Half Moon Party, Full Moon Party
Let’s get this straight, the Half Moon Party is not half the fun of the Full Moon Party. Thailand is notorious for its moon parties! It has been heard that the half moon party can be double the fun as it’s not so crazy packed. Unlike the Full Moon Party free-for-all, the HMP is run by Half Moon Festival, a private events company that puts on a real spectacle.
Yes, you will have to pay for this properly organized event but think you’ll get loos and security. Neither of which are at the Full Moon Party. Is the party worth living that close to the edge? Hey, you can still shroom yourself out of your head but at least you can go for a waz.
La Musica
I’m not saying there’s something for everyone: Half Moon Party ain’t no hoedown. Pumping tunes and epic lights across mega dance floors make this monumental.
International DJs mix the night away with tech, trance and doping underground tunes on the Tribal Stage. The Funky Stage mingles it with mellow house. In need of something a little more mainstream, then head to The Cave (Urban Stage) for some old-school hip-hop and R&B.
Vibing the Half Moon Party
Buzzing and full of energy, the Half Moon Party goes from late to early finishing around 6/7 in the morning.
Planning on staying the distance, you don’t want to peak early. So you might want to pass that freebie drink at the entrance, you can always head back later. Instead, check out the black-light body painting that’s if you haven’t already done it back at the hostel.
Got the nibbles from dancing the night away? Half Moon Festival has got you covered with three bars and food. We’re not talking haute cuisine here but it’ll get you through the night and the next morning.
Entrance and Tickets
Good parties cost. The Half Moon Party isn’t a freebie affair like the Full Moon Party. Half Moon Festival puts on a pretty good show for 1,500 Thai Baht, which is about $45USD. RAther than queuing at the gate, book your tickets online and you’ll also get a discount. Either way, you get a free drink and an all-important neck strap on entry.
Want to party in style, then double the price and you’ll get VIPed: your own private bathroom, 2 free drinks at a private bar in the VIP zone next to the main stage and that ever exclusive Half Moon Party t-shirt. Pay for the space if you can push the boat out.
Where to Stay
Wherever you do stay in Koh Phangan, tag a couple of days on either side. The island is worth a visit if only for the beautiful beaches and the phenomenal jungle hikes.
Staying at a hostel is one of your best bets whether alone or in a group. Either way, it’s cheap and a great way to grow your crew. Baan Thai Backpackers offer simple and central accommodation; they even host a pre-half moon party to get you all revved up for the big night.
If you need to escape Koh Phangan, take the ferry over to Koh Tao. Dive the clearest blue waters, before heading to the beach party or even the ladyboy cabaret show in town!
When to party in 2019
We may be halfway through the year but we’ve still got a load of dates to kill it at the HMP.
- Sunday, May 26, 2019 – 20:00
- Monday, June 10, 2019 – 20:00
- Tuesday, June 25, 2019 – 20:00
- Tuesday, July 9, 2019 – 20:00
- Wednesday, July 24, 2019 – 20:00
- Thursday, August 8, 2019 – 20:00
- Friday, August 23, 2019 – 20:00
- Friday, September 6, 2019 – 20:00
- Saturday, September 21, 2019 – 20:00
- Sunday, October 6, 2019 – 20:00
- Monday, October 21, 2019 – 20:00
- Tuesday, December 3, 2019 – 20:00
- Thursday, December 19, 2019 – 20:00
If you’re already planning into next year, think. Half Moon Parties are mostly based around the Thai religious celebrations. As soon as we have 2020 dates, we’ll post them.
