Ring in the new year on a Thai island where the countdown happens on the beach, fire dancers perform at midnight, and the party runs until the sun comes up.
Annual. Every New Year's Eve.
Koh Phi Phi's New Year party is the Thai islands' answer to the Full Moon Party, compressed into a single night with higher intensity. Tonsai Bay's bars line the beach and each runs its own stage, sound system, and fire show. The countdown happens collectively on the sand, followed by a fireworks display over the bay that reflects off the limestone cliffs.
The island is small and car-free, which means everything is walkable but also means accommodation is extremely limited. Every hostel, guesthouse, and resort on Phi Phi sells out for New Year at least six weeks in advance. Prices triple compared to normal rates. If you are arriving after mid-December without a booking, you will likely sleep on the beach or not at all.
The party runs from around 9pm on the 31st through to sunrise on the 1st. Most bars on Tonsai strip stay open all night. Slinky Bar and Ibiza House are the main dance venues. Bucket drinks cost 200 to 300 THB (roughly GBP 5 to 7). The beach itself becomes a free party zone after midnight, with fire performers, poi spinners, and spontaneous drum circles.
Recovery day on 1 January is as much a tradition as the party itself. Long-tail boats to Maya Bay run from 7am for early risers, though the bay now operates a booking system with timed entry slots. Most people sleep until noon and then migrate to the viewpoint hike (20 to 30 minutes, steep) for sunset.
Party hostels within reach of Koh Phi Phi's main celebrations. Ranked by guest rating.
No airport on Phi Phi. Fly to Phuket or Krabi, then take the ferry. Book return ferries before you arrive.
Day-by-day breakdown
Last ferries from Phuket and Krabi arrive by 3pm. Walk the beach, claim your spot, and eat before prices spike at 8pm. Pre-buy your bucket tokens at bar stalls: some offer early-bird pricing.
Bars crank up from 9pm. The countdown at midnight is collective on the beach. Fireworks over Tonsai Bay. Fire shows run continuously from 10pm to 2am. Slinky Bar and Ibiza House are loudest. The beach party continues until sunrise.
Sleep in. Long-tail boats to Maya Bay from 7am (book ahead). Viewpoint hike for sunset. Quiet bars reopen from 5pm. Most partygoers take the morning ferry out on 2 January.
Realistic costs per person · Verified March 2026
Prices in GBP. Festival week prices may be higher than standard rates. Prices verified March 2026.
Other festivals and parties in the same region