Table of Contents
Introduction
Who really sent me to the Thailand Full Moon Party please? Because when I think about it now… I genuinely don’t know who looked at a 20-year-old girl, travelling solo in Thailand, with no phone signal, no Wi-Fi, and no clear plan, and said: yes, this is a good idea.
Actually, I do know. It was me.
And somehow… somehow… I survived it. By God’s grace. My choices in my travels in my 20’s have always surprised me and then I have to remind myself that I am a child of God and I am always protected by Him.
Now before anyone starts asking how reckless that sounds, let me add some context because there always is.
I wasn’t originally meant to go solo. At the time, I was doing a studying in exchange in Singapore at NUS, and I had planned the trip with friends I met at university. We travelled from Singapore to Bangkok, spent a few days there, then flew to Koh Samui and then was supposed to then take a boat over to Koh Phangan for the famous Full Moon Party.
But when the day finally came… they pulled out at the last minute!! So unexpected I know.
And instead of me cancelling, I did something that still makes me pause when I think about it now.
I went anyway.
Solo.
No international roaming. No Google Maps.
Just a minibus, a boat, and a whole heap of faith.
I was 20 years old, determined, and very fearless, because I somehow sorted out transport alone, arrived on the island by myself, and walked straight into one of the biggest parties in the world, hoping I would magically find someone I knew.
And I did.
To this day, I still don’t know how I did it. The level of beavary still surprises me but doesn’t at the same time.
Looking back now, it wasn’t a strategy.
It wasn’t planned.
It certainly wasn’t common sense.
It was grace.
Over a decade later, I can finally tell this story properly, not as a wild party recap, but as a reflection on what the Thailand Full Moon Party taught me about courage, faith, travel, and myself… and whether I would ever recommend doing something like this again in 2026.
Because between me and you? I LOVED IT!! This is how it played out…
How It Played Out (And How You Survived The Thailand Full Moon Party)
I organised my own transport to the port and then somehow located a boat that was heading to Koh Phangan. My only one goal was to simply get onto the island and find at least one of my friends.
Me and my friend (also roomie for life) had been texting throughout the day using hotel Wi-Fi, trying to agree on a rough plan what time we would leave, and where we might meet once we arrived on the island. Bearing in mind, we had absolutely no idea what to expect when we got to Koh Phangan.
We agreed on one fundamental plan: find the first pub we could see… and wait for each other there.
The journey itself took less than an hour, but I can honestly say I was praying through that entire boat ride. People around me were friendly, offering drinks and trying to chat, but I knew I needed a clear head. My only focus was getting to the island safely and finding familiar faces.
When I arrived, I stepped onto Koh Phangan and immediately felt the energy of the night. Music in the distance. Neon lights. Crowds were already forming. People getting tattoos! I walked around trying to take it all in. I was excited. Me a country bumpkin on the island and I’m here by myself!
I found the closest pub, and waited.
And then something unexpected happened.
I saw a group of other study exchange students I recognised from Singapore. They spotted me, called me over, and in that moment, I felt the biggest wave of relief leave my body. I wasn’t completely alone anymore. And they were so nice to me so grateful for them till this day. I get emotional just writing about it now.
As I walked up to say hello… one of them asked me if I was alone. I nervously said yes. They were already waiting for my friend, and guess what?
I turned around. And my friend walked straight in.
I cried. We both cried. And cuddled. It was a perfect moment.
I genuinely could not believe it. On an island packed with thousands, maybe millions of people in one single night, with no signal, no tracking, no maps…
I had found her.
The disbelief on both of our faces quickly turned into laughter, relief, and gratitude. In that moment, I knew this wasn’t planning.
This was protection.
We got face (and one leg) paints took some picture and enjoyed the night!
This was grace.
What Is the Thailand Full Moon Party? (For Anyone Who Has Never Heard of It)
If you’ve never heard of it before, the Full Moon Party is one of the most famous beach parties in the world, held every month on Haad Rin Beach in Koh Phangan, Thailand, on the night of the full moon.
