Koh Phangan & Full Moon Party: Complete 2026 Guide

Koh Phangan is the island that needs no introduction. Mention "Full Moon Party" to any backpacker in Southeast Asia and watch their eyes light up with stories (or wince from memories they can't quite recall). Once a month, 20,000-30,000 travelers descend on Haad Rin Beach for the world's most legendary beach party—fire dancing, neon body paint, buckets of Thai whiskey, and sunrise over the gulf of Thailand.

But here's what most first-timers don't realize: Koh Phangan is way more than just the Full Moon Party. This 125-square-kilometer island also has some of Thailand's most beautiful hidden beaches, jungle waterfalls, world-class yoga retreats, and a surprisingly chill vibe on the non-party side of the island. You can spend a week here doing sunrise yoga and waterfall hikes, then rage all night at the Full Moon Party before catching a morning ferry.

This guide covers everything: Full Moon Party dates, what to expect, how to survive it, where to stay if you're here to party (or specifically NOT party), Half Moon and Black Moon parties, non-party activities, practical tips, and how to do it all on a backpacker budget.

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Quick Facts

Daily Budget: $20-35 USD (budget), $40-60 USD (mid-range)

Best For: Full Moon Party pilgrimage, beach parties, yoga retreats, quiet beaches, waterfall hikes, diving, meeting travelers

Time Needed: 3-7 days (3 days if you're just here for Full Moon, 5-7 days to explore the whole island)

Vibe: Split personality—Haad Rin is party central, rest of the island is surprisingly chill and hippie-ish. Yoga studios next to beach bars. Spiritual seekers and party animals somehow coexist.

How to Get There:

From Koh Samui: Ferry from Big Buddha Pier or Maenam Pier (30 min, 300-400 THB / $9-12)
From Surat Thani (mainland): Night ferry (6-7 hours, 300-500 THB / $9-15) or day ferry + bus combo (4-5 hours, 400-600 THB)
From Bangkok: Overnight bus + ferry combo (book through hostel, 800-1,000 THB / $24-30)
Getting around island: Motorbike rental (150-250 THB/day), songthaew (shared taxi truck, 50-100 THB), or taxi (150-300+ THB)

Best Time to Visit:

Full Moon Party: Check party calendar (fullmoonparty-thailand.com) - happens monthly except during major Buddhist holidays
Weather: December-March (dry, perfect), April-August (hot but fine), September-November (rainy season, fewer parties)

Why Go to Koh Phangan? (A Backpacker's Perspective)

The Full Moon Party Phenomenon

Let's be honest: most backpackers come to Koh Phangan for ONE reason—the Full Moon Party. And it absolutely lives up to the hype. Picture this:

It's 11pm on Haad Rin Beach. The full moon is rising over the gulf. 20,000+ people from every country on earth are dancing barefoot in the sand. Fire jugglers spin flaming ropes. DJs blast trance, reggae, house, and bass from competing sound systems along the beach. Neon body paint glows under blacklights. Buckets of Red Bull and Thai whiskey cost 200 THB ($6). Someone hands you a glow stick. You lose your friends, make ten new ones, and somehow end up watching sunrise from the beach at 6am with people whose names you'll never remember but whose Instagram handles you definitely exchanged.

The Full Moon Party isn't just a party—it's a rite of passage on the Southeast Asia backpacker trail. It's chaotic, sweaty, messy, absolutely ridiculous, and you'll remember it for the rest of your life.

But here's the real secret about Koh Phangan: The island is absolutely beautiful outside of party season, and even during Full Moon week, you can escape to the north and west coasts for peaceful beaches, yoga, and jungle vibes. Koh Phangan gives you whatever energy you bring to it.

The Chill Side of Koh Phangan

If you're NOT here for the party (or you need a few days to recover), Koh Phangan has a whole other personality:

Secret Beaches: Mae Haad, Bottle Beach, Haad Yuan—stunning crescent bays with white sand and turquoise water, accessible only by boat or rough dirt roads.

