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Thailand Full Moon Party 2013 Dates

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:25:54 +0000

Full moon Party is one of world’s most popular party, it’s a must do once a lifetime especially for young minded travelers. About 10,000 to 20,000 people attending every month at this Koh Phangan beach party, people from all around the world. It is of course known as the Full Moon Party. International and Thai DJ’s are entertaining the party until the crowd go wild.

This is a Full Moon Party Dates for 2013

Time specified in Central European Time (CET) or Summer Time (CEST)

Sunday 27, January 2013 (05:38 am)
Monday 25, February 2013 (09:26 pm)
Wednesday 27, March 2013 (10:27 am)
Thursday 25, April 2013 (09:57 pm)
Saturday 25, May 2013 (06:25 am)
Sunday 23, June 2013 (01:32 pm)
Monday 22, July 2013 (08:15 pm)
Wednesday 21, August 2013 (03:44 am)
Thursday 19, September 2013 (01:12 pm)
Saturday 19, October 2013 (01:37 am)
Sunday 17, November 2013 (04:15 pm)
Tuesday 17, December 2013 (10:28 am)

Koh Phangan is a very special place, there are few places in this world where you can live out your desert island dreams of palm trees and white sand beaches, and still have a blinding night out at a rocking party every month. With the global notoriety that the Full Moon Party has gained as being one of the biggest and best beach bashes in the world, we get more than our fair share of hedonists gracing our shores. Each year the scene here grows with the ever-increasing number of party faithful that return, bringing their mates and spreading the vibe.

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Thailand Full Moon Party 2012 Dates

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:23:11 +0000

This is a Full Moon Party Dates for 2012

Sunday 08, January
Wednesday 08, February
Wednesday 07, March
Friday 06, April
Sunday 06, May
Monday 04, June
Tuesday 03, July
Saturday 04, August
Saturday 01, September
Sunday 30, September
Monday 29, October
Wednesday 28, November
Tuesday 25, December
Friday 28, December
Monday 31, December

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What to Expect From a Travel Agent

kopter — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:14:00 +0000

Finding the appropriate biking abettor can be as harder as award the appropriate doctor. You wish anyone you can assurance to get you the best deal. Anyone you who is abreast about the breadth you are absent to appointment and has the assets to accommodate you with all the advice you need. Biking agents book about 75% of all air travel, 30% of all auberge reservations, and 95% of all cruises. Even with all the advice online a lot of humans still adopt to abstain all the altercation and use biking agents.

The aboriginal footfall to award a acceptable biking abettor is to analysis their credentials. Analysis to accomplish abiding they are a certified biking counselor. To be a certified biking advisor a biking abettor with at atomic 5 years acquaintance accept to complete a two year alum akin affairs offered by the Institute of Certified Biking Agents. For the biking bureau itself you accept to attending for associates in one of two associations. The American Society of Biking Agents and The Association of Retail Biking Agents are the two biking bureau associations.

One of the easiest means to acquisition a biking abettor is by chat of mouth. Ask your accompany and ancestors who they use. Try to aces accompany and ancestors who accept agnate interests as you , that way you can acquisition a biking abettor who will accept your needs. A lot of humans use a assertive abettor and not a assertive agency. Not all agents in a biking bureau are the same. One ability specialize in cruises while addition specializes in low amount biking plans. Accomplish abiding you get the name of a specific abettor if talking to your accompany and family.

A acceptable biking abettor will accumulate a portfolio of all your biking needs and preferences. Things like common flyer miles, acclaim agenda details, auberge or airline favorites, and any added claimed requirements should be kept by the biking abettor in a specific folder. This saves you time if you go in to book a trip, by accepting aggregate already filed out you will not accept to do it anniversary time.

A acceptable biking abettor will aswell acquisition out your preferences, like places you adore visiting. This way if they appear beyond an abstruse arrangement for a abode that is of absorption to you they can acquaintance you with the information. A acceptable biking abettor is consistently searching for the best accord for their client. This includes allegorical you if alteration the dates of your vacation or alteration your beat can lower the amount for you.

Finding a acceptable biking abettor can be arresting and time consuming. If you acquisition a acceptable biking abettor you should use them for all your biking needs and accredit them to any one who is searching for a biking agent.

