Celebrating on Koh Tao and Koh Phangan: Unforgettable Island Parties
Travel with Songserm Ferries to the best events on the Islands in the Gulf of Thailand. From the famous Full Moon Party to Koh Tao’s Experience Festival.
Unforgettable Party Experiences on Koh Tao & Koh Phangan
If you are travelling down to the paradise Islands in the Gulf of Thailand & you are someone that enjoys to shake a leg or two and getting down to some serious partying, then there are some events particularly on Koh Phangan & Koh Tao that you will be wanting to ensure to attend, actually you would be mad to miss them.
If you have not already heard about the famous Full Moon parties on Koh Phangan then I only have to assume that you have had your head stuck firmly in the sand for the past couple of decades. However, over the years since the first Full Moon party on Haad Rin beach back in 1985 that had an attendance of roughly 30 revelers, and was hosted by the one popular beach bar at the time ‘Paradise Bungalows’, the Island people and residents have taken advantage of the tourism boom in Thailand and have created many other party experiences.
You will now find frequent events, festivals & experiences on all 3 of the popular Islands in the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao). The more extravagant, creative and in some ways wild parties tend to be the ones held on Koh Phangan & Koh Tao and if you are a real party animal then these Islands will resemble a type of heaven for you.
If you can last the distance, then at certain times of the month you will be able to go from one party, to festival, to party to experience for literally several days on end (day and night)
– but you must take time for some rest, recuperation and reenergizing food & water on the way from one event to the other, otherwise you will be running the serious risk of putting your body into a state of shock in one way or another – especially in the tropical Thailand heat that can at in some months reach the late 30’s degrees.
So what started out as one main event each month being the Full Moon Party, has now become a handful of monthly events on Koh Phangan, which include Full Moon, Half Moon & Black Moon Parties & The Jungle Experience as well as the yearly 4 days Island festival on Koh Tao, named Experience Festival which will be celebrating its 10th year of successful events in its 2017-2018 party (it starts on the 30th of December and goes on till the 2nd of January).
So, make sure you get yourself to at least one of these unforgettable party experiences and enjoy a safe enjoyable journey down to the Island of your choice when booking a boat ticket with Songserm. To give you more of an idea about what each of the parties mentioned above involves, we have provided some brief summaries/introductions below
The legendary Full Moon Party
The Full Moon Party on Haad Rin beach is undoubtedly the most popular of the bunch, with some months seeing more than 30,000 party goers dancing the night and day away on the beach and in the bars, that line the whole length of the beach.
You will even find several bars/clubs that scale the hills at either end of the beach. You will be able to find a wide variety of different music genres across the lengthy beach, which is over 1 kilometer from one end to the other.
Styles from Psytrance, to Techno, to Drum & Bass and House Music and much more can be enjoyed from both international and local DJs, and the party carries on going until the early hours of the next morning, past sunrise with most bars winding down the sound systems at about 7 – 8 am.
If you still have some petrol remaining in the proverbial tank, then you should make your way up the hill at the Paradise Bungalow side of the beach and towards the popular Backyard party that actually starts at roughly 6am and carries on through the day and into the early hours of the next day, meaning you can be partying for a full 48 hours straight – Only the real hard-core revelers can handle this amount of partying surely?
While there are a lot of security measures being taken during these monthly parties, attendees should always be vigilant and careful of one another and do your best not to overdo it and get yourself into a state of incoherence. Try and exercise responsible partying (if there is such a thing).
Half Moon Festival
The Half Moon Festival, as the name suggests, these parties take place during the times of the month when the Moon is halfway through its cycle and so actually these occur every 2 weeks throughout the year and rather than being on the beach, they are set in the Jungle and have been going for 15 years in 2017.
They are quite a lot smaller in attendance than the Full Moon Parties, however, they certainly make up for it with the creative and unique location. There are 3 stages with psytrance, progressive house and techno found at the main stage, Urban styled music and R & B in the cave and then Funky House music lovers should make their way to the G Floor stage.
This party really provides a unique environment and a once in a lifetime experience that really captures the lifestyle of the people on the party Island of Koh Phangan.
The Jungle Experience
This is another Koh Phangan party and one that occurs once a month and is always the day before the Full Moon Parties, they can be seen as a kind of warm up party for the Full Moon party.
They are located in the lush Jungle of Baan Tai, and again they provide a truly unique party experience for their attendees. The Jungle Experience has earned the reputation as being the Island’s most beautiful party event experience, and you will often find international world-famous DJs playing to the party people.
The main music genres enjoyed at these events are progressive house and techno.