Yoga & Wellness: The island is loaded with yoga studios, meditation centers, detox retreats, and Vipassana programs. Backpackers do 10-day silent retreats here between party seasons.

Waterfalls & Jungle: Paradise Waterfall, Phaeng Waterfall, Secret Mountain—lush jungle hikes with swimming holes.

Diving: Not as famous as Koh Tao, but still excellent dive sites (Sail Rock is legendary).

Chill Nightlife: The party scene isn't just Full Moon—there are smaller beach bars, reggae nights, fire shows, and low-key hangout spots all over the island.

The Community

Koh Phangan attracts a unique mix of backpackers: party animals who hop from Full Moon to Half Moon to Jungle Experience, yoga freaks who do sunrise flows on the beach, digital nomads working from bungalows, long-term travelers taking a month off to "find themselves," and Thai locals who somehow tolerate this monthly invasion with humor and hospitality.

You'll meet lifers who came for one Full Moon Party five years ago and never left. You'll meet gap-year kids doing their first backpacking trip. You'll meet 40-year-old ravers who refuse to grow up. And you'll make friends faster here than almost anywhere else in Thailand.

Full Moon Party: The Complete Guide

What IS the Full Moon Party?

The Full Moon Party started in the 1980s as a small beach gathering and has grown into the world's most famous beach party. Every month (on the night of the full moon), Haad Rin Beach transforms into an all-night rave with:

10-15 stages/sound systems along the beach (each playing different music: trance, house, reggae, bass, techno)
Fire dancing & fire jump rope (drunk tourists trying not to get burned)
Neon body paint stations (fluorescent art all over your body)
Buckets (the signature drink: Thai whiskey + Red Bull + mixer in a small bucket with straws)
Glow sticks, LED toys, lasers (so many lights)
Street food vendors (pad thai, spring rolls, fruit shakes)
20,000-30,000 people (peak season can hit 40,000)

The party officially runs from 9pm to sunrise (6am-ish), but the real action is midnight to 4am. The beach is packed shoulder-to-shoulder. The vibe is equal parts rave, festival, and controlled chaos.

2026 Full Moon Party Dates

Confirmed Full Moon Party Dates for 2026:

February 13, 2026
March 14, 2026
April 12, 2026
May 12, 2026
June 11, 2026
July 10, 2026
August 9, 2026
September 7, 2026
October 7, 2026
November 5, 2026
December 4, 2026

Important: Parties are occasionally postponed if they fall on major Buddhist holidays (like Visakha Bucha or Asalha Bucha). Always check fullmoonparty-thailand.com for updates 1-2 weeks before your planned date.

What to Expect (Hour by Hour)

6pm-9pm: Pre-Party

Hostels organize pregame events with bucket specials
Haad Rin bars start filling up
Body paint stations open (50-200 THB depending on coverage)
Beach vendors set up food stalls and drink stands
Smart backpackers eat dinner NOW (you won't want food at midnight)

9pm-11pm: Party Kicks Off

Beach starts filling with early arrivals
Sound systems turn on (LOUD)
Fire dancers start performing
Bucket prices: 200-250 THB ($6-7.50) on the beach, 150-180 THB at bars behind the beach
Still relatively easy to move around

11pm-2am: Peak Madness

Beach is PACKED (shoulder-to-shoulder in front of main stages)
Fire jump rope in full swing (watch for drunk people getting burned)
Lose your friends (it's inevitable, make a meeting point)
Dance barefoot in the sand (wear shoes if you value your feet)
Neon paint glowing everywhere under blacklights
This is when you'll take the photos you'll remember forever

2am-4am: Second Wind

Some people start fading (amateurs)
Diehards get a second wind
Beach thins out slightly (easier to move)
Bucket prices sometimes drop (vendors want to sell inventory)
Sunrise chasers start migrating toward the point

4am-6am: Sunrise Crew

True believers watch the sun rise over the gulf
Fire dancers still going (somehow)
Quiet moments of exhausted euphoria
Last buckets consumed
People crash on the beach or stagger back to hostels