Another abode to attending is online. Search for one abreast you. Don't consistently go with the cheapest. Ask them their accreditation upfront. If they try to abstain the question, move on. Do they accommodate buzz acquaintance advice on their website and accord appointment hours? This is a acceptable way to acquaint if it's an abettor you may wish to accord with.

Travel Tips for first time visitors to China China

kopter — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:42:00 +0000

China is a big country, with a size of 9.59696 million km ². China is only partially open to the world since 1980 and is a communist country for many decades. Although much has been achieved in the field of tourism and infrastructure in China, there are some aspects that, before they have the levels required by most of the tourists to play in the improvement.

However, most of the fun is stored, how it differs from the rest of the world. China will host the 2008 Olympics. Travel and rapid improvement in infrastructure, we are approaching the 2008th

China is rich in history and culture. Visit the Great Wall in Beijing, SIP Chinese tea in Xiamen, dance with ethnic tribes in Yunnan, check the nineteenth century European buildings in Qingdao - so much to do and see in China!

Here are some tips for travelers to travel to China easier:

Entry visa
China requires a visa in most countries. Apply at the Chinese consulate or through a travel agency before traveling to China.

Climate
Extremely diverse, tropical in south to subarctic in the north. Be ready with the right seasonal clothing.

Currency
The monetary unit is called Renmembi (RMB) or yuan. Get some Chinese Yuan in your area before you travel. When in China, in foreign currency for local currency at banks or at the hotel. Banks tend to give slightly better rates than hotels. Note that some banks close for siesta between 14:12.

Payment Services
Most of the best hotels and shopping centers, credit card or traveler's checks. Small hotels and shops accept only cash. If outside the major cities, credit cards and credit cards, as a rule, almost impossible to use. Cash is still king in Chinese business and trade.

Counterfeit notes are common in China. Check carefully before making these changes, especially if it is mostly 100RMB notes. You can feel the difference in texture depending on the fakes.

Understand English
Most officials, customs officials, police, hotel staff and men in the street, do not speak English or at best a few in English.

Most signs and instructions will result in both English and Chinese. However, note that the translations of the transitions so bad that hardly aware that his original intention of the Chinese are known.

Do not expect to see workers in the hotel or in a store, in English. Only the big hotels have to understand people speaking English.

Most young people a basic knowledge of English if you speak slowly.

Social security
China, normally safe country. However, expect a quick in its portfolio, especially in crowded places, a very popular resort cities such as Beijing and Xian.

These tourist cities also have a large number of dealers on the streets through the promotion of all exchange rate of female company jewelers. Avoid at all costs!

Domestic Travel
Bus, train, ferries and domestic flights are very well developed. Avoid the crowds at the stations and book tickets to travel to the hotel or the nearest tour agent. Prices tend to be competitive and tickets will be delivered to your hotel. Again and again, that retailers will agree on the road.

Local buses are cheap (U.S. $ 0.10 or YS $ 0.20), and you can try. Taxi is convenient and easily accessible. Starting fares differ from each city and less than $ 0.70 in Weihai and $ 1.50 in Shenzhen.

Avoid travel in China during peak holiday or to book tickets in advance.

Local hotels
This is a good range of hotels in China for a star to the most luxurious 6 stars. Most of the rooms are clean and safe, in my opinion, it is cheap does not mean bad.

There are many sites that offer Internet facilities in China. You can also use the travel counters which are available in most train, bus stations and airports.

Book early if you travel in high season.

Peak season
Chinese New Year: Date varies but generally late January or early February
May Day: The first half of May
China's National Day: Middle two weeks in October

Avoid traveling at this time. Book a room and the way early if you want to go anyway. Believe me, the masses at this time of fear. What do you expect when the entire Chinese nation of 8 million people on vacation too!

Chinese Cuisine
Local food is absolutely fabulous. Try more Chinese food, how to make your wallet or on your stomach. Restaurants are available everywhere and opened hours later. Most restaurants have menus, pictures of different dishes. Better yet, simply note that the following table provides food, especially if it looks delicious!

However, to avoid street stalls and drinking directly from the tap, if you have a weak stomach.

