Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Thailand (2026 Update): Dates, Entry Fee, Costs & Safety Tips

All-night parties on the beach are always a blast—but Thailand’s Full Moon Party takes it to a whole new level. Once a month, travelers from every corner of the globe make the pilgrimage to Haad Rin (Hat Rin) Beach on Koh Phangan for a neon-soaked, bass-thumping night that doesn’t quit until sunrise.

If you’re ready to dance barefoot in the sand (well… shoes recommended, more on that later), sip a drink under the stars, and make a bunch of new friends before breakfast—welcome to one of Thailand’s most legendary nights out.

What is the Full Moon Party in Thailand?

Thailand’s Full Moon Party is a monthly, all-night beach party on Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin Beach, timed around the full moon (sometimes the exact date shifts by a day). Expect multiple music zones, beach bars, body paint, fire shows, and a crowd that ranges from “here for one bucket” to “I may have moved here emotionally.”

Is it still happening? Yes—the official Full Moon Party is currently active, with upcoming dates posted online (as of late December 2025). fullmoonpartythailand.com

Where is the Full Moon Party?

The classic (and most famous) Full Moon Party happens on:

• Haad Rin Beach (Haad Rin Nok), Koh Phangan, Thailand

Haad Rin is a peninsula with beaches on both sides, packed with bars, small hotels, eateries, and pre-party energy in the days leading up to the event.

When does the Full Moon Party happen?

It’s tied to the lunar calendar: typically on the night of the full moon (or occasionally just before/after). Your best move is to check the official date list close to your trip, because dates can shift.

How much does the Full Moon Party cost?

Entry fee (updated)

The official entry ticket is ฿200 THB, paid at the gate/entry only (you’ll usually receive a wristband). fullmoonpartythailand.com

A very important note for travelers: reputable sources emphasize pay-at-the-gate entry. If you see random “VIP tickets” online, be cautious—most people simply pay on arrival. fullmoonpartythailand.com

Typical drink costs (what to budget)

Prices change with season and inflation, but you’re in a high-demand party zone. As a rough guide, many recent travel guides still cite:

• Beer often around 100–150 THB
• “Buckets” (mixed drinks) often around 400 THB+

Bring cash and set a budget you’ll still be happy with in the morning.

What to expect at the Full Moon Party (vibe, music, and the “organized chaos”)

Think of the Full Moon Party like a choose-your-own-adventure rave:

• Music everywhere: trance/EDM, house, drum & bass, reggae, pop—different bars and zones blasting different styles
• Beach bars + clubs: the entire beachfront turns into one long party strip
• Body paint: classic neon, usually available near the action
• Fire shows: you’ll commonly see fire dancers and fire-jump-rope setups (spectator sport for most people—please keep reading for safety)

Crowds vary by season, but estimates commonly land in the thousands to tens of thousands. The often-cited range is about 5,000–30,000 depending on timing and peak season.

A quick history of the Full Moon Party (how it got so famous)

The Full Moon Party didn’t start as a mega-event. Most retellings trace it back to the early-to-mid 1980s on Koh Phangan, when a small gathering of travelers turned into a repeating tradition. Over time, word of mouth (and later social media) helped it grow into the global backpacker rite-of-passage it’s known as today.

You’ll often hear that Paradise Bungalows played a role in the early origin story of the party, although the exact “first year” is debated in different accounts.

Is Paradise Bungalows still open? Yes—Paradise Bungalows is still operating and bookable on major travel platforms (as of late 2025/early 2026 listings).

How to get to the Full Moon Party (simple logistics)

Koh Phangan doesn’t have its own airport, so most travelers do one of these:

1. Fly to Koh Samui (USM) → ferry/speedboat to Koh Phangan
2. Fly to Surat Thani (URT) → bus + ferry combo to Koh Phangan
3. Overland from Bangkok → train/bus to the south → ferry to the island

Once you’re on Koh Phangan, you’ll find taxis/songthaews and transfers headed toward Haad Rin around party time.

Where to stay: Haad Rin vs the rest of Koh Phangan

Option A: Stay in Haad Rin (walk home)

• Best if you want maximum convenience and minimal transport stress.
• Downside: it’s loud and books up quickly around party dates.

Option B: Stay elsewhere on Koh Phangan (sleep better)

• Quieter beaches, more relaxed vibes, often better value.
• You’ll need transport to/from Haad Rin—plan your ride before you’re exhausted.

Option C: Stay on Koh Samui and day-trip it

• Lots of people do this, but late-night return logistics can be a factor (and you’ll want to prioritize safe transport).

How to prepare for the Full Moon Party (have fun and be smart)

Let’s be real: a huge all-night beach party comes with risks. You can still have an incredible time—just party like a pro.

Your “do this” checklist

• Wear closed-toe shoes (or at least sturdy sandals). Broken glass and sharp debris happen.
• Hydrate constantly (Thailand heat + alcohol is a sneaky combo).
• Use a crossbody bag or money belt and keep it in front—crowds are prime for pickpocketing.
• Protect your drink (don’t accept random open drinks; don’t leave yours unattended).
• Pick a meet-up point with friends (phones die, people wander, everyone loses someone at least once).
• Bring small cash (and leave passports/extra cards locked up).

Fire + ocean: admire, don’t gamble

• Avoid fire jump ropes unless you are stone-cold sober and genuinely coordinated (most injuries happen when confidence > balance).
• Don’t swim at night—between waves, intoxication, and water quality, it’s just not worth it.

Medical and emergency support

Official party safety guidance notes clinics and first-aid stations around Haad Rin, and that ambulances are on standby around the party period. fullmoonpartythailand.com

Other moon-themed parties on Koh Phangan

The Full Moon Party’s fame inspired (and/or amplified) other events on the island.

Halfmoon Festival (still running)

Halfmoon is a major alternative that leans more “festival” than “free-for-all beach chaos,” often with staged production and ticketing.

Is it still happening? Yes—Halfmoon Festival is actively advertising 2025 dates and high-season dates through 2026 on its official site (and is actively posting updates). Halfmoon Festival

Black Moon parties / Blackmoon Culture (schedule varies)

“Black Moon” events are generally tied to the new moon and tend to be smaller and more scene-specific. One well-known promoter is Blackmoon Culture, but these events can be canceled or changed depending on the season and conditions—so always check recent posts before planning your night around it.

Quick FAQs

Where is the best Full Moon Party in Thailand?

Most travelers still consider the original Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan (Haad Rin Beach) the top choice because it’s the iconic, “this is the one” version.

Do you buy tickets in advance?

Typically, no—the official guidance is tickets at the gate only (฿200). fullmoonpartythailand.com

How much money should I bring?

A comfortable budget for many people is:

• ฿200 entry
• Enough for drinks/food/transport (and a “just in case” cushion)

If you plan to drink heavily, costs add up fast—set a limit you’ll actually stick to.

Final tip: party hard, but leave the beach better than you found it

The Full Moon Party is part spectacle, part travel story-generator, and part “how is it still only 2 a.m.?” If you go in prepared—shoes on, hydration plan, valuables locked up—you’ll maximize the fun and minimize the regrets.