A guide to Full Moon parties around the world

Leora Novick is An American Girl in Transit and talks us through her full moon highlights around the world:

With Twilight mania still going strong, just the mention of a full moon will probably send shivers down more than a few spines. However, with Thailand creating record breaking parties each month in honour of the full moon, people have come to celebrate this event with weekend long parties, water fights, and dancing around the world. On 10 December, head to one of these six exotic locales for a weekend of sun, sand, and nonstop partying. Just make sure to keep your eyes peeled for anyone howling at the moon.

Thailand
Easily the most famous of full moon celebrations, Thai locals and tourists throng to the Haad Rin beach in Ko Pha Ngan to participate in one of the largest full moon celebrations in the world. Start your celebrations early as you and fellow travellers meet on the overnight bus from Bangkok. Dance underneath the stars as reggae and house music are pumped out all night long. Fire throwing displays and personal buckets of alcohol create an equally deadly and enticing combination that test even the most hardened party-goer’s limits.

India
Head to Goa, a former hippie enclave that today, remains a pleasure seeker’s paradise. Looking for any excuse to celebrate, full moon parties take place here each month, with the sandy beaches and live music creating an irresistible mixture. Look out for psychedelic substances, which tend to flow freely at Goa’s nightly raves.

Indonesia
Visitors to Bali during a full moon get to experience the spiritual and material worlds slamming together. The full moon, or purnama as it is called here, is celebrated as a religious holiday in the streets, where locals journey together to offer sacrifices in their temples. Experience these Balinese traditions before you head off to Kuta, and start your night of festivities. Bars and restaurants stay open late, and the beaches are full of hard partying tourists.

Australia
Located just off the tip of Townsville, Queensland, Magnetic Island is Australia’s answer to Ko Pha Ngan. Take a 20-minute ferry ride to your weekend beach destination. As the night wanes on, headlining DJs spin into the early morning, and thousands of people from around the world celebrate together. Now in it’s seventh year of full moon partying, Magnetic Island has become a monthly Aussie party tradition.

Laos
Experience the religious side of the full moon in Vientiane. Known as That Luang Festival, monks gather in the streets to collect flowers, candles, and donations from the community, many of who have travelled across the country to participate. The town gathers together in prayer and then spends the next few days celebrating with carnivals, crafts, and food.

Ecuador
Don’t assume that full moon celebrations are reserved just for Asia. Visitors to the Kamala hostel in Montanita, get to experience Ecuador’s famous beach party each month, as travellers in the know head to this off-the-beaten-track location. Sleep in huts on the beach, or watch the sun come up as you toast the moon goodbye. Until next month.. 

About the Author: Leora Novick is a freelance travel writer with an extensive background in fashion. A former executive for Burberry, she now comments on style around the world at An American Girl in Transit. Leora is most interested in the different definitions of beauty around the world. Follow her travels through her blog, twitter or Facebook page.

What are your tips for surviving a Full Moon Party? If you've got photos or stories to share leave them in the comment section below or head to twitter and Facebook to upload them for other Gecko's travellers to enjoy.

If you'd like to check out the Full Moon Parties in Thailand, Laos, Ecuador, India or Indonesia just take a look at our trips.

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