Updated on September 17, 2025
According to statistics published by C9 Hotelworks, the island of Koh Samui in Surat Thani province welcomed up to 3.5 million visitors in 2023. As with Thailand’s other premier destinations, many of these tourists were in town to experience the island’s extraordinary beaches. That year, however, one beach event attracted up to 50,000 partygoers on the neighboring island of Koh Phangan, and there’s no signs of the party stopping any time soon.
The Full Moon Party takes place on the evening of every full moon of every month on Koh Phangan. For those who love music, beach parties, and new experiences, the Full Moon Party stands as a definitive rite of passage. Luckily for guests staying at Koh Samui’s most elegant villas, they can make arrangements in advance to make the most out of the Full Moon Party experience.
Related article: Top 10 Must Visit Beaches When In Koh Samui
The Origins of the Full Moon Party
No one really knows for sure how the Full Moon Party started in Koh Phangan; rumor has it that it was started by a group of foreign tourists in the 1980s. Yet the parties’ momentum remained uninterrupted over the years, only to halt when the COVID pandemic stopped it in its tracks.
In 2022, the parties returned with a vengeance, attracting thousands of revelers from different parts of the globe to the sandy beaches of Haad Rin. With the return of the Full Moon Party, however, came stricter measures from the local government to protect tourists from various threats ranging from illegal drugs to potential terror attacks.
Related reading: Travel Calmly, Explore Freely: Why Koh Samui is A Safe Choice for Tourists
When Is The Best Time to Attend The Full Moon Party?
Before scheduling your visit to Koh Phangan around the Full Moon Party, you may need to consider that some dates may be moved before or after the full moon if the date itself falls on a national or public holiday. Dates may also be moved during Buddhist religious holidays, when alcohol consumption is prohibited.
With that said, frequent visitors agree that the best time to attend The Full Moon Party depends on what you want to experience. The common consensus is that the best times are the months between January to April when the weather is not too hot and not too cold, perfect for the peak season with the influx of visitors. On the other hand, the last few months of monsoon season, specifically September to November, is the best time to visit Koh Phangan for people who want to avoid crowds.
For experiencing the hottest weather and sweating it out as you dance till sunrise, the months of May and June offer the most ideal climate. Those seeking the biggest crowd of foreign attendees would find that the months of July and August as the best time for partying on the island.
To experience the pinnacle of The Full Moon Party, time your visit for December. Two events are scheduled for that month: December’s full moon and the New Year’s Eve party, featuring an extravaganza of activities with the most number of revelers.
Related reading: When is The Best Time to Visit Koh Samui
What To Expect At The Party
While there is no singular “Full Moon Party vibe,” the multiple stages and DJ booths set up along Haad Rin Beach is a good way to choose where to hang out and have a great time. The music ranges from EDM to reggae, with lush accompaniment from the waves crashing on the beach. Add to that sights like professional fire dancers and partygoers clad in neon-colored clothes and body paint, and the overall atmosphere is that of pure immersive entertainment.
While food stalls and liquor buckets are abundant at the beach, veterans of past Full Moon parties have recommended “pre-gaming” at any of the safer spots off the beach, such as nearby bars and restaurants. Not only does it guarantee safety and security, but it’s also a great way to meet new friends and experience unique Koh Phangan specialties before heading off to the beach.
If you want to stay on the safe side, however, there are some basic precautions that need to be taken. First and foremost is to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings so that you don’t lose any valuables. Party-goers also recommend wearing water shoes to the beach, using a fanny pack or belt bag to keep belongings close, and finding a quiet spot to meet people and regroup instead of giving in to the chaos of the party.
Most importantly, guests at the Full Moon Party are advised to put off impulsive decisions during the night of the party. Swimming at night is not only risky on Haad Rin Beach, but can also be dangerous if alcohol is also involved. And while tattoo artists on Koh Phangan are popular during this night, it’s best to stay away from spontaneously getting a permanent tattoo for both practical and safety reasons.
Related reading: How to Get to Koh Samui
Experience The Ultimate Beach Party on Koh Phangan
To make the most of the Full Moon Party experience, it’s crucial to know the optimal time to visit the island. The best time always depends on how you define a great party: is it big crowds and the most activities, or is it music-focused with fewer crowds? Regardless of your answer, a Koh Phangan party is always worth experiencing at least once.
While traveling to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui is safe and easy, attending the Full Moon Party requires advance planning. Guests staying in Koh Samui villas are encouraged to speak with Guest Experience services to help plan their evening trip to Koh Phangan in advance. This includes transportation from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, as well as plans to stay overnight and proven tips to keep safe while partying.
Once you’ve figured out your plans on how to pursue your ultimate beach party experience in Koh Phangan, you can relax and enjoy the party as it happens. Let loose, enjoy the music, and don’t forget to make new friends under the light of the full moon.
Start your journey with the Koh Samui Travel Guide.
–
Featured Image by Maor Attias