The Experience Festival
The Experience Festival is coming into its 10th year over 2017 & 2018 and is a 4-day festival event that takes place each year between the 30th of December & the 2nd of January.
Each year it attracts like-minded people from all over the world with its cult-like following, all there to get fully immersed into a 4-day journey of full on Psy-Trance music.
The Festival has many stages set on a mountaintop surrounded by tropical jungle and beautiful views across some of Koh Taos pristine beaches. It really is a one of a kind type of venue and festival that surely will keep on going for many years to come.
So, the above introductions should set you off on the right foot to enjoying some of the bigger more well-known parties on the Gulf of Thailand triplet of Islands, but like mentioned earlier on, there are now a great number of parties, festivals and experiences to enjoy, and the number seems to be always increasing.
A paradise hiding in the heart of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao – or ‘Turtle Island’
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has etched its name in the hearts of those who have been lucky enough to witness its beauty. The island stands as a testament to the sheer splendor of Mother Nature, offering a unique blend of fascinating history, stunning beaches, thrilling adventures, and much more.
A Glimpse into Koh Tao’s Past
The charm of Koh Tao extends far beyond its clear turquoise waters and scenic landscapes, its rich history adding an extra layer to its allure. Its name, translating to ‘Turtle Island’, was inspired by the island’s turtle-like geographical shape. Over time, the moniker took on a more literal meaning as sea turtles found refuge in its inviting shores.
Koh Tao has seen a dramatic transformation from its somber past as a political prison in the 1940s to its current status as a vibrant travel destination. It wasn’t until the 1980s that adventurous backpackers stumbled upon this tropical paradise, igniting a tourist boom that led to its evolution as one of the world’s top diving spots.
Embarking on the Journey with Songserm Ferries
The journey to Koh Tao is an adventure that sets the stage for the experiences that await you. Your voyage begins with Songserm Ferries, Thailand’s experienced ferry operator, offering a safe, comfortable, and scenic ride from several departure points.
From the mainland, you can board our ferries in Surat Thani or Chumphon, or even hop aboard from neighboring islands Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. As you sail across the tranquil waters, soak in the breathtaking views before finally setting foot on the mesmerizing island of Koh Tao.
Immersing in Koh Tao’s Activities
Koh Tao offers a variety of activities to match the interests of every traveler. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the most popular ones:
Scuba Diving: Koh Tao is a diver’s paradise, boasting over 25 dive sites, each offering a unique underwater spectacle. Whether you’re a beginner or a certified diver, schools like Big Blue Diving or Roctopus Dive are ready to guide you through your underwater journey.
Snorkeling: If diving is a step too far for you, snorkeling offers a great alternative. With snorkeling tours, you get to explore the island’s stunning coral reefs and swim among vibrant marine life.
Hiking: For those who prefer land-based adventures, Koh Tao’s hiking trails are a treat. The trail to Mango Viewpoint, for instance, will reward you with breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
Rock Climbing: Offering both natural and artificial climbing routes, the island is a haven for climbers of all levels. Companies like Goodtime Adventures offer guided climbs and instruction for beginners.
Exploring Koh Tao’s Beaches
Each beach in Koh Tao possesses its own unique charm. Let’s delve deeper into what some of the top ones offer:
Sairee Beach: As the longest and most popular beach, Sairee buzzes with energy and life. Its white sand stretches for nearly 1.85 km, housing a variety of restaurants, bars, and resorts. During the day, its azure waters invite you for a swim or snorkeling. When the sun goes down, the beach transforms into a hub of nightlife, with fire dancers lighting up the evening.
Freedom Beach: Nestled at the southern end of the island, Freedom Beach is a tranquil escape from the busier parts of Koh Tao. Its crystalline waters are perfect for snorkeling, while its rocky terrain makes it a great spot for a bit of solitude while you read or sunbathe. The beach can be accessed by a longtail boat or a challenging hike.
Shark Bay (Thian Og Bay): Known for its resident blacktip reef sharks, Shark Bay offers an exhilarating snorkeling experience. The bay is located in a protected cove, providing calm waters for you to swim with these harmless sharks. The sandy beach is also perfect for sunbathing.
Ao Tanote: Known for its picturesque coral reefs, Ao Tanote is a snorkeler’s paradise. In addition to the abundant marine life, the bay is framed by lush hills, providing a serene atmosphere for relaxation or a picnic.
Insider Tips
Koh Tao promises the best experiences between February and April when the waters are calmest, and visibility for diving is at its peak. Remember to respect the island’s environment and wildlife, particularly when interacting with marine life.
Koh Tao is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered, and Songserm is here to be your trusted partner in your journey. We are committed to making your island adventures as unforgettable as the destinations we help you explore.
