FAQ

The most popular route is flying from Bangkok to Surat Thani (URT), then taking a Lomprayah or Raja ferry combo ticket to Koh Phangan — total journey around 5-6 hours. Alternatively, fly to Koh Samui (USM) on Bangkok Airways and catch a short 30-minute ferry, though flights to Samui are pricier. Budget travelers can take an overnight bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road for around 800-1,000 THB, arriving by morning.

Lomprayah runs high-speed catamarans and is the faster option — about 30 minutes from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan at around 199–400 THB. Raja Ferry is cheaper at roughly 150 THB but takes longer on a conventional ferry. Both are safe and reliable. Lomprayah is better if you're prone to seasickness since the ride is shorter, though the catamaran can bounce more in rough seas.

Both Lomprayah and Raja sell joint bus+ferry tickets right at Surat Thani Airport (URT). The bus takes you to the Donsak pier, then you board the ferry to Koh Phangan — total travel time is about 4-5 hours. You can also buy these combo tickets online in advance, which is a good idea during peak season.

No, there's no airport on Koh Phangan. The nearest airport is Koh Samui (USM), from which you take a 30-minute ferry to the island. The other option is Surat Thani Airport (URT) on the mainland, followed by a bus+ferry combo. Samui is faster but more expensive; Surat Thani is the budget-friendly route.

The Full Moon Party happens every month on or around the actual full moon date at Haad Rin Beach. Occasionally the date shifts by a day or two to avoid clashing with major Thai holidays like Songkran or Buddhist observance days. Check our Events page for the exact upcoming dates — we keep it updated year-round.

Entry to the beach is 200 THB, collected at the entrance gates. Budget around 500-1,000 THB for drinks — buckets (the signature drink) run 200-300 THB each. Bring plenty of cash because the few ATMs near Haad Rin Beach tend to run out of money during the party, and most beach bars are cash only.

Wear closed-toe shoes — there's broken glass on the beach and you don't want to end up at the clinic. Dress in swimwear or clothes you don't mind ruining, because neon and UV body paint is a huge part of the experience and it gets everywhere. Leave your valuables, passport, and expensive jewelry locked up at Eclipse. A small waterproof pouch for your phone and cash is all you need.

Generally yes, as long as you use common sense. Don't accept drinks from strangers, avoid anything labeled "happy" (happy shakes, happy pizza — these contain unknown substances), stay with your group, and keep a safe distance from the fire-rope jumpers and fire shows. Eclipse is literally a 1-minute walk from the party, so you always have a safe base to return to.

Absolutely — hostels and hotels in Haad Rin sell out 2-4 weeks in advance for Full Moon Party dates. Budget beds go first, so if you want an affordable dorm spot at Eclipse, book as early as possible. December and January Full Moon Parties (peak season + New Year) can sell out even earlier.

Yes, you'll find ATMs in Thong Sala (the main town) and a few in Haad Rin. All Thai ATMs charge a flat 220 THB fee per withdrawal for foreign cards, on top of whatever your bank charges. Important tip: the ATMs near Haad Rin Beach literally run out of cash during Full Moon Party — withdraw money in Thong Sala beforehand or a day early.

Larger restaurants, hotels, and some convenience stores accept credit and debit cards, but most street food vendors, songthaews (shared taxis), small shops, and beach bars are cash only. Always carry Thai Baht on you. A good rule of thumb: if it doesn't have air conditioning, it probably doesn't take cards.

Budget travelers can get by on 800-1,200 THB per day — that covers a dorm bed, street food (meals from 50-80 THB), and local transport. Mid-range travelers spending on private rooms and sit-down restaurants should budget 2,000-3,500 THB per day. Restaurant meals run 150-300 THB, a beer is 80-120 THB, and a motorbike rental is about 200-300 THB per day.

It's one of the more affordable Thai islands. Noticeably cheaper than Koh Samui and comparable to Koh Tao for most things. Haad Rin tends to be slightly pricier than quieter areas like Sri Thanu or Chaloklum, but it's still very budget-friendly by Western standards. You can eat well, sleep comfortably, and have a great time without spending much.

Very safe! Koh Phangan has a welcoming, established backpacker community and the locals are friendly. Eclipse is especially great for solo travelers — our bar and common areas are designed to make it easy to meet people. Most of our guests are solo travelers or small groups, so you'll fit right in.

Strongly recommended. Hospital visits in Thailand can be surprisingly expensive without insurance, and motorbike accidents are the most common tourist injury on the island. Thai International Hospital in Thong Sala handles most tourist medical needs. Make sure your policy covers motorbike riding if you plan to rent one — many basic policies don't.

The island's steep, winding roads can be genuinely dangerous, especially after rain when they get slippery. Only rent if you have real riding experience — Koh Phangan's hills are no place to learn. Always wear a helmet, check the brakes and tires before riding off, and photograph any existing damage to the bike to avoid being charged for it when you return.

Thai International Hospital is in Thong Sala, about a 25-minute drive from Haad Rin. There are small clinics in Haad Rin that can handle minor cuts, infections, and basic medical needs. For serious emergencies, Koh Samui has much better-equipped hospitals (Bangkok Hospital Samui and Thai International Hospital) reachable by speedboat transfer.

We're just 100 meters from Haad Rin Beach where the Full Moon Party takes place — about a 1-minute walk!

Yes! Per Thai immigration law, we submit TM30 forms for each guest. Copies can be provided on request free of charge.

We're a 5-minute walk from Haad Rin Pier, or a 25-minute drive from Thong Sala Pier through the mountains.

All rooms include air conditioning, fast WiFi, and hot showers. We also have a shared lounge and bar area.

Absolutely! Our friendly staff can help arrange island tours, party tickets, and transportation to your next destination.

Yes! Our on-site bar is the social hub of Eclipse. Cold beers, cocktails, and good vibes every night. It's the perfect spot to meet fellow travelers before heading out to Haad Rin's nightlife or the Full Moon Party.

Yes, we offer free luggage storage for guests. It's handy if you're arriving early before check-in or have a late ferry off the island. Just ask at reception and we'll keep your bags safe.

Absolutely! Most of our guests are solo travelers. The bar, common areas, and our central Haad Rin location make it incredibly easy to make friends. We regularly see people arrive alone and leave with a whole group of new travel buddies.

We offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in for most room types. Check your booking confirmation email for the specific terms that apply to your reservation, as policies may vary during peak periods like Full Moon Party dates.

Yes! Koh Phangan has a thriving digital nomad scene, especially around Sri Thanu and Thong Sala where you'll find coworking spaces, health-food cafes, and affordable monthly rentals. The island offers fast WiFi, low cost of living, and a great work-life balance with beaches and yoga studios never far away.

We have high-speed fiber WiFi throughout the hostel — fast enough for video calls, streaming, and remote work. Our bar area is a popular spot for working during the day with a laptop and a cold drink. No throttling, no time limits.

The main coworking hubs like Beachub, DOI KPG, and Koh Space are in Sri Thanu, Thong Sala, and Baan Tai, about a 20-30 minute drive from Haad Rin. Haad Rin itself is more party-focused, but Eclipse's fast WiFi and comfortable bar area work great as a casual workspace during the day if you don't need a dedicated office setup.