The Full Moon Party is a famous beach festival held on Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan, in southern Thailand. It attracts travelers from all over the world, including many visitors starting their journey from Bangkok, the bustling capital city of Thailand.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Bangkok to the Full Moon Party. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. This will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

Getting from Bangkok to Full Moon Party – Main Options

Train

Taking the train is a popular and scenic way to travel from Bangkok to the Full Moon Party. It offers a comfortable overnight journey and connects to ferry services to Koh Phangan.

• The main train departs from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Surat Thani or Chumphon, taking around 8 to 12 hours depending on the train type and route.

• Train fares range from 300 to 1,200 THB, depending on class: third-class seats, second-class sleepers, or first-class sleepers with air conditioning.

• Trains run daily, with popular overnight sleeper trains leaving in the evening, allowing you to save daytime and accommodation costs.

• From Surat Thani or Chumphon train stations, you must take a bus or taxi to the ferry piers (Donsak or Chumphon Pier), which takes 1 to 2 hours.

• Ferries from these piers to Koh Phangan take about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the ferry type, with fares around 300 to 500 THB.

• During the rainy season (May to October), train delays can occur due to weather and track conditions, so plan extra time.

Bus

Bus travel is a common and affordable option for reaching Koh Phangan from Bangkok. Many buses connect directly to ferry piers for seamless transfers.

• Buses depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to Surat Thani or Chumphon, with journey times of 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic.

• Tickets cost between 400 and 800 THB, with options including standard, VIP, and overnight sleeper buses.

• Many bus companies offer combined bus and ferry tickets, which include transfers to the ferry pier and ferry ride to Koh Phangan.

• Buses usually stop for meals and restroom breaks at highway rest stops, where you can find local food and drinks.

• Traffic congestion leaving Bangkok can cause delays, especially during holidays and weekends, so book tickets in advance and allow buffer time.

• During the monsoon season, roads can be slippery and slower, so check weather forecasts before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving yourself from Bangkok to Koh Phangan offers flexibility and freedom, but requires planning for ferry crossings and long driving hours.

• The drive covers about 780 to 850 km via highways like Route 4 (Phetkasem Road) and takes approximately 10 to 12 hours without long stops.

• You will need to drive to ferry piers such as Donsak Pier (Surat Thani) or Chumphon Pier, where you can park your car or take it on a car ferry to Koh Phangan.

• Car ferry tickets cost around 1,000 to 1,500 THB for a car and driver, with ferry rides lasting 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the route.

• Expect toll plazas on highways with fees totaling about 200 to 400 THB; keep cash handy for toll payments.

• Driving in Thailand requires an international driving permit and familiarity with local traffic rules, which can be challenging for first-timers.

• During peak travel seasons and festivals, ferry bookings fill quickly, so reserve your car ferry tickets in advance.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to get close to Koh Phangan, but since the island has no airport, you must combine flights with ferry transfers.

• Fly from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) airports to Koh Samui Airport (USM), the nearest airport to Koh Phangan, with flight times around 1 hour.

• Flights cost between 1,500 and 3,500 THB depending on the airline and booking time; budget airlines like Bangkok Airways and Thai AirAsia operate these routes.

• From Koh Samui Airport, take a taxi or shuttle to the ferry piers (Bangrak or Maenam), which takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

• Ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan run frequently, every 30 minutes to 1 hour, with a 20 to 30-minute ride costing around 150 to 250 THB.

• Flight and ferry connections are convenient but more expensive than train or bus options, suitable for travelers valuing speed and comfort.

• During the Full Moon Party days, flights and ferries are very busy, so book all tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers going from Bangkok to the Full Moon Party. It helps you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus ticket online via official websites like State Railway of Thailand or reputable bus operators to secure your seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• If taking the train, choose an overnight sleeper train from Hua Lamphong Station to Surat Thani or Chumphon to save daytime and rest comfortably.

• Upon arrival at Surat Thani or Chumphon, buy a combined bus and ferry ticket at the station or nearby travel agencies for a seamless transfer to the ferry pier and onward to Koh Phangan.

• Board the ferry to Koh Phangan and keep your belongings secure; ferries can be crowded during Full Moon Party days, so arrive early to get good seats.

• After arriving at Koh Phangan’s Thong Sala Pier, take a local taxi or songthaew to Haad Rin Beach, where the Full Moon Party is held; negotiate fares beforehand or use app-based taxis if available.

• Carry a small backpack with essentials, including water, sunscreen, and ID; avoid carrying valuables as the party area can be crowded and chaotic.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings close and secure, especially in crowded places like trains, buses, and the Full Moon Party, to avoid pickpocketing.

• Drink bottled water only and avoid street food that looks unhygienic to prevent stomach issues during your trip.

• Book tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries well in advance, especially around Full Moon Party dates, as services fill up quickly.

• Use local transport options like songthaews or motorbike taxis on Koh Phangan for short distances, but always agree on the fare before starting the ride.

• Pack light and waterproof bags, as sudden rain showers are common during the monsoon season and can spoil your belongings.

• Check the weather forecast before traveling, and avoid traveling at night on unfamiliar roads if self-driving, as road conditions can be challenging.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The Full Moon Party happens every month on the night of the full moon, attracting large crowds. Weather and travel conditions vary throughout the year, affecting your journey.

The dry season from December to April offers the best weather for travel, with less rain and smoother ferry rides. The monsoon season from May to October can cause delays and rough seas.

• Avoid traveling during Thai public holidays and festival periods like Songkran (April) when transport is crowded and prices rise.

• Monsoon season brings heavy rains and strong winds, which can delay ferries and make road travel slippery and dangerous.

• Early morning departures from Bangkok can help you avoid city traffic and reach your connection points on time.

• During Full Moon Party nights, ferries and local transport are extremely busy; plan to arrive a day early or book return tickets in advance.

Arrival at Full Moon Party & What to Expect

When you arrive at Koh Phangan’s Thong Sala Pier, you will find various transport options to reach Haad Rin Beach, the Full Moon Party venue. Local songthaews and taxis wait near the pier to take you there.

Haad Rin has many guesthouses, hostels, and hotels catering to different budgets. Booking accommodation in advance is recommended during party nights. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Grab are limited, so negotiate fares with local drivers before traveling.