Thailand has long been a well-known destination for the more hedonistic traveller. Popularised even more in the 90s by Alex Garland’s The Beach and the hugely successful film starring Leonardo diCaprio, Thailand is still the go to destination for Full Moon parties and laid back wanderers who want to take time out from the real world.
- Phuket Party NightlifeEustaquio Santimano / Music Photos / CC BY-NC-ND
Full Moon parties – Koh Pangan
The near-mythical Full Moon parties on Koh Phangan are hugely popular events and have gone down in history as a must-visit part of a lot of trips to Thailand. Every month, the Full Moon parties attract 10,000 to 30,000 people. The party begins at dusk and explodes into a frenzy of dancing as a range of DJs and MCs take their turns spinning through trance, techno, reggae, drum and bass, dance – every music genre is covered. Fireworks, jugglers, fire-eaters, beach traders selling food and drink… there’s plenty to keep you entertained when you want a break from dancing.
Patong beach – Phuket
There also plenty of party beaches and destinations away from Koh Phangan. For example, Patong beach on Phuket comes to life at night. Hundreds of bars, nightclubs and restaurants ensure the whole area is a great destination if you’re after somewhere to enjoy a night out. It’s generally safe for families as well as groups of travellers and younger people. If you are travelling in a group keep in touch via your phones (there are options to do this without spending hundreds of pounds – see below).
Pattaya
The red light capital of Thailand is especially popular with young, single men and is perhaps not a family destination. Originally established as a resting spot for off duty US military during the Vietnam war, Pattaya is still a drinking and partying destination with hundreds of bars and clubs.
Chawang Beach – Koh Samui
As Koh Samui is the main tourist island in Thailand, it’s not surprising that Chawang Beach is a popular party destination with restaurants, bars and some nightclubs catering for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the idyllic surroundings every year.
Whether you’re hitting a Full Moon party with a big bunch of friends or are off to Koh Samui with the family, make sure you stay safe and remain in communication with your travelling companions.
The ability to use your mobile phone, to stay in touch with friends and travel to these great party destinations, without racking up a huge phone bill is a must.
The easiest way to do this is to get a pre paid local SIM card before you leave for Thailand (RiteSim.com have a number of different packages) that will give you a SIM card with a local Thai phone number and the benefit of local rates for calls, texts and data. It’s the cheapest way to stay in communication with your travelling group – and to stay safe and have fun!
The other advantage of local SIM cards is you have access to cheaper data so you can share those awesome pics from the Full Moon party with all those friends back home… once you’ve woken up!