KOH PHANGAN PARTIES

Koh Pha Ngan 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 once in a while. With the global notoriety that the Full Moon has gained as being the biggest and best beach party in the world, we get more than our fair share of party people, especially from November through to April. Each year the scene here grows with the ever-increasing number of party faithful that return, bringing their mates and spreading the vibe.

While the party purists might say that the Full Moon will never be as good as it was when it was a truly free party, the changing tides are bringing a wealth of DJ talent getting to realise their dreams of seeing the sunrise while playing to a beach full of punters. As the party has evolved from one sound system at Paradise Bungalows fifteen or so years ago, to over twenty rigs, so has the island's party hungry crowd who are now demanding a range of dance music styles and a lot more parties!

Koh Pha Ngan is still a desert island retreat, and retains the bohemian charms that bought the first travellers here, so don't start thinking it's one big rave! There is a wealth of havens for those who would rather chill out than go ballistic on a beach, but there is also a treasure chest full of parties that need the recognition they deserve.

Some people on Koh Pha Ngan don't ever venture into Had Rin, maybe they don't like parties, or are too pinned to make it up them thar hills. There is a burgeoning free party scene building around the island as the punters demand more parties, but don't fancy trekking halfway across the island.

In Ban Tai, the Black Moon Party, two weeks after the FM, has been going off for three years. The beach venue at Clubland Resort is decked out in full fluoro flavour, and is home to resident DJ Leung, one of the party founders. Leung's sets are a diverse mix of tough progressive-tech-trance and anything else to please the punters, this party is the perfect mid-month mash up and has been a pioneer in the free party scene here.

Ao Chao Phao beach near the village of Sri Thanu is slightly less developed than it's neighbour Had Yao. It is an idyllic white sand bay hosting a small number of resorts, all of which are popular due to the beautiful vistas, great snorkelling and the high standards maintained by the families that run them. The Pirate Bar runs regular parties every month 3 days before to Full Moon Party.

In Chaloklum Bay, the new Cafe Del Mar offers the full chill out experience, with a great vibe, and wicked food. Joint-owner and resident DJ Hinch cooks up a treat for his guests on the decks and in the kitchen. When asked about the music policy, Hinch said "the name of the bar says it all....I want people from all countries liking my music....I like melody in my music - to chill and groove...just no psytrance". The pre-FM party is well worth a visit, with Hinch and guest DJs playing funky house and chunky grooving tunes.

There are loads more beaches, bars and bashes that need talking about - after all, this is a big small island. It is worth remembering that it is not the new Ibiza, neither is it a safe place to take drugs - the scene can be deep here, and that's not just the music, with more undercover coppers than you can shake a stick at, the chances of getting a pull are higher than a than a bucket of mushrooms will ever get you!