The first Full Moon Parties

Posted by admin on August 26th, 2009 filed in Action, bars & beers

Full Moon Parties during the period between 1990 and 1995 were largely unknown events, which mainly attracted party animals and backpackers looking for something different than what “mainstream tourism” had to offer. It has an atmosphere similar to the Khao San Road but with beaches.

The amount of participating foreign visitors was just a small fraction of the huge crowds you’ll find on Koh Pha Ngan today. Two decades ago the ambience was much more intimate, a group of friends dancing on the beach in front of a portable stereo, or playing guitar while sitting around a campfire.

People could stay here for a week while dancing, playing cards and guitar, waiting for the next full moon. Most people arrived on Koh Pha Ngan by the regular, slowly navigating ferry boat. The introduction of the smaller speedboats didn’t happen yet. Those travellers heading for the Full Moon Parties were easy recognisable. Sandals, brightly coloured batik t-shirts and dreadlocks was the common dress code.

The party began as soon as the moon became visible. On Haad Rin Beach, the restaurants’ small speakers pumped out the music, making people dance and dance for many hours.

An illegal side was associated with the early Full Moon Parties as well. Even though beer, energy drinks and Thai liquor were, and still are, the most used “stimulants” by far, some participants choose to consume other illegal substances, risking an unexpected end of their vacation…

Youn can get to the Full Moon parties on Koh Pha Ngan by arranging a bus/ferry ticket from Khao San Road in Bangkok. Read more about Khao San Road.