There is no better place in my opinion to celebrate a full moon than Thailand. The night sky seems clearer and less polluted with light especially in the countryside. On the island of Koh Phangan the moon seems somehow closer and bigger than in other spots. It makes perfect sense to have a full moon beach party on the beautiful tropical island.
Most people are aware that ancient cultures such as the Mayans worshipped the sun, it is less well known that the moon plays just as an important role in world mythology and symbolism. The moon is counterpart to the sun. It is connected to the feminine principal; to the imagination; it is a symbol of inconsistency and intuition. It is also believed that the moon brings about change. It is for this reason that the werewolf fable was created.
Considering this long tradition there is celebrating the moon’s phases it seems a great idea to have a beach party on the night of the full moon. There is no better moon party than the one on Haad Rin beach on Koh Phangan. It is the original full moon party and the biggest in the world. The whole town of Haad Rin develops a palpable excitement as the night of the full moon approaches. Three days before there is the Green Cross Party. Two nights before Drop in Club has a foam party. And every night for the five days prior to the party Sunrise Beach Club has a party.
By the time the full moon comes around people are brimming with energy. It is like New Year’s Eve. Everywhere you look people are daubed in fluorescent paint, drinking alcohol and swaying with the music. The beach fills up with happy people keen to share a bucket and make new friends.
The party flies by and the sunrise over the beach the next day is a spectacular display of nature’s varied palette. For the many who are still dancing and looking for more excitement there is the Backyard Party in the jungle that throws the best after party that goes well into the following evening.
So if you ever fancy connecting with your pagan roots and celebrating the majesty of the full moon I recommend going to Thailand, and in particular going to Koh Phangan.