Welcome to Thailand's infamous Full Moon parties, where the signature drink is a bucket of hard alcohol with red bull - drugs of all kinds are bought over the counter at bars.
Every month, thousands of backpackers descend on the island of Koh Phangan where the event has been for each full moon since 1985.
It's a cash-cow for the Thai government, drawing about 30,000 revellers during peak seasons and around 10,000 to 20,000 others on any given month.
The Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party that originated in Haad Rin on the island of Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand on the night before or after every full moon.
The first Full Moon Party was improvised at a wooden disco not far from the beach in 1985 for giving thanks to about 20-30 travelers. They quickly gained fame through word of mouth, and the event now draws a crowd of about 20,000-30,000 every full moon evening. The party carries on until the sun rises the next day. The bars on the sunrise beach of Haad Rin town stay open and play music such as Psychedelic trance, R&B, drum and bass,house, dance and reggae.
The modern event has become a part of the itinerary of many travelers to AsiaIt is characterized attractions such as fire skipping ropes, wildly variable alcohol strength 'buckets', and a drug culture. It is seen by many as the "ultimate party experience", although drug laws are still strict, and police enforcement is stepped up during the parties.
In recent years, there has been an increasing number of assaults and robberies at the party and in bars in the surrounding area, eventually leading the British government to officially warn tourists to exercise caution at the Full Moon Parties .
Full Moon Party Dates 2013
Saturday 26, January
Tuesday 26, February
Tuesday 26, March
Thursday 25, April
Saturday 25, May
Sunday 23, June
Wednesday 24, July
Wednesday 21, August
Thursday 19, September
Saturday 19, October
Sunday 17, November
Tuesday 17, December
Wednesday 25, December
Tuesday 31, December
Xmas 2013 Party Date
Tuesday 25, December 2013:
Christmas Party
New Year 2014 Party Date
Monday 31 December 2013:
New Year Party
Tuesday 01 January 2014:
New Year's Day After Party