Link
Mobile phone coverage in China is good in most places. World self-mobile in China, is not a problem.

Internet
There are Internet cafes throughout China, especially in tourist areas. The most visited by young people play games online, but you can check your Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail. Access can be a bit slow for international locations.

Need a passport as China has regulations for Internet-Cyber-Cafe.

Sanitation
One of the worst experiences of many people in China is a brutal toilets. Things have improved, but still a good idea to keep the stomach or bladder at every opportunity in a hotel, restaurant or department store are empty. public toilets and sanitation in small shops can be hazardous to your nose!

China Travel Tips
Try English speaking tour guide at every opportunity. China has a rich history and splendid culture and not an official may not like the taste and the importance of tourism facilities will be lost.
* Sneaky tip: Hang around a group of English guide, if you can not pay!

Always get a receipt from a taxi driver, so you have a complaint file, when they were deceived, or to determine if you accidentally leave behind the camera in a taxi.

Try calling card for every hotel to stay in, to accept the fact that these cards have addresses in China and location of the hotel. This is useful if you can help to return, when in English or pronunciation of a hotel or a street name, you can find very different when viewed from the Chinese language is necessary.

After a tiring day, check out Chinese foot reflexology or Chinese Tuina (Chinese massage). Wonderful for the body after a hard day and very cheap to boot. Just follow the signs that shows two feet! They are everywhere.

Make friends with the Chinese, if possible. They love to meet foreigners and make good guides. This small gift purchased as a small token of gratitude.
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Tourist Attractions in Shanghai

kopter — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:35:00 +0000

Shanghai is the most developed city in China and has become one of the largest metropolises in the world. It is the largest city in China in terms of population and the destination is also popular in Asia. The hotel is famous for the mouth of the Yangtze. Popularly known as "hu" or "pseudo" Shen "Shanghai is a city with an area of over 5800 square kilometers. It is advisable to purchase a guide, if you have to deal not lost in this huge metropolis. The city is known not only as an economic, financial and commercial, but also for its historical heritage and popular culture. The city of Shanghai is 1,460 kilometers from Beijing and is a journey of two hours or 17 hours by train from capital.

The tourist attractions in Shanghai, China

Shanghai tourist attractions are easily accessible from downtown and will be happy during your stay in the city. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Shanghai are:

Yuyuan Gardens

Yuyuan Garden is located in the center of the old city of Shanghai and is one of the few attractions old Shanghai. The garden is built in traditional Chinese style and has many rocks and tree gardens. Bridges tanks, weaving, dozens of doors and walls covered Dragons are typical of this garden. On entering the garden will be hosted by its natural beauty. The small ponds with trees decorated trees and rocks on the sides, simply overwhelm the soul. The garden is a bazaar or market with vendors selling all sorts of things around Food. So you should have enough time if you absorb the beauty of Yuyuan and you want to go shopping in the bazaar.

The federal

He says that if you stop visit to Shanghai and visit the Bund, then I have not really seen in China. The federal government, an extract of the history of Shanghai is one of the most famous architects of the city. The Bund usually refers to buildings and sweeping bays along the west side of the Huangpu River. Many banks and financial institutions have their headquarters here, making the federal government opened the financial capital of Asia. The buildings that require special care in the list are the former Bank of Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank of China, the Peace Hotel and U.S. Customs.

Dianshan Lake Hu

Hu Dianshan lake west of Zhujiajiao Qingpu in the urban area of Shanghai is a natural freshwater lake that is a must. This lake of 60 square kilometers, the area above the Huangpu River and is the only natural lake in all of Shanghai. As the only natural lake in the region and the only source of water is thoroughly and the lake water is so clean monitoring. Many fish, shrimp and crabs are considered living in this lake. In the southern part of the lake is a resort and the eastern shore of the lake is a large public bathroom.

