While both events are celebrations for the full moon above, the Full Moon Festival and the Full Moon Party should not be confused as the same. The festival is an annual event to give thanks and ask for dreams to come true. The party is a monthly event of drinking, dancing, hedonism, and tourists.
The annual Full Moon Festival is better known as Loy Krathong or the festival of light. It is celebrated on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, which changes from year to year. ‘Loy’ signifies ‘floating’, while ‘krathong’ is a small object in the shape of a lotis flower, usually made from banana leaves. Put them together, add thousands to a river, and you have the highlight of this festival. Each krathong is highly decorated and contains a candle. On the evening of the festival, thousands of people head to their local river or canal to make a wish. They do so by lighting the candle in their krathong and setting it free to float with the current. It is a spectacular site to see thousands of candles floating down a river, especially when fireworks are being blown above. The festivities can be found all over the country, but the best places to be are Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok.
The monthly Full Moon Party, located at Haad Rin in Koh Pha Ngan, was started by tourists and attracts the tourists. Lots of them. From what started as a small beach party grew to a phenomena that brings in 20,000 to 30,000 party-goers per month. The party begins around dusk and carries on till the sun comes up. To many, it is considered ‘the ultimate party’ experience with a wild culture of drugs, alcohol, and even fire. There are loads of fire twirlers and fire eaters to keep the thousands entertained along with the blasting music mix of drum & bass, house, dance, and reggae. The Full Moon Party is so huge that there are now imitations all over the world.
It’s clearly obvious that both events are nothing alike. One brings tranquility, while the other brings chaos. Choose wisely!
