Speedboat queues build up ahead of Full Moon Party on Friday
Hundreds of foreign tourists were seen queuing on Wednesday for speedboat rides from Koh Samui to Ko Pha-ngan, where the Full Moon Party will be held this week.
Koh Samui’s main Ban Na Thon pier has been crowded in recent days as holidaying foreigners flood back to the famed party island in Surat Thani province.
This Friday’s Full Moon Party is expected to draw thousands of tourists for a night of dancing, drinking and exotic shows on Haad Rin beach.
But Ko Pha-ngan also has plenty of daytime attractions for tourists to explore, including beautiful beaches, colourful coral reefs, mountains, waterfalls and the local lifestyle of coconut farmers and fishermen.
Kitti “Steven” Tharaphutthi, general manager of Samui’s Lomprayah Speedboat, said foreign tourists have been pouring into Samui, Pha-ngan and nearby Koh Tao since Christmas.
Although some had returned to their home countries after New Year, many are sticking around to attend the Full Moon Party on Friday, he said.
The company has responded to demand by increasing the number of daily speedboat trips to seven for Koh Pha-ngan and three for Koh Tao. It is now carrying around 1,000 passengers per day, most of whom are foreigners.
