad Rin, within walking distance of the beach. This means no taxis, no ferry logistics, and the freedom to come and go as you please — a big advantage when the party lasts from sunset until sunrise. During peak party dates, prices usually hover between THB1,000 and THB3,500 (GBP25-80) per night, which is still a total bargain compared to Western festival prices. Booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance is recommended to secure your spot.

If you prefer something quieter, the northern beaches of Koh Phangan offer a more peaceful vibe and cheaper accommodation. The trade-off is that you’ll need to arrange transport to Haad Rin — taxis or scooters — which can take extra time, especially on busy party nights.

Staying on nearby islands like Koh Samui is usually not a great idea. Ferries don’t run all night, so you’d either have to leave the party early or wait until the first morning ferry, and private speedboats can get expensive. Most travelers end up regretting it. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, Haad Rin or the nearby areas on Koh Phangan are your best bet.

Essential Full Moon Party tips

The Full Moon Party is an unforgettable experience, but it can get chaotic, so planning ahead is key. Here’s a detailed checklist to keep you safe, happy, and dancing all night.

Do’s

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  Stick with your group and agree on meeting points. With crowds of 10,000–30,000 people, it’s easy to get separated. Pick a few landmarks on the beach where everyone can meet if someone gets lost.

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  Watch your drink at all times. Always keep an eye on your bucket or cocktail. This prevents tampering and ensures you know exactly what you’re drinking.

• 

  Stay hydrated with water. Alcohol and energy drinks can dehydrate you fast in the tropical heat. Sip water between buckets to avoid headaches and exhaustion.

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  Keep away from the water’s edge. Strong currents, darkness, and crowds make swimming at night extremely dangerous. Even shallow areas can be risky.

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  Be aware of broken glass and other sharp objects in the sand. The beach is littered after partygoers and bars, so wear sandals or watch your step to avoid cuts.

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  Get neon body paint. Part of the fun is embracing the glowing, fluorescent atmosphere. Paint yourself and your friends, but make sure you use safe, skin-friendly paint.

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  Enjoy fire shows from a safe distance. Fire performances are mesmerizing, but don’t get too close — the performers are professionals, and a misstep can be painful.

Don’ts

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  Drugs. Drugs are illegal in Thailand and can be especially dangerous in a high-energy beach setting. Substances are often unpredictable, and mixing them with alcohol and heat increases health risks. It’s safest to enjoy the party without them.

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  Fire rope jumping. While tempting, this is extremely dangerous. Even experienced partygoers can get serious burns, so leave it to the pros.

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  Swimming at night. Strong currents, deep water, and crowded conditions make the sea unsafe after dark.

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  Walking alone on dark roads. Many areas off the main beach are poorly lit. Stick with friends and use well-trodden paths to your accommodation.

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  Leaving drinks unattended. Drinks can be spiked or stolen in the chaos of the party. Always carry your bucket or hold onto your cup.

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  Carrying all your cash at once. Only bring what you need for the night. Keep extra money and valuables secure in your hotel.

Staying connected with an eSIM in Thailand

Staying connected at the Full Moon Party isn’t just about sharing photos — it’s essential for safety and coordination. With tens of thousands of people on the beach, it’s easy to get separated from your group, so having reliable mobile data means you can quickly reconnect. You’ll also need it for booking transport, checking maps to find your accommodation, or looking for help in an emergency.

For travelers, an eSIM for Thailand is the best option. It can be set up before you travel, so you’re online the moment you land, without the hassle of buying or swapping a physical SIM. Your UK number will stay active and it works in the entire country, so it’s perfect for island hopping between Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao. Using an eSIM will also help you avoid expensive roaming charges — UK carriers can charge up to GBP10 per MB — and is far more reliable and secure than public Wi-Fi, which can pose risks for travelers.

To make life even easier, be sure to get the Saily app before your trip and check if your phone is compatible so everything is ready to go. With an eSIM, staying connected at the Full Moon Party is effortless, letting you focus on dancing, exploring, and enjoying one of the world’s most legendary beach parties.

Is the Full Moon Party worth It?

So, is the Full Moon Party worth it? The honest answer is that it depends on what you’re looking for. If you thrive in large-scale beach parties, love EDM, techno, or electronic music, and want to dive into a legendary backpacker tradition, this is your scene. The chance to meet travelers from around the world, dance under neon lights, and watch fire shows along the beach creates an experience that’s truly unique.

On the other hand, it’s probably not for everyone. If you prefer intimate gatherings, get anxious in huge crowds, aren’t into electronic music, or just want a relaxing, quiet beach experience, you might want to skip it. Luckily, Koh Phangan has plenty of alternatives — the Half Moon Party offers a smaller, jungle setting, the Black Moon Party celebrates the new moon with an underground vibe, and the Jungle Party, held the night before the Full Moon, is a forest rave that’s more intimate but still full of energy.

The verdict? If you’re in Thailand during a Full Moon and enjoy partying, music, and meeting new people, it’s absolutely worth experiencing at least once. Even if massive beach raves aren’t usually your thing, the sheer energy, cultural significance, and memories you’ll make make it a story worth telling.