Things you need to know before going to the Half Moon Party 2020 in Thailand

...... Expectations Vs Reality: Half Moon Party, Koh Phangan

When you think of crazy parties in Thailand at a backpacking paradise like Koh Phangan, the image that comes to mind is people getting drunk on bucket loads of cheap alcohol, drugs, fire shows, low-quality food, filthy washrooms, a lot of people screaming and after a while puking and getting passed out. This is something I was expecting to experience at the Half Moon Party in Thailand. 

Before going to the Half Moon Party in Koh Phangan I was a little sceptical as I thought I am past that age where I would enjoy such an event. But I was proven wrong and I would like to say that Half moon party is one of the best nightlife experiences in Thailand that I have experienced so far. It has something to offer to everyone who wants to have a good time and enjoy the nightlife in Thailand. Koh Phangan is an amazingly beautiful island and must be visited even if you are not into parties.

MainStage at Half Moon Party, Koh Phangan

13 tips and tricks to help you enhance your experience of the Half Moon party in Koh Phangan: 

 1. Overall vibe at the party

The Half Moon party has a carnival or a festival type vibe, where you can engage yourself in various activities like buying half moon party accessories, getting yourself painted, eating, drinking, dancing, getting pictures clicked at various photo booths. There is something on offer for everyone visiting the Half Moon Party.  

2. Entry tickets for Half Moon party

Unlike the Full Moon party in Koh Phangan, this is a privately organised event and has an entry fee. Half Moon party tickets can be easily bought either online or from your hotel or hostel.  Entry ticket for Half Moon party costs 2000 THB (updated January 2020) and includes one drink. We did come across a few websites selling the same Half moon Party ticket for a slightly lesser price, but we bought our tickets from our hotel. 

3. Half Moon party dates 2020

As the name suggests the party is held on even half moon night which is usually twice  a month. List of Half Moon Party Koh Phangan 2020 dates:

      • January – 3rd and 17th 
      • February – 1st and 14th
      • March – 1st, 16th and 31st 
      • April – 12th and 29th
      • May – 14th and 29th 
      • June – 13th and 27th
      • July – 12th and 26th
      • August – 10th and 25th
      • September – 9th and 24th
      • October – 9th and 23rd
      • November – Closed for renovations
      • December –  7th and 21st 

4. Best time to reach the Half Moon party

Don’t reach the party venue before 11 PM, ideally come around midnight when the Half Moon party is at its peak. So have a pre-party at some bar or your hostel…. make some friends, take a shared taxi and reach the venue late in the night and enjoy the Half Moon party till your body gives up. 

5. Is Half Moon party safe? 

Half Moon party is a very well organised and a safe event to attend in Thailand. All around the venue there is festival security to give you a hassle free full night party experience. 

6. Hygiene – washrooms and food 

A lot of cleaners continuously keep cleaning the venue and the toilets. For a  party of this scale with thousands of people, its commendable how clean the washrooms are.  

Many kiosks inside the party venue serve decent food which is slightly expensive for Thailand but its hygienic. 

 

Photo Booth at Half Moon Party, Koh Phangan
Tornmaps at Half Moon Party, Koh Phangan Thailand

7. Public transport at the party

If you are staying in main areas of Koh Phanghan then public transport is cheap and easy. Shared taxis to and from the venue have fixed rates.  If you are coming from Koh Samui then we would highly recommend buying the speedboat ticket package for the party. 

8. What kind of music do they play at the Half Moon party in Koh Phangan?

For music, they have three different setups inside the party. Again each setup inside Half Moon Party in Koh Phangan plays different music and vibe. In my opinion, the main stage at the Half Moon party is the grandest and had the best feel. The cave at the Half Moon party was fun, but it was a tiny space and gets claustrophobic. 

9. Are you coming from a nearby island for the party? 

Many travellers come to Koh Phangan in the evening to attend one of the famous parties from nearby islands and then leave in the morning after the party. I would highly recommend that even if you can party all night, you should have a backup place to crash somewhere on the island. If you are confused about which is the ideal party in Thailand which suits your needs best then do read: Guide to choosing between the Half Moon and Full Moon Party in Thailand.

10. Drinks or alcohol at the Half Moon party

Only premium brands of alcohol like Absolute, Bombay Sapphire are served inside Half Moon party. You can buy drinks and top up your cashless band at multiple places throughout the party. So if you see a huge crowd at the first stall then walk a little ahead to the next counter. Drinks inside the Half Moon party in Koh Phangan cost around 200 THB for a 50ml tall drink (including a mixer) and around 750THB for a potent bucket drink (which is equivalent to 4-5 normal drinks they serve). 

11. Neon paint artists at the festival

If you want to get neon paint on your body then I would recommend first observe the artists for a few minutes and then finalise.  Some artists draw patiently and some do a quick job. Prices can be negotiated for paint and merchandise at the venue especially when you are in a group. 

12. How to avoid getting lost? 

Fixing a meet up point beforehand would help you track your friends in case someone gets lost.

13. What to wear?

Lastly, you don’t really have to dress up for the Half Moon party. Just wear anything comfortable or funky.