Full Moon Party 2026–27: dates and where to stay on Koh Phangan

The short answer

Stay in Haad Rin to walk home from the party, Thong Sala for port access, or Srithanu for a quieter base farther away. Decide how you will get back before choosing a room. The Full Moon Party takes place on Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin around each full moon, with some dates moved for Buddhist holidays. The expected dates below have a named calendar; reconfirm your date before paying for non-refundable travel.

Expected party dates, 2026–27

These dates appear on the Full Moon Party calendar, checked 19 October 2026. The page says it is maintained by members of the Haad Rin business community and that the association committee issues the dates. Status: expected, not confirmed for your trip day. The calendar itself warns that local or government announcements can change the schedule.

• October 27, 2026
• November 24, 2026
• December 24, 2026
• December 31, 2026 (New Year’s Eve)
• January 22, 2027
• February 22, 2027
• March 22, 2027
• April 21, 2027
• May 21, 2027
• June 19, 2027

Dates can change, so check again with your accommodation in Haad Rin closer to your trip, before paying for flights and rooms.

For a party between October and December, check the weather before you book: our guides to where to go in November and December cover the Gulf islands’ wet season.

Haad Rin, Thong Sala or Srithanu?

Choose between a walk home, an easier ferry arrival and a quieter stay away from the party. If you are still choosing an island for the rest of your trip, see Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.

Haad Rin

Haad Rin is the party peninsula at the southern tip of the island, split into Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. The party takes place on Sunrise Beach, transforming the shoreline into one big open-air club.

Around Haad Rin:

• Sunrise Beach: The main event location where sound systems line the sand until dawn.
• Sunset Beach: A slightly quieter side of the peninsula for afternoon swimming.
• Fire shows: Local performers spin burning ropes on the beach as the night starts.
• Pre-party bars: Small venues in the alleys behind the beach sell drinks before you hit the sand.

Stays in Haad Rin→

Thong Sala

Thong Sala is the administrative centre of Koh Phangan and the island’s commercial hub. The coastline here is mostly a working port, handling the heavy ferry traffic arriving from the mainland and neighbouring islands, so it is no beach to wake up and swim from.

Before you head to the party:

• Phantip Night Food Market: The spot for cheap pad thai and grilled skewers before the party.
• The main pier: Where ferries from Koh Samui and the mainland drop you off.
• Songthaew ranks: The staging area for shared passenger trucks heading down to Haad Rin.
• Walking street: A weekend market selling local snacks and souvenirs along the main road.

Stays in Thong Sala→

Srithanu

Srithanu sits on the west coast and acts as a hub for long-term travellers. It gives you a base for yoga and cafes away from Haad Rin, with a longer ride to the party and back.

For the rest of your stay

• Zen Beach: A popular sunset spot where crowds gather for drum circles.
• Yoga centers: Dozens of studios offering drop-in classes and long retreats.
• Plant-based cafes: Vegan and vegetarian options between classes or beach trips.
• Secret Beach: A small cove nearby with clear water and a laid-back bar.

Watch out for

Going to more than one late-night event: each one means a long, paid ride across the island and back.

Stays in Srithanu→

Getting to and from the party

• Shared trucks: Songthaews run constantly on party nights. You flag them down on the main roads in Thong Sala or Srithanu and jump in the back.
• Journey times: The drive from Thong Sala to Haad Rin takes about 20 minutes, and Srithanu is another 10 to 15 minutes beyond Thong Sala, so allow extra time on party nights when the roads are busy.
• Fares: Negotiate your fare before getting in, or wait for the truck to fill up to pay the typical per-person rate for shared songthaews.
• Speedboats from Samui: Boats leave from Bang Rak or Bophut and arrive directly at Haad Rin pier. The crossing takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
• From Bangkok: For flights, trains and ferries to the island, see Bangkok to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Staying safe without spoiling the night

• Wear proper shoes: As the night goes on, the sand gets covered in broken glass and lost flip-flops. Stepping on sharp objects ruins the rest of your trip, and finding a clinic at 3 AM is difficult.
• Keep your valuables secure: Bring only enough cash for the night and a paper copy of your passport. Leave your actual passport, credit cards, and electronics locked in your room.
• Avoid driving a scooter: The roads leading to Haad Rin are steep and winding. Driving at night, especially after drinking, is a bad idea.
• Stay out of the ocean: The water is used as a bathroom by thousands of people, and swimming in the dark with strong currents is dangerous.
• Buy drinks from established bars: Traditional buckets sold on the sand contain liquor, mixer, and local energy drink. A drink poured in front of you at a bar is easier to keep track of, but keep it in your hand and never leave it unattended: drink spiking happens.
• Remember Thai drug laws: Police and tourist police are deployed at the party to keep drugs out, and Thailand’s penalties for drug offences are severe.

Frequently asked questions