It’s known as the biggest party in the world. It takes some people, and I’m sure it creates some new people too… And it happens to take place right on my doorstep. The party that is! Not the creating new people… The Full Moon Party is on the night of the full moon every month in Ko Phangan, Thailand, which is only an hour ferry from where I live in Ko Samui.
Now, does it live up to the hype? Absolutely! I’ve never seen a beach so packed in my entire life. Music, dancing, and all sorts of things you would have to see to believe, a strange amount involving fire? There were fire jump ropes, fire dancers, fire limbo, and more! Drunk people doing fire limbo? Seems like a great idea! Well, until you see everyone getting burned… I decided not to partake, but it was great to watch! And remember those alcohol “buckets” in Bangkok? Of course, they made their appearance here too.
So after that exciting night (well “night and day” since the activities didn’t end until noon the next day), it was time for some relaxing on the beach. The beaches on Ko Phangan are beautiful and very shallow. They are great for snorkeling, although I prefer the deeper waters back on Ko Samui.
One of my favorite parts of the island were all the high viewpoints. Ko Phangan is very hilly, and there are restaurants on all the peaks overlooking the ocean – nothing like some Thai curry and a cocktail at sunset!
“Don’t seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will, then your life will be serene.”
Epictetus
With the mountainous terrain, I was excited to hike at least one waterfall. I decided on Wang Sai – since it was the closest. 🙂 It was an easy hike and well worth it. I also really liked this sign along the way! Smile!
Other than the Full Moon Party, I had another main reason to visit the island. There is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym called Momentum MMA on Ko Phangan with a well-respected 3rd-degree black belt, Silvio Braga. I love visiting new schools and training with new people. It was definitely the coolest gym I have ever visited too – outside, up in the mountains, and a beautiful view below!
If you are not familiar with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), it is the art of grappling and ground fighting. The goal is to get your opponent to give up, or “tap out,” by using leverage, joint locks, and chokeholds. It is a very tactical and intelligent art, where you need to be thinking three moves ahead of your opponent, like human chess!
P.S. Look at the size of this gecko from my hotel bathroom!! I’ve never seen anything like it!
Have you been to a Full Moon Party? Tell us a story in the comments below!
