Thailand’s Full Moon Parties: Welcome to One of the World’s Craziest NYE Celebrations

I have a lot of thoughts on Thailand as a tourism destination.

Many moons ago, I studied in Chiang Mai as part of a Global Studies degree program. The gist of the experiential learning course was this: Latch onto an interesting idea and study it using real-world, first-hand sources.

In Chiang Mai, my focus was exploring the implications of sak-yant tattooing for foreigners, which I worked with a translator to complete.

I also studied sex tourism, international relations, topics related to Burmese refugees, Buddhism, animism, and more. It was a mish-mash that only grazed the surface of life in Chiang Mai.

As a travel writer many years later, I rarely get to talk about the things I learned during this period. Tourists, after all, are usually more interested in exotic beaches, colorful drinks, and affordable bazaar shopping—not studying.

Lucky for you, I didn’t spend all my time in Thailand learning about language, history, and religion.

I also dipped a toe into the traditional tourist waters while in Thailand—and yes, I’ve been to a full moon party on Koh Phangan.

Ringing any bells? Thailand’s full moon parties are some of the most iconic in the world and are a well-known quantity for global travelers, especially backpackers with their sights set on Southeast Asia.

And if you’re heading to Thailand over New Year’s Eve or throughout the year, you should probably know the basics about full moon parties.

My experience was easily one of the craziest party moments ever. (And I have partied, my friends.)

What are full moon parties?

Full moon parties are scheduled according to the lunar calendar. They’re really scheduled on the full moon—it’s that easy.

The trend took off on Koh Phangan, a small island popular amongst tourists. It’s part of a three-island chain alongside Koh Samui (where most tourists stay) and Koh Tao (a tiny island where divers usually head).

These islands are accessible from the mainland town of Surat Thani, which offers multiple ferry rides to Koh Samui a day.

You can find full moon parties across the country, from Phuket to Bangkok—but the original party (and the craziest) is held on Koh Phangan every full moon. Around 20,000 tourists head to the island from surrounding areas (usually Koh Samui) via affordable private boat rides. (On a slow night, it might only be around 9,000.)

In most cases, you don’t buy tickets—you just show up and start boozing.

What are full moon parties like?

The full moon party on Koh Phangan is held on a large beach—but it informally covers most non-residential parts of the island. You’ll see people partying everywhere.

And what does the party look like?

Let me paint a picture. Small stands line the roads and beaches, which sell drinks in child-sized beach-toy buckets. This is where the vodka Red Bull was invented—which is a popular choice.

You can buy pretty much any cocktail mixture from these stands. (If you know where to go, you can find other party favors… but these are extremely illegal, so I’d advise skipping out.)

The sun sets, the full moon comes out, and people start partying.

During my full moon experience, the beach was so full of people that many of us were standing in the tide to avoid the legions.

A massive effigy reading KOH PHANGAN FULL MOON PARTY was lit—and a handful of drunk tourists were climbing the fifteen-foot display as it burned. At one point, someone lit a rope on fire and people jump-roped.

The calmest part of the night was when we set off lanterns into the night sky… and then realized one of our co-releasers had his dick out for some reason. Yeah. Welcome to full moon parties.

Am I painting a solid picture of the debauchery? If you like shouting, vodka, and fire, it’s probably the best night of your life. Newer full moon parties also include tons of neon-lit exhibits and attractions, adding to the Instragrammable nature of the party and its no-holds-barred outlook.

But, to be blunt, it wasn’t for me—and I was 21 when I went.

I’ll leave it at that.

How is a full moon party different than a New Year’s Eve party in Thailand?

Full moon parties are held every full moon—but most locations that throw these parties also hold New Year’s Eve parties.

Whether or not the full moon aligns with the turning of the new year, you can find similar parties around the country. Again, though ‘the Full Moon Party’ comes from Koh Phangan, you’ll find them in large tourist hotspots.

If you see a New Year’s Eve party advertised as a full moon party, they’re probably just describing the nature and atmosphere of the party. It’ll be similar to what I described above, though not identical.

Best NYE celebrations in Thailand for 2024-25 NYE

I hope I haven’t scared anyone away from Thailand, Koh Phangan, or the country’s full moon parties. If you’re into that type of thing, then go for it—just be mindful of the environment, locals, and any sacred sites or temples.

Remember, my opinion is only my own, and my goal is to empower you to have a great trip no matter where you go and what I think of the destination.