6am+: The Aftermath

Cleanup crews arrive
Haad Rin looks like a war zone
Smell of spilled buckets and smoke
Backpackers sleeping on beach, on motorbikes, in convenience stores
You question your life choices but also want to do it again next month

Survival Tips (Critical Reading)

1. Drink Smart (Seriously)

Buckets are STRONG: Thai whiskey + Red Bull + Coke = way more alcohol than you think
Pace yourself: One bucket per 2-3 hours if you want to make it to sunrise
Water breaks: Buy bottled water from vendors (20 THB), drink between buckets
Avoid mystery drinks: Stick to sealed beers or buckets from established vendors
Know your limit: Medical tent sees dozens of cases every party (alcohol poisoning, dehydration)

2. Protect Your Stuff

Leave valuables at hostel: Passport, extra cash, laptop, jewelry (use hostel lockers)
Bring minimal cash: 1,500-2,000 THB ($45-60) max (buckets, food, taxi home)
Waterproof phone case: Beach + buckets + dancing = wet phone
Front pocket for phone/cash: Back pockets = easy pickpocket targets
Don't bring your nice camera: Sand, water, and chaos are not camera-friendly

3. Dress Code

Wear old clothes you don't care about: Neon paint doesn't wash out, sand and bucket spills ruin fabric
Neon/white shows up best: Blacklights make white and neon glow
Closed-toe shoes OR barefoot: Flip-flops will disappear in the crowd. Many go barefoot (watch for glass/fire)
Swimwear underneath: Some people end up in the water (intentionally or not)

4. Stay Safe

Buddy system: Have a meeting point if you get separated (7-Eleven on Haad Rin Main Street is popular)
Watch the fire: Fire jump rope looks fun when you're sober, dangerous when you're drunk (people get burned every party)
Avoid drugs: Thailand has HARSH drug laws (possession = prison time), and dealers target tourists
Don't get on motorbikes drunk: Leading cause of injury/death on Koh Phangan
Female travelers: Stay in groups, watch your drinks, trust your gut

5. Logistics

Arrive early afternoon: Book accommodation 1-2 weeks ahead, check in before party starts
Know your way home: Screenshot map to hostel, know the songthaew route, or save taxi driver number
Eat before partying: Street food on beach is fine but lines are long
Phone battery: Charge to 100% before leaving, consider portable charger
Emergency contacts: Save hostel phone number, local taxi company, friend's phone

Costs (Full Moon Party Budget)

| Item | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | |------|-----------|-----------| | Bucket (beach) | 200-250 | $6-7.50 | | Bucket (bar behind beach) | 150-200 | $4.50-6 | | Beer (Chang/Singha) | 80-120 | $2.40-3.60 | | Body paint (basic) | 50-100 | $1.50-3 | | Body paint (full body) | 200-300 | $6-9 | | Street food (pad thai, skewers) | 60-100 | $1.80-3 | | Water bottle | 20 | $0.60 | | Taxi to Haad Rin (from nearby beaches) | 150-300 | $4.50-9 | | Songthaew back to hostel | 100-150 | $3-4.50 |

Total party budget: 1,500-2,500 THB ($45-75) for the night (depending on how much you drink)

Half Moon, Black Moon, and Other Parties

Half Moon Festival

Held twice a month (halfway between Full Moons) at Ban Tai (near Haad Rin). Jungle rave vibe in an amphitheater setting.

Vibe: More serious ravers, better sound systems, less touristy than Full Moon
Music: Psytrance, progressive, techno
Cost: 800-1,000 THB ($24-30) entry
Capacity: 5,000-8,000 people (smaller, less chaotic than Full Moon)
When: Check halfmoonparty.com for dates

Black Moon Party

Held on nights with no moon (new moon) at Haad Yuan beach (accessible only by boat).

