A Guide to the Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan is on the top of most backpackers’ lists of things to do in Thailand; it’s the ultimate in moon-based merriment. Although sometimes faced with criticism, how well your Full Moon experience goes is ultimately down to you. My Destination has put together some dos and don’ts to help you make the most of what could possibly be the craziest night of your life.

DO Line Your Stomach – You’re in for a long night; don’t peak too soon by skipping dinner. Grab some pad Thai or green curry to set you up for the evening – and if you’re feeling peckish at 4am, you can even find yourself a kebab. We never said it was a classy affair…

DON’T Hold Back on the Costume Front – On Sunrise Beach, more is more, and neon is the new black. Nothing is too outrageous and luminous body paint is pretty much obligatory. Now is the time to unleash your inner raver.

Image by â˜ºYoshi☻

DO Put a Bucket on your Bucket List – Ah, the famous Thai bucket. Whether your poison is Sang som (rum), Mekhong (whiskey), or the less traditional vodka or gin, this, combined with some fizz, ice and a splash of high-concentration Thai Red Bull should keep you going through the early hours. Take your time; that stuff could power a rocket.

DON’T Do Drugs – We could mention the strident Thai drug laws, the corrupt dealers, the health risks, or the undercover police, but we know you’re too sensible to do drugs anyway. The Full Moon Party is psychedelic enough, it simply doesn’t require enhancement. Just say no, kids.

DO Stick With your Friends – Tens of thousands of people descend upon Haad Rin for the Full Moon Party every month and the atmosphere is incredibly social, so it can be easy to get lost mingling in the crowds. But it’s always a good idea to stick with your room mates; who else is going to carry you home?

DON’T Play With Fire – Health and safety is not a priority at this party. Giant skipping ropes and hoops are set ablaze to tempt the drunken daredevils you. We don’t want to sound like your mum, but be careful. You want to be dancing to Katy Perry’s Baby You’re a Firework, not bringing the lyrics to life.

DO Hold on to Your Flip Flops – Lots of people equates to lots of litter, including plenty of glass and sharp plastic. Going barefoot is definitely a risk, and as much as we at My Destination understand the need to liberate the soles, we recommend you keep those tootsies protected.

DON’T Go for a Dip in the Sea – We know it’s tempting. It’s just…there, and through the fuzzy haze of intoxication and loss of inhibition, there seems nothing more appealing than a splash about in the waves. If the obvious risks of swimming when drunk don’t put you off, be aware that the urine to saltwater ratio is not in your favour.

DO Leave your Valuables in a Safe Place – On the extreme off-chance you forget our advice about avoiding fire and water at the Full Moon Party, at least make sure you leave your cameras, mobiles and cards locked up somewhere safe. No one needs the photographic evidence of you pulling a moony at the Full Moon party.

DON’T Do Anything My Destination Wouldn’t Do – Or at least, anything we wouldn’t do again. Nightlife in Thailand is generally safe, you just need to be a teensy bit sensible (we’d say an 80:20 ratio of silly to sensible). Learn from the masters, folks. Play safe!

Check out this video compiled by World Nomads for more Full Moon Party advice!

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Tags: Adventure, Thailand

Category: Expert Guides, Inspiration