If you’re going to be spending New Year’s Eve in Thailand, I’d recommend looking into all your options. Though Koh Phangan is the most famous party spot, it’s hard to get to. You need to take a ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui, then onto Koh Phangan.

Oh, and you need to find a private boat ride home at 5 am… or whenever you’re ready to call it quits.

Here are a few other popular New Year’s Eve celebrations around the country:

Bangkok: Central World Street and Countdown, Street Party at Khao San Road
Chiang Mai: Hot Air Lanterns, Riverside Music Madness
Phuket: Surin Beach
Pattaya: Walking Streets

Snowiest Destinations in the US: Choose Your Winter Wonderland

Can you name the US’s snowiest destinations in terms of pure powder?

If you’re imagining Alaska, think again.

The US’s snowiest locations can be found in Washington, followed by Oregon, Utah, and—sit down if you haven’t yet—California. Alaska comes in fifth place in terms of total snowfall.

The US packs a punch when it comes to leagues of fresh white powder. In fact, in terms of human civilization, the only place with more snowfall than the US’s Mount Rainier and Mount Baker is a village called Sukayu Onsen, located in the Japanese Alps.

Mount Rainier and Mount Baker (WA) get around 645 inches of snow a year compared to Sukayu Onsen’s 694 inches. That’s a pretty close race. (Again, this ranking is for inhabited locations.)

Where am I going with all this chitter-chatter about the snowiest places in the US and beyond? Straight into my recommendations on how to have a seriously snowy Christmas.

Tis the season to choose your winter wonderland. In case you’re having trouble deciding on a last-minute getaway for this year or next year’s Christmas adventure, here are the snowiest destinations in the US to keep on your radar.

Snowiest destinations in the US: coast to coast selections

Mount Rainier, Washington

645 inches of snowfall annually

Also known as Tahoma, this active stratovolcano is a well-known destination for outdoors enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest.

Though it’s pretty deadly to climbers, there are dozens of ways to soak up the gorgeous snowfall without putting your life at risk. I suggest staying in the town of Paradise as you soak up the winter wonderland vibes.

Crater Lake Park, Oregon

551 inches of snowfall annually

Panoramic view of Crater Lake during winter (Getty)

Speaking of volcanoes, Oregon’s massive Crater Lake is the remnant of a once-powerful and active volcano in the Rockies (now inactive, thankfully). In case you didn’t know, Crater Lake is also the US’s deepest lake—who would have thought?

You can explore Crater Lake in winter via the Rim Village. But I suggest zooming out a bit and staying Ashland or Shady Cove.

Alta, Utah

456 inches of snowfall annually

Adventuring around Alta in winter (Getty)

The US’s third-snowiest destination isn’t a national park—city-slickers can rejoice. If you want a winter wonderland without foraying into the wild (highly recommend), then stick to Alta.

It’s actually part of the Salt Lake City metro area, meaning you’ll get all the wonders of civilization with a bona fide winter wonderland.

Soda Springs, California

410 inches of snowfall annually

Finally—we’re onto the most intriguing location on this list. If you dig deep into your memory, you might recall a story about a disastrous journey on the Oregon Trail from the late 1800s—one that ended in cannibals.

Donner Pass, anyone?

The same blizzards that buried the Donner Party in California are still perennial in the mountains today. Soda Springs is only thirty miles north of where the party was snowed in a century ago. Hopefully, I haven’t thrown off the vibe too much.

Soda Springs is a very small skiing community that comes alive each winter. You can find dozens of things today in and around the area.

Valdez, Alaska

314 inches of snowfall annually

I’m going to say this one more time: this list is ranked based on inhabited destinations—not the rugged wild. I imagine Alaska’s mountains receive more than 650 inches of snowfall a year, but there’s no one there to bust out the measuring tape.

Valdez is a coastal city that plays an important role in commercial fishing—one that was actually founded by Spanish colonists back in the late 1700s.

While the city isn’t the prettiest, the surrounding Chugach mountains are stunning. In winter, you can take dog sled tours and glacier cruises to soak up the gorgeous, snowy views.

Caribbean Christmas Celebrations: Top 4 Islands for Holiday Travel

I know Christmas is fast approaching when I see Santi Man content pop up on my social media feeds.

Santi Man isn’t a typo—that’s what locals in Curaçao call Santa, derived from the Dutch translation of Santa Claus (Sinterklaus) and the English version.

