Haad Rin and the Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party happens on Haad Rin Nok, the beach on the eastern side of the Haad Rin neck at the south-east corner of Koh Phangan. The Tourism Authority of Thailand calls it a huge draw for young people from around the world. It is not an organised event in the usual sense: the bars on the beach run it between them, and a website maintained by Haad Rin businesses says there is no central organising committee.

Dates and entry, from the businesses themselves. Wikipedia describes the party as held on the night of the full moon, or a night either side when that clashes with a religious holiday, and the businesses’ site lists 26 September and 27 October 2026 as the next dates. It also says entry is 200 baht, paid at the gate and collected for the Haad Rin Business Association. We could not confirm either with the municipality, the police or the Tourism Authority, so check closer to the time.

Staying safe, from two governments. The UK government’s travel advice says attacks are most common during full moon parties and near bars late at night, and warns of drink spiking and of drinks containing methanol. Canada’s advice singles out Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao during full moon parties as places to take care at night. The UK’s advice adds that possessing Class A drugs can lead to the death penalty and that vapes are illegal. The UK also warns that people drown in strong rip currents, which matters on a beach party at night.

The practical version. Go with people you trust, buy your own drinks and keep them in sight, carry little cash, and do not swim. Our Haad Rin picks are within walking distance of the beach.