Full Moon Party

Described by many as the largest party in the world, Koh Pha Ngan’s famous monthly Full Moon Party isn’t exactly everybody’s cup of tea. Personally, I was sceptical. Did I really want to spend the night listening to trance music with a bunch of 18 year old Brits full of ‘Gap Year’ confidence, inebriated through either alcohol or drugs? Not particularly. I was expecting the worst, if I’m honest.

This party has a reputation for being the biggest booze up this side of the planet and backpackers are highly likely to be robbed here on this night. In preparation, Chris, Adam and I spent a day depositing all of our worldly possessions - bar a few pairs of undies and a change of clothes for the few days we‘d be spending on Ko Pha Ngan - with one of Adam’s friends on a whole different island, Koh Samui!

Haad Salad beach, Koh Pha Ngan

We managed to find some great huts on a somewhat secluded beach - we were pleased about this as we intended to stay as far away as possible from the festivities when the night finally came. The days leading up to Full Moon were spent reading in our hammocks and generally relaxing.

Island Hopping!

The night finally came and we joined the other party-goers in the back of a Songtail for the 40 minute drive to the party over the incredibly steep mountains. I am pleased to report that the night was incredible. We managed to steer clear of the drunken mess that undoubtedly occurred elsewhere on the beach and just danced the night away with our new friends (staying in the same huts as us) to cheesy dance music. We even bumped into the Canadian couple Jeff and Madeline who Chris and I had spent some time with in Vietnam! This was a great surprise and it was fab to meet up with them again randomly! We especially enjoyed the net which we climbed up to reach a fun slide back down to the beach!

The beach was packed and absolutely buzzing with atmosphere. Apparently it was one of the bigger turn-outs with around 30 000 people there! All the way down the beach people were dancing and drinking from buckets and dancing some more - what a great atmosphere. We finally left at 6am after a wonderful night of none stop dancing and lots of fun.