Koh Phangan Full Moon Party, Had Rin

The party was originally a small affair with a small number of backpacking travellers dancing through the night of the full moon, mainly to psychedelic trance music. Originally, the music was some tapes coming from Goa'Party (India), and the first Full Moon Party was improvised at a wooden disco not far from the beach in June 1987. The Full Moon Party gained fame quickly through word of mouth, and the event now draws a crowd in excess of 10,000 every full moon evening. The party carries on until the sun rises the next day. All the bars on the sunset beach of Haad Rin town stay open and play music such as drum and bass, house and reggae. The event has become a part of the itinerary of many travellers to Asia. Entry to the event is completely free. In recent years, local entrepreneurs have attempted to expand upon the event with spinoffs like the Half Moon Party and Black Moon Party.

Drinking & dancing

Thai alcohol brands such as Sang Som rum, Mekong whiskey, and beers such as Chang and Singha are most popular among travellers. A signature of the Full Moon Party are the buckets - mixed drinks served in small plastic pails. A bottle of alcohol (usually Sang Som rum) is poured over ice and topped up with a can of Coke and a bottle of Red Bull syrup. Several straws are then thrown in. The price in 2007 for a bucket was around 200 baht, roughly ?3/$5.50. On closer inspection one will find that the majority of the brand name alcohol bottles such as Smirnoff are unsealed, therefore it is suspected that it may contain a cheaper alcohol. One should always check the seals before purchasing a bucket.

Drugs

In the past there has been some association with illegal drug use. Although the use, possession, and/or sale of drugs is illegal under Thai law, club drugs such as ecstasy, methamphetamine, Yaa Baa, marijuana, opium, mushrooms and even over the counter diet pills have been reported. As of 2002, the Thai government has pursued a stricter defense against illegal drugs at these events. The standard bribe for possession is about 50,000 baht (?750/$1200) and foreigners do go to jail for possession. Drug use at Full Moon Parties has lessened in recent years, in part due to greater fear of being caught but also because the parties now draw attendees from a wider range of backgrounds.