26 www.guestlist.net
6 TRAVEL
Issue 47 / 2013
FULL MOON PARTY!
LET'S
GO!
Originating in Thailand, on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, in Haad Rin, the first full
moon party took place in 1985 as part of an improvised event at a wooden
disco not far from the beach. It was originally intended as a thank you to
about 20 - 30 travellers, but the party soon spread through word of mouth
and before long the Full Moon Party began to boast crowds of about 20,000
to 30,000 people.
The bars on the beach of Haad Rin stay open and play music such as Psytrance, R&B, Drum and Bass, House, Dance and Reggae. The party continues
through the night until the sun comes up the next day. The modern event
has become part of the itinerary for many travellers to South East Asia and
the attraction includes free skipping ropes, alcohol buckets and drug culture.
Although drugs as taken by many of the party goers, drug laws are strict
and police enforcement is stepped up during the night. Many officers go
undercover and it is said that even the drug dealers themselves will dob
you to the police. In recent years violence and theft has become more of a
problem at the parties which has lead the British government to officially
warn travellers heading to the area, so be careful out there!
WELCO