Vibe: Intimate, beach bonfire, less commercial
Music: House, reggae, dub
Cost: Usually free or 100-200 THB entry
Getting there: Boat from Haad Rin pier (100 THB round trip)
Size: 2,000-4,000 people

Jungle Experience

Weekly party (Saturdays) in a jungle clearing near Ban Tai.

Vibe: Psytrance, jungle vibes, hippie crowd
Cost: 300-500 THB entry
Size: 1,000-2,000 people

Shiva Moon

Smaller full moon party at Ban Tai beach (same night as Full Moon but different location).

Vibe: Alternative to Haad Rin's chaos, more mature crowd
Cost: 300-500 THB entry
Size: 3,000-5,000 people

Pro tip: If Full Moon Party sounds overwhelming, try Half Moon or Shiva Moon first for a slightly more manageable (but still wild) party experience.

Non-Party Things to Do in Koh Phangan

Beautiful Beaches (Beyond Haad Rin)

Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) Remote, stunning crescent bay accessible by longtail boat from Chaloklum (20 min, 150 THB) or rough dirt road by scooter. White sand, turquoise water, a few simple bungalows. Perfect for escaping the party scene.

Mae Haad Beach West coast beach near Koh Ma island (connected by sandbar at low tide). Excellent snorkeling, chill beach bars, beautiful sunset spot. Easy scooter ride from Thong Sala.

Haad Yuan (Secret Beach) Southeast coast, accessible by boat from Haad Rin (15 min, 100-150 THB). Home of Black Moon Party but beautiful and quiet the rest of the month. Jungle-backed beach with a few laid-back bungalows.

Thong Nai Pan (Noi & Yai) East coast twin bays with some of the island's most beautiful beaches. Thong Nai Pan Noi (north bay) is quieter, Yai (south bay) has more development. Both have excellent swimming and snorkeling.

Haad Salad Northwest coast, quieter beach with a few resorts and beach bars. Great sunset spot, mellow vibe, popular with families and couples (i.e., not party central).

Waterfalls & Jungle

Paradise Waterfall (Phaeng Waterfall) The island's most impressive waterfall during rainy season. Short hike from the parking area, swimming hole at base. Entry: 100 THB.

Than Sadet Waterfall Series of cascades flowing to the sea. Historical site (Thai royal family visited). Moderate hike, beautiful views. Entry: 100 THB.

Secret Mountain (Khao Ra) Jungle viewpoint with panoramic island views. Hike takes 1-2 hours, steep in sections but worth it. Free.

Diving & Snorkeling

Koh Phangan isn't as famous as neighboring Koh Tao for diving, but it still has excellent sites:

Sail Rock: Thailand's best dive site (between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao), famous for whale shark sightings and swim-throughs.

Koh Ma: Shore snorkeling at the sandbar, colorful reef fish, easy access.

PADI Courses: Open Water certification 10,000-12,000 THB ($300-360), 10+ dive shops on the island.

Yoga & Wellness

Koh Phangan is Southeast Asia's yoga hub outside of Bali. Dozens of studios, retreat centers, and wellness programs:

The Yoga Retreat Koh Phangan: Drop-in classes, multi-day retreats, beachfront location.

Samma Karuna: Silent meditation retreats, donation-based.

Orion Healing Center: Detox programs, fasting retreats (popular with backpackers recovering from party season).

Drop-in yoga classes: 300-500 THB per session at most studios.

Scooter Loop Around the Island

Rent a scooter (150-250 THB/day) and do the island loop:

Route: Thong Sala (main pier) → Ban Tai → Haad Rin → east coast beaches → Thong Nai Pan → north coast → Chaloklum → Mae Haad → back to Thong Sala

Time: 4-6 hours with stops for beaches, viewpoints, and lunch

Difficulty: Some steep hills and rough roads (especially to Bottle Beach and Thong Nai Pan), but manageable for confident riders

Must-stops: Mae Haad sandbar, Thong Nai Pan viewpoint, Chaloklum pier, Secret Mountain turnoff

Cooking Class

Learn to make Thai classics (pad thai, green curry, som tam) at one of several cooking schools on the island.

