Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–20 | $25–50 |
| Food | $5–12 | $12–25 |
| Transport | $3–8 | $10–20 |
| Drinks (Party) | $8–15 | $15–30 |
| Activities | $5–15 | $15–40 |
| Daily Total | $30–70 | $75–165 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Thailand offers visa-free entry for 60 days for most nationalities
- Koh Phangan is reached by ferry from Koh Samui (30 min) or Surat Thani (2.5 hrs)
- Full Moon Party dates follow the lunar calendar — check exact dates online before booking
Health & Safety
- Wear shoes on the beach — broken glass is the number one injury at Full Moon Party
- Do not swim while intoxicated — drownings occur every year at Haad Rin
- Stay in groups and agree on a meeting point — phone signal is unreliable during the party
Getting Around
- Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) run between all towns and beaches for 100–200 THB
- Scooter rental costs 200–300 THB/day but roads are steep and accidents are common
- Walking is the only option within Haad Rin on party night — all roads close to vehicles
Connectivity
- Buy a Thai SIM card at the airport or any 7-Eleven for cheap data — AIS and DTAC have the best island coverage
- Phone signal on Haad Rin drops during the party when 20,000+ people overwhelm the cell towers
- Agree on a physical meeting point with friends — do not rely on being able to call or message during the party
Money
- Currency: THB (Baht). 1 USD ≈ ฿35. Carry cash — most beach vendors and bucket sellers are cash only
- ATMs are available in Haad Rin and Thong Sala but charge 220 THB per withdrawal for foreign cards
- Budget 1,000–2,000 THB cash for party night — that covers drinks, food, and transport home
Packing Tips
- Old clothes and shoes you do not mind ruining — neon paint, sand, and spilled drinks will destroy them
- Waterproof phone pouch (50–100 THB on the island) to protect your phone from splashes and rain
- Leave valuables, passport, and cards locked at your accommodation — bring only cash and room key
Cultural tips
Respect the Island
Koh Phangan is home to Thai communities, temples, and families — the Full Moon Party is one beach on one night. Be respectful in town, cover up away from the beach, and remove shoes at temples. The island is more than the party.
Leave No Trace
The beach is cleaned up the morning after the party, but the environmental impact is significant. Use reusable cups where possible, do not leave rubbish on the sand, and avoid single-use plastics. Respect the marine environment — never throw anything into the sea.
Photography & Privacy
People at the party are often in vulnerable states. Ask before photographing strangers, especially up close. Do not post photos of others without consent. What happens at Full Moon stays at Full Moon.
Language Basics
Learn basic Thai greetings — sawadee krap/ka (hello), khop khun krap/ka (thank you). Thai people appreciate the effort and it makes interactions smoother. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Look After Each Other
The backpacker community at Full Moon Party is generally friendly and helpful. Look out for people who seem lost, unwell, or in trouble. If someone needs help, alert the volunteer medics stationed along the beach or call the tourist police (1155).
Pace Yourself
The party runs for 8+ hours from dusk until dawn. Start slow, hydrate between drinks, and take breaks away from the loudest zones. The best part of the night is often the sunrise — you need to still be standing to see it.