Santi Man has style—no gut, no reindeer, no taste for milk. He’s dressed in a mishmash of papal-Santa-Claus garb and usually has a microphone in hand, livening up the Christmas party with dance moves and a few cheeky one-liners.

Keep in mind that Santi Man isn’t always partying. And he’s far from the only unique Christmas tradition found around the Caribbean.

Like every island has its own dialect, history, and identity, every Caribbean region has unique holiday celebrations.

In Trinidad & Tobago, you might hear parang—a unique Spanish-language form of Christmas caroling. In Jamaica, you might hear about locals preparing a type of rum-soaked treat called a Christmas Cake or a Fruit Cake. In St. Lucia, locals compete to make the loudest noise possible with bamboo-bursting festivities.

The list goes on and on.

The big question for Americans heading south in December is—which are the best islands for holiday travel? My picks are based on three factors: local festivities, affordability, and tourist infrastructure. (If you’re more interested in pure culture, start here.)

Best Caribbean islands for holiday travel

St. Lucia

Stunning view of the Pitons (Petit Piton & Gros Piton) (Getty)

St. Lucia is named after St. Lucy—a Catholic saint with ties to light, including candlelit wreaths and special celebrations around Christmastime.

In other words, Caribbean Christmas culture runs deep here—and it’s paragon is Lucia Day, which includes making cannons out of large bamboo (aka ‘bamboo bursting’), setting up gorgeous lights and lantern displays, and enjoying special rum-soaked treats and desserts like black cake.

On top of its big Christmas love, St. Lucia is a well-known and highly accessible Caribbean hotspot. Just beware: it’ll be pricey over the holidays—but well worth your time and money, in my opinion.

Want to celebrate Christmas in St. Lucia style?

Jamaica

You might already know about two tenets of Christmastime in Jamaica: fruit cake (aka Christmas cake) and sorrel.

The former is a heavily spiced cake that’s soaked with rum and dark in color—yum. The latter is a drink made from the sorrel plant, which sometimes includes rum.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Jamaicans adore Christmas, which includes the big Grand Market day—aka Christmas Eve. Locals shop and catch up with one another before heading to church. Many hotels and resorts also include unique holiday packages for visitors so that they can sample Christmas in the local way.

Best of all, it’s the most affordable pick on this list, along with the US Virgin Islands. Haven’t explored the Caribbean yet? I say start in Jamaica.

Dreaming of Christmas in Jamaica?

Trinidad & Tobago

Just like Jamaica, locals in Trinidad & Tobago take their Christmas festivities very seriously. Parang is one of the most iconic signs of the holiday season. This musical tradition includes Spanish lyrics, calypso musical influences, and full-scale bands playing guitars, cuartos, violins, and more. Paranging, as its called, is caroling according to local musical customs.

Unlike Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago isn’t nearly as popular for American tourists. Its infrastructure is more limited, and its hotels are pricier. I suggest booking a trip to Trinidad & Tobago if you’re a little more focused on upscale beachy resorts versus Christmas-themed excursions. (But seriously—don’t miss the parang!)

Join the paranging:

US Virgin Islands

I’m drifting away from Christmas culture with this suggestion. To put it simply, the only place easier and more affordable for Americans in the Caribbean is probably the Bahamas. (Or possibly Puerto Rico.)

Thanks to its long list of hotels and resorts that regularly cater to Americans, you can find flights, rooms, and activities easily. But let’s not lose sight of Caribbean Christmas cheer—or ignore the many festivities that take place.

USVI is home to the Crucian Christmas Festival (on St. Croix), which includes live music, street parties, and more. On top of that, many hotels and resorts offer specialized Christmas packages, from themed meals to grand galas to Santa meet-and-greets.

Make this year a USVI Christmas:

Best Towns & Cities for a Quiet New Year’s Eve

Years ago, I had a chihuahua who was terrified of fireworks.

It gave me the perfect excuse to skip crazy New Year’s parties. After all, someone had to stay home with my little bruiser for reassurance cuddles. It worked out great for years.

Unfortunately, my chihuahua is no longer with us. His death has had many implications for my life—and one is that I now have to think of fresh excuses to avoid going out on NYE.

I might be better off trying to convince my friends to head to a quiet New Year’s Eve destination instead.

After all, I’m not alone in my suspicion of loud NYE celebrations; thousands work hard to avoid the chaos in search of a more meaningful and personal NYE experience.

