Parties

A relatively new addition to the nightlife scene, Surat Thani's half moon parties seem to have been started in response to the demise of Samui's own Rocky Bay beach parties (due to an increase in luxury property development in the Choeng Mon area). Saying that though, the Half Moon people go to great lengths to offer an attractive package to counterbalance the longish trip over to the mainland and provide a viable alternative to the Full Moon Party.  

For around 1,800 Baht, revellers can be collected from their hotel, transferred by coach and ferry to mainland Surat Thani, then whisked off to a secluded beach for an all-inclusive night of fun and frolics. A generous seafood barbecue and all you can drink alcohol are thrown in alongside, of course, a night of house and techno courtesy of local and international DJ's. The price also includes the trip back to Samui the next day. 

For a little extra there's onsite bungalows available for anyone who can't last the night. For more info visit Travel Solutions, next to the Ark Bar, North Chaweng, or call Toto on 077 210 198.

Battered by the twin poles of the Thaksin government's social order crusade and its avowed intent to turn Ko Pha Ngan into an exclusive enclave for super wealthy tourists only, the legendary Full Moon Party could soon be extinct altogether. Before that day comes, hedonists everywhere still flock to the world's biggest beach party every month. The music from the multiple sound systems is mostly ear-splittingly loud trance and house, and a predominantly youthful crowd dance 'til dawn on party nights - not to everyone's taste certainly, but it's definitely a unique cultural experience.

To get there from Samui, head to Big Buddha Beach or Fisherman's Village, Bophut - numerous speedboats leave from both places. Many travel agents also sell combination tickets with hotel transfers included. A word of warning - the police often search vehicles approaching the party for illegal drugs, and arrests are common. From 8pm on full moon nights on Had Rin Beach.

Samui's latest cultural import began in 2004 and stuck pretty strictly to Teutonic traditional features, ie lots of bratwurst, lederhosen, oompha loompha music and (of course) gallons and gallons of beer. Organised by the local Rotary Club, all profits from Oktoberfest go towards buying much needed equipment for local schools and other good causes.

The 2004 event was at Long Beach Resort, behind Tropical Murphy's in Chaweng - check Murphy's or at the Siam Bar & Grill in Lamai for details of this year's party.