KOH SAMUI
Although
smaller than Phuket, Koh Samui offers a much more varied nightlife. Less bar
beers and a better choice of discos, live music venues and cool bars.
Nightlife
is centred on the two main beach areas of Chaweng and Lamai, with Lamai
offering a quieter, more friendly and slightly cheaper scene. Chaweng,
which changes daily, is more upbeat with new places popping-up all the
time. Chaweng also has its own beach party scene - it doesn't have the
same island feel as Koh Phang Gan, but local taxis mean you can go home
when you want. While the old days of partying until dawn have been dampened
by the 2.00 am closing law, there's always somewhere in Samui you can
party on....
Samui
is also establishing a reputation for superb food, produced by excellent
world class chefs.
Beach
Parties
Samui's
(or rather Ko Phan Ngan's) famous beach parties still cruise on, although
the original Full Moon party is now just one of a series. There's the
Black Moon Party, The No Moon Party, Freedom Beat etc., Following the
same format, get stoned, meet people (some cool, some not so cool) dance,
crash out and go home. A couple of things to remember. Ko Phang Ngan is
an island - so once the last boat has left, you're stranded until the
first boat (6.00am) leaves the next day - a bit of a problem if it rains.
Also take care with valuables and don't think for one minute that there
are no police - there are, many in plain clothes.
When?
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Where?
Haad Rin Nok beach, Koh Phangan, Suratthani, Thailand
There are about 10.000 people every month at this Koh Phangan beach party. It is of course known as the Full Moon Party. International and Thai DJ's are making the crowd go wild. Paint yourself in UV colors and let your body lose control. The DJ's play all kinds of music; Techno, Trance, Goa, D&B, Dub, Reggae, Commercial hits, House etc. There are many small tables on the beach where you can sit down with your friends or meet new ones. You can order drinks and food from the restaurants and the bars next to the beach.
Safety and drugs
The fullmoon party is USUALLY a very safe place but please keep in mind; keep all values at home. You can loose them or make a thief happy. Don't walk away with strangers you don't know. Stay away from drugs, unless you don't like Thai prisons. (I guess not) There are undercover cops out there. Do NOT eat diet pills. People have become seriously sick or even died after taking too many of these without a prescription from a doctor. Caffeine/taurin drinks such as Lipovitan®, Red Bull®, M-150® etc. can be bought everywhere. To MOST people, they are harmless if you are not allergic, or drink too many. (Caffeine in too high dosages are not good either, no one is that stupid (?) that he/she drinks 30 cups of coffee just to feel better). Do not accept drinks from unknown people and keep an eye on your own. This is NOT an attempt to be a moral guide, we are just trying to tell the actual facts.
Going there
There are a ferry between Suratthani, Samui and Phangan. You can also go by a speed-boat (recommended) from Samui. Buy your ticket in any travel agency. Try to book a bungalow or room in advance. There are a lot of people staying overnight so it can be difficult to get a bungalow in the early morning.
Wear
Shoes or good sandals. There are too many people dancing or walking around barefoot. If you step on a broken bottle, your holiday can be ruined. On your body you need only some UV color. On your face a smile.
For
a better organised beach party, head for Choeng Mon beach, close to Chaweng,
with food and drink stalls, open pavilions to crash/shelter in, toilets,
parking and cheap taxis running regularly. Alternatively if you're determined
to go to an island, try the Black Moon Party on the tiny (and closer)
island of Koh Som, near to Big Buddha Beach.