Freak Show

The buses are full, the ferries are at maximum capacity and everyone is going to Koh Phangan for just one thing and one thing only...Full Moon Party (FMP) 2012.  It's easy to decipher those who are new arrivals and those who have been worked over by the Island's 24-hour non-stop partying.  The newcomers are loud, excited, healthy and ready-to-go. Those leaving the island are literally walking zombies.  Still wearing their neon tank tops/shorts, bags under their red eyes, remnants of neon paint on various parts of their body and lets not forget to mention the injuries.  Everyone gets one (I'll explain a little later). Most arrive to the island and other various surrounding islands somewhere around a week prior to the big fiesta.  The reason, well of course, the pre-parties...a bit ridiculous I know but the kids love it.

Most of those that have gone will say the pre-parties are actually better than the Full Moon Party itself.  I'd have to agree but only because by the time the FMP begins, the effects of partying 4 consecutive days has already gotten the best out of you.  Consider it training for the real shindig.  The pre-parties are just as they sound: Coral Bungalow Pool Party (yes, in a pool), The Jungle Party (you guessed it, in a jungle), The Waterfall Party (uh-huh), and of course The Beach Party (guess where that is AND it happens every night).  Nothing original here, just massive amounts of people running around like wild monkeys. The real magic though, is seen on the FMP night.  From dusk until dawn, the beach of Haad Rin turns into a dancing frenzy with anywhere from 10,000-30,000 people grooving to all the different types of music being pumped out along the beach.  Everyone is decked out in their best neon attire (or lack there of) and the goal is to make it until the sunrise.  However, for those who have gone past their limit and just can't make it, they need not worry, there is a designated nap area fenced off in the middle of it all...an absolute brilliant idea.  Here you will see spooning at its finest.  We tried our best to lure our friend Tom to nap, he was too drunk and we were sick of watching over him but he wouldn't give up. The Red Bull did the trick, I swear they are 20 times stronger in Asia then they are back in the states.

 The beach is filled with alcohol bucket vendors, fire eaters, fire water slides, anything with fire, anything that's not safe or smart when drinking or playing with fire.  This is the reason for the massive amounts of injuries.  You mix alcohol, party people, and fire on a lawless island and you are sure to see people wrapped up in bandages. Anything from broken legs, eye patches, broken arms, neck braces the list goes on and on. Just put it this way, if it can happen, chances are it probably will.  Not that I am trying to scare any concerned mothers or fathers, if your kid has brains, they'll survive...easily.  Parents: you can consider it your Wood Stock, except maybe a little less friendly and more about the party than the music.  This is not the kind of music festival you bring your kids too.  Yet, I will vouch that it is an experience of a lifetime and something to check off of the list. I highly recommend it, sooner than later.