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Shanghai Museum

Middle of the Shanghai People's Republic Square is another popular tourist destination visited called the Shanghai Museum. The exterior of the museum has a round base domed square, which gives the traditional Chinese idea of a square meter of earth and heaven ring. The museum houses many artifacts such as sculptures, antique pottery, paintings, antique bronze, calligraphy, etc. They will be distributed in 11 galleries and the museum is the best way to get a look at the different types of art Chinese and architecture instead. The museum is located in the door to learn about ancient China.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Another popular tourist destination in Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong Park, Lujiazui. This modern structure is connected by two bridges called Pu Yang and Nanpu surrounded. There is a television and a radio tower, whose base in the hands of three diagonal contributions are 7 feet wide each. It has two floors of elevators for people up to a height of 1536 meters and down. There are three levels in the tower: futuristic city or a space module space, reception room and a revolving restaurant. This tower of 1536 meters is the tallest TV and radio in the third world, which is why you should visit. The view of Shanghai from here is simply breathtaking and overwhelming. The visit of the tower is in four hours, is worth the time!

Four Tips Pagoda

Four peaks commonly called Ta Fang pagoda is a structure, 48.5 m high with nine floors. This pagoda was built during the Song dynasty has an octagonal base, but the pagoda around a whole has a rectangular shape. A beautiful garden is the pagoda, and is a wonderful place to spend time. This is done to the pagoda is allowed only for tourists, all the way up to the top of her. So do not miss this opportunity. Visit this beautiful piece of architecture of the Song Dynasty.

In addition to the attractions mentioned above are the Jade Buddha Temple, Freedom Bridge, the People's Square, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Guyi Yuan, Shanghai Theater, Lu Xun Guju, Huai Hai Road, Nan Jing Road and much more. Have you decorated a great time in this beautiful city with dozens of architectures and great places!
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China Travel Agent News

kopter — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 04:17:00 +0000

Tibet tourism enjoy

Reporters from the Office of Tourism Linzhi Tibet to foreign tourists in the adjustment of the height of the development of a better way to support and enable the visitor attractions, world-class field Linzhi built 'in the Enjoy Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon Road Potala Palace tourist "areas of low relatively Lhasa tour, visitors can alleviate altitude sickness. "Tourism Lanping said Secretary Li, that has in recent years, the infrastructure of tourism in Tibet, much improved, but many tourists are still afraid of the altitude sickness. For this, the tourism sector in the tourism Linzhi Tibet to create strong, the accommodate best platform for local and foreign visitors and the best solution for Tibet. "From the Grand Canyon Yarlung Tsangpo Potala Palace, said Li Lanping is the best way to alleviate the pain mountains Linzhi is available in Lhasa. Beautiful Upon arrival at low altitude in Tibet Linzhi, the first visit of the largest canyons in the world, and the peak Namjagbarwa, if needed for the environment and climate of the plateau and visit the Lake Basongcuo lastthe God Highway 318 to Lhasa. "From the Grand Canyon of the Yarlung Tsangpo Potala Palace, the scenic route" No, we can not allow visitors to altitude sickness, but can also reduce travel time and distance, no turning back. "Said Lilanping. In the past, many tourists from outside of Tibet, Lhasa, Lhasa Linzhi means wasting then back to Lhasa. Do not waste time but also energy ..

Yichang Hubei build the version of the Victoria Harbour

Hubei Daily News (Reporter: Jiang Meng, Correspondent: Zhou Ting said) Yichang to a peninsula extending into the Yangtze River, where a tourist attraction, famous for the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. The idea was first of officials in Yichang June reported when the city of Wuhan, to attract investment. On 10 June officers from Yichang is here to promote the meetings in the region to invite Wuhan business partner for this peninsula, where the area reaches 10 square kilometers to participate. More than 100 developers including Vanke, Garden City, South Africa Home Real'm very interested in this country. Called "Pinghu Peninsula," The earth is surrounded by the Yangtze and Huangbai. Previously, the city took over the planning and proposals. The field will be in a place built up based on super estate tourism. The complex combines tourism, business, residential and commercial. It consists of museums, art park, national and international tourism Yacht Club community. They learn that the total investment in the peninsula of Pinghu 15 million yuan, which is about 13 billion yuan in the development of tourism. Currently, this project has been included in the field of cultural tourism and eco-circle of the most important projects in the Western Hubei. And planned for five years to develop in phases ..

Why visit Koh Phangan?

admin — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:24:01 +0000

One of the most exotic holiday destinations in the world is Thailand. Every year, many people choose this little corner of paradise to spend their vacation as they enjoy the climate, the Thai culture and the multitude of activities.

