Full Moon Party - Koh Phangan Thailand

The original phrase Full Moon Party originates from an all-night beach party held at Haad Rin (aka Hat Rin) on Ko Pha Ngan, a tropical Thai island in the Gulf of Thailand. The party takes place every full moon evening.



The party was originally a small affair with a small number of travellers dancing through the night of the full moon, mainly to psychedelic trance music. The Full Moon Party gained fame quickly through word of mouth, and the event now draws a crowd of up to 10,000 every full moon evening. The party carries on until the sun rises the next day. All the bars on the sunset beach of Haad Rin town stay open and play music such as drum and bass, house and reggae. The event has become a part of the itinerary of many travellers to Asia. Entry to the event is completely free. Has also spawned the Half Moon Party and Black Moon Party.



The Full Moon Party is mainly about 2 things: alcohol and dancing. Thai alcohol brands such as Sang Som rum, Mekong whiskey, and Singha beer are most popular amongst revellers. A signature of the Full moon party are the buckets - mixed drinks served in small plastic pails. A flask of liquor (usually Sang Som rum) is poured over ice and topped up with a can of Coke and a bottle of Red Bull syrup. Several straws are then thrown in and partiers are seen dancing away the night with these buckets in hand. The going rate for a bucket is around 200 baht, roughly £3 / $5.50.



In the past there has been some association with illegal drug use. Although the use, possession, and/or sale of drugs is illegal under Thai law, club drugs such as ecstasy, methamphetamine, Yaa Baa, marijuana, opium, and even over the counter diet pills have been reported. As of 2002, the Thai government has pursued a stricter defense against illegal drugs at these events. Use discretion - the going rate (bribe) for a small pot bust is about 50,000 baht - £750 / $1200 and foreigners do go to jail for possession. Drug use at Full Moon Parties has lessened in recent years, in part due to greater fear of being caught but also because the parties now draw attendees from a wider range of backgrounds.



Thank : World Travel
Source : wikipedia
Picture : Joel's Journeys

En Route For Tibet

North of the Himalayas, in western China, lies the
self-governing land of Tibet. The Tibetan Plateau is the
highest populated region on the planet and stands at an average
elevation of 16,000 feet. To the north lie the imposing Kunlun
Shan mountains, providing a natural border.

At one of the last great outposts is the isolated Argin Shan
Reserve, the largest nature reserve in China. The large herds
of hooved animals present in this wilderness have led to its
nickname ‘Serengeti of Asia’. The snow leopard is a frequent
visitor to the reserve but unfortunately excessive hunting
means it is now an endangered species.

Such imposing platformed territory offers source to some of the
most powerful rivers in Asia including the Indus, Brahmaputra,
Ganges, Salween and Mekong. The Yangtze twists and turns
through the broad green valleys flowing eastwards across China
and ultimately the East China Sea.

Many folk of Tibet are nomads and move their entire families
around the country. Skin tents are popular living domains
allowing easy departure should circumstances dictate. Rural
life reigns in Tibet and starkly contradicts many westerners
lifestyles. Religion is practiced passionately with many a
young boy aspiring to become a Buddhist monk.

Eager to preserve their nomadic way of life, summer chores must
be completed by fall before the severe winter weather prevents
passage through the mountains. The mountain trails are
fundamental to trading and pattern a working myriad of paths
during the more clement months of the year.

Much of Tibet is barren land scattered with modest
neighborhoods laboring arduously to earn a livelihood from
the land. This is compensated some part however by the
beautiful scenery in which these nomadic folk live. Soaring
peaks bathe in cloud as colossal mountains command the horizon
throughout this noble ground. In this pollution-free atmosphere
the pure, brisk air permits unhindered panorama for miles on
every side.

The brief spring and summer months bring an explosion of
color. Greenery is rife as efflorescence emerge almost
overnight to complement the vivid territory. The outbreak of
bloom however is short lived. The onset of winter blankets all
in a sheet of white, as snow and ice mask the landscape.

Uncompromising winter months bring much Tibetan activity to a
pause, as the elements seize a grip of the environment. The
brief term of mild weather is crucial to the livelihood of the
farmers. Livestock must be put to pasture and fattened up in
time for winter.

About The Author:

Steven Cronin writes articles, poetry and short stories predominantly concerning travel as well as issues that influence the world in which we live. For further
literature visit http://www.sargas.co.uk

Source : World Travel