Want to dodge over-the-top parties (and their partiers) in large cities? Head to these quiet New Year’s Eve spots instead.

4 of the best towns and cities for a quiet New Year’s Eve at a glance

Ideal for couples: Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA
Perfect for outdoorists: Jackson Hole, WY
Best for wellness-seekers: Sedona, AZ
Best in quiet luxury: Aspen, CO

Best towns and cities for a quiet New Year’s Eve

Ideal for couples: Carmel-By-The-Sea

Sand beach by the Pacific Ocean coastline in Carmel California near Monterey

Voted the most romantic city in the United States, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a clear pick for a cozy, intimate New Year’s Eve. In case you haven’t heard of this beach town, it’s located in Southern California and renowned for its quaint, historic main street and unique architecture.

On New Year’s Eve, you can choose from various small-scale parties around the city, most of which are themed. From Time Traveler’s Balls to stately dinners, you can join the action at your own pace… or stay at your rental for a private celebration.

Perfect for outdoorists: Jackson Hole

Holiday displays in Jackson Hole (Getty)

Jackson Hole is well-known for outdoor adventurists, stargazers, and rugged thrill-seekers… especially those with a taste for luxury.

While you’ll have more fun in Jackson Hole if your pockets are deep, it’s a fantastic place to spend the New Year for any traveler who wants to get out into the wild for the big night. Budget options abound, in other words.

During the New Year period, you can also join in the festivities. Locals celebrate with live music, public festivities, fireworks, and traditions like the Torchlight Parade. It’s charming, it’s wintery, and it’s drop-dead gorgeous.

Best for wellness-seekers: Sedona

Enjoy a hike in Sedona for New Year’s Day (Getty)

Want to avoid parties and bright lights this New Year’s Eve? If you’re more focused inward, then Sedona is a great option.

The city is renowned for its spiritual interests, from vortex hikes to meditation classes. Regardless of your personal goals, you can find a class, course, or friend in Sedona that’s on a similar wavelength. Many are also offered on NYE for visitors and locals.

It’s also a solid pick for anyone who simply wants to enjoy nature. Whether or not you know who Alan Watts is, you’re sure to feel relaxed when exploring the high desert and red hills around Sedona.

Best in quiet luxury: Aspen

As with Jackson Hole, Aspen has a luxurious reputation. The only difference between the two is that Jackson Hole can be visited on a budget—Aspen makes that a little bit more difficult. It’s harder to reach and its streets are filled with four and five-star hotels.

That being said, if you have the money to splurge, then there’s no better place to soak up quiet luxury. Almost every hotel has its own NYE event for guests to enjoy, which ranges from classy dinners to skiing events to bottomless Dom Perignon parties. Choose your champion!

Coming in 2025: New Airport Lounges from 5 Airlines & Credit Cards

I love end-of-year travel reports that try to predict incoming trends.

Most travel companies focus on a similar range of activities, from solo travel to detour trips to brand-hotel partnerships. Others take a more measured foray into niche territory—and who doesn’t love a unique angle?

This year, one of the more unique trends to grab my attention is the rise of better—even opulent—airport lounges.

Not only are airport lounges way more accessible than travelers think (yes—even for non-members), but they’re also swankier, more diverse, and easier to find than most imagine. And according to Fora’s 2025 Hot List, there are a few major new airport lounge launches coming next year.

These are the new airport lounges you need to keep your eye on, according to Fora. (Aren’t sure if you already have access to certain lounges with your credit card? Check out the list.)

Best new airport lounges from airlines & credit cards

American Airlines launches Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge at Philadelphia Airport

American Airlines is looking to elevate its presence at PHL with two brand-new lounges. Both clubs will open in the Terminal A – West section of the airport.

The Flagship Lounge will offer an elevated stopover before members head to the gate, including upscale dining, craft cocktails, and suites that include full bathrooms with showers.

Capital One is rolling out two new lounge options at select airports nationwide: Capital One Lounge & Capital One Landing

Capital One has focused on two elements to improve its lounge experience: better menus and work-lounge stations.

One of its latest openings, a Capital One Landing lounge in Crystal City Virginia (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) even includes a menu that was designed by a Michelin-starred chef. For great eats, head to a Capital One Landing lounge.

On the other hand, the Capital One Lounge program is designed to offer fliers a relaxing place to unwind or get some work done. You can expect new openings at LGA, JFK, and LAS (Las Vegas).