Koh Phangan is the third largest island of Thailand and is by far the best in terms of holiday destinations. This place provides plenty of opportunities, being ready to suit all the preferences and demands of the avalanche of tourists. The extraordinary parties bring a lot of glamour to the island but there are also remote beaches and the unparalleled cultural experience.

There are practically hundreds of possibilities when it comes to the beautiful island of Koh Phangan. People visit it hoping to unwind and have a taste of another world. They choose accommodation for either long or short term, going to the Internet in order to find the information needed.

The technology of the Internet proved out to be very useful for many tourists looking for special holiday destinations. People were able to find and book in advance proper accommodation, not to mention discovering interesting details about this natural paradise island, with offered facilities and included activities.

Today, Koh Phangan is a popular destination and people from every corner of the world visit it. They prefer to use the Internet in order to learn all about the puma sale island and the recommended accommodation. Specialized online resources show that renting a vacation home can be much less stressful than a hotel and also cost-effective.

Some of the properties mentioned online can also be bought and there are some incredible offers through the Internet. After all, who wouldn’t want to own a little house, next to the beach? The truth is that this island is something quite amazing and many people are looking for accomodation. There are various types of properties, including bungalows and houses. Popular choices are the ones very close to the beach and the prices may vary depending on the location.

The tropical island of Koh Phangan is presented online as a perfect destination for interested tourists. They are able to detach, enjoy the crystal clear seas and the sandy white beaches. There are enough things to do including diving, archery and fishing. For even more captivating possibilities, the Internet presents the spa treatments, meditation and yoga plus natural healing therapies.

The large number of resorts Koh Phangan has to offer is incredible. All of them are ready to cater to the tourists, coming from all sides of the globe. They have bungalows and luxurious accommodation, widely presented online with the help of specialized resources. This destination attracts heaps of tourists yearly and it can provide one with long-lasting memories.

It is amazing how can the quiet and frenzy can blend so perfectly here. On one part, there are the non-stop parties drawing people with their unique music, dancing and party style. Still, as this island has so much to offer, there is also the quiet side, offering the great advantage cheap puma shoes of a secluded resort with long walks, relaxation therapy and various other possibilities.

The accommodation presented online for Koh Phangan include fully equipped houses and bungalows. There are different types of properties, situated close to the beach or in the mountainous area. They can suit every budget, providing one with increased comfort and personal space. Many people prefer this option because of the affordability but also because of the other advantages.

Koh Phangan is definitely a holiday destination that deserves all the proper attention and it is a great thing that the Internet presents puma shoes sale accurate information on the subject. Take some time and puma ferrari shoes do a proper research before choosing the accommodation suitable for you. Relax today with your own tropical vacation.

Our last full day in Ko Phangan

admin — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 12:14:53 +0000

After a full day of diving, drinking, watching the F1 and the world cup until the wee hours, the plan was to have a bit of a sleep in… thats what the plan was anyway. It was soooo hot this morning that it was almost impossible to rest…. so we caved! We went up to reception and got upgraded to an air conditioned room. It was only for a night anyway and the guys gave us a REALLY good rate.

So, equipped with an airconditioned room and a bottle of water, I crashed out in a big way and did a whole lot of nothing! We decided to cut our planned time in Koh Phangan short by a day as it was really hard to organise a dive here in low season. The only place close to go if you wanted to dive all year round was Koh Tao, a place we had planned to avoid due to how developed and busy it is, but all that changed pretty quickly. We had intended to try and get to Koh Tao this afternoon, but the guy at the dive shop hadn’t ordered in my paperwork and I would have to wait until tonight to pick it up…. strike 2 scuba man! Anyhow, we were booked on the ferry for the next morning and went off to do the usual of massages, swims, food and cocktails.

It was kind of sad to be leaving this island as we had settled in really quickly and knew a lot of the faces around town already. If money and time permitted it, we could have quite easily have locked our passports away and stayed here for a very long time. We got dinner at one of our favorite local places run by a lady and her daughter (when she finished school), played with the dogs in the neighbourhood and made our way home.