It started as a small gathering of backpackers decades ago has since turned into a massive international event attracting tens of thousands of people from all over the world.
The night usually includes:
- Multiple music stages along the beach
- DJs playing everything from techno to reggae to pop
- Fire dancers and performers
- Buckets of alcohol (literally served in buckets)
- Neon body paint, glow sticks and UV lights
- People dancing barefoot on the sand until sunrise
It’s loud.
It’s chaotic.
It’s colourful.
It’s overwhelming.
And for many travellers, it becomes one of those “once in a lifetime” experiences, or it was for me at least.
But it’s also important to know that it’s:
- Extremely crowded
- Very alcohol heavy
- Not particularly safe if you’re careless
- Easy to get lost
- Easy to lose friends
- Easy to lose your belongings, which some of my friends did.
Which is exactly why, looking back now, I realise just how blessed I really was. You can read more about it on their now official website here.
Would I Recommend It in 2023?
Yes, If…
- You’re with a solid group or at least one reliable person
- Have internet which is very important get yourself an e-sim
- You book accommodation on Koh Phangan in advance
- You’re okay with crowds, chaos, and a little madness
- You stay alert, hydrated, and sober-ish
No, If…
- You have anxiety around being by yourself and travelling alone
- You’re not comfortable being around a party heavy environment
- You’re solo and can’t find a solid meetup plan
- You expect a spiritual retreat this isn’t it and in fact I think it’s more busy than it used to be.
If anything, I’d say the Full Moon Party today is probably even busier and more commercial than it was when I went in 2013 so bare that in mind.
How I’d Do It Differently Now
If I were doing the Thailand Full Moon Party today, there are soooo many things I would change and do differently.
I would:
- Pre-arrange exact meetup points and times but I would also have internet.
- Make sure everyone shared their live location (game changer).
- Have a proper local SIM or international roaming
- Arrive on the island at least a day early to get my bearings
- Choose accommodation close to Haad Rin
- Save emergency numbers and hotel details offline
And between you and me a of me thinks I might even skip it entirely now… and choose a quieter island experience instead. I’m older now and I do enjoy slower travel now.
The Big Lessons from The Full Moon Party
Looking back now, this experience reminds me just how much I’ve grown as a traveller and as a person. I was sooo much more fearless back then. It’s a true reminder to me that I have always done things that I want to do.
In my early twenties, I took risks, I sometimes miss the risker Adebola. Like the risks I took with my travel weren’t realistic lol. I was fully travelling with no data, no way of contacting anyone, without fully understanding the danger. But also with a lot of courage, curiosity and faith. To me that should tell you that I am covered.
And now, today. I travel very differently. More prepared. More aware. More intentional.
Regardless, I’m grateful for the version of myself who was brave enough to take that journey.
Because not all travel stories come from perfect planning and the Instagramable Universe.
Other Related Articles
- Thailand Solo Travel Guide: What I Noticed That Would Help Solo Female Travellers
- A Weekend in Bintan Island (Indonesia): My Quick Getaway from Singapore
- 5 Days in Tioman Island (Malaysia): What to Expect on This Hidden Gem
- Hong Kong in 72 Hours: Things to Do on a Short Trip
- Terengganu, Malaysia My Amazing Memories and Experiences Visiting
Final Views
So is the Full Moon Party worth it? I think so yes. And if you are wondering whether I should go to the full moon party solo, then you know I have done it. But a very, very long time ago.
The Thailand Full Moon Party is an experience. One that many travellers will remember forever. But it’s not something to take lightly, especially if you’re travelling solo or unfamiliar with the environment.
I survived it with grace, but not very good planning.
Would I go again?
Maybe.
But definitely differently.
And definitely with the internet this time, which I keep saying but it is honestly a game changer.
Tell me what you think about my travels in my 20s so far? Are you enjoying these reflections let me know in the comments, and subscribe to the blog for more personal travel experiences while living and travelling abroad.
Speak soon,
MBV xxx
