Despite visitors to Srithanu often espousing an enlightened position regarding life, the universe and everything, they frequently lose their ‘wa’ slightly when it comes to the Full Moon Party. While publically taking the ‘I can take or leave it’ line and muttering about it being an over-hyped and over-commercialised beach rave, they secretly worry about missing the karma-spoiling event.
But to put their mind at rest, I have written this blog post. Do not worry: it is a cinch to get to the Full Moon Party from any of the west coast beaches, and most definitely from Srithanu Village.
It is hard to totally ignore the Full Moon Party. Days before it is due, young people and their tattoos and bucket lists start appearing everywhere. The Moon Set Party happens. Indeed most of the major parties set their calendar according to the FMP, which must be tough when parties are moved with a minimum of notice because of a Buddha Day.
Anyway, if you are in Plaay Laem or Haad Chao Phao just stroll down the beach and look for the notice boards about taxis for the Full Moon Party. Chances are that your resort, guesthouse or hotel probably also runs taxis to the party. If you are in Srithanu wander around the village and you will soon spot a board advertising taxis for the parties. If you are in Hin Kong, Wok Tum or Nai Wok ask at your resort.
Taxis usually depart on the hour and every hour from 10 pm to midnight. They cost in the region of 200 Thai Baht a person.
Some resorts offer a return price. It might seem a bit steep but you are more than likely to save money as the taxi drivers early morning in Haad Rin are not much minded to haggle. They know they have the upper hand and can quite easily fill their shared taxi with people heading for a west coast destination. Indeed for many, the Haad Rin taxi drivers are the only downer of the whole Moon Party experience.
Should you consider driving yourself?
Absolutely not. Full Moon Party night is mad. The taxi drivers often drive fast to make as many runs as possible. Drunken and high souls are wandering around, weaving in and out of the road, oblivious to potential danger. You might even find a policeman looking to fine foreigners over any imagined driving infringement.
And then why would you want to remain sober during the biggest party in Thailand? The Full Moon night is surely the night to let your hair down and have a few drinks.
Should I worry about not getting a taxi?
Not really. As I said you want to catch a taxi to the party before midnight. Best to get a time and place arranged for you and friends to meet up and get the taxi to the party. You want to stay together at the party, and so starting the night off by going to the party together is a good start!
The west coast of Koh Phangan has lots of rooms over several beaches. All these beaches are accessed via the same road going from Thongsala. Thus, whether your destination is Nai Wok or Haad Chao Phao you will find plenty of people going your way.
At the last resort you can catch a taxi to Thongsala and then look for another taxi heading up the west coast. The taxis in Thongsala gather around the main round about at the entrance to the town.
Basically as long as you can walk, and someone is capable of talking in your group you will be fine to get back to your room or bungalow.
The Cost
Taxis are getting more expensive every year. The Ministry of Transport is very much the same thing as the so-called ‘taxi mafia’. They enforce price increases. The price of petrol goes up by 4 Baht and the price of taxi journeys go up 50%. Thongsala to Haad Rin should be 50 Thai Baht. It is now 100 Thai Baht. You could try phoning the complaint line. It won’t do you any good.
As a consequence more people are hiring mopeds. Once Koh Phangan gets a proper car hire place with legit insurance, big brand backing and online booking more and more people will rent cars rather than be at the mercy of avaricious taxi drivers.