Located about 70 km southeast of the mainland, Koh Phangan is the fifth largest island in thailand.
Over the last few decades, Koh Phangan has become more and more It's also a popular destination for backpackers because of Thailand's legendary Full Moon Party, which attracts up to 30,000 revellers every month.
Stay until the end of the post to discover the Koh Phangan party zone, its best parties and all the tips you need to enjoy the island.
Due to the success of the full moon parties, Koh Phangan has become a top nightlife destination.
How to get there from Bangkok to Koh Phangan is easy, and many visitors now include the island in their Thai itineraries (or Thai-travellers!) just for a bit of hedonism.
In this guide to Koh Phangan's nightlife, we look at the best parties on Koh Phangan, including the Full Moon Party.but also other lesser-known options.
We'll also recommend some places to eat, cheap accommodation, some interesting bars and even help you get to Koh Phangan.
The best parties on Koh Phangan
On Koh Phangan there is a party for everyone. Which party you attend will largely depend on when you visit Koh Phangan and the type of music and atmosphere you are looking for.
That said, my advice is to go with the flow and see what happens.
1. Full Moon Party
How could we not start with this one? The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan started in 1983, or thereabouts, and have since put Koh Phangan on the map, and at the centre of the Southeast Asian backpacker trail.
The festival is celebrated every month of the year on the night of the full moon.. The high season runs from November to March, and the festival attracts up to 30,000 revellers from all over Thailand and the world. In this post I tell you ALL about the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.
Where is the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party?
Koh Phangan's full moon parties have grown to the point where they take place all over the island. Many bars, beaches, clubs and even hostels organise their own full moon parties and it all blends into one big crazy mix.
The festivities originally began on Haad Rin beach and this area remains the focal point.
What is the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan like?
Although the full moon party is a spectacle and a right of passage, it also has its downsides.
Most of the music is commercial, the party people are a mix of young people from all over the world, cheap and nasty alcohol flows too freely.
That said, the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party is still very popular and are a unique experience that I recommend to live at least once in a lifetime. (or as many as you can).
Party on a huge beach, good weather, comfortable summer clothes, young people...fun guaranteed!
Besides, if you haven't drunk the famous plastic bucket full of booze and painted yourself green by day, where are you really? Those held outside the high season may be a little less crowded.
2. Half Moon Party
The crescent parties were initially created to build on the huge success of the full moon parties, when an astute organiser realised that there are 2 crescents per month: one week after and one week before the crescent.
Whether you attend the crescent or waning crescent parties, they are much less crowded and chaotic than the full moon.
Where is the Halfmoon Party?
The Festival Halfmoon Party is located in a lush green forest in Baan Tai, on the southern tip of the island..
It is much smaller than its big sister.
Unlike the Full Moon party, this one is held in a private area and tickets cost about $45.
Who will like the Half Moon Party?
Crescent parties are essentially a smaller version of full moon parties.
It is fair to say that most of the attendees are here simply because their Thai itinerary did not allow them to be on Koh Phangan during the full moon.
Having said that, there is less idiocy and a more open atmosphere..
There are 3 stages playing Psytrance, House and Techno, so there is something for everyone.
3. Jungle Experience, Koh Phangan party area
According to its own mission statement, Jungle Experience presents a sensory world of experiences with live art installations.
Expect beautiful people, extravagant costumes and lots of UV rays.
There are fire throwers, circle drummers and other performance artists. 100% recommended, amazing party.
Where is Jungle Experience?
As the name suggests, Jungle Experience takes place in Baan Tai forest..
To find this amazing festival follow the natural mountain stream (or follow the noise).
Who will like Jungle Experience?
The music is mostly a mix of various house styles ranging from deep house to progressive house and even a bit of techno.
The music is probably more enjoyable for the casual listener than for trance parties.
If you're not a dedicated raver, but want something more authentic than the Full Moon party, you'll like this for sure.
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4. Black Moon Culture Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan's Blackmoon party takes place once a month and is something like the evil twin of the full moon parties.
Where is Black Moon Culture?
The party takes place on Baan Tai beach.. Baan Tai Beach is about a 10-minute drive from Haad Rin.
The Black Moon Culture dance floor area is about a 10-minute walk from Baan Tai Seven Eleven.
Who will like Black Moon Culture?
