The tropical Thai island of Koh Phangan has become famous as the best place in the Gulf of Thailand to party. This reputation is due to the phenomenal success of the Full Moon Party. It is a party that has grown in attendance from just a few hundred people to over 20,000 people. It is without doubt the biggest monthly beach party in the world. It is for this reason that people go out of their way to make it to the small town of Haad Rin where the party is held.
Haad Rin is on a narrow peninsula in the south east of Koh Phangan. It is separated by a steep hill from the rest of the island. The town is limited in size by the hills and the ocean to both sides. As a result Haad Rin has avoided turning into a sprawling urban area and still maintains the feel of a small village. It also means that it is easy to walk everywhere in Haad Rin. This is great as it cuts down on traffic in the Haad Rin peninsula.
There are three main beaches to choose from in Haad Rin. There is the sunrise beach known as Haad Rin Nok, the sunset beach called Haad Rin Nai and another west facing beach below Haad Rin Nok called Haad Sarikantang.
Of these three beaches, Haad Rin Nok is the biggest and the best. It has the cleanest sand and water. The water is ideal for swimming. There are very few beach front places in Haad Rin Nok because the beach is the scene for the Full Moon Party. Instead the beach is nearly entirely devoted to bars that roll out big sound systems on the night of the party. The one notable exception is Palita Lodge at the north end of the beach.
Most Haad Rin accommodations are in the town (or ‘village’) and on Haad Rin Nai. All the resorts, guest houses and bungalow operations in Haad Rin enforce a minimum stay requirement during the full moon period. They also charge an extra full moon tariff.
Haad Rin Nai is much quieter than Haad Rin Nok. Many people prefer to stay here. It is a smaller beach than Haad Rin Nok. It is not great for sunbathing or swimming as there is a ferry port in the bay. Most people staying in Haad Rin Nai make the 10 minute walk over to Haad Rin Nok for enjoying beach life.
The other beach on the Haad Rin peninsula is Haad Sarikantang. It is a less well known beach and is very peaceful. The noise of the party does not carry to this beach. There are a couple of good mid-range places to stay in Haad Sarikantang. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from this beach to the party.
Where ever you decide to stay on Haad Rin peninsula remember to book well in advance as the whole area fills up quickly. Also remember to enquire about the minimum stay requirement. Enjoy the party!