On the topic of dogs, one thing that I found hilarious on this island was the nightly howling choir that started off for no real apparent reason on the beach. This happend every night without fail and there is no way that I can say how many dogs, or over what distance they were all spread out, but it was huge and like nothing I had heard before. You would see piles of dogs sprinting down to the beach to join in and those who couldnt be bothered just joined in from where they lay… it didn’t carry on for too long though so was more entertainment than annoyance. It was also interesting to note that a number of the dogs appeared to have been ambushed at the last full moon party and spray painted… poor things! With our last recital for the night over, it was time to pack and get some sleep.

Written by Nath_and_erica

Full Moon Party Review by Pele

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:09:17 +0000

We stayed in Ko Phangan for 4 days and it was great. We stayed in Haad Rin where the infamous Full Moon Party is held but I don’t want to get ahead of myself.

As a traveler there are times when no matter how prepared you are you get sucked into something that is a waste.
This time it was renting motorbikes to go see some waterfalls. I have no experience riding a motor cycle nor do either of my friends. So when it was 200 baht a day we thought 7 bucks we would be stupid not to. Right? Wrong. I got on my bike and almost ran a pedestrian over. Not a good start. After getting more comfrotable Rick and I decided to spin the tires. I was fine; Rick on the other hand road off the road and crashed into a ditch. Ok a little blood on the shin is no big deal. So we see the sign for the waterfall; only 4k. Nice. Nope wrong again. We got about 500 meters on the dirt road and it was washed out. When i say washed out i mean there are drop offs of 2 -3 feet in the middle of the road. So we are trying the carfully drive on the road then BAM. Michele road into a wall.

We met a couple from Chicago and decided to walk the 2 k left. I swear we were walking straight up in the air at points. (Again i have pictures but my memory card has a worm) We walked for nearly 2 hours up and down the steepest hills you could imagine in 95 degree heat. We finally arrived at the waterfall. Mind you, at this point we were exhausted and have high hopes of jumping into water. Nope, no water on the water fall. There was a trickle of water down about 4 foot high rock. We got extrelmely lucky and paid 100 baht each for a ride back to our motorbikes. We got ripped off but i don’t think i could have physically made it back so we were all willing to pay. After a relaxing drive back on the motorbikes Rick and Michele had to see what the damages would cost them. Rick ended up paying just over 300USD and Michele paid just under 300USD. I, thankfully, did not crash. Ohh ya, they are both ok and had just minor scrapes and bruises.

Full Moon Party did not disappoint. It was low season so there were only about 10,000 people. Michele, an art teacher, painted Rick and myself. She painted the US Men’s National Team jerseys. I went as Clint Depsey and Rick as Landon Donovan. The US team lost to Ghana and had to listen to every drunk Brit in Thailand yell at us. But they got theres losing to Germany the next day. Back to Full Moon Party. There were fire jump ropes, stages to dance on, black lights, pounding music, and buckets of Coke, Red Bull, and alcohol (100-200 Baht) all on the beach. It was crazy! This was one of the best parties I have ever been to. When i left when the sun was rising people were passed out all over the beach. I mean easily 1000 people were sleeping.

Full Moon Party Review by Sirrocko

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:05:58 +0000

Oh dear, where do I even begin… It’s hopeless to try and convey this day (or night mainly) through writing but I’ll do my best, hopefully the nightshift induced state of delirium I’m in right now will help. So we woke up and spent the bulk of the morning lazying about the beach while Jeff went on an Internet errand. By midday we boarded a Pha-Ngan bound ferry with no reservation at an inn there; the plan was to stay up all night (the fiesta lasts well into the next day) and catch a sunrise ferry back to Samui and promptly crash. This would turn out to be something of an error in planning, pulling an all-nighter at an outdoor rave sober wasn’t a great recipe for fun. It was all part of the experience though and tis important to look at every situation on a trip like this in a positive light no matter how grueling it seems at the time, because ya know, it’s not every day y one gets to visit Thailand (or Vietnam, or Cambodia, or Indonesia, or Nepal…)

