The Full Moon Party in Thailand takes place on Sunrise Beach at Haad Rin, on the south coast of Koh Phangan, on the night of the full moon. It has run since the 1980s and grown from a small gathering into one of the biggest beach parties in the world. Entry is cheap and you pay at the beach gate, but the logistics (ferries, rooms, getting home) and the safety risks catch many first-timers off guard. For the island as a whole, see the Koh Phangan travel guide.
Full Moon Party Thailand at a Glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Where | Sunrise Beach, Haad Rin, southern Koh Phangan |
| When | The night of the full moon, about 12–13 times a year |
| Entry | 200 THB, paid in cash at the beach entrance on the night |
| Tickets | No official online tickets; sold only at the entrance |
| Getting there | Ferry to Koh Phangan, then a songthaew or taxi to Haad Rin |
| Biggest risks | Fire ropes, night swimming, theft, drink spiking, scooter accidents |
What the Full Moon Party Thailand Actually Is
It is a monthly, open-air beach party that takes over the length of Sunrise Beach on the night of the full moon, sometimes moved by a day around a major Buddhist holiday. Dozens of bars line the sand, each with its own sound system and genre, from psytrance and house to drum and bass, reggae and hip-hop, all within a few hundred meters of each other, so the crowd sorts itself by taste as the night goes on. There is no single stage or headline act; the party is the entire beach. Crowds vary a lot by month, from several thousand to many more in high season and around holidays.
How the Dates Are Set
The party follows the lunar calendar, so the date shifts every month and is not fixed. Most calendars list 24 November and 24 December 2026 as the main nights, but check any date close to travel, because it can move by a day around Thai holidays. Rooms across the whole island, not only in Haad Rin, sell out and rise in price for the two or three nights around each party, so book accommodation first and check where to stay in Koh Phangan.
Tickets and Entry
Entry is 200 THB, paid in cash at the entrance to the beach on the night itself. There is no official online ticket for the party, so anyone selling you an advance entry ticket online or on the street is not selling an official one. Package tours that include a boat transfer may be real, but the entry fee is usually paid separately at the gate. Most of your spending goes on drinks, so decide how much to carry before you go and keep the rest locked up.
Getting to the Full Moon Party: Ferries and Local Transport
Ferry to Koh Phangan
Most visitors arrive by ferry from Koh Samui, Koh Tao or the mainland (Surat Thani area). Crossings take from under an hour to a few hours depending on the route and boat, and schedules change by season, so confirm the departure with your operator. On party days, boats from Koh Samui and nearby islands are busier and the return trip can be crowded, so do not leave the last boat to chance. This ferry guide explains the routes.
From the Pier to Haad Rin
From the main pier, songthaews and taxis run to Haad Rin. Expect higher prices than in the daytime on party night, and agree the fare before you get in. Avoid riding a scooter to or from the party: Haad Rin’s access roads are steep and narrow, accidents on the island are common, and mixing that with alcohol and heavy traffic is a bad combination. Staying within walking distance of Haad Rin for the night is the safest plan. See how to get around Koh Phangan for how transport works day to day.
Full Moon Party Safety Tips
Fire Ropes and Fire Shows
Fire skipping ropes are a fixture of the party and a regular source of burns. Watch from a safe distance rather than join in, especially after drinking.
Swimming at Night
Do not swim during or after the party. Dark water, alcohol and currents are a dangerous combination, and drownings have happened. Save the swimming for daylight.
Footwear and Broken Glass
Wear sandals or closed shoes. Broken glass builds up in the sand over the night and is hard to see in the dark and the crowd.
Drinks and Drugs
Buy drinks from vendors you can see preparing them, and stay with people you trust. Thailand’s drug laws are extremely strict and police are present at the party, so the consequences of getting caught are severe.
Valuables and Belongings
Rooms often sit empty during the party, which makes break-ins a known problem. Leave valuables locked up or with reception and carry only what you need for the night.
Best Plan for Most Travelers
- Confirm the party date for your month, then book accommodation first.
- Book your ferry to Koh Phangan, and plan the return trip for the next day, not the same night.
- Stay in or near Haad Rin and arrive at the beach in the evening.
- Carry only cash and a phone, wear closed shoes and leave everything else in a locked room.
- Avoid swimming and scooters, and keep an eye on your drinks.
If the Full Moon Party Is Not Your Scene
Koh Phangan runs smaller, more music-focused parties in the jungle around Baan Tai on other nights of the lunar cycle, such as the Half Moon Festival, Black Moon Culture and the Jungle Experience; check each organizer for the current schedule. If parties are not the draw at all, most of the island, from the quiet resorts to the yoga scene, has nothing to do with any of this. The budget guide shows how party-week prices compare with the rest of the month, and this island comparison helps you choose a base. Timing matters too: the best time to visit Koh Phangan covers the weather.
Full Moon Party Thailand FAQ
How much does the Full Moon Party cost?
Entry is 200 THB, paid in cash at the beach entrance. Most of the real spending goes on drinks, so decide your budget before you go.
Can I buy Full Moon Party tickets online?
No. There is no official online ticket, and entry is sold only at the beach on the night. Be wary of anyone selling advance tickets.
When is the Full Moon Party?
On the night of the full moon, about 12 to 13 times a year. The exact date changes every month, so confirm it before you book.
How do I get to the Full Moon Party?
Take a ferry to Koh Phangan, then a songthaew or taxi to Haad Rin. Staying in or near Haad Rin is the easiest way to get home safely.
Is the Full Moon Party safe?
It carries real risks, including fire injuries, night swimming, theft and drug laws, but following basic precautions makes an uneventful night likely.
Is there a quieter alternative to the Full Moon Party?
Yes. Smaller jungle parties around Baan Tai run on other nights of the lunar cycle, so check each organizer for the schedule.