Black Moon Culture is a real Psytrance party, which is what full moon parties used to be before they got drunk and famous.
Expect relentless psychedelic Goa Trance and mind-blown revellers. The clientele are the best people you could ever meet.
If you've never been to a real trance party, you have to try it at least once in your life: it's not a party, it's an experience.
This is as good a place as any to do it, apart from perhaps Anjuna in Goa.
This is definitely a Koh Phangan party area.
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5. Waterfall Party
The Waterfall Party takes place twice a month: two days before and after the full moon party, so it's perfect if you miscalculate your lunar cycles.
Where is the Koh Phangan Waterfall Party?
The party takes place deep in the Ban Kai jungle..
As the name suggests, it takes place in a rocky clearing through which a waterfall flows. The scenery is very impressive.
The best way to get here is by taxi, as the road is not suitable for motorbikes.
Admission costs 600 BAHT and includes a free drink.
Who will like the Koh Phangan Waterfall Party?
The setting is pleasant, the decor is psychedelic and the music is a mix of Techno House, Electro and Minimal.
The Waterfall Party Koh Phangan tends to attract a less drunken crowd than the Full Moon Party and the Half Moon Party, and a less raunchy crowd than the Psytrance parties.
There are also many bars with barbecues and some stalls selling jewellery and clothes.
6. Eden Garden
As the name suggests, the Garden of Eden Festival is intended to recreate an earthly paradise. And on the right night, the legendary psychedelic party gets pretty close..
But the secret is out in the open, Eden Garden is still much quieter than other parties on Koh Phangan, so it retains a very pleasant atmosphere..
Accessing Eden is not exactly easy, as you have to cross a rope bridge, which seems to separate the wheat from the chaff and ensures that only serious parties get here.
Where is Eden Garden?
Getting to the Eden Garden Party on Koh Phangan is no easy task..
You can only get to the Eden Garden Party by taking a boat from Haad Rin beach to Haad Yuan.
Be careful on your way to the Eden bar, the walkway is extremely dangerous and there have been several accidents here in recent years.
Who will like Eden Garden?
The music is a mix of Psytrance and Techno. Historically, magic mushroom shakes were sold openly, although the authorities may have tightened this practice in recent times.
But then again, what is Eden Garden without a bit of forbidden fruit?
Eden Garden is definitely one of our favourite parties on Koh Phangan.
The best food on Koh Phangan
All that partying is hard work and dancing is sure to work up an appetite. Besides, you should never go out on an empty stomach
On the other hand, you may not want to party at all.
Maybe your idea of a good night out is finding a good restaurant and grabbing a bite to eat? We hear you and we've got it covered!
Thong Sala Night Market, great and cheap food!
Thai street food is the stuff of legends and the best places to try it all over the country are the night markets.
The night market starts at 4pm and lasts until around midnight. The food options are plentiful and cheap, so you can sample a multitude of dishes.
Whether you want a noodle soup, a fried scorpion or simply a falafel, you can find it here.
There are some seats, stools and benches for you to lean on, but don't expect restaurant-style service: here it's all about fast, cheap and plentiful!
Fishermans Restaurant and Bar
As the name suggests, this Baan Ti institution focuses on seafood. Most of the food available is as fresh as it gets. Try the crab curry, garlic squid and prawns they have.
The décor uses a lot of props salvaged from old fishing boats, which gives it a very quirky feel. The adjoining bar is also a good place to watch the sunset.
The Masons Arms
In case all that delicious Thai food is too much for you, head to The Masons Arms. The Masons Arms is an English pub built in a faux Tudor building.
It offers decent all-round pub food, such as lasagne, pies and fish and chips.
Personally, I've had enough British food to last me a lifetime (well, I am British), but the atmosphere here makes it a great place to hang out.
The best bars on Koh Phangan
Fancy a few drinks before the party, or maybe you'd prefer to spend the night in a bar? Whatever your vibe and whatever you're drinking, check out this list of the best bars in Koh Phangan.
Pirates Bar
The Pirates' Bar is a pirate ship located on the beachfront just north of Laem Son Lake in Sri Thanu.
Built on 3 levels above the beach, the Pirates Bar takes its theme very seriously: there are Jolly Roger flags fluttering in the breeze.
The atmosphere is relaxed and cosy and the bar rotates between fake music and DJs. Moon Set Parties are held here a few days before the full moon, so don't miss them if you're in the area.
