How to get from Chiang Mai to the Full Moon Party

Are you planning a trip to the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan island from Chiang Mai? In that case, we can help you with the planning. Just read this article and pick out the best route for you. Those who don’t know what the Full Moon Party is should read more from our general party guide.

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How to get from Chiang Mai to the Full Moon Party

This post provides a fairly comprehensive guide on how to get from Chiang Mai to the Full Moon Party.

Travel from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui or Surat Thani

Because Koh Phangan is an island without an airport, you have to first travel to another destination and then continue from there by ferry. The quickest but also most expensive way to get these two destinations is by flying. To make the flight cheaper, you can also fly to Bangkok and then continue from there to Koh Samui or Surat Thani. We would still recommend taking train or bus to Surat Thani.

The bus from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani is the cheapest way of traveling. However, the trip is very long and usually requires an overnight journey if you want to make the most of your time. The train journey is a little faster and usually costs almost same amount the flight through Bangkok would. So, if you are on a budget, take a bus to Surat Thani and then continue by ferry. But, if you have a little more money and not time, fly to Surat Thani or Koh Samui and continue then by the ferry.

From Koh Samui to the Full Moon Party

Koh Samui has several ferries traveling to Haad Rin pier every day. You can take a slow boat or fast boat, but the trip takes about 20 minutes. Just be careful when booking your boat because some of the ferries are known to be so packed that it’s not safe. When you arrive in Haad Rin, you can walk to the Full Moon Party beach also called Sunrise Beach. Follow signs or other travelers and ask help if you need it. Everyone knows the famous Sunrise Beach.

From Surat Thani to the Full Moon Party

Surat Thani is farther away from the Sunrise Beach than Haad Rin. This is why you have to take a longer ferry from Surat Thani to Haad Rin pier. After you exit the ferry, just ask what way the Full Moon Party is and they are will show you the right direction to go, but you will likely want to take a songthaew from the pier to the beach once on Koh Phangan. It takes from an hour to two to get from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan. If you get easily seasick, be sure to take a motion sickness pill before the journey.

Plan your Full Moon Party trip

Use our website to plan your own Full Moon Party holiday. You can check the party dates and book your accommodation using our recommendations. Read also more about the weather in Koh Phangan, tips for things to do during the Full Moon Party and general travel guides for the party.

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