Cost: 1,200-1,800 THB ($36-54) for half-day class
Includes: Market tour, 4-5 dishes, recipe book
Book: Through your hostel or directly with schools

Where to Stay in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan's accommodation is split into party zones and chill zones. Choose wisely.

Haad Rin (Party Central)

Stay here if you're here for Full Moon and want to be walking distance to the party.

Haad Rin Central Hostel ($8-12/night dorm)

5 min walk to Haad Rin Beach
Social rooftop bar
Lockers in rooms
Budget-friendly, great for meeting party people

Palita Lodge ($7-10/night dorm)

Right on Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach)
Basic but clean
Prime location for Full Moon Party (stumble home in 2 min)
Book 2+ weeks ahead for Full Moon dates

Tommy Resort ($15-25/night private bungalow)

Bungalows with balconies
3 min walk to beach
Pool, restaurant
Good value if you want privacy but still want to be near the action

Full Moon Party Tip: Accommodation prices TRIPLE during Full Moon week. Book early or expect to pay $30-50+ for dorms.

Thong Sala (Central, Not Party-Focused)

Main pier town, good base for exploring the island without party noise.

Phangan Backpacker Hostel ($10-13/night dorm)

Central location near ferry pier
Social common area, organized tours
Quiet neighborhood but close to restaurants/bars

Sri Thanu (Yoga/Hippie Vibe)

West coast village, yoga studios, chill beach bars, mellow atmosphere.

The Cabin Hostel ($12-15/night dorm)

Walking distance to beach
Yoga studio next door
Digital nomad-friendly (good WiFi, coworking table)

Bamboo Huts ($8-12/night basic hut)

Rustic bamboo bungalows
Beachfront location
Hippie vibe, long-term travelers

Bottle Beach / Haad Khuat (Remote & Quiet)

Only accessible by boat or rough dirt road. Perfect for digital detox or escaping the party scene.

Bottle Beach 1 ($10-20/night bungalow)

Simple bungalows right on the beach
Restaurant, snorkeling gear rental
No WiFi (or very slow)
Book directly (limited online presence)

Thong Nai Pan (Beautiful Beaches, Quiet)

East coast, best beaches on the island, away from party scene.

Moonlight Bay Resort ($20-40/night bungalow)

Beachfront bungalows
Snorkeling gear, kayaks
Small restaurant
Peaceful, perfect for couples or anyone avoiding the party vibe

Budget Tip: Outside of Full Moon week, you can find basic beach bungalows for $8-15/night across the island. Walk the beach and negotiate directly with owners for best rates.

Where to Eat

Cheap Eats (Street Food & Local Spots)

Thong Sala Night Market: Every night near the pier, 50-100 THB per dish (pad thai, fried rice, grilled seafood, roti).

Haad Rin Street Food: Along Haad Rin Main Street, tons of vendors selling 60-100 THB meals (pad see ew, papaya salad, BBQ skewers).

Chicken Corner (Thong Sala): Famous rotisserie chicken with sticky rice, 80 THB for a massive plate.

Mama's Corner (Thong Sala): Cheap Thai food, 60-100 THB per dish, locals eat here.

Mid-Range Restaurants

Nira's Home Bakery (Thong Sala): Western breakfast, fresh bread, smoothie bowls, 120-220 THB.

Fisherman's Restaurant (Baan Tai): Beachfront, excellent seafood, 180-350 THB per dish.

Cucina Italiana (Sri Thanu): Best Italian food on the island, wood-fired pizza 250-350 THB.

Legendary Bar & Grill (Haad Rin): Burgers, Mexican food, sports bar vibe, 150-280 THB per meal.

Vegan/Healthy Options

Koh Phangan has tons of vegan-friendly cafes catering to the yoga crowd:

Karma Kafe (Sri Thanu): Raw vegan, smoothie bowls, salads, 140-220 THB.

Taste of India (Sri Thanu): Authentic Indian, excellent dal and curries, 120-200 THB.