During the quieter times, this place is home to the most most relaxed on Koh Phangan.
The Jam Bar
If you like live music, head to the Jam Bar: it's basically where local musicians come to jam.
It is located right on the beach of Hin Kong, just after the bridge when you come from Thong Sala.
As well as offering decent music and the chance to take part in a jam, the food and drinks are good value and it's a decent place for a sundowner.
Amsterdam Bar
If you're looking for a bar for a sunset drink, head to Amsterdam Bar, which offers possibly the best view of the sunset.
It is popular with travellers for its epic views and relaxed atmosphere.. Highly recommended visit.
If you come here to watch the sunset, we recommend you arrive early, around 4.30pm. It is always very crowded for sunset and there is no room.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan
If you want to make the most of Koh Phangan's legendary nightlife, you'll need to find a good base.
Whether you're looking for a party hostel to warm you up, or a quiet space to sleep a heavy night (try sleeping in the party itself), there's accommodation on Koh Phangan for everyone.
Book your accommodation with Hostelworld, abajo encontraras los mejores precios para Hostels y alojamientos baratos en Koh Phangan: Ten en cuenta que los alojamientos de toda la isla se llenan cuando hay fiestas de luna llena. Es muy recomendable reservar con mucha antelación.
The best hostel on Koh Phangan Baan Kai Hostel
This is our favourite hostel on Koh Phangan. It is located in the centre of Baan Kai and is an excellent base for exploring the island.
It has three different styles of air-conditioned rooms with balconies.
There is also free Wi-Fi, lockers, a TV area and a kitchen. If you want to stay in Koh Phangan party area this is a good choice.
Top Airbnb in Koh Phangan Bungalow on the beach
When travelling to a place for the first time, local knowledge can be a lifesaver. That's why we've picked this Airbnb for you.
You will have a private bungalow in a resort (but nothing too luxurious), where you can connect with other travellers, exchange experiences and useful tips while relaxing on the beach.
The host has been living on the island for a long time, so his recommendations are the best.
The best hotel on Koh Phangan Pingchan Koh Phangan Beachfront Resort
This beachfront resort is our number one pick of the best hotels on Koh Phangan.
It is located in idyllic Thong Nai Pan and features a stunning swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and is just steps away from the beach.
It has 23 air-conditioned rooms that are comfortable, spacious and perfect for families.
If you prefer a hotel instead of a hostel, I recommend you to book with Booking, with this search engine you will get the best prices for accommodation in Koh Phangan:
In this post I cover everything about Where to stay in Koh Phangan 2024 – The best areas!
How to get to Koh Phangan from Bangkok
Koh Phangan is one of the Thai islands and has no airport. Koh Samui, the neighbouring island, does have an airport.
The gateway to Thailand is, of course, Bangkok, and this is probably where you will begin your Thai adventure.
The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan is to fly to Koh Samui and then take a ferry from Big Buddha Pier to Hadd Rin on Koh Phangan. If you tell a taxi driver "Koh Phangan", he'll know where to take you.
The ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan takes about 50 minutes.
If you don't want to fly from Bangkok to Koh Samui, there are other options. First, there is the overnight bus or train from Bangkok to Surat Thani.
Then you have to take another bus to Raja Jetty or Dansak Jetty before boarding a ferry.
Another option is the government buses that leave Bangkok and take you directly to the ferry.
Below are the ferry schedules to Haad Rin, one of Koh Phangan's piers.
09:30
11:40
14:30
17:30
Greetings traveller and enjoy the party on Koh Phangan!!!!
The Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan is a unique experience! Who's ready to dance the night away? 💃🌕 #PartyTime
I'm definitely ready to dance the night away at the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan! It is an experience that you cannot miss. Get ready to join in the fun and enjoy a night full of rhythm and energy! 💃🌕 #PartyTime
I can't wait to go to the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan! It's going to be crazy! 🌕💃
Oh really? I don't understand what's so exciting about being surrounded by crowds and deafening noise. I prefer to enjoy the tranquility of the full moon on the beach without so much fuss. To each their tastes, I guess. 🌊🌙
The Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan is an experience not to be missed!
I don't know, it doesn't catch my attention. I prefer to enjoy the natural beauty of the island without the madness of a massive party. Everyone has their tastes, right?