Phuket Festivals and Events

Excursions in Thailand

Vegetarian Festival - Late September/Early October

This Phuket festival is probably the most colourful and dramatic celebration by Phuket’s Chinese-Thai majority and not recommended for the squeamish or faint hearted!

The first Vegetarian festival was held in 1825 in the Kathu District of the island, where, according to legend, a popular opera troupe on tour from China fell mysteriously ill and needed to appease the Gods to effect a cure. The Festival originated as a healing event for the ill-fated and promotes physical and spiritual recovery through ritual practices that aim to cleanse the body and mind while strengthening the faith. It is observed with great fervour.

During the festival period, devout Chinese Buddhists dress in white, eat only vegetarian food, abstain from sex, gambling, swearing, killing animals, drinking alcohol, smoking, and wearing jewellry. As part of this spiritual process they also perform incredible feats while in a self induced trance. The result is a bizarre spectacle.

They walk on burning coals, pierce tender parts of their bodies with sharp or thorny instruments, climb a ladder made of knives barefoot; yet there is no apparent pain, massive loss of blood, or other ill-effects.

Devotees, anxious to make merit, wander around the streets from temple to temple, presenting an astonishing but frankly gruesome spectacle. On the the last day, elaborate dragon and lion dances are held, along with many mind-bending acts of self-mortification in front of the clock tower in the centre of Phuket Town. This frantic ceremony lasts into the evening, as thousands of people clog the streets of Phuket setting off great strings of firecrackers to bid a last and very noisy farewell to the gods. Ear plugs recommended!

Phuket Vegetarian Festival takes place during the first nine days of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, usually around late September or early October.

Songkran Festival - April 13

One of the oldest traditions in Thailand, the Songkran festival celebrates the traditional Thai New Year. During this period, Thais return home for family reunions and visit temples, making merit and sprinkling water on Buddha images in reverence. Meeting friends and sprinkling water on each others' shoulders and hands is an act of wishing good luck.

Although the tradition of gentle sprinkling in temples and homes is still practiced, Songkran has become an exuberant festival with revellers throwing water at anyone and everyone in the streets. So leave your cameras and valuables behind and join in the fun. At the hottest time of the year in Thailand, the festival is a welcome relief from the heat.

Held annually on April 13

Turtle Release - 11 April (National Fisheries Day)

A delightful event is now incorporated into the Songkran or traditional Thai New Year festival.

Baby sea-turtles are released into the sea at various beaches around Phuket. This government sponsored event is to ensure the survival of the turtle population, as the numbers of sea-turtles have drastically reduced over the years. The event is already becoming popular with both the locals and tourists and is raising awareness of the about the importance of conserving and protecting this endangered species.

The Thailand International Marathon - May

Phuket information - The Thailand International Marathon King's Cup. First held in 1989, the Thailand International Marathon has attracted competitors from around the world, drawn by the challenging scenic route, the prize money, and a chance to spend a great holiday in Phuket.

Scheduled for May this year, this is one of the more popular international sports events held annually on the island.

In addition to the international marathon, a 10Km mini-marathon, classified by age, is open to the very young and the over sixties. The beginning and ending venue is at Sapan Hin Park in Phuket Town.

Loy Kratong Festival (Full moon day) - November

The most beautiful of the Thai festivals. It's not clear how the festival originated, but according to legend, in the 13th century, a young princess floated a small boat laden with candle and incense downstream to take away bad luck. The idea of allowing your troubles to float away has grown into one of the country’s most enchanting festivals.

As the full moon rises, Thais fill tiny floral boats with candles, incense, coins and launch them on rivers, canals, ponds, and the sea to wash away sins and to bless love affairs. Join in the fun: buy a Kratong from a vender, light the taper and incense, place a small coin and a few hairs plucked from the head, say a prayer and send it on its way on a pond or waterway. The celebration begins about 7.30 pm. Thai women dress in beautiful traditional Thai dresses.

King's Cup Annual Regatta - December

Phuket's Special Events - The King’s Cup Regatta

More than 100 racing yachts from all over the world compete, in what has now become Asia’s premier yachting event.

First held in 1987, to celebrate His Majesty the King of Thailand's 60th birthday, the regatta is held every year around December 5th and lasts one week. Races take place along the west coast of Phuket, Krabi and the neigbouring islands.

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