We made good time in arriving on Ko Pha-Ngan, with a decent chunk of daylight hours remaining and plenty of time for exploring its allegedly nicer, more “authentic” beaches (ha!). A s a precaution I brought only my passport and Jeff brought only his passport and cash. The risk of being robbed a t the Full Moon Party was excessively high so we didn’t want to carry anything important that we didn’t need. Unfortunately there was a little miscommunication between us two resulting in Jeff thinking I was bringing some cash of my own a long, thus bringing less of his own. Even if I’d wanted to, I had no cash remaining to bring. When we arrived on Ko Pha-Ngan we discovered to our horror that there was only enough cash for the two ferry tickets back and *exactly* $5 of food money for each of us. It would not be impossible to survive on this, but meant we’d be living off of rationed pad Thai and banana cakes from 7/11 for the next twelve hours and that our drink budget would be virtually nonexistent. So be it.

The island itself was much more like Ko Phi Phi than Samui, with its only settlement being a tightly backed traffic free web of cobblestone alleyways, pancake stands and surprisingly little stench. The “sunrise beach” was, as promised, sparkling clean with crystal clear water though the water had a strange stinging effect. My first impression was one of charm; what an adorable little innocent beach town this was. Little did we know what heathen abomination it would transform in to once the sun went down and the full moon rose. We lazied about Sunrise Beach for a while, where the locals were busy setting up shop for the craziness to come. Makeshift alcohol stalls with names like “So F#cking Bucket”, “One More F#cking Bucket”, “Lucy F#ck You Long Time”, etc painted on their fronts. Apparently the locals thought that by inserting the f-word randomly into their signs, they’d make the whiteys laugh and buy from their stalls. Unfortunately they are correct. As for what a “bucket” is, they are nifty drink combo packages consisting of a can of soda, a medicine bottle of “Red Bull” (definitely something different in there), and depending on the price a bottle or full handle of Jack Daniels or Sketchy Thai Whiskey. And of course, the lil plastic bucket you’re meant to mix all these into and drink from. They’re sort of a fixture at these Thai beach shindigs.

We left Sunrise Beach briefly to go watch the sunset on Sunset Beach. The ensuing psychedelic majesty was hands down the most jaw-dropping, perfect sunset I can remember seeing. A resident kitten befriended us as we watched it and began purring up against our arms. We showed it love and in return it betrayed us and lightly bit my wrist (though not deep enough to bleed), prompting what must’ve been a funny-for-Jeff panic attack on my part as I demanded we rush to 7/11 and use the rest of our money on a bottle of rubbing alcohol, to sterilize the theoretical Rabies I’d just “contracted.” Two minutes later I calmed down and realized there was nothing to worry about. Stupid cat. With the sun now thoroughly set and dinner overwith, it was time to return to the other beach and see what chaos had began unfolding. By now the settlement was booming with crowds of late-teen and college aged Westerners, and the Thais deploying every stall on the island to rake in the imminent dough.

We stepped out onto the beach and… all holy hell was about 30% unleashed. Scattered crowds of shirtless dancing 20-somethings, fire dancers juggling flaming nunchuks, GoGo-girls making stealthy rounds, even the beginnings of a laser-light show. In the background boomed the recent Coldplay song “Viva la Vida”, its beats matching up to the bobbings of moonlit longtail boats along the shore. If there was a song that accurately conveyed the epicness I felt thinking back about the trip as a whole, it was this one. Soon, a commotion… a local firedancing teen had lit the fuse to a rocket in his hand, stuffed it into an empty water bottle, stood up on a chair like a warrior leading his men on a charge, and launched a makeshift firework into the sky.

Spotlights swinging around, silverly moonlight on the water, increasingly deafening techno beats, ravers high out of their minds… Holy Hell was at 90% and it added up to a shocking catharsis of debauchery and mayhem that would remove any faith the viewer had in humanity’s future. This wasn’t a dance of dozens, or a hundred, or even hundreds but rather thousands. Thousands of Australians, Europeans, Americans, and Thais, all of whom plastered out of their minds were crammed onto this formerly modest beach dancing away in ways that only illicit substances of the most severe order could inspire. My humble little beer could do nothing to numb my senses and help this all make sense. After it all became too much, I retreated to a quiet corner of sand to (successfully) pass out. Jeff stayed awake and spent the rest of the night watching fire dancers nearly kill their audiences with errant fire.