Fullmoon Party, Koh Phangan

September 15-23rd

We decide to first head south from Bangkok to the island of Koh Phangan. Two buses, one ferry, one taxi and only 18 hours later, were on the beach.

Sometime between the two buses, we were approached by a man who showed us pictures of a set of bungalows. Of course we didn't have anything booked in advance. So for a free taxi and based on some pictures we booked our first bungalow. A group of 13 of us were dropped off at paradise. Much to our surprise the beach was amazing, the water beautiful, the view was stunning and our bungalows for $8 a night was perfect.

Koh Phangan is famous for the the biggest beach party in the world, the Full Moon Party. The full moon party is held once a month. We were soon to find out that one can always find a reason to party and there is always a moon to party to: full moon, half moon, moon set, black moon, you get the picture.

The Fullmoon party was still a week away. The next day, the whole group we booked with went to the Jungle Half Moon party together. We were taken by taxi into the jungle where 4,000 party goers, trance music and glow in the dark paint was awaiting us. This was the night Parker and I were introduced to the "buckets". For about 300 THB ($10) you can buy a lethal mixture of: cheap vodka, red bull and sprite or cheap whisky, red bull and coke. There are many mixtures and all served in a bucket with a hand full of straws to share with your friends. Even though you might go to the party with no intention of painting yourself and acting like a fool, all that changes after your first bucket. It was a good night with new friends.

We had a week to get ready for the big party. Haad Rin is actually a beautiful bay and a stunning beach but has just been trashed by all the partying. Since it's still considered low season, there were only 10,000 party-goers expected. At high season there at as many as 30,000.

By this time we had found another group of friends to go to the party with. We had a pre-party and showed up at the beach at 11pm. The beach party was in full swing. Haad Rin is a massive. There were 12 major sound stages with different genres of music. The many fire dancers added to the party atmosphere. Our group stuck together all night and we partied together. This is not usually our kind of thing. The Full Moon Party is what it is. You make it what you want it. We were with friends and we made it fun. It was a memorable night for all of us.

At dusk we surveyed the damage and there were still people dancing and partying like it was midnight. The sunrise was unbelievable. When you are still partying at sunrise, you know it's been a good night.