Before coming here I thought all the Southern islands would be kind of the same. That is definitely not the case. Whereas Koh Tao is a storybook paradise with a relaxed beach town vibe, Koh Phangan is about one thing: partying. Every night is a rager, whether it’s a foam party on the beach, a jungle party, or one of the multiple pool parties. Every single party is advertised as the biggest, the original, and the most famous.
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The island itself looks hangover haggard, with dingy street carts, dirty streets and hundreds of tiny hostels with chipped paint and splintered wood exteriors. The European gazelles of Koh Tao are few and far between, replaced by less fit and less glamarous others. Phangan’s large Israeli population adds an interesting cultural undertone to the place, making itself felt at a Muay Thai boxing match where an Israeli fighter fought (and lost) to a Thai fighter.
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The island’s greatest and most famous party is the Full Moon Party. Literally thousands of people in neon paint, and neon clothing party and dance on the beach from sun down to sun up. Dancing is not limited to the sandy shores, it also happens on stages, picnic tables, and in the water. There are food carts full of pizza, chicken satay, kebabs, and other delicious food everywhere, as well as the ubiquitous stands selling buckets of alcohol at 200 baht (about $7).
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The LBW group started the Full Moon night with a body painting pre-party. At 4:30 am we had a group dinner and then headed back to the beach to watch the sun rise. Staying up all night and being able to watch the sun rise at 6:30 am felt like an accomplishment.
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