The journey started at Bangkok’s famous backpackers retreat 'Kho San Road' and it took a lengthy 10 hours by bus and ferry to reach the island of Ko Phangan. I arrived a few days early to avoid disappointment in finding accommodation (as recommended by peeps in Bangkok). The world famous Full Moon Party takes place on Haadrin Beach and it attracts thousands of young travellers every month - you could already feel the atmosphere becoming electric. Every night in the run up to the full moon, the bars were getting busier and more people were arriving everyday. The Queen’s birthday was on the day of the full moon (12th August) so alcohol was banned and the party was moved to the 13th, therefore officially making it a non full moon party. Alcohol was served at 12pm on the 12th but many people kept their party spirits until the next day.
On the night of the party I set out towards the beach in the early evening. The locals had set the beach up with lights, tables, mats and decorations. Glow-in-the-dark paint artists awaited human canvasses, locals would walk around showing off their pet lizards, monkeys and even an eagle, which I had stand on my shoulder. Another thing to watch out for are the stray dogs, which fight each other and wonder around between your feet, stealing your food and licking up your drinks. The Full Moon party is an obvious routine for the Thai locals who depend on it as a great source of income.
I brought myself the famous full moon party bucket, which consists of Red Bull and Vodka, other selections are on offer. You actually sip your drink from a bucket and maybe after you drank it, you could build a sand castle on the beautiful beach, but too many of them and you’ll feel like a dying tramp in the morning. There are rumours that the Red Bull is actually brewed from amphetamines, but I wasn’t feeling like I was whizzing my nuts off after three, so I doubt this. The bars have every type of drink you’ll need and restaurants offer all types of Western and Thai cuisine. Drugs were available but I must warn you that you’ll probably get ripped off and that drugs are illegal in Thailand, and carry hefty fines and imprisonment.
All the bars were pumping out their own music from reggae, Drum and Bass, trance, techno, progressive, disco and the almighty funky house. You have to seek out the spots on the beach where you’re getting one consistent sound, otherwise it will sound crap. The Drop In Bar was the busiest due to the easy listening pop music being bellowed out across the beach. One major attraction is the fire jugglers who looked wicked at night, obviously. Watch out for when they light up a hoop and jump through it head first, as you are welcome to join in the fun and burn your arse with them.
After hours of dancing and walking around, I went for a paddle in the sea where I could see the whole scene. The beach looked fantastic at night, illuminated by Christmas lights, bon fires, glow sticks and madness. I then realised that punters were using the sea as a urinating facility, yes I was standing in piss, I sharply walked back onto land. Sunrise had started and everyone just turned towards the water and just looked up in awe, 10,000 ravers off their faces staring in the sky. The sight was amazing, one you would never forget. Once the sunrise had been swallowed up, the dancing began again until 9am when most sensible people new it was time to quit. After a few hours sleep I then took a walk across the beach, which was littered with people still smashed off there face, lying down covered in sand. The party was over for another lunar month and it was time to get out of there.
The journey started at Bangkok’s famous backpackers retreat 'Kho San Road' and it took a lengthy 10 hours by bus and ferry to reach the island of Ko Phangan. I arrived a few days early to avoid disappointment in finding accommodation (as recommended by peeps in Bangkok). The world famous Full Moon Party takes place on Haadrin Beach and it attracts thousands of young travellers every month - you could already feel the atmosphere becoming electric. Every night in the run up to the full moon, the bars were getting busier and more people were arriving everyday. The Queen’s birthday was on the day of the full moon (12th August) so alcohol was banned and the party was moved to the 13th, therefore officially making it a non full moon party. Alcohol was served at 12pm on the 12th but many people kept their party spirits until the next day.
On the night of the party I set out towards the beach in the early evening. The locals had set the beach up with lights, tables, mats and decorations. Glow-in-the-dark paint artists awaited human canvasses, locals would walk around showing off their pet lizards, monkeys and even an eagle, which I had stand on my shoulder. Another thing to watch out for are the stray dogs, which fight each other and wonder around between your feet, stealing your food and licking up your drinks. The Full Moon party is an obvious routine for the Thai locals who depend on it as a great source of income.
All the bars were pumping out their own music from reggae, Drum and Bass, trance, techno, progressive, disco and the almighty funky house. You have to seek out the spots on the beach where you’re getting one consistent sound, otherwise it will sound crap. The Drop In Bar was the busiest due to the easy listening pop music being bellowed out across the beach. One major attraction is the fire jugglers who looked wicked at night, obviously. Watch out for when they light up a hoop and jump through it head first, as you are welcome to join in the fun and burn your arse with them.