Bubba's Coffee Bar (Haad Rin): Smoothies, bagels, açaí bowls, 100-180 THB.

Getting Around Koh Phangan

Motorbike Rental

The standard way to get around. Roads are hilly and some are rough dirt, so confidence is key.

Cost: 150-250 THB/day ($4.50-7.50) depending on bike quality
Rental: Bring passport (some shops keep it as collateral, negotiate to leave a cash deposit instead)
Insurance: Usually not included, ride carefully
Gas: 50-100 THB fills the tank, gas stations in Thong Sala and Haad Rin

Safety warning: Koh Phangan has the highest rate of motorbike accidents in Thailand. Wear a helmet (legally required + actually important), don't ride drunk, watch for sand/gravel on roads.

Songthaew (Shared Taxi Trucks)

Pickup trucks with benches in the back, standard island transport.

Cost: 50-150 THB depending on distance
Routes: Main routes between Thong Sala, Haad Rin, Chaloklum, and major beaches
Availability: Frequent during the day, scarce at night (except Full Moon Party nights)

Private Taxi

More expensive but convenient for late nights or groups.

Cost: 150-500 THB depending on distance
Booking: Ask hostel to call, or negotiate with drivers at Thong Sala pier
Full Moon Party: Prices surge 2-3x on party night

Walking

Only practical in Haad Rin, Thong Sala, and a few beach areas. Distances between beaches are too far to walk.

Party Survival Guide (The Real Talk)

The Morning After

You WILL feel rough. Here's how to recover:

1. Hydration: Coconut water from 7-Eleven (30-40 THB), sports drinks, WATER. Lots of water.

2. Food: Pad thai, fried rice, anything salty and carb-heavy. Your body needs fuel.

3. Sleep: You probably got 0-3 hours of sleep. Take a nap.

4. Shower: Wash off the neon paint (it takes scrubbing), sand, and regret.

5. Chill day: Hit a quiet beach, get a massage (250-350 THB), read a book. Don't try to do anything ambitious.

6. Avoid alcohol: At least for 12-24 hours. Your liver needs a break.

Common Mistakes First-Timers Make

Drinking too much too fast: Buckets hit HARD. Pace yourself or you'll peak at midnight and miss the best hours.
Wearing nice clothes: You will get neon paint, sand, and bucket spills all over yourself. Wear stuff you don't care about.
Not eating dinner: Street food lines are long during the party. Eat before you go.
Losing your friends immediately: Set a meeting point BEFORE you go to the beach. You WILL get separated.
Riding a motorbike drunk: This is how people die. Walk, take a songthaew, or crash on the beach until you're sober.
Bringing valuables: Leave your passport, laptop, nice camera, and jewelry at your hostel. Bring minimal cash and a cheap phone if possible.
Not checking accommodation location: Book a place within walking distance of Haad Rin or accept you'll pay for taxi back (and they'll be expensive on party night).

Safety for Solo Travelers (Especially Women)

Full Moon Party is generally safe, but it's a huge, chaotic event with alcohol and crowds. Use common sense:

Stick with a group (join your hostel group or make friends early in the night)
Watch your drink (don't accept drinks from strangers, don't leave your bucket unattended)
Trust your gut (if something feels off, leave the situation)
Have a plan to get home (screenshot map, save hostel phone number, know taxi options)
Female travelers: Stay in groups, especially late at night

Budget Breakdown

Here's what backpackers actually spend per day on Koh Phangan:

| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | |----------|---------|-----------| | Accommodation | $8-15 (dorm, outside Full Moon week) | $20-40 (private bungalow) | | Food | $8-12 (street food, local restaurants) | $15-25 (mix of local + Western) | | Transport | $5-8 (motorbike rental + gas) | $10-15 (taxis, more convenience) | | Activities | $5-10 (beach days, waterfalls, snorkeling) | $20-40 (diving, yoga classes, tours) | | Drinks/Party | $0-10 (if not Full Moon) or $30-50 (Full Moon night) | $15-30 (bars, beach clubs) | | TOTAL (non-Full Moon) | $26-55/day | $80-150/day |

Full Moon Party Budget: Add $40-75 for party night (buckets, entry fees, transport surge, body paint).

