Thailand is famous for two things: great food and amazing parties. And at the island of Koh Phangan is where you’ll find the most incredible parties you’ll ever attend in your life.
No matter where you’re from or what your music tastes are, you’re sure to find something you can relate to. After all, you’re in an island filled with picture-perfect beaches, good food, and friendly people.
The key is finding the right festivity that will change your life. And at Koh Phangan, there’s no shortage. To help you get started, here’s the ultimate list of the best parties for every type of party-goer:
1. Full Moon Party
This is the mother of all parties. Almost every traveler has dreamed of attending this notorious event famous for loud music, fire displays, buckets of alcohol, and all-night dancing. Expect 20,000 to 30,000 people from all over the world, all in high spirits even before midnight hits.
Located at Haad Rin Beach, this monthly event can get pretty wild, so beginners are advised to read up on our Full Moon Party survival guide beforehand.
2018 Schedule: September 24, October 25, November 22, December 22
2019 Schedule: January 20, February 20, March 20, April 19, May 19, June 17, July 18, August 15, September 13, October 14, November 11, December 11
2. Half Moon Festival
Held at the Ban Khai jungle every two weeks, this festival boasts three stages of music plus better amenities (albeit with pricier tickets). Aside from offering a different vibe in terms of music and decorations, most people prefer this party than its big sister, the Full Moon.
Don’t look at the Half Moon Festival as compensation because you missed the main event. Instead, treat is as a wild alternative where you’re bound to have a more unique experience.
2018 Schedule: September 3/16, October 2/17, November 1, 15, and 30, December 15/29
2019 Schedule: January 12/28, February 12/27, March 13/28, April 12/27, May 11/26, June 10/25, July 9/24, August 8/23, September 6/21, October 6/21, November 4/19, December 3/19
3. Black Moon Party
No moon? No problem! The Black Moon Party, more commonly called Black Moon Culture, is all about peace, trance, and dance at Mac’s Bay Resort on Ban Tai Beach. Lose yourself in progressive and psychedelic trance music amidst neon lights and a moonless night – minus the huge crowd.
2018 Schedule: September 9, October 9, November 7, December 7
4. Shiva Moon Party
If you’re a serious trance music lover, then you’ll want to be a part of this long-standing festivity held about a mile or so into the Ban Tai jungle. Featuring psychedelic trance, you can dance the night away in one of its three beautifully decorated stages. The event also has professional entertainers and DJs to truly enchant guests.
Although held about once to three times a month, their schedules can be irregular so keep tabs on them through social media to get a head’s up.
5. The Jungle Experience
The great thing about The Jungle Experience is that it caters to all the senses. There’s underground house and techno music from the best DJs in the business; impressive laser light shows and outstanding decor to create the right atmosphere; plus professional acrobats, drummers, artists, dancers, and a myriad of performers all pumped up and ready to partake in the craziness.
All that’s missing is you. So don your wildest costume – complete with feathers, colorful body paint, and glitter – and immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind festival that happens a day before the full moon. It’s like Ibiza but in the lush jungle of Baan Tai.
2018 Schedule: September 23, October 24, November 21, December 21
2019 Schedule: January 20, February 19, March 19, April 18, May 18, June 16, July 17, August 14, September 12, October 13, November 10, December 10
6. Sramanora Waterfall Party
Held in Ban Kai jungle two days before and two days after every full moon, this is one of the most unique parties in Koh Phangan. The location itself boasts a rock pool, a small waterfall, and lush greenery all around.
Meant for serious underground electronic music lovers, the Waterfall Party also features the island’s biggest sound system as well as a chill and refreshing crowd. Check it out for yourself and see if you can keep up until sunrise.
2018 Schedule: September 22/26, October 23/27, November 20/24, December 24/28
2019 Schedule: January 19/23, February 18/23, March 18/23, April 17/21, May 17, June 15/19, July 16, August 13/17, September 11/15, October 12/16, November 9/13, December 5/7/23/27/29
7. Loi Lay Floating Party
Dare to make waves – literally – by joining in on the Loi Lay Floating Party every Sunday at a floating bar located at the Baan Tai beach pier. With a more intimate attendance of about 150 people, it’s easy to make friends on the wooden dance floor. If you’re into house and techno music, this is the place to be.
8. Eden Garden Party
If you’re looking for a distinct event unlike any of the famous moon parties in Thailand, then this one might be for you. Held every Saturday of the month, the ‘secret’ Eden Garden Party is located at the Eden Garden bar tucked away among the giant slippery rocks at Haad Yuan bay.
There’s a rickety walkway so be very careful and wear proper shoes as well as a fanny pack for all your stuff. Once you’re there though, you’ll be rewarded with the best psychedelic beats from international DJs. Couple that with amazing views of the bay and you’ve got yourself a party story worth telling.
9. Merka Bar/Samsara Beach
Follow the deep sounds of house, psytrance, and tech-house towards the private Samsara Beach and find a party that will overwhelm the senses. Chill out and hang with your friends, or enjoy affordable drinks starting at noon.
Formerly known as Merkaba Beach Club, the place boasts of a swimming pool, advanced sound systems, and a huge dance space to get your groove on. There’s always something going on, so follow them on social media for more details.
10. Lost Paradise Party
If you want a legendary story to tell once you get home, then head on over to the fabled Lost Paradise Party for a totally exclusive experience. Getting there is already a challenge in itself, as you need to go to Haad Yao East via a boat or a 4×4 truck.
On the secluded beach is a small bungalow home to chill underground music and carefree spirits. With the combination of good tunes, soft sand, and blue skies, you’ll feel like you just got lost in paradise yourself.
There’s a party every two weeks, so that should give you plenty of time to find this hidden gem.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re after the best moon party, or you’re simply in search of a more private affair. In Koh Phangan, there’s always something for everyone.
