*This post is best read with this song playing on the background, What’s My Name by Rihanna ft. Drake or On the Floor by J. Lo ft. Pitbull, one of the more popular tunes played at the Drop In Bar =)
So the most awaited night in Koh Pha Ngan has arrived. For the month of May, the night of the party was not on the first day of the full moon but on the second since it fell on Vesak Day, Buddha’s day of birth, enlightenment and entry to nirvana, a very important Buddhist holiday.
Full Moon Party!
Let’s see how everyone’s preparing… First thing on the list before the party starts, a ‘sleeping area’ for those who had difficulty holding their liquor. Check!
- The ‘Sleeping’ Area
Bucket drinks bar has been set-up for party goers. Check!
Pick your bucket drink!
Neon hats, blinking head bands and neon body paint for party goers. Check!
Neon body paint
Let the party begin!
Paradise Bungalows, the site of the original Full Moon Party
According to Koh Pha Ngan brochures available throughout the island, the First Full Moon Party started way back 1987 or 1988 when a group of friends celebrated a birthday party which coincided with the Full Moon. The same group agreed to meet the next month, also on a Full Moon. So every month afterwards, word spread out and the Full Moon party just got bigger and better! During the peak month of December, numbers can reach as high as 30,000 party goers.
Solo writes his name on customer's arm so she will remember to buy a bucket from him again
Haad Rin Nok was so crowded! Boats from Koh Samui, Ko Tao and Suratthani arriving non-stop. Everyone’s all geared up and ready to have a great time!
- Full Moon Party!
Everyone's up and dancing!
Days before, some vendors have little or no business at all. But on Full Moon Party night, even the tarot reader had pretty good business!
What does my future hold? Yes, you'll have 2 rounds of bucket vodka before you pass out!
Let’s check the ‘Sleeping’ area. Anyone checked-in yet? Yup, this guy was knocked out as early as 11 in the evening!
The first guest who checked-in at the 'Sleeping' area
More fun and daring games! Limbo Rock anyone?
Bend like you've never bent before! Or else...
The ring of fire!
Flaming jump rope
I was having a devil of a good time! Literally =p
Whoops! What's that on your behind Borat?
Follow these precautions and you’re guaranteed a great time at the Full Moon Party in Koh Pha Ngan.
Hey Mister! Buy from me! Love you long time! Free hug!
The morning of the Full Moon Party… STILL partying??!!
Everyone's still up and dancing while the bartender takes a nap
WARNING! The photos you are about to see are the effects of those darn colorful buckets =p
Passing out near a trash bag
No more buckets? Then I guess I should just sleep here... zzzzz
Curled like a baby
Still hanging on to the bucket. I hope this dude woke up before the high tide!
More zzzzzz
Come on! It was just a few feet to your bed dude!
The obedient ones to sleep at the designated area
The morning after
We made it to our room, did we? Yeah I think so, let's snuggle then.
Empty bottles and buckets everywhere!
We went back to our room at around 6:30 in the morning. It was a fun night, a party that seem to never end. ..but I think one Full Moon Party is enough for me =)
The World As I See It 
Love your photos! Especially of the ‘sleep area’ and ‘buckets’. Will have to party there one day!
Thanks Natasha! =) Just pick a month, a bucket drink and you’re all set! =)
zomg! “Borat” is a riot! And I love who ppl pass out all over the place, the morning after?! haha. What.. no photos of the recovery? No after party party? 🙂
Love this post – well captured Marnie!
Hi Mei! There’s an after party party EVERYDAY until the next Full Moon party comes around again =) Thanks for the comment!