Over the years, Koh Phangan and Full Moon Party have become synonymous. You often won’t hear about one without mention of the other. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to the island of Koh Phangan to party on Haad Rin beach from dusk til dawn. Covered in paint and carrying buckets filled with alcohol around the beach, Full Moon Party revelers celebrate the night away. This all night party is basically a giant rave and one should be prepared. One might say just throw caution to the wind. Its Thailand and you are not supposed to have a care in the world. But when it comes to this party there are some safety precautions I strongly suggest anyone – guys and gals – should exercise. So here are my top 10 tips for having a successful Full Moon Party experience.
1. Arrive Late
The party starts around dusk but it is best to arrive after 11pm…at the earliest! The party lasts all night and goes until dawn so you have a good amount of partying hours. You will see several party goers passed out along the sand – they came too early.
2. Use the Buddy System
I know it sounds childish but get a buddy and stick together. Not just for safety reasons but mainly because if you get separated, which is very easy to do, it is nearly impossible to find each other.
3. Designate a Meeting Point
If you should lose your friends, it is a good idea to have a meeting point because it is unlikely that everyone has a cell phone so it makes finding one another difficult. I suggest making Mellow Mountain your meeting point. It is located on the far northeast side of the beach.
4. The Bathroom
Many will use the ocean but for those who prefer a toilet there are bathrooms at the party but they don’t come free. You will have to pay about 15 baht for the privilege of using an actual toilet over the ocean. Be sure to keep some change handy.
5. Paint is a Must
UV body paint is a must but at the party it can get a little pricey so buy it before you go. Bring it with you to the party and go wild. In case you forget, there are several body paint artists at the party who will ink you up with crazy patterns and designs – but it will cost you.
6. What to Wear
Don’t wear anything you don’t want to get permanently stained with paint. Even if you personally don’t wear paint, it is easy for it to rub off from other Full Moon revelers. For the ladies, don’t bring a large purse or, if possible, don’t bring a purse at all. Tuck some money in your bra or bathing suit top. You won’t want to deal with carrying a purse. If you need to bring something to carry your phone and money, wear a small cross-body purse.
7. Don’t Go Barefoot
Wear sandals or thongs as many Aussies call them. Party goers recklessly toss bottles onto the sand and it is impossible to see them. Last thing you want is to cut your foot on broken glass or step on any of the other debris scattered all over the beach.
8. Alcohol… Buckets! Buckets! Buckets!
First of all you can bring alcohol into the event so buy some booze outside of the event if you want to save some money. Secondly, and this is easier said than done, try to watch your drink as it is being made. Stories of roofies (the date rape drug) run rampant and one must exercise a level of caution when taking a drink from anyone…bartenders included!
9. The Deal on Drugs
They are there. People do them. Its not a secret. Despite being illegal, drugs can be purchased openly in many bars on Koh Phangan. Undercover police roam around so be careful. The Mellow Mountain Bar on Sunrise Beach has had mushroom shakes on their menu for more than a decade.
10. Have Fun and Be Smart
Don’t go off with someone you don’t know. Don’t take sips from random people’s drinks. And ladies, don’t wander back to your hotel alone late at night. Use your head – to the best of your ability considering your likely inebriated state.