Chase Sapphire is rolling out the red carpet at LAS, SAN, PHX, & PHL

As one of the most accessible airport lounge schemes out there, I highly suggest any Chase Sapphire Reserve members use their credit card status to hang out in one of the Sapphire lounges.

Next year, the company is going to double its presence at US airports with new openings in Las Vegas, San Diego, Phoenix, and Philadelphia.

Centurion & American Express Are Opening a New SLC Lounge

The American Express Centurion Lounge will open in Salt Lake City Airport in 2025, exclusively serving card members.

This swanky new lounge will include an outdoor lounge era with winter heating, local food and beverage products, and a cocktail and mocktail bar.

JetBlue set to open its first lounges across the US

JetBlue is opening its very first lounges across the United States starting with JFK and BOS. Though reports are still limited, it looks like lounges are set to open at both airports in late 2025.

Forget the Balls—These Are the Best NYE Drops in the US

Who cares about the ball drop in Times Square—did you know that partiers in Mobile, Alabama roll a 200-pound, 12-foot-tall MoonPie off a building every New Year’s Eve?

I’ll never be swayed by a fancy disco ball again.

This glorious United States is chock-full of alternative NYE drops, and each one is better than the last.

Want to hear the shortlist of the coolest (and oddest) ball drops in the United States? From veggies to candy to shoes, here’s what Americans are dropping nationwide to ring in the New Year.

Best alternative NYE Drops in the US

Idaho Potato Drop, Boise ID

The spud might be the Item of the Hour at this New Year’s Eve party—but Boise’s annual celebration is way more high-production than you might think. Every year, thousands gather in downtown Boise for a day of family fun.

Though the winter chill is no joke in Idaho’s capital, it’s a great way to spend the evening – especially if you’ve had alternative NYE drops on your radar this year.

Along with the drop, you can enjoy events like the 2025 Urban Jam Snowboarding Competition, along with live music, food trucks, and local vendors selling their goods.

If you’ll be around, check out these resources:

Beach Ball Drop, Panama City FL

In case you didn’t know, the Florida Panhandle is one of the best places in the US for family-friendly vacations and events. That’s definitely the case with the Beach Ball Drop in downtown Panama City.

Not only is it geared toward families, but it’s also got a big-name sponsor this year: Coca-Cola. You can expect tons of great entertainment starting at 4 pm with live music. There are also DJ sets, laser shows, fireworks, and two separate ball drops.

The first is at 8 pm for kids, while the second midnight drop is a bit more adult.

If you’ll be around, check out these resources:

Peeps Chick Drop, Bethlehem PA

I roped you in at the start of this article with a one-liner about a 200-pound MoonPie—but that’s not the only van-sized treat that’s dropped on New Year’s in the United States. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of the Peeps Chick, an Easter staple.

It’s also the home of the Peeps Chick Drop, aka Peepsfest—and it’s double the size of the MoonPie. (Oh no, have I buried the lead?) This multi-day festival includes fun for the whole family that culminates in the NYE drop.

At that time, a 400-pound, 4’9 bright yellow Peep is gently lowered toward the ground (very dignified) before a fireworks show blasts off.

I hate Peeps, but I love this event.

If you’ll be around, check out these resources:

MoonPie Over Mobile, Mobile AL

A look back at the 2015 MoonPie Over Mobile event

It’s a massive party in Mobile every New Year’s Eve—and the treat of the night is that 200-pound MoonPie I talked about at the start of the article.

This massive event includes two MoonPie drops—one for kids at noon and another at midnight for adults. That’s the twist here: It’s a day party for kids that turns into a more adult scene at night.

MoonPies aside, there are multiple stages with live performances, fireworks, and even a second line. Plus, unique events like an umbrella decoration contest and the ‘cutting of the MoonPie’.

If you’ll be around, check out these resources:

Whiskey Row Boot Drop, Prescott AZ

Prescott, Arizona is well-known for its cowboy roots and historic downtown area. Now, it’s also sliding onto the map with its popular Whiskey Row Boot Drop celebration.

People from around Northern Arizona come for the carnival rides, food trucks, vendors, and giveaways. Think of it like a block party that spans the abandoned cowboy village. Anyone who likes classic American fare won’t find any better alternative NYE drops out there.

At midnight, a neon-lit boot sign is lowered from The Palace (a famous hotel on Whiskey Row) to ring in the new year. Live music performances continue throughout the night.

If you’ll be around, check out these resources: