Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan

A one and a half boat ride is all it takes to reach koh Phangan from Koh Tao. When you arrive on the island you have to ask yourself one question: If you want to party, rave like a lunatic and not go to sleep for the entire time your staying here then you head to the south-east to a town called Haad Rin. If you want peace and quiet then you head anywhere but Haad Rin. Off we went to Haad Rin.

We had arrived 5 days before April 20th, the date when the moon is at it's most full and the largest beach party in SE Asia takes off - for one night of madness. Accommodation even so early in advance was hard to find and we walked for two hours before reaching a suitable guesthouse. We were at least on the quieter side of Haad Rin (Nai or Sunset beach). It is Haadrin Nok (Sunrise beach) which is where the Full Moon Party happens, and would happen in just a few days.

Leading up to that night, We had spent our days exploring the island. Most of the beaches away from Haad Rin are beautiful, including Haad Yao, Bottle Beach and Koh Ma. To see many of them you have to arrive by boat and a days boat trip around the island was definately worth it, exploring both the coast and some of the island's waterfall filled interior. The night's events generally involved going out and partying. The night's leading up to full moon are aptly called the "Full Moon Warm Up Nights" and many believe that they are better than the event itself.

I did however, get to escape one night and instead went to a Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) Event. It is perhaps one of the most brutal things I have ever seen. Anything goes, and the main aim is to knock your opponent out. I saw 6 fights, starting with kids and progressing up in age. There were three K.O's, two cut faces and a lot of blood. The first fight was between two twelve year olds. After a short time, the blue corner was completely knocked out and had to be helped out the ring. Barely able to walk - his mother gave him a big slap around the head for losing - it's serious business here. Fun night though.

Evetually April 20th arrived.