Reality check: Most backpackers spend $30-40/day on Koh Phangan outside of Full Moon week, and $70-100 for the 24 hours surrounding Full Moon Party.

Practical Tips

ATMs & Money

ATMs at Thong Sala pier, Haad Rin, and major beaches
Withdrawal fee: 220 THB ($6.50) per transaction
Many beach bars/restaurants are cash-only
Carry 1,000-2,000 THB cash (especially on party night)

SIM Cards

Buy at 7-Eleven in Thong Sala or Haad Rin
AIS or True Move: 299 THB for 7-8 days unlimited data
Bring passport (required)

WiFi

Hostels and cafes have WiFi (usually decent)
Remote beaches (Bottle Beach, Haad Yuan) have weak/no WiFi

Safety & Scams

Motorbike rental damage scam: Take photos of bike before you rent (document scratches), return during daylight hours
Bucket spiking: Rare but happens. Watch your drink, buy from established vendors
Jet ski scam: Avoid jet ski rentals (see Bangkok guide for details)
Drug dealers: Drugs are illegal in Thailand (harsh penalties), some dealers work with police to set up tourists

Best Time to Visit

For Full Moon Party: Book 2-4 weeks ahead, expect higher prices
To avoid crowds: Visit mid-month (no major parties, cheaper accommodation, quieter beaches)
Weather: December-March is best (dry, not too hot), April-August is hot but fine, September-November is rainy but still doable

Sample 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Haad Rin

Morning: Ferry from Koh Samui or Surat Thani, check into hostel
Afternoon: Walk around Haad Rin, find your bearings, get lunch
Evening: Sunset at Haad Rin Beach, dinner on Main Street, early night (save energy for Full Moon)

Day 2: Island Exploration

Morning: Rent motorbike, ride to Mae Haad Beach, walk sandbar to Koh Ma
Lunch: Beachfront restaurant at Mae Haad
Afternoon: Ride to Thong Nai Pan beaches, snorkel, chill
Evening: Sunset from Secret Mountain viewpoint, dinner in Thong Sala

Day 3: Waterfalls & Chill

Morning: Hike to Paradise Waterfall, swim in the pool
Lunch: Thong Sala market
Afternoon: Beach day at Haad Salad or Sri Thanu, maybe drop-in yoga class
Evening: Dinner at Sri Thanu, explore local bars

Day 4: FULL MOON PARTY

Morning: Sleep in, recover from previous days
Afternoon: Chill at hostel, eat big meal, nap
6pm: Get neon body paint
7pm: Pregame at hostel with new friends
9pm: Head to Haad Rin Beach, party until sunrise
Good luck.

Day 5: Recovery & Departure

Morning: Sleep as late as possible
Afternoon: Gentle beach day, massage, light food
Evening: Ferry to next destination (probably Koh Tao or back to mainland)

Tools to Help You Plan

Before you book your trip to Koh Phangan, check out these guides:

Thailand Budget Breakdown: Calculate daily budget including Full Moon Party costs
Thailand Packing List: Get a customized list (don't forget the clothes you don't mind ruining)

Ready to Party?

Koh Phangan is waiting. Whether you're here to rage all night at the Full Moon Party, find inner peace at a yoga retreat, or (most likely) do both, this island will give you memories that last a lifetime.

Book your ferry, pack your worst clothes for body paint, and get ready for the adventure.

Next Reads:

Koh Tao Diving Guide - Get certified 30 min from Koh Phangan
Koh Samui Budget Guide - Gateway island to Koh Phangan
Bangkok Backpacker Guide - Start your Thailand adventure in Bangkok

Book Activities & Accommodation:

Last Updated: February 2026. Full Moon Party dates and prices verified January 2026. Got updates, corrections, or survival stories? Email us at hello@backpackthailand.com