Magic of the moon

By Katharine MacColl

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IMAGINE a tropical island paradise filled with friends, dancing to the hippest sounds, basking in cool moonlit on a sun-kissed shore.

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Imagine, imagine. But you too could take part in one of the world's best kept party secrets.

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Thousands upon thousands of people have taken part in Full Moon Parties on the beautiful beach of Thailand's Koh Phangan.

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It's known as the backpacker's island. There are loads of cheap places to stay - but no expensive sky-high hotels chains.

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This idyllic little island, surrounded by balmy blue waters, celebrates the full moon Thai-style.

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The Haad Rin beach is home to one of the world's biggest parties and each full moon attracts party animals from every corner of the globe.

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Fans erect a sound stage, organise neon installations, get the villagers to supply food and drink, and roughly 10,000 people party under the fullest moon.

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Top DJs�cater for every musical taste: House, Garage, Hip-Hop and Jungle.

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The party was in full swing for about 10 years, before an American tourist drowned and the US authorities ordered an international investigation. These days the Thai authorities take a keener look at what's going on, but the spirit lives on and it's still a major event of the party-goers calendar

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For further information. look at www.thaisite.com or www.whatsonwhen.com/events