Full Moon Party, one of the craziest parties in the world

First things first... What is a full moon party? The story goes that in the mid-80s, a group of backpackers organised a party on a beach on the night of the full moon. Word spread and, year after year, the party became a little more viral, and bigger and a little crazier until it reached its notorious status as a bucket list item for many travellers to Thailand. Now known as the Full Moon Party, each bar thunders a different tune, the beach is lined with booze vendors, artists who paint you with glow-in-the-dark paint and fire dancers.

The festival takes place on a stretch of beach on the island of Koh Pha Ngan (Koh Phangan) in Thailand. Almost every month, on the night of the full moon (sometimes just before or after), thousands of people come from all over the world to join in the festivities and dance until sunrise. Without doubt the biggest and craziest festival in South-East Asia - sometimes with over 30,000 people in attendance.

The beach is filled with people from all over the world, dancing, DJs, shows... etc. All along the beach, stalls sell small plastic buckets (the kind used by children for sandcastles) transformed into giant cocktails with five straws to share! They cost around 350 baht.

As well as all the festivities, there are also giant jump ropes, lit with fire, on which people can jump at the same time, but be careful not to get burnt! Most people start heading to the beach at around 9pm, with the crowds peaking at around 2am. Certainly don't expect to sleep in, as the party doesn't stop until sunrise and the following afternoon. Some revellers choose to take a siesta on the beach, while others dance the night away.

• Food and drink: avoid eating at the beach and move away from the centre as restaurants will be expensive. If you want European food, "Mamas Schnitzel" is a good and cheap option. Buckets are incredibly expensive at the full moon festival. Buy your alcohol in advance at a 7-eleven or supermarket - but drink in moderation!

• All about fire: it's all about fire at the Full Moon Festival. There are fire performers every two metres, you can go down a fire-lit water slide, cross ropes made of fire. It's great fun when you're sober, but you definitely shouldn't try it when you're drunk. Many people leave every party with burn marks on their bodies because they slipped while jumping the rope of fire. So be careful and try to avoid anything to do with fire!

• All about the water: many people think it's a very good idea to go swimming at night. The sea is full of rocks and coral. If you go barefoot, you'll cut your feet. Another argument against going in the water: you'll see hundreds of drunken revellers queuing up to pee in the sea.

• Crime guide: In recent years, theft has increased enormously. It is advisable to leave everything at home and only carry as much money as you need. Leave your key at reception and enjoy the night. Also remove all your valuables: rings, necklaces, etc. Don't leave your drink alone and don't accept drinks from strangers.

• Drug guide: Thailand has a very strict anti-drug law. Police attendance is high during the party! Just don't take drugs and you'll be fine.

Get ready to get funky! The party in Haad Rin is certainly not the place to wear clothes you'd really like... Many opt for swimming costumes, shorts and tank tops. Once in Haad Rin, you can start the artistic ritual of covering yourself in neon paint, with fun and playful designs to shine through the night.