Ko Phangan is known for its full moon parties. The island’s population swells and adds another 10,000 to 30,000 people for this event. Imagine tons of young 20-somethings partying and dancing on the beach wearing neon and body paint. The massive beach is lined with different DJs and music options.

We had a small contingent from Longtail Beach Resort convene for a 10pm shuttle to Haad Rin, the beach on the southeastern coast of Ko Phangan where this monthly event takes place. One of the hotel managers, Som, decided to come with us. As we arrived, I realized she would be one of the few Thai people partying there. The entire vicinity was a sea of blonde hair and neon paint and tees.

Vendors covered every square inch of the way into the beach selling merchandise, food, and alcohol. We paid a 100 baht (<$3) cover to get onto the beach. It was crowded, with plenty of space to walk around and dance just given the sheer geographical expanse of the beach.

Immediately, we ran into a large crowd surrounding some display of fire-shooting into the air. As we walked along further, we arrived at a long row of vendors selling bucket of alcohol. Literally, a bucket set with a bottle of hard liquor and mixers. You pick a bucket and then all the contents get mixed together. A set of straws are shoved in and then you share it with your group (or I guess some people have their own?). Not exactly hygienic. I gave one of the vendor ladies a hug, as advertised.

As you wander along the beach, each section of the beach has its own music and DJs. We walked from section to section, high-fiving people passing by us. When we arrived, there were some people sleeping in a sleeping area.

Our group was comprised of a French couple in their 40s from Lyon who seemed to love hip hop, electronic music, and dance. They were super cute and in love. The other two were friends who had met in Vietnam. One was a sweet early 20s-looking Israeli girl and the guy was from the UK. He had traveled to Ko Phangan to meet up with her. The girl (Namu?) kept separating from us and going up to random people and making out with them. At one point, I looked over and she was making out with a couple, switching from the guy to the girl. Then she returned to explain in graphic detail what each person tasted like. I was both horrified and intrigued by this behavior. Mostly, I felt like it was inappropriate to act like that in front of our sweet non-drinking hotel manager, Som.

Jay and I sat on the beach for a while just taking things in. From time to time, we’d rejoin the group. At any given moment, I would look over at the ocean to see a line of guys (and some women) relieving themselves in a row. This made swimming a no-go option!

I drank some whiskey and then I had had enough. Alcohol – 600 baht, entrance – 100 baht…taxi home, could have been priceless. We handed over the ridiculous 1,500 baht very willingly.

The checkbox was checked. Now it’s time to sleep and regroup.