The party never stops on the island of Koh Pha Ngan!
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of festivals to attend around the world. The issue has always been planning the entire trip in an unknown country while also maintaining a tight budget. The Sherp, sensing this dearth has partnered with some great people to provide you with some of the best, pocket-friendly festival packages to fulfill your wanderlust.
Thailand is a destination known for its history, nature, and culture. Countless tourists travel to the islands of the South or the North and indulge themselves in great adventures of trekking through hillsides, sun-bathing on sun-kissed beaches and exploring the diverse ethnic cuisine and traditions. Thailand’s attractions include diving sites, sandy beaches, hundreds of tropical islands, a happening night life, archaeological sites, museums, hill tribes, flora and fauna, palaces, Buddhist temples and several world heritage sites.
But did you know, of all those multitudinous beaches, Haad Rin on the island of Koh Pha Ngan is home to one of the craziest beach festivals in the world? Known as the Full Moon Party, thousands of visitors flock to the scenic beaches every month for an insane party that lasts all night until sunrise. Got your attention? Read on to learn more about this off the rail celebration.
Courtesy : affairstoday.co.uk
1. The Full Moon Party had some pretty humble beginnings.
The origins of the Full Moon Party lie in a #TurntAF beach party back in the late ’80s. According to legend, a group of visitors discovered the beauty of the full moon as seen from the island of Koh Pha Ngan. This led to them organizing a party on the beaches of Haad Rin for a friend’s birthday which was an extremely memorable experience. In fact they returned the next year to the same place and then again next month and the next and so on.
(Image : Joe Stump/flickr.com/photos/joestump/5225596082/)
2. From a beach party to a worldwide phenomenon.
The very first Full Moon Party was for about 20 – 30 revelers but soon the parties gained fame through word of mouth and now crowds of upto 40,000 people show up. The party is held every month and starts in the evening and carries on until the sun rises.
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3. Musical choices galore!
Bars on the beach of Haad Rin town stay open all night and play music such as Psychedelic Trance, R&B, Drum N’ Bass, House, Dance and Reggae.
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4. Because drinking out of a glass is too mainstream.
There is no room for conventional drinking at an event as crazy as the FMP. Instead, almost everyone drinks out of buckets that come with a 375 ml flask of your liquor of choice, 2 cans of Coke/Sprite, a can of M150 (A Thai energy drink equal to a Red Bull on Red Bull) and ice. All of this can be yours for only 180 – 200 baht, approx INR 350/-
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5. Success always leads to imitators.
The success of the FMP prompted offshoots such as the “Half Moon”, “Quarter Moon”, “Black Moon” and other parties. An unsuccessful attempt was made in 2014 to ban all parties except the Full Moon Party due to noise complaints by islanders but laws have been stepped up since 2015.
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6. So I can get drunk, party all night AND not end up broke?
The Full Moon Party is a major tourist attraction where people from all over the world come to drink and make merry throughout the night. Besides the beautiful location, the extremely cheap prices (compared to other countries) is a huge factor for party goers. Entry to the festival is merely 100 baht or approx INR 200/- which is merely a cleaning fee for the aftermath of the party.
7. Alcohol fuelled party goers and a flaming skipping rope. What could possibly go wrong?
One of the main attractions of the event are kerosene doused skipping ropes that are set ablaze. The goal is to get as many people as possible jumping the rope to and to spin it so fast that the flames go out. This often ends up in minor injuries.
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8. Because what is a rave without being covered in neon?
It is extremely common to see ravers dressed in bright neon colours and covered in neon face and body paint art which can be done at several stalls on the beach itself.
If this has convinced you to head to the Full Moon Party but have no idea where to start, fear not because The Sherp has a great travel package for you right HERE!