Full Moon Party

Full moon n . (Astronomy) one of the four phases of the moon, occurring when the earth lies between the sun and the moon so that the moon is visible as a fully illuminated disc

This is a definition according to the Collins English Dictionary. I fear, Collins may be wrong. There is only one meaning to Full Moon and that is... PARTY!! It's is almost a pilgrimage for all young people in South East Asia to take themselves down to Koh Pha Ngan, a lovely vibrant island in Thailand not so far away from the well know destination of Phuket. 


The history of it in brief. One day in the 80s (queue music: it was acceptable in the eighttiiieeeesss) a bunch of people sat on Haad Rin Nok, the Sunrise beach of Koh Pha Ngan, on a coincidental full moon. They threw a big party. More expats found out and now its a business, an institution, a religious event for many expatriates. There are so many rumours about what goes down at the Full Moon Parties. So many DOs and DON'Ts. People DIE! Or so I've heard.


There is definitely a lot of illegal substances floating around on Haad Rin Beach. I would advise you not to even consider experimenting. South East Asia are very clear on where they stand on drugs etc. and they aren't the nicest when it comes to punishments. You will be invited to go to Mushroom Mountain (officially known as Mellow Mountain) where people are said to "relax" from the hustle and bustle of the 9 other venues along the Beach. If you must go to see what it's like then do not stay too long. Apparently the Thai police make surprise visits to catch people in the act. I would suggest going to the Kangaroo Bar instead. It's just one level down from Mellow Mountain and you'll avoid the Thai prison experience exhibited in the GAP YAH video. (For those who may not have heard of the GAP YAH video it's here below).

Full Moon Party =  Pangaea (the UoM post-exams party) x A GAZILLION. 

The venues really differed in vibe and entertainment. The atmosphere was electric! There were fire dancers and the chance of joining in - which many did. It was definitely a MUST DO if you come out to this side of the world. As long as your sensible, watch your drink and don't test the limits of Thai law it will be an experience of a lifetime!


Meet a bunch of people from around the world (but mainly Australia and Europe). Party til Sunrise. Then sleep it off on the ferry back to mainland. Couldn't get any better than that!