Koh Phangan has become pretty much synonymous with epic drunken parties, now famous for the popular Full Moon Party, a massive party happening every month on the island. Koh Phangan nightlife essentially revolves around this main party, and the island’s tourism and fame wouldn’t be the same without it.
Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Thailand and can be reached with a flight from Bangkok to the neighbouring island of Koh Samui, and taking a ferry from there. Most of the island is a national park and the town itself is quite small, mostly catering to tourists and partiers.
The Full Moon Party isn’t the only time or place to party on this island, you can find a party almost every day of the week. They also have many festivals and events such as the Half Moon Festival, Black Moon Party, and Jungle Parties.
Koh Phangan is exceptionally cheap, like most islands in Thailand, so if you’re on a budget this place is for you. Because there are so many parties and events in Koh Phangan it can be overwhelming to know when and where to go. Luckily we’ve created this guide to make it a lot easier for you.
Where To Party In Koh Phangan
The main party hub in Koh Phangan is on the south part of the island on Haad Rin Beach, which is the location for the notorious Full Moon Party. This beach can easily accommodate 20,000 – 30,000 people at the peak of the Full Moon Party
Haad Baan Tai beach is another place to party, mostly popular for the Black Moon Party, which takes place in front of Mac’s Bay Resort. A couple of kilometers north of the beach in the jungle, you’ll find the monthly Half Moon Party, as well as regular jungle parties
All around Baan Tai beach and Tong Sala just west of there you’ll find all kinds of nightclubs, bars and hostels where you can party during times when there is no Full Moon Party or related festivals.
Within the Baan Tai jungle you’ll find a popular Waterfall Party and several jungle parties and some “jungle clubs” such as the Retro Mountain Jungle Club.
To the very west of the island you’ll find Haad Yao West beach, while it’s not as popular as the other areas, you can still party here with several cool bars dotting the beach. Haad Yao East is a secluded beach that can only be reached by ATV or boat, which hosts the the popular Lost Paradise Party.
In short, there are an endless amount of spots to party in Koh Phangan, on any night of the week, read on to find out more.
Koh Phangan Nightlife & Safety Tips
– You can get around by renting a scooter, ATVs, or on songtaews.
– Like all of Thailand, drinking is allowed on the street, so save yourself some money and pre drink at 7-Eleven.
– If you’re going to the Full Moon Party make sure to book your accomodation in advance as it’s going to get full quick!
– Watch out for drugs and people spiking your drinks. There are thousands of people at these parties, so don’t take drugs from strangers and keep watch of your drink at all times.
How Expensive is it to party in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is dirt cheap, like any island in Thailand. You’ll find buckets of liquor and mixers for as low as 150 baht and beers for around 50 baht. Hostels are also incredibly cheap, starting from 100 baht per night in a dorm, prices obviously going up during the Full Moon Parties and other festivals.
Here is a basic overview of what you can expect to pay to enjoy the Koh Phangan nightlife
Bottle of beer: 50-100 baht
Big beer: 90-140 baht
Bucket: 150-250 baht
Cocktail: 100-200 baht
Best Koh Phangan Parties
Full Moon Party
The original party that made the island famous, hundreds of clubs and beaches around the world try to replicate the success of the Full Moon Party to this day, but can’t reach the scale and outright degeneracy that the Koh Phangan party offers.
The party goes on all night, on the night of the full moon for that month, on the busiest nights it can reach around 30,000 people. Be sure to wear your neon wife beat, face paint and share a bucket of cheap alcohol with friends while dancing the night away.
Half Moon Party
When it comes to Koh Phangan nightlife, the Half Moon Party is a must experience, happening twice a month on every half moon, it’s held in the Baan Tai jungle just north of Baan Tai beach.
The party started to replicate the success of the Full Moon Party, while there’s not as many people, it is just as good, and some people enjoy it more for the more unique vibe in the jungle and more of a festival atmosphere with three stages.
It is held on private property and costs around $45 USD to enter. If you’re into psytrance, house, hip hop music and jungle vibes, you’ll love this festival.
Black Moon Party
Happening around 2 weeks after the Full Moon Party when the moon is no longer visible in the sky, the Black Moon Party is a fun party happening on Baan Tai beach around Mac’s Bay Resort, a night full of progressive and trance music and cheap drinks.
Waterfall Party
If you’re looking for one of the most unique Koh Phangan nightlife parties, then be sure not to miss the Waterfall Party. The party is held near the Samanora Waterfall, hence the name, and features a rock swimming pool, jungle vibes and one of the best sound systems on the island.
It takes place two days before and two days after the full moon party, which is ideal in case you miss the big event. The cost to enter is around 600 baht, with a free drink included.
Lost Paradise Party
One of the most secluded place on Koh Phangan and one of the coolest parties is the Lost Paradise Party on the east coast of the island in Haad Yao East. The spot is only accessible via ATV or by boat.
Once you arrive though, you won’t regret it. Set in a tropical paradise away from modernization, the party happens every two weeks and you’ll find yourself getting lost to the beats with friendly strangers and good vibes.
Best Bars in Koh Phangan
Amsterdam Bar
Perhaps the most famous venue on the island, there’s no better way to start off your Koh Phangan nightlife adventure then coming here for possible one of the best sunset spots on the island.
Be sure to arrive before 5:00pm so you can get a good seat to catch the sunset, enjoy some of their unique cocktails and chill out to the vibing music. The journey up to the bar is quite arduous though – you’ve been warned.
The Jam Bar
Located right on the Hin Kong beach on the west coast, The Jam Bar is a popular spot with aspiring musicians and those who love live music. The crowd is a mix of musicians, locals and tourists all intermingling to create a unique vibe. Drinks are cheap and good!
Rasta Home
If you find yourself on the very northwestern part of the island and are craving a good party with reggae music, then Rasta Home just off of Haad Yao beach is the place for you. It gets quite busy on a Friday, with a live band playing so show up early. Cover is 100 baht per person.
SOHO Bar
Best Clubs in Koh Phangan
Retro Mountain Jungle Club
Retro Mountain Jungle Club is a resort and party location deep within the jungle north of the Halfmoon Festival location. The venue offers spectacular views of the surrounding jungle, jungle-top pools and next-level parties, it should be on your checklist for the ultimate Koh Phangan nightlife experience.
Samsara Beach Club
Samsara Beach Club on the south part of the island along Ban Tai beach, regularly features amazing DJ’s from all over the world and great events. It has the popular “Day After Full Moon” party in case you’re still looking to go after that crazy night.
Oxa Beach Club
Located not too far from Samsara also on Ban Tai beach, Oxa Beach Club should be your go to Koh Phangan nightlife spot if you’re looking for a solid night club. The party costs 400 baht to enter, but if you enjoy Techno and House music, and are looking for one of the best parties and clubs on the island, then it’s definitely worth it.
Koh Phangan Nightlife Summary
Perhaps one of the most famous party destinations on earth and home to the biggest party in Thailand, the Koh Phangan nightlife will definitely not leave you disappointed, but it will definitely leave you hungover and possible wanting more the next day.
