Two Italian female tourists were rescued after losing their way in a forest in Thailand.

Maria Abaca and Linda Raterro ventured into the jungle while visiting the 'Full Moon Party' island Koh Phangan on April 11.

However, they reportedly became lost when heavy rain fell as they were navigating the forest trail.

Tourist Police received a report from the Italian Embassy that the women were stranded in the woods in Surat Thani province.

Local officials established an emergency command centre, and a team of around 50 park rangers, police, and rescue volunteers entered the jungle in the evening.

Police Lieutenant Winij Boonchit of the Tourist Police said the holidaymakers managed to send their coordinates to the officers.

He said: 'The women were able to contact authorities and share their GPS location. They reported that they were not injured, but were unable to make their way out of the forest.

'Though we knew their coordinates, the rescue effort was hampered by heavy rain. It took three hours to reach them and bring them back to safety.'

The women's rented motorcycle was also retrieved. Officials said both Linda and Maria have thanked the authorities for their swift response.

The Thai Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party on the island of Koh Phangan. The party takes place on the night of every full moon and is usually attended by thousands of backpackers.

However, the event has become a notorious celebration filled with cheap drink and drugs. With cannabis now legal on the island, magic mushrooms, kratom, methamphetamine and